We’ve decked the halls and tinseled the trees here in Anaheim. Now it’s time to fill up our calendars with festive fun! Take selfies with Santa, explore dazzling light displays, see magical performances, eat delicious treats, play in the snow and nab tickets to world-class entertainment at local theme parks. Make it the merriest month with holiday fun in and around Anaheim.
Disneyland® Resort
It’s the Most Magical Time of Year at the Disneyland® Resort when the park transforms into a festive wonderland through January 6, 2020. Experience a tree lighting and snow on Main Street with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Bedazzled by the illuminated facade and darling songs of It’s a Small World during its holiday theme. Accompanied by Santa Claus, Disney characters will help ring in the season during the Christmas Fantasy Parade. Or, enjoy the multicultural festivities happening at Disney California Adventure® Park.
Knott’s Berry Farm
The charm of the holidays has transformed Knott’s Berry Farm into Merry Farm now through January 5. Sample sweets like the Winter Mint Macaron Snowman or Eggnog Milkshake, and savour the flavours of the season with breaded Turkey Bites filled with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry. Marrying new favourites with traditions, guests to Knott’s Berry Farm® will also enjoy beloved traditions such as watching the Snoopy Ice Show: Merry Christmas, Snoopy; singing along to the Calico Carolers, and shopping at the Christmas Crafts Village. Don’t miss the new musical review show Home for the Holidays on the Calico Mine Stage.
Muzeo Express
All aboard for Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center’s Holiday Model Train exhibit. The exhibit showcases model trains and miniature scenes to the delight and both children and adults. The exhibit features Treasures from Carolwood. Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn, called the birthplace of Imagineering, has been loaned to the collection honouring Disney’s railroad legacy. The trains will be on display now through January 20, 2020. While in the neighbourhood, be sure to head to Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe for some delicious holiday treats, including their mini apple pies (enjoy one dozen for $24).
Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Events in Orange County
All of Orange County is aglow with numerous opportunities to see holiday decorations lit. Join in celebrating military heroes at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library December 1 or kick off Hanukkah with a family-friendly event at the Outlets at San Clemente, including Menorah lighting. Check out more opportunities for sparkling light celebrations here.
Acoustic Christmas, Mickey on Ice and Ducks Games at The Honda Center
The Honda Center in Anaheim is teeming with must-see events this December. From Ducks home games throughout the month to big name concerts, be sure to check out their calendar of exciting events. On December 7 and 8, don’t miss the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas featuring big names such as Young the Giant, Mumford & Sons and Cage the Elephant. Or, catch Ariana Grande on December 13. If you’re looking for family fun, see the immersive Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party from December 19-23.
Pro tip: Skip the traffic and take a train to the ARTIC station. The Honda Center is only steps away.
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
Want to race down water slides and experience snowfall in the same place? Great Wolf Lodge guests will be transported to Snowland. The winter fun transforms the lodge into a wonderland with seasonal decor, visits with Santa, Snow ‘N’ Glow dance parties and more. Celebrate children earning their Snow-ploma for completing North Pole University activities. You can even dine inside a life-size gingerbread house, trimmed with sweets galore!
Santa Visits in Orange County
Meeting with the big guy is a December must! Santa sleighed his way down to the OC for unique visits all month long. He’s available for breakfast, story time, selfies and more. For his Anaheim event schedule, check out Where to See Santa Claus in Orange County.
Capistrano Lights
Mission San Juan Capistrano is celebrating the holidays with 30 days of festive entertainment and nightly tree lightings. Holiday crafts, selfies with Santa and beautiful decor fill Orange County’s only historical mission. Don’t miss the special opening night celebration December 7 with a Nativity in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church, Merry-achi Music, and family-friendly activities.
8th Annual Brew Ho Ho! at the Phoenix Club
A town with strong German roots, Anaheim is celebrating in true German fashion this December. Say cheers to holiday fun with over 100 craft beers being served on December 7 from 12-4 pm for the annual Brew Ho Ho! at the Phoenix Club. The festival includes cover bands, delicious treats and samples of drafts served year round (plus holiday and winter ales in a commemorative festival cup). On December 8 at 1 pm, enjoy a free children’s Christmas celebration, or Kaffeeklatsch, with dance and musical performances, plus a visit from Santa.
25th Annual Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Bring the family to Anaheim’s own tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Anaheim on December 7. The festivities feature performances by Loara and Anaheim High Schools and Anaheim Ballet. Prior to the tree lighting ceremony, guests can shop and sample international cuisine. The Downtown Anaheim event is just one of the many places to play in snow in Orange County, with a free snow play area for children.
Anaheim Night Market
Take FRAN over to Founders Park in the Anaheim Packing District. The Night Market will host local artisans and vendors Saturday, December 14 from 5-9 pm. Strolling carolers will delight shoppers before the 8 pm screening of Elf.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
It’s a must-SEA this holiday season! Enjoy the 111th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with hundreds of brightly decorated ships competing for best display. Be dazzled for five nights of fun, starting December 18. Watch the illuminated boats from land or experience an unforgettable cruise departing from Newport Landing to view the amazing lights up close.
WinterFest
From December 19 through January 5, the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa transforms into a sprawling winter wonderland brimming with fun for all ages. Experience the “World’s Largest Candy Maze”, racing pigs, outdoor ice skating under the stars, a new 50-foot walk-through Tree of Dreams Christmas tree, daily entertainment from popular children’s cartoon characters to the After Dark nightly series with tribute bands and DJs.
Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker
The classic holiday story takes the stage at City National Grove of Anaheim on December 22. See Clara, the mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the 33rd season of the Nutcracker performances by the Anaheim Ballet. The full-length presentation with the Symphony Irvine is a holiday tradition not to miss.
