November in Orange County: The Best Month You're Not Planning For
Ask most people what they love about Orange County and they'll mention the beaches, the weather, or the food scene. But November? That's when OC quietly becomes one of the best places in Southern California to actually enjoy the season. Between Turkey Trots on the beach, the first holiday markets popping up across the county, and the beloved Irvine Park Christmas Train opening for another year, November is packed with reasons to get out and explore.
I've been helping families buy and sell homes across Orange County for years, and every November I remind my clients of one thing: this is the county showing off. Here's everything you need to know about November events in OC — bookmark this and come back to it all month.
Turkey Trots & Thanksgiving Day Races
Thanksgiving morning in Orange County has become a tradition for thousands of families: lace up your shoes, get the steps in, then eat whatever you want. Several races are organized across the county each year, and they fill up fast.
Yorba Regional Park Turkey Trot
One of the largest and most beloved runs in the county, this Thanksgiving morning event at Yorba Regional Park (in Anaheim) offers distances for every level — a 10K, 10-mile, 5K, Kids 1K, and a Tot Trot for the littlest runners. There's a costume contest (teams and individuals), a Health and Fitness Expo, and the kind of festive energy that makes you glad you woke up early. The Santa Ana River Trail setting is gorgeous in the fall morning light.
Seal Beach Turkey Trot
If you want a more laid-back, beach-community feel, the Seal Beach Turkey Trot held the Saturday before Thanksgiving is a local favorite. The 1K, 5K, and 10K routes start and finish on Main Street, with proceeds supporting community causes. Seal Beach's walkable village and proximity to the beach make the post-race hang especially enjoyable.
Rancho Mission Viejo Turkey Trot
South OC families flock to this Thanksgiving morning race in Rancho Mission Viejo, which includes a 10K, 5K, and 1K Little Gobblers run for kids. Proceeds benefit The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, making it a feel-good way to kick off the holiday.
Anaheim River Trail Race
The Anaheim area Thanksgiving run along the Santa Ana River Trail is a popular choice for those who want a flat, fast route. 5K, 10K, and fun run distances are available, and festive costumes are very much encouraged. This one tends to attract a large crowd, so register early.
Veterans Day in Orange County
Veterans Day falls on November 11, and Orange County — home to a large military and veteran community — takes it seriously. Heroes Hall at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is one of the county's best veteran-focused experiences. The museum and education center dedicates itself to honoring all who have served, and Veterans Day typically brings special programming including live music, family-friendly activities, and exhibits that bring local veterans' stories to life. Admission and parking are often free on this day — check the OC Fair website for confirmed 2026 programming.
Throughout the month, many local businesses offer veterans discounts, and communities across the county hold flag ceremonies, parades, and moments of remembrance. Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Newport Beach each have their own traditions worth looking up.
The Holiday Season Kicks Off: Markets, Shopping & Lights
November is when Orange County's holiday season officially gets going — and it does not wait until December to make an entrance.
Heritage Museum of Orange County
The Heritage Museum in Santa Ana has become a must-visit in November. Their Cryptsmas Marketplace (part of the Creep It Real Festive series) is a wonderfully weird mashup of Halloween-adjacent art and early holiday cheer, featuring around 100 vendors selling handcrafted holiday and Halloween crossover items, seasonal artwork, licensed merchandise, and seasonal treats. It's the kind of event that Orange County does better than anywhere else — creative, local, and genuinely fun.
Holiday Shopping in Orange County's Best Malls
Fashion Island in Newport Beach, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, and Irvine Spectrum Center are three of the best retail experiences in Southern California — and they all go all-out for the holiday season starting in mid-November. South Coast Plaza launches its annual holiday decor transformation and is typically one of the most decorated shopping experiences in the state. Fashion Island's outdoor setting along with holiday entertainment makes it a destination rather than just a shopping trip. If you're hosting out-of-town guests, these are the spots to take them.
OC Wine Fest (Early November)
The Orange County Wine Fest typically runs over a weekend in early November, offering tasting experiences across a range of varietals and producers. It's a sophisticated way to kick off the holiday entertaining season and a great date-night option for adults looking for something beyond the typical fall activity lineup.
The Irvine Park Christmas Train: Get Your Tickets Now
If you have kids — or you're still a kid at heart — the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in all of Orange County. The train runs through beautiful Irvine Regional Park in Orange and drops passengers off at the “North Pole,” where children can meet Santa Claus, share their wish list, and have a photo taken.
For 2026, the Christmas Train is expected to begin running around November 27 (the Friday after Thanksgiving) through December 23. Tickets go on sale in early November and sell out fast — sometimes within hours on popular dates. If you're planning to take your family, set a reminder to buy tickets the moment they go on sale at irvineparkrailroad.com. Weekend evening slots in December fill first. Prices typically run $22–$37 per person depending on day and time. This is not a “wait and see” situation — plan ahead.
Tree Lightings & Waterfront Displays
By Thanksgiving weekend, the holiday light displays in Orange County are coming online, and they are spectacular.
Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival
One of the most unique holiday light displays in Southern California, the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort's annual “Lighting of the Bay” transforms Newport Bay with more than 50 floating, lighted holiday trees shimmering in the water. The Opening Night Celebration takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving (around November 28) from 4 to 9 p.m., featuring fire performances, photos with Santa, s'mores at fire pits, festive beverages, and a holiday movie on the beach. The display then runs through early January.
Balboa Bay Resort Tree Lighting
Also in Newport Beach, the Balboa Bay Resort tree lighting is a beloved community event typically held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The evening features live musical performances, the lighting of a towering Christmas tree, and a snow-filled finale. It's free to attend and one of those OC moments that reminds you why people pay a premium to live here.
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night
While Hospitality Night technically falls in early December, Laguna Beach begins its transition into holiday mode throughout November. The city's gallery walks, boutique shopping, and coastal scenery make it worth a visit at any point in the month. Keep an eye on the city's events calendar for pre-holiday concerts and special programming at the Laguna Beach Community Center and Pageant Grounds.
Outdoor Activities: November Is Peak Season
Here's a secret that most people outside Southern California don't fully appreciate: November is one of the best months to be outdoors in Orange County. The summer crowds are gone, temperatures sit in the comfortable 60s and 70s, and the light turns golden in a way that photographers and hikers both love.
Crystal Cove State Park
The 3.2 miles of coastline and 2,400 acres of inland canyon at Crystal Cove are at their best this time of year. Whale watching season is getting underway (gray whales begin their southward migration in late November), and the hiking trails offer panoramic views with far fewer visitors than summer. The historic cottages are worth reserving for a fall getaway.
Chino Hills State Park
The rolling hills at Chino Hills turn a rich golden-brown in November, and the cooler temps make the longer trails actually enjoyable. The Bane Canyon Road and Telegraph Canyon Trail are two of the best options for a half-day hike that feels completely removed from suburban life.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
November is peak migratory bird season at Bolsa Chica in Huntington Beach. The wetlands attract hundreds of species of shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl making their way along the Pacific Flyway. Bring binoculars — this is one of Southern California's best birding spots, and it's free.
What November Means for the OC Real Estate Market
I always tell buyers and sellers: November is one of the most interesting months in Orange County real estate. The market slows seasonally, but that slowdown creates opportunity. Serious buyers who stay active in November face less competition. Sellers who price correctly in November attract buyers who are genuinely motivated — they're not browsing, they're ready to close before the holidays.
Inventory in Orange County has been shifting throughout 2026, and November's seasonal patterns tend to clarify things for Q1 buyers. If you've been thinking about making a move and want to understand what the market looks like right now — whether you're buying your first home in Irvine, upgrading to a larger house in Mission Viejo, or evaluating an investment property in Huntington Beach — I'm happy to walk you through it.
Ready to explore Orange County real estate this fall? Call or text me at 949-285-9519 or visit andrew-homes.com. I know this market, I love this county, and I'd be glad to help.