Orange County Comes Alive During the Holidays
One of the things I tell every buyer who is considering a move to Orange County: this place does not just have great weather and great schools — it puts on one of the best holiday seasons in Southern California. Having lived and worked here for years, I have watched families discover that the holiday season in OC is genuinely special. Lights, events, ice skating under the stars, and a community energy that makes you proud to call this place home.
Whether you are already an OC resident or you are thinking about making the move, here is my go-to guide to the best holiday events happening across Orange County this winter season — from late November through early January.
Winter Fest OC — SoCal's Biggest Winter Festival
If there is one event that captures the magic of an OC winter, it is Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (88 Fair Drive). Running from November 28 through January 4, this is widely considered Southern California's largest winter festival, and for good reason.
The lineup includes real ice skating and ice tubing under the stars, freshly falling snow, snowball tossing, more than 30 carnival rides and attractions, nightly tree lighting ceremonies, live entertainment, and plenty of holiday food and drinks. It is the kind of event that works equally well for a romantic evening out or a full family day.
- Dates: November 28 – January 4
- Location: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
- Hours: Thursdays 5–10 p.m., Fridays 4–11 p.m., Saturdays 4–10 p.m., Sundays 5–10 p.m. (extended daily hours Dec. 22 – Jan. 4)
- Highlights: Ice skating, ice tubing, snow, 30+ rides, nightly tree lighting
Irvine Spectrum Center — A 75-Foot Tree and Outdoor Ice Skating
Irvine Spectrum Center transforms into one of the most festive outdoor shopping and entertainment destinations in the region every holiday season. From November 28 through January 4, the centerpiece is a spectacular 75-foot decorated Christmas tree in Giant Wheel Court, with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m.
Beyond the tree, the Spectrum sets up an outdoor ice skating rink, skate-with-Santa experiences on select weekends, and a dazzling palm tree light show that syncs to holiday music starting at 5:15 p.m. nightly. As someone who works primarily in Irvine, I can tell you this event draws enormous crowds — plan to arrive early and park in the structure.
- Nightly tree lighting: Every 30 minutes from 5 p.m., Nov. 28 – Jan. 4
- Outdoor ice skating rink: Available throughout the season
- Santa appearances: Select weekends through December 24
- Palm tree light show: Every 30 minutes starting 5:15 p.m.
Dana Point Harbor — 700,000 Lights on the Water
Dana Point Harbor holiday lighting is the kind of thing that makes you stop in your tracks. More than 700,000 Christmas lights illuminate the harbor throughout November and December, including giant whale sculptures, lighted palm trees, and the iconic Merry Kiss Me sign. Best of all, it is free admission.
Dana Point is one of my favorite communities in South OC, and the harbor during the holidays is a perfect reminder of why. Stroll the docks, grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, and take in what is genuinely one of the most scenic holiday displays in all of Southern California.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
- Timing: Throughout November and December
Knott's Merry Farm — Holiday Thrills in Buena Park
For families who want to combine holiday cheer with theme park excitement, Knott's Merry Farm runs from November 17 through January 7. The park transforms into a holiday village complete with live entertainment, ice shows, a tree lighting ceremony, Santa's Village, festive crafts, and all the food you would expect from Knott's — including their famous boysenberry-inspired holiday treats.
Tickets start at $59.99, and the event is included with regular park admission on participating dates. This is a perennial favorite for OC families, and I hear about it from clients with kids every single year.
- Dates: November 17 – January 7
- Location: Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
- Highlights: Ice shows, Santa's Village, live entertainment, holiday food
- Tickets: Starting at $59.99
Old Towne Orange — Christmas Market and Tree Lighting
If you want something with a charming, small-town feel, the Orange Christmas Market & Tree Lighting at the Old Towne Orange Plaza (the famous Orange Circle) is a must. Scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2026, the event features a daytime Christmas Market followed by a candlelight choir procession and tree lighting ceremony in the heart of this historic district.
Old Towne Orange is one of the most architecturally distinctive areas in the county, and the holiday event leans into that character beautifully. If you have not explored the Orange Circle before, this is a wonderful occasion to do it.
- Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Location: Old Towne Orange Plaza (The Circle), Orange, CA
- Highlights: Christmas market, candlelight procession, tree lighting
Aliso Viejo — All Is Bright Celebration and Tree Lighting
Aliso Viejo hosts its beloved All Is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting each year — a community event featuring a visit from Santa Claus, real snow, train rides, caroling, ornament making, and the official lighting of a 22-foot Christmas tree. It is free, family-friendly, and a great example of how OC's smaller cities create genuine community during the holidays.
I often recommend Aliso Viejo to buyers looking for that tight-knit neighborhood feel at a more accessible price point than some of the surrounding coastal cities. Events like this one illustrate why the community has such strong loyalty among its residents.
South Coast Plaza — World-Class Holiday Shopping
No holiday guide for Orange County would be complete without mentioning South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. One of the top shopping centers in the United States, South Coast Plaza goes all-in on holiday decor, events, and entertainment every year. The mall hosts ice skating, Santa photos, holiday performances, and an elaborate decorating program that draws visitors from across the region.
For my clients relocating from other parts of the country, South Coast Plaza during the holidays is often a happy surprise — the scale and quality of the experience genuinely rivals anything you would find in a major city.
What the Holidays Mean for the Real Estate Market
Here is something I tell my clients every fall: the holiday season is actually one of the better times to buy in Orange County. Inventory is lower, but so is competition. Sellers who list during November and December tend to be motivated, and buyers who stay active while others take a break often find better deals and smoother negotiations.
If you have been on the fence about buying — or if you are curious what your home might sell for before the new year — I would love to connect. The holiday season moves fast, and so does the OC market.
Call or text me at 949-285-9519 or visit andrew-homes.com to schedule a consultation. I am happy to walk you through what the current market looks like in any neighborhood across Orange County — whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring your options.