A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory
The Dickens holiday classic returns to the stage in Costa Mesa for its seasonal run.
Seasonal guides: Thanksgiving Week & Weekend Events · Holiday Lights, Christmas & Winter Events
December 2026
66 events
Tuesday, Dec 1
Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes
Floating holiday lights on the bay, fire dancing Friday and Saturday evenings, s'mores fire pits, inflatable slides and Santa photos on Saturdays. Thursday through Sun...
Hikari: Festival of Lights
A walk-through light festival on the farm grounds, open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, plus Dec 21 to 23. Closed Dec 24 and 25. Last admission is 7:30 PM, and park...
Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
Wagon ride through the Land of a Thousand Lanterns with light displays and photo spots. Closed Dec 24, 25 and 31.
Ice Skating at Irvine Spectrum Center
Outdoor holiday ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center, listed as opening November 1 with evening skate sessions. Check the Spectrum website for current prices, hours and...
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Holiday train rides through the park's decorated grounds. Reservations are required, and a vehicle entrance fee applies.
Knott's Merry Farm
Christmas celebration at Knott's with twinkling lights, themed garlands, snow-inspired decor and holiday shows.
Knott's Merry Farm
Holiday celebration with winter decor, thousands of lights and seasonal attractions across the park.
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy
Twinkling lights, artist-made gifts, live craft demonstrations and seasonal music.
WinterFest OC
Ice tubing, outdoor skating, snow play, 30+ carnival rides, nightly tree lightings and holiday treats.
Thursday, Dec 3
All Is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
A free evening of holiday fun and a tree lighting at the Town Center.
Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony
Brea's annual community tree lighting at the Civic & Cultural Center.
Cal State Fullerton Men's Basketball vs. Sacramento State
Cal State Fullerton Men's Basketball hosts Sacramento State at Titan Gym.
Farmers Market at the OC Fair & Event Center
A weekly Thursday farmers market in Lot D of the OC Fair & Event Center. No market is listed for Thanksgiving week.
UC Irvine Men's Basketball vs. UC Riverside
UC Irvine Men's Basketball hosts UC Riverside at Bren Events Center. Broadcast: ESPN+ Radio: KLAA AM830 | KUCI 88.9 FM.
Friday, Dec 4
Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Attractions and vendors open at 5:00 PM, the tree is lit at 6:00 PM, and the evening wraps at 8:00 PM.
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night
Downtown Laguna Beach kicks off the season with Santa lighting the tree at 6:10 PM.
Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting
Old Town Tustin lights its tree, with a market from 5:00 PM before the ceremony.
Saturday, Dec 5
Boat Rides with Santa
Short harbor rides aboard the Dana Pride with Santa. Reservations required.
Breakfast with Santa (Westminster)
Pancake breakfast and photos with Santa. Pre-registration is required; no walk-ins.
Cal State Fullerton Men's Basketball vs. Long Beach State
Cal State Fullerton Men's Basketball hosts Long Beach State at Titan Gym.
Crystal Cove 30th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar
A holiday bazaar all day, Santa visits from 3:30 PM and the tree lighting program runs 3:00 to 5:30 PM at the historic cottages.
Dana Point Tree Lighting
Dana Point lights its holiday tree at La Plaza Park.
Holiday Craft Fair
Handmade gifts, food trucks and live music over two days.
Running all season
10 listingsSeason Multi-week
20 Years Later: The Great Picture
A City of Irvine exhibit at Irvine City Hall marking 20 years since The Great Picture.
Season Multi-week
American Red Cross Blood Drive at MainPlace
A monthly blood donation drive at MainPlace Mall, noon to 6 PM.
Season Multi-week
Courageous Companions: Animals in American Wars
A Heroes Hall exhibition about animals who served in American wars. (End date assumed to be Sept 1, 2027; confirm on the OC Fair site.)
Season Multi-week
First Thursdays Art Walk
On the first Thursday of each month, Laguna Beach galleries stay open late for a free, self-guided art walk.
Season Multi-week
Juan Manuel Gomez: In the Deep and All Together! (exhibition)
An exhibition by Juan Manuel Gomez, En Lo Profundo / In the Deep and All Together!, on view at the Irvine Fine Arts Center.
Season Multi-week
Mini Melodies, a free monthly music program for young children and their families at MainPlace Mall
A free monthly music session for young children, held the first Wednesday of each month. Mini Melodies is a free monthly music hour for toddlers and young children hel...
Year-round favorites
Good any week of the year∞ Any week
Balboa Fun Zone
A waterfront classic with a Ferris wheel, arcade, harbor cruises and dining.
∞ Any week
Dana Point Harbor
Waterfront dining, shopping, whale watching, harbor cruises and ocean views.
∞ Any week
Downtown Tustin Saturday Market
Weekly certified farmers market with seasonal produce from regional growers.
∞ Any week
Fashion Island
Open-air shopping and dining with ocean breezes and events through the year.
∞ Any week
Great Park Farmers Market
Weekly farmers market with produce, food trucks, live music and rotating car shows.
∞ Any week
San Clemente Pier
Oceanfront dining, beach walks, fishing and Southern California sunsets.
∞ Any week
Surf City Nights
Main Street closes for a weekly street fair with vendors, live music and food.
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