Seasonal & Holidays
Christmas Events & Hanukkah Fests 2022: O.C.
Your guide to menorah lightings, holiday light extravaganzas, Nutcrackers, concerts, Santa & more throughout Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Keep the ho-ho-ho-ing going!
While many such holiday events as tree lightings and parades are over, festivities still abound for Hanukkah and Christmas 2022 throughout Orange County communities.
The Jewish Festival of Lights begins Dec. 18, running through Dec. 26, while Christmas falls this year on Sunday, Dec. 25.
Find out what's happening in Orange Countywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Peruse Patch's annual guide to menorah lightings, Santa stops, "Nutcracker" ballets, Christmas concerts and other holiday extravaganzas.
Do note: Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.
Find out what's happening in Orange Countywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
And Happy Holidays to all, from Patch!
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ALISO VIEJO:
DEC. 20: 'Fire On Ice' Chanukah Menorah Lighting. With donuts, balloon artist, latkes, crafts & menorah carved from ice!
THROUGH DEC. 21: AVCA Holiday Decorating Contest. With online voting.
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ANAHEIM
DEC. 21: 'Chanukah With The Ducks' & Menorah Lighting. Pre-game festivities with gelt, donuts, music & street hockey.
THROUGH JAN. 8: Disney Holidays. Lots to see & do at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
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BUENA PARK:
THROUGH JAN. 8: 'Knott's Merry Farm': Knott’s Berry Farm. Park transforms into dazzling winter wonderland with holiday entertainment & food specials.
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CORONA DEL MAR:
THROUGH DEC. 23: IN-STORE EVENT: Lil’ Dickens Carolers. At Roger’s Gardens and Farmhouse.
THROUGH DEC. 22: 'Nights Of 1000 Lights': Sherman Gardens. Book fast as the holiday spectacular is always a sell-out.
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COSTA MESA:
DEC. 18-19: Pacific Chorale: Tis the Season! Special guests Southern California Children’s Chorus, Pacific Symphony & Santa.
THROUGH DEC. 24: South Coast Repertory 'A Christmas Carol': Segerstrom Stage. "Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues!"
THROUGH JAN. 1: 'Winter Fest OC' Holiday Carnival, Ice Skating & Santa: OC Fairgrounds. With bounce houses, holiday market, crafts, dazzling walk-thrus & more.
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DANA POINT:
THROUGH DEC. 16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.
DEC. 16-18: Holiday Light Cruise. A local tradition!
DEC. 18: Dana Point Community Chanukah Celebration & Lighting. With donuts, gelt, latkes, crafts & magic show.
DEC. 22: Lighten up Chanukah Comedy Night at The Ocean Institute. Evening of comedy, wine, sushi, latkes & menorha lighting.
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FOUNTAIN VALLEY:
THROUGH DEC. 24: Annual Holiday 'Spark Of Love Toy Drive' - With several local drop-off sites.
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HUNTINGTON BEACH:
THROUGH DEC. 31: Paséa Hotel Outdoor, Holiday Ice Skating Rink. "Skate & chill where the sand meets the snow."
DEC. 16-23: Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise Of Lights. Go aboard for narrated boat tours.
DEC. 17-18: Coast City Ballet 'Nutcracker' - "Experience the magic of dance at Coast City Ballet’s annual production of this famed holiday favorite!"
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IRVINE:
THROUGH DEC. 16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.
DEC. 18: Hanukkah Celebration: Pretend City Children’s Museum. Art projects, stories & dreidel fun for little ones.
DEC. 19: Canadian Brass: Christmas Time is Here. From Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
DEC. 23: Christmas Celebration & Santa: Pretend City Children’s Museum. With art projects, stories & Santa meet-'n-greets.
THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Hikari - A Festival Of Lights': Tanaka Farms. Book a cozy wagon ride on festively lit farm.
THROUGH JAN. 1: Spectrum Center's Outdoor, Holiday Ice-Skating Rink. "Skate under the stars!"
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LADERA RANCH:
DEC. 18: Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Town Green. "With music, dancing, dreidels, crafts, candle lighting, and traditional Hanukkah snacks!"
THROUGH DEC. 19: Toy Drive For Military Families. For children from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton.
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LAGUNA BEACH:
DEC. 16-18: Annual 'Winter Fantasy' Fest: Sawdust Art Festival. "One-of-a-kind holiday art festival."
THROUGH DEC.16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.
DEC. 18: Chanukah Fest & Lighting Of Surfboard Menorah. With entertainment, latkes, gelt, crafts & more.
DEC. 18: Laguna Concert Band Holiday 'Christmas Through The Looking Glass' - Free at Laguna Beach High School.
DEC. 19-20: Sister's Christmas Catechism: Laguna Playhouse. "It's 'CSI: Bethlehem' in this holiday mystery extravaganza."
THROUGH DEC. 29: 'The Wonderful Winter Of Oz: A Holiday Panto': Laguna Playhouse. "Classic American tale gets a holiday makeover."
DEC. 31: Rita Rudner: 'It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like New Year's': Laguna Playhouse. LOL your way into 2023.
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LAGUNA NIGUEL:
DEC. 18: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: City Hall. Features live entertainment, activities, crafts & Chanukah treats.
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LAKE FOREST:
DEC. 16-18: Holiday Lights: Heritage Hill Historical Park. Event is free & leashed dogs welcomed.
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LOS ALAMITOS:
DEC. 17: Holiday Art Workshop 2022 For Ages 3-12. Pre-registration preferred.
DEC. 17: Lil' Oak Preschool Program Snowflake Dance. Festivities geared to families & pre-schoolers.
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MISSION VIEJO:
DEC. 17-18, 23-24: Holiday Gift Wrapping by Scout Troop 787 OC. An annual tradition at Farmers Market.
DEC. 18: Free Screening of Holiday Favorite. Enjoy “Miracle on 34th Street” at City Hall.
DEC. 18: Chanukah Wonderland & Menorah Lighting. A city first with music, Chanukah-themed bounce house, face painting, treats & more.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Services at Mount of Olives Church. Candle lighting & music planned.
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NEWPORT BEACH:
DEC. 14-18: Christmas Boat Parade. Fireworks on closing night.
THROUGH DEC. 16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.
DEC. 18: Fashion Island Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. "Orange County’s premier Chanukah event."
THROUGH DEC. 23: Lil’ Dickens Carolers. At Roger's Gardens.
DEC. 24: Chanukah Comedy Night. Dinner & a show.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Enjoy carols, the Christmas story & cocoa, too!
DEC. 25: Chanukah Concert and Gelt Drop. Features menorah lighting, crafts & more.
THROUGH DEC.: Bright & Beautiful • A Christmas Boutique. Experience Roger's Gardens' annual Christmas wonderland.
THROUGH JAN. 1: Lighting Of The Bay & Christmas Tree Lot: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Tree lot operates through Christmas Eve.
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ORANGE:
DEC. 21: Nochebuena with Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles & Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar. Festiver performance planned.
THROUGH DEC. 23: Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train & Santa's Village. A holiday tradition for O.C. families!
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RANCHO MISSION VIEJO:
THROUGH DEC. 16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.
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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA:
DEC. 19: Community Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. Free to all.
DEC. 31: Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Community celebration for all at Central Park.
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SAN CLEMENTE:
DEC. 18: Chanukah On The Pier & Menorah Lighting. Open to all.
DEC. 20: Chanukah & Grand Menorah Lighting: Outlets At San Clemente. Fun includes stilt walker with gelt & dreidel parachute drop.
DEC. 20-22: Casa Lumina Holiday Walk: Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens. "A magical garden walk with creative activities and 1000+ twinkling lights!"
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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO:
THROUGH DEC. 30: Holiday 'Capistrano Lights': Mission San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy carolers, Santa selfies, twinkling lights, kids' crafts, sweet treats & more.
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SANTA ANA:
THROUGH JAN. 8: Winter Village & Outdoor Ice Skating Rink: Civic Center. With entertainment, food trucks & family-friendly fun.
DEC. 22: Timeless Melodies: Popular Christmas Songs. "Nostalgic walk down memory lane."
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SEAL BEACH:
DEC. 17: Holiday Carolers: The Shops at Rossmoor. "The Holiday Carolers are one of the most sought out caroling groups in SoCal."
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TRABUCO CANYON:
DEC. 18: Cook's Corner Live Bands & Toy Drive. All day fun with three popular bands.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Trabuco Canyon Community Church. Celebrate the season!
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VILLA PARK:
DEC. 21: Community Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. With latkes, donuts, music, crafts & more.
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YORBA LINDA:
DEC. 20: A Candlelight Evening at the Nixon Library. With Huntington Beach Concert Band, Santa & festivities.
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ALSO SEE: Holiday, Ice Skating Rinks 2022-23 Guide: Orange County & SoCal
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FOR OTHER NEARBY REGION EVENTS:
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