The holidays are rolling along.
Orange County residents can keep busy during December with a whole host of celebrations of the season, and there are so many planned appearances by Santa Claus, it is better not to question the logistics.
In the coming weeks, cities will be lighting their community trees in events full of fun for residents, boats decked out in lights will cruise in beloved parades at the coast and on dry land and you’ll have your pick of Nutcracker performances and sing-alongs.
We have pulled together the information you need to enjoy all of these events, and dozens more, from one end of the county to the other. You are sure to find some fun things to do with your family and friends to share the yuletide spirit.
And in a touch of holiday magic, most of the events on this list are free or at little cost.
So fill your calendar and happy holidays from us to you.
ALISO VIEJO
All is Bright Holiday Celebration: Usher in the holiday season with this annual event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 in the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater. There will be train rides, crafts, entertainment and snow will fall. Santa will also help light the 22-foot Christmas tree. Information: cityofalisoviejo.com
ANAHEIM
West holiday: The West Anaheim Organization is hosting the annual Christmas tree lighting from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, featuring photos with Santa Claus, crafts, holiday music and more. At Twila Reid Park, 3100 W. Orange Ave.
Holiday party: The lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree will cap a day of free holiday fun Dec. 7 at Center Street Promenade in downtown Anaheim during the annual tree lighting and holiday village community event. Starting at noon, there will be pictures with Santa, shopping, entertainment, snow to play in and other activities for families. The tree lighting starts at 6 p.m. Information: DowntownAnaheim.com
Family festival: The Anaheim Hills Festival shopping center is planning a free “holiday spectacular” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 13 with fun events for families such as photos with Santa Claus and face painting. Information: anaheimhillsfestival.com
On stage: The Chance Theater will stage the “Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas” musical Dec. 5-21, with photos and autographs after each performance. “Scrooge! The Musical” will be performed from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. For showtimes and box office: ChanceTheater.com
“The Nutcracker”: Anaheim Ballet will celebrate its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” with shows at 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the City National Grove of Anaheim. Ticketing and information: anaheimballet.org
Community brunch: The annual holiday brunch started by K&A Cafe and Catering returns to West Center Street Promenade in downtown Anaheim on Dec. 24. There will be a brunch to feed families and anyone who might need some extra help during the holidays. In addition to food, there will be activities for families, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus with gifts. The brunch will last from 9 a.m. to noon. There are a variety of ways to help out. Information: Facebook.com/KAdowntowncafe
BREA
Holiday scholars: The Brea Glenbrook Women’s Club will raise money for its scholarship fund and other charitable activities with its 55th annual holiday boutique on Dec. 6. Crafts and gifts will be sold by numerous vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a $1 admission is requested at the gate, 1821 E. Greenbriar Lane, for the fundraiser. Information: breaglenbrookclub.com
Tree lighting: The annual tree lighting at the Civic & Cultural Center will occur at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will stop by to greet folks and take photos. Local schoolchildren will entertain. Admission is free, though photos with Santa will cost a fee. Information: ci.brea.ca.us
Christmas with the Alleycats: The Alleycats return to the Curtis Theater with their doo-wop styling of Christmas classics for shows at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 and 3 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30. General admission is $40. Information: curtistheatre.com
Movie under the stars: The city will be hosting a holiday screening of “The Santa Clause” at 7 p.m. in City Hall Park. Admission is free; blankets and beach chairs are recommended.
Live theater: The Curtis Theatre and STAGEStheatre are presenting “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a live radio play from Dec. 18 to 21. General admission tickets are $32. Information and tickets: CurtisTheatre.com
BUENA PARK
Candy Caneland and Craft Faire: This free, family-friendly winter celebration will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 13. Activities include a snow slide, a visit from Santa, entertainment and more for families. Inside, there will be more artisan craft vendors for shopping at Ehlers Community Center, 8150 Knott Ave. Information: buenapark.com
Christmas tree: Santa Claus will be on hand for the city’s annual Christmas tree-lighting celebration at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd. There will be entertainment, activities for kids and a photo area. Bring an unwrapped toy for donation to children in need. Information: buenapark.com
CORONA DEL MAR
Christmas Walk: The annual Christmas Walk in the Corona Del Mar Business District marks its 46th year. It will feature entertainment by more than 17 local bands, food, children’s activities, a beer and wine garden, unique vendor gifts and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Information: cdmchamber.com
COSTA MESA
Doghouse: The city’s beloved Snoopy House display will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 12-19 next to City Hall. Santa will make a special visit and take photographs with families starting at 6 p.m. each night. There will also be nightly light displays and stage performances. On the weekend, there will be train rides, guest performances and special play areas. Information: costamesaca.gov
Winter Fest OC: The fairgrounds become a winter wonderland for the holidays with Winter Fest OC. Activities include a snow play area, ice tubing down a 150-foot slide, Polar Putt-Putt, a nightly tree lighting with entertainment, meet-and-greets and more. Winter Fest is open on select dates from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4 at the OC Fair & Event Center. Information and ticket prices: winterfestoc.com
‘A Christmas Carol’: South Coast Repertory will present its 45th anniversary production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Various showtimes Nov. 29 through Dec. 28. Richard Doyle will once again return in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Information: scr.org
CYPRESS
Holiday sing: The city will host a festive Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting event for the community at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Civic Center Green Corner, which is at Orange Avenue and Grindlay Street. There will be school performances, activities, train rides and a visit by Santa Claus. Chairs and blankets are encouraged. Information: cypressca.org
DANA POINT
Santa on the go: The city’s Jolly Trolley will take Santa on a tour of the community on Dec. 6 to distribute pre-packaged treats to children 12 and younger. Children can also bring a letter for Santa that will be collected and if they include a mailing address, Santa will get back to them. Stops are half an hour at: 1:30 p.m., Sunset Park; 2:30 p.m., Dana Woods Park; 3:30 p.m., Sea Canyon Park; 4:30 p.m., La Plaza Park (for the city’s tree lighting event at 5:15 p.m.).
Tree lighting: The city’s tree lighting will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. There will be carolers and treats. Santa arrives at 4:30 at La Plaza Park, and the tree lighting will be at 5:15 p.m.
On Dec. 8, the Jolly Trolley will be arriving with Santa to hand out treats at 4:30 p.m. at Pines Park, which will be followed by a tree lighting there at 5:15 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for donation. Information: danapoint.org
Santa Paws: The Pet Project Foundation will be hosting its annual Santa Paws event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. People are invited to bring their pets to have their photo taken with Santa for a donation to support the Pet Project Foundation, which supports the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Located near the Richard Henry Dana Jr. Statue.
Boat Parade of Lights: The 50th annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place Dec. 12-14 through the harbor. The Carol of the Boats-themed parade around the harbor starts at 6:30 p.m. each night. Information: danapointharbor.com
The harbor area is also decorated with its holiday light display consisting of more than 700,000 lights, including the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch and giant whale. The decorations will be up through Jan. 4.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Tree lighting: The city will celebrate the holidays with the lighting of its tree at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center on Dec. 6. The event is 4:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature family activities, pictures with Santa, live entertainment and the Hyundai Snow Zone. The tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Information: fountainvalley.org
FULLERTON
Tree lighting: The city will host a community tree lighting celebration at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 at City Hall. There will be food and craft vendors, live performances, a classic car show and Santa Claus will be available for photos. Information: cityoffullerton.com
Winter Market: The annual festival in Fullerton’s Downtown Plaza, which will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6, with activities for kids and adults, with an array of artisan and unique vendors and food booths, entertainment and a beer and wine garden. Information: fullertonmuseum.com
‘The Nutcracker:’ The annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker” by the Nouveau Chamber Ballet, based in Fullerton, will be performed at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at the Fullerton College Campus Theatre. The performance is a special 90-minute version of the holiday classic. There will be a meet-and-greet after. Reserved seating is $25-$35. Information and tickets: nouveauchamberballet.com
Evening walks: The Fullerton Arboretum is hosting a holiday stroll through its botanical garden and a winter market from 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 7. There will be entertainment, tours of the Heritage House and Santa Claus will be available for photos. The cost is $10. Get tickets at fullertonarboretum.com
Holiday fun: The Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s annual Holiday Festival, which will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 21, features family friendly activities, an arts and crafts fair and live performances. Santa will be in attendance. Admission is free. Information: themuck.org
New year: The First Night Fullerton New Year’s Eve Celebration will return this year. Festivities will run from 7 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31. Admission is free. The evening will feature children’s activities, food and live entertainment. A fireworks show caps the night at midnight. Activities will take place at the Downtown Fullerton Plaza. Information: cityoffullerton.com
GARDEN GROVE
Tree lighting: Winter in the Grove on Dec. 6 will feature “Snowtopia” with snow slides made from 50 tons of snow, a holiday boutique, entertainment, a visit by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the city’s holiday tree. It runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at Village Green Park. Information: ggcity.org
Community celebration: The West Grove Jingle Jam will be held 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at Eastgate Park. Enjoy performances, activities, a vendors village and a variety of food trucks. Santa is expected to make an appearance. Information: Facebook.com/wggjinglejam
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Light a Light of Love: A family friendly event lighting up the pier with a children’s parade and lighting the giant snowflakes on the pier. The 3:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 event is free at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza; sponsor a snowflake to benefit the Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. Information: waymakersoc.org
‘Nutcracker’ ballet: Ballet Etudes’ cast of dancers will present the holiday classic at the Huntington Beach High School Theater. Performances are 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 14 and there is a 2 p.m. show on Dec. 7. For ticket pricing and Information: balletetudes.com
Boat parade: The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade will shine bright for its 63rd year on Dec. 13 and 14. Boats line up at 4:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 5:15 p.m. Public viewing from beaches only. This year the theme is “Fun With Music” and the grand marshal is Madeline Fields. Track the route and get more information at HHBoatParade.org
Cruise of Lights: The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee presents the Cruise of Lights, a 45-minute narrated harbor boat tour to see the holiday lights. Adults pay $26, children $19. Cruises depart hourly each evening at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-23. Information: cruiseoflights.org
Seasonal sounds: The Huntington Beach Union High School District’s Academy for the Performing Arts will present its annual “Sounds of the Season” at 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Huntington Beach High School auditorium. Information/box office: hbapa.org/see
IRVINE
On stage: The Festival Ballet Theatre will present “The Nutcracker” in multiple performances between Dec. 6 and 24 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Guest dancers include Jeraldine Mendoza (Joffrey Ballet) and Tiler Peck (New York City Ballet) as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet) and Roman Meija (New York City Ballet) as her Cavalier. There will be a pre-show tea with the chance to meet cast members at select shows. Information and tickets: thebarclay.org
Tree lighting: The city is hosting its Illuminate Irvine tree lighting from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Palm Court Arts Complex at the Great Park. There will be activities and entertainment, capped off with the tree lighting. Bring a toy donation for the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Toy Drive. Information: cityofirvine.org
Dash with Santa: The Run for a Claus, featuring a 5K and a 1-mile kids run/walk, returns on Dec. 20 at the Great Park this year. Santa Claus is expected to join in the fun. Registration and information: runforaclaus.com
Park holiday: The Great Park will become a winterscape that will celebrate the season from Dec. 6 to Jan. 4. Holidayz at the Park will feature special decorations open dusk to 9 p.m. Stroll the decorated Palm Court and enjoy selfie stations. Information: cityofrivine.org/events
Holiday village: Tanaka Farms’ Hikari – A Festival of Lights will be open Wednesdays to Sundays through Dec. 28 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). There is a holiday tractor ride and the farm is festively lit. Visit with the farm animals, get a photo with Santa and experience the 30-acre working farm. Tickets start at $18 for children and $28 for adults. Information and reservations: tanakafarms.com
LADERA RANCH
Christmas fun: There will be a Winter Fest hosted at the Town Green for the Ladera Ranch community from 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 with all kinds of activities planned. There will be inflatables to bounce in, crafts to do, carnival games and visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. At 5 p.m. Santa will help turn on the holiday lights in the park. Donations for a baby supply drive for a Camp Pendleton battalion are encouraged. Information: LaderaLife.com
Festival of Lights: The Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights will celebrate the upcoming Hanukkah season from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. There will be music, dancing, crafts and dreidels and the traditional menorah will be lit. Information: LaderaLife.com
LA HABRA
Tamales and fun: The popular annual Tamale Festival will be Dec. 6 and include the city’s holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m. Tamale vendors will be selling their savory and sweet creations; there will also be other food for sale. There will be entertainment and other events – one area is dedicated to kids’ fun, including sledding and rides. The event runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Euclid Street between La Habra Boulevard and Bridenbecker Avenue and there will also be activities at City Hall, along First and Second avenues and at Portola and Brio parks. Information: lahabratamalefestival.com
Hang with Santa: The Children’s Museum at La Habra will again host Breakfast with Santa this year where children can take photos with the big guy and do activities. Sessions are 9 and 11 a.m. on Dec. 13 at the La Habra Community Center. Pre-registration required, tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children. Information: lhcm.org
LA PALMA
Tree lighting: The city’s 39th annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony will be Dec. 3. The festivities begin with Santa’s Village at 4:30 p.m. There will be arts and crafts to do and children can write a letter to Santa. Local school children will perform and the tree lighting ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be part of the festivities and families will be able to visit before the ceremony. Rain would reschedule the event to Dec. 10. Information: cityoflapalma.org/treelighting
LAGUNA BEACH
Hospitality Night: The festivities begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 in the Peppertree Lot (Lot 2), with entertainment and activities, and it’s where Santa Claus will arrive about 6 p.m. to greet holiday revelers before the tree lighting. There will be crafts and activities, shopping, holiday performances and more through 9 p.m. and includes entertainment on Forest Avenue. Trolley service will run until 11 p.m. Information: lagunabeachcity.net
Winter festival: The Sawdust Art & Craft Festival is hosting its Winter Fantasy from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 21. Along with shopping from more than 180 local artists, there are holiday performances and more. General admission is $12. Information: Sawdustartfestival.org
LAGUNA HILLS
Tree lighting: The city will host a community party to mark the lighting of the city’s holiday tree from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Laguna Hills Community Center. There will be entertainment, crafts and Santa Claus will be visiting. Information: lagunahillsca.gov
Holiday shows: The city will host a Holiday Dance & Music Extravaganza from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 19, but it requires pre-registration. Get information on how to register at lagunahillsca.gov. The performances will be at the community center.
LAGUNA NIGUEL
Holiday parade: The annual Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade will take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 on Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park. There will be parade floats, marching bands, local organizations and exotic cars, with Santa Claus making a visit. Information: lagunaniguelparade.com
Tree time: A Christmas tree lighting for the community will be hosted by the city from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway. There will be entertainment, crafts, games and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Information: cityoflagunaniguel.org
LAKE FOREST
Tree lighting: The city’s annual tree lighting ceremony at the Civic Center will start at 3 p.m. on Dec. 13. There will be entertainment, family activities, crafts for kids and shopping at a holiday boutique. Santa Claus and some of his friends are expected to stop by and the night will end with the city’s tree lighting at dark. The event ends about 6 p.m. Information: lakeforestca.gov
Wander Heritage Hill: Experience the historic Heritage Hill Park decked out for the season. On Dec. 5-7 explore the park and its historic buildings during the 39th annual Candlelight Walk. Stroll the grounds from 5 to 9 p.m., twinkling lights will guide visitors and there will be musical performances, holiday crafts and a visit by Santa Claus.
Then, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12-14, the park will be open for taking pictures and wandering through its twinkling light displays.
Both events are free at 25151 Serrano Road. Information: ocparks.com/heritagehill
LOS ALAMITOS
Winter fun: Winter Wonderland will be hosted from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at 10901 Pine Street. There will be snow sledding, a Santa’s Village, entertainment and ice skating. There will also be a tree lighting. Information: cityoflosalamitos.org
MISSION VIEJO
Santa’s arrival: Santa’s arrival in Mission Viejo will be celebrated starting at 3 p.m. Nov. 30 at City Hall. There will be interactive activities, live entertainment and more through 6 p.m. when Santa will arrive on a fire engine to help with turning on the city’s holiday lights. The event is free.
The big guy will then be visiting his workshop at City Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and weekends from Dec. 3 until Christmas. He’ll be hanging out to greet visitors and take photos. Information for both events: cityofmissionviejo.org
Mix it up: The city will be hosting Holiday Mix and Mingle from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 20 between the Civic Center and the North Paseo, 25282 Marguerite Parkway. There will be a Whoville-themed Night Market with the Grinch, Santa’s Workshop will be open and other entertainment.
Show tradition: The “Feast of Lights” returns to Saddleback College’s McKinney Theatre with performances by the college’s Chamber singers and the Community Chorale and Symphony Orchestra. There will be an audience sing-along and student artists will have a boutique before the show. Shows are 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7; general admission is $32.50. Information: saddleback.edu
Drive-Through Nativity at Mount of Olives Church: Drive through or walk to experience a live retelling of the Christmas story. Enjoy live actors, animals, music and narration. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to support families and singles in need. The free event is open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 at Mount of Olives Church. Information: moochurch.org/christmas/drive-thru-nativity
NEWPORT BEACH
Vintage Christmas: Crystal Cove Conservancy will host its annual holiday bazaar and tree lighting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6; it will feature shopping from local artisans and the chance to meet Santa Claus (from 3:30 to 5 p.m.), among other activities. The tree lighting program will be 3 to 5:30 p.m. Information: crystalcove.org
Menorah lighting: The Chabad Center for Jewish Life-Newport Beach and Fashion Island will host a public menorah lighting ceremony Dec. 14. The event will start at 3 p.m. and will feature singing and festive traditions. It will be in the Atrium Garden Court. Information: fashionisland.com
Lighting of the Bay: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will celebrate the season by lighting up its bay nightly at dusk with floating holiday decorations from Nov. 28 through Jan. 4. It offers a variety of activities, including fire dance performances, visits with Santa and more, some of which is free; look online for prices and times. Information: newportdunes.com
Hanukkah celebration: The Chabad Center for Jewish Life is presenting a Hanukkah celebration starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 25. There will be activities for children, treats, a gelt drop from a firetruck ladder and a concert with The Moshov Band. It will be held outdoors at the center, 2240 University Drive, overlooking the Back Bay. Information: jewishnewport.com
Boat Parade of Lights: Hundreds of decorated boats will sail around Bay Island and Newport Harbor during the 117th annual event. The parade runs nightly Dec. 17-21, starting about 6:30 p.m. It starts and ends at Tip of Lido Isle. There will be fireworks at 6:15 on Dec. 17 to open the parade. There will also be a nightly drone show at 6:15 and 8:15 at the Balboa Bay Club and 6:45 and 8 at Peninsula Park. Information and map: christmasboatparade.com
ORANGE
Christmas village: Irvine Park Railroad’s Santa’s Village is open daily from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, closed Dec. 24 and 25. Children can visit Santa and there are other activities, such as carnival games, blizzard ball and a moon bounce. Costs for activities vary, some are free. There is also a Train of Lights running Dec. 26 to 30, tickets for that go on sale, online only, at 10 a.m. Dec. 8. Information: irvineparkrailroad.com
Tree lighting: The annual tree-lighting ceremony and candlelight choir procession, taken over this year by the Orange International Street Fair, will be Dec. 7. The day will start with a Christmas market in Old Towne at 10 a.m. with arts and crafts, kids activities, photos with Santa and more. The music program and tree lighting in the plaza will start at 5:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Information: orangestreetfair.org
Hanukkah celebration: Temple Beth Sholom will host a Hanukkah menorah lighting at 6 p.m. nightly in the traffic circle of the Orange Plaza from Dec. 14 to 22. Each night of Hanukkah a ceremony to light another candle will be held. Temple Beth Sholom serves a large population in Orange. Information: tbsoc.com
Holiday music: Chapman University’s Musco Center is hosting the always-popular Holiday Wassail Concert for the 61st year. It will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and feature Chapman’s orchestra and choirs performing holiday music. General admission is $25. Information: muscocenter.org
Library visits: Santa Claus will stop by the Orange Public Library & History Center to visit with children. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras to get photos of their children with Santa during the free event and kids can write Santa a letter. He will visit at 6 p.m. on Dec. 9. Families may line up for a ticket starting at 4 p.m.; after 6:30 p.m. tickets will be on a first-come basis. Information: orangepubliclibrary.org
Holiday music: St. John’s Lutheran Church of Orange’s “The Sounds of Christmas” concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, and 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6. It will feature The Jubilate Choir, Cathedral Bells and the Festival Orchestra. There is no admission, but a freewill offering will be accepted. Child care is available. St. John’s is at 185 S. Center St. Information: stjohnsorange.org
PLACENTIA
Tamale Festival: The city will be combining the always popular Tamale Festival and its annual treelighting ceremony to host “A Very Tamale Holiday,” on Dec. 11. The event will be held in Old Town Placentia from 4 to 10 p.m. and feature the North Pole Playground with snow for sledding; photos with Santa Claus; entertainment and a variety of vendors selling tamales as well as desserts and handmade holiday gifts and decor. Information: placentiatamalefestival.org
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Dine with Santa: The RSM Cares Bell Tower Foundation hosts its annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6 at the community center. There are two sessions, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; tickets are $8 for kids and $16 for adults and need to be purchased online ahead of time. Enjoy breakfast, storytime and crafts. Information and tickets: rsmcares.org
SAN CLEMENTE
Santa’s Village by the Sea: Ring in the season in downtown San Clemente from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, with Santa’s Village by the Sea. The processional with Santa Claus will start at 4:30 p.m., arriving at the Community Center where he will hang out to take photos with families until 8 p.m. The city’s tree lighting will happen at 5 p.m. There will be games, entertainment, snow to play in and activities (purchase a wristband to participate, with a discount online for presales). Following that is music and shopping on Avenida Del Mar continues until 9 p.m. Information: san-clemente.org
Holidays at the Casa: Several holiday events are planned at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, starting with a performance of The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy & Movement at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5. There will be free admission for a Family Sunday Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7; a Teddy Bear Christmas Tea at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13; Christmas Nights at the Casa to see its illuminated gardens, enjoy live performances and more from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20; and a Dec. 19 Coffee Concert with High Tide Coffee from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information about the events and costs, visit CasaRomantica.org
Sunsets with Santa: Santa Claus will be hanging out on the San Clemente Pier from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 and 20. Take photos with him in front of the tree and there will also be holiday music.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
San Juan Tree Lighting: The city’s tree lighting celebration at Historic Town Center Park will feature festivities and entertainment starting at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6, with the tree being lit at 5:45 p.m. Families can enjoy holiday activities after the ceremony in the Los Rios Historic District, including photos with Santa Claus, a train ride and more. Donations of unwrapped toys for an OCFA holiday drive are encouraged. Free shuttles will run on a loop through the area. Information: sanjuancapistrano.org
Capistrano Lights: The Mission San Juan Capistrano’s tree lighting and music program returns on select nights from Dec. 19 to 30. There will be a special opening night event at 4:50 p.m. on Dec. 19. The evening spectacular begins at 3:30 p.m. and goes until 6:30 p.m., but tickets are valid for all-day admission. There will be a large-scale nativity, Dickens-era carolers and the nightly lighting of the tree, among other features. General admission is $20. Information and tickets: missionsjc.com
SANTA ANA
Victorian Christmas: The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society will be hosting its fourth annual open house for the holiday from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14. Each room of the Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum will be decorated by a local business, organization or person and there will be crafts to do, holiday vendors and more. Information: santaanahistory.com
SEAL BEACH
Festive parade: The Seal Beach Lions Club, with an assist from City Hall, will host its annual holiday parade at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 down Main Street. This is the parade’s 47th year, the theme is “Christmas in Toyland.”
STANTON
Holiday tree: The city is hosting a holiday celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. Before the lighting of the city’s tree, there will be musical entertainment and arts and crafts. Santa is expected to visit. Activities are at Stanton City Hall. Information: ci.stanton.ca.us
TUSTIN
Escorting Santa: The Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh has been traveling through neighborhoods each holiday for more than two decades.The sleigh will visit various streets each weekday night Dec. 1-15. Check the city calendar at tustinca.org for which streets the sleigh will try to visit each night, weather permitting.
Tree lighting: The city will host a tree lighting and holiday stroll from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 in the Old Town Tustin area. There will be photos with Santa Claus, entertainment, activities for children and more. Bringing donations of new toys and pajamas is encouraged. Information: tustinca.org
District holiday: The District at Tustin Legacy will host a holiday celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 with photos with Santa Claus, activities and crafts for kids and more. Information: thedistricttl.com
VILLA PARK
Santa’s tour: Santa Claus is coming to Villa Park for his annual sweep of the city on Dec. 6 – and as usual for the city, he won’t be riding a sleigh but a fire engine. Each year for Santa’s tour, the fire engine makes stops all throughout the city so Santa can meet with residents and their children. A tour route and full schedule of stops (there are new times this year) are available at vpcsfoundation.org
And that night, there will be tree lighting ceremony at City Hall with the Villa Park High Choir signing carols, treats and Santa. The ceremony will be 6 to 8 p.m.
Boat parade: The beloved Dry Land Boat Parade will return to Villa Park on Dec. 14 this year with a “Reeling in the Holidays” theme. Each year, residents decorate their trailered boats – and just about anything else with wheels – to join in a citywide display of holiday cheer. The parade starts at 5 p.m. on Taft Avenue at Villa Park High and ends there. A parade route and schedule are available at vpcsfoundation.org
WESTMINSTER
Tree lighting: The annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Civic Center with kids’ activities, performances by community groups and a visit by Santa. There will be food for sale. Information: westminster-ca.gov
Santa on the Go: Santa Claus will be touring Westminster parks to spread holiday cheer. He’ll be at Bowling Green Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Blakey Park from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 6; and then College Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Bolsa Chica Park from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 13. There will be crafts to do, activities, treats and more. Information: westminster-ca.gov
(Photo by Greg Andersen, Contributing Photographer)
YORBA LINDA
Sing along: The Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation will present its 21st annual Handel’s Messiah sing-along event on Nov. 30 in the East Room of the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum. There are two opportunities to enjoy the concert – and sing along – at 10 a.m. and at noon. Doors open a half hour before for the open seating. A chorus and string orchestra will be conducted by David Walterman. Bring your own music score and 18th-century costumes are encouraged. Admission is free. Information: artsyl.org
Tree lighting: The city will have a community tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Yorba Linda Town Center. There will be entertainment, children’s crafts and “holiday magic.”
Holiday on Main Street: The community will have a chance to visit with Santa Claus and enjoy festive music throughout the night. The event, which is hosted by local merchants, is set for 4-9 p.m. Dec. 6 along Old Town Yorba Linda’s Main Street, just north of Imperial Highway and Yorba Linda Boulevard. Bring an unwrapped toy for donation.
Heroes: The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association will host the annual Hometown Heroes Christmas Tree Dedication this year. The event, which is open to the community, will be at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Yorba Linda Public Library, 4852 Lakeview Ave., and honors Southern California troops who lost their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Gold Star families are invited to place a personalized ornament. Information: yorbalindaveteransmemorial.com
Boat parade: East Lake Village homes are decorating for the holidays, and the community is having its annual boat parade – with the boats decorated as well – at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. Food trucks will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. at the East Lake Clubhouse. The community can watch from the public streets around the lakefront neighborhood. Information: elvca.com
Nixon holiday: The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum will host Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 9. There will be patriotic-themed holiday decor, at 5 p.m. tree lighting, photos with Santa Claus and his reindeer, entertainment and more. Visitors will be able to stroll the gardens, which will be lit with candles. At 4 p.m. there will be food trucks for getting something to eat. General admission is $45. Tickets and information: nixonfoundation.org
