You can’t complain about there being nothing to do during the holidays in Orange County.
Cities and local landmarks pack the calendar with events for the community. Many have become favorite traditions and even more are free or very low cost.
So check out this roundup of many of the community events on the calendar that will be helping spread the holiday cheer.
NORTH OC
ANAHEIM
Express fun: Muzeo Express, a holiday model train exhibit, will be open Nov. 23 through Jan. 19 at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center. The model trains travel through carefully detailed miniature scenes. Get schedules and tickets: muzeo.org
Holiday party: The lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree will cap a day of free holiday fun Dec. 8 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, a dog costume contest, entertainment and other activities for families. The tree lighting starts at 6 p.m. 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. 7 with fun events for families such as photos with Santa Claus, train rides and face painting. Information: anaheimhillsfestival.com
On stage: The Chance Theater will stage the “Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas” musical Dec. 6-22, with a “Nancy Boutique,” mirroring what happens in the show, in the lobby featuring themed props, costumes and decorations. For showtimes and box office: ChanceTheater.com
The Nutcracker: Anaheim Ballet will celebrate its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” with shows in partnership with Symphony Irvine at 2 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 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 high school scholarship fund with its 52nd annual craft bazaar Dec. 7. 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.
Tree lighting: The annual tree lighting at the Civic & Cultural Center will occur at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. 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 $5. 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. 29 Nov. 30 and 3 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. General admission is $40. Information: curtistheatre.com
Live theater: The Curtis Theatre and STAGEStheatre are presenting “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a live radio play from Dec. 19 to 22. General admission tickets are $36. 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. 14. Activities include a snow slide, a visit from Santa, entertainment, a rock wall and more for families. Inside, there will be more than 100 artisan craft booths 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. 6 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
FULLERTON
Winter Market: The annual festival in Fullerton’s Downtown Plaza, which will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 2, 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. 21 and 22 at the Fullerton College Campus Theatre. The performance is a special 90-minute version of the holiday classic. Reserved seating is $25-$35. Information and tickets: nouveauchamberballet.com
Holiday fun: The Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s annual Holiday Festival, which will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 22, 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
LA HABRA
Tamales and fun: The popular annual Tamale Festival will be Dec. 7 and include the city’s holiday tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Tamale vendors will be selling their savory and sweet creations; there will also be other food for sale and performers on three different stages – one is dedicated to kids’ entertainment. The event runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Euclid Street between La Habra Boulevard and Bridenbecker Avenue. 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. 14 at the La Habra Community Center. Pre-registration required, tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for children. Information: lhcm.org
LA PALMA
Tree lighting: The city’s annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony will be Dec. 4. 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. 11. Information: cityoflapalma.org/treelighting
ORANGE
Christmas village: Irvine Park Railroad’s Santa’s Village is open daily from Nov. 29 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. 9. Information: irvineparkrailroad.com
Tree lighting: The annual tree-lighting ceremony and candlelight choir procession will be Dec. 8, starting at 3:30 p.m. with activities for families in the Old Towne Orange Plaza. At 5:15, the city will light the tree, and the choir candlelight procession will begin. The event is free and open to the public. Information: cityoforange.com
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. 25 to Jan. 1. Each night of Hanukkah a ceremony to light another candle will be held. Temple Beth Sholom serves a large population in Orange. Information: 714-628-4600
Holiday music: Chapman University’s Musco Center is hosting the always popular Holiday Wassail Concert for the 60th year. It will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 and feature Chapman’s orchestra and choirs performing holiday music. General admission is $25. Information: muscocenter.org
Library visits: Santa Claus will stop by Orange library branches 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 the Orange Public Library & History Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. 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. 13, and 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14. 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
Zoo celebration: Even the animals at the zoo celebrate the holidays. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14, guests are invited to meet Santa Claus, do holiday activities and watch the zoo animals get delicious holiday treats. Admission is $2 per person; parking is $5 per vehicle. Information: ocparks.com/zoo
PLACENTIA
Tamale Festival: The city will present the always popular Tamale Festival from 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12 on the 100-200 block of Santa Fe Street and the 200 block of Bradford Avenue in Old Town Placentia. This is the 30th year. A variety of tamales may be purchased from downtown restaurants and there will be live entertainment, a visit by Santa Claus and a craft beer garden. Information: placentiatamalefestival.org
Tree lighting: The Placentia Community Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Civic Center Plaza, 401 E. Chapman Ave. Get into the spirit with holiday performances and a special visit from Santa Claus, who will be taking photos with visitors from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Information: placentia.org
VILLA PARK
Santa’s tour: Santa Claus is coming to Villa Park for his annual sweep of the city on Dec. 7 – 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 are available at vpcsfoundation.org.
Boat parade: The beloved Dry Land Boat Parade will return to Villa Park on Dec. 15 this year with a “Snow Much Fun” 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 and ends at Villa Park High. A parade route and schedule are available at vpcsfoundation.org.
YORBA LINDA
Sing along: The Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation will present its 20th annual Handel’s Messiah sing-along event on Dec. 1 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
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. 7 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. 8 at the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave., and honors Southern California troops who lost their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. 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. 14 and 15. 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 a Nutcracker Sweet Christmas from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 17. There will be reindeer to feed, ornaments to crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. The Orange County Ballet Academy will perform selections from the Nutcracker Ballet with accompaniment from the Concordia University Orchestra. A tree-lighting ceremony will start the evening at 5 p.m. General admission is $40. Tickets and information: nixonfoundation.org
CENTRAL OC
CORONA DEL MAR
Christmas Walk: The annual Christmas Walk in the Corona Del Mar Business District marks its 45th 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.8. Information: cdmchamber.com
Lots of lights: The Sherman Library & Gardens hosts its annual Nights of 1,000 Lights festival from 5 to 8 p.m. on select nights between Dec. 6 and 22. There are three entry times each night. The gardens will feature a variety of themes and photo opportunities to stroll through along with other holiday activities. Tickets are $50 general admission, but must be purchased online and are expected to sell out. Information and tickets: thesherman.org
COSTA MESA
Doghouse: The city’s beloved Snoopy House display will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 13-20 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 train rides and a lights display. On weekends there will be performances and special play areas. Information: costamesaca.gov
Winter Fest OC: Activities include a new snow play area, ice tubing down a 150-foot slide, the North Pole Journey and a winter wonderland with various entertainment and activities. Winter Fest is open on select dates from Nov. 22 to Jan. 5 at the OC Fair & Event Center. Information and ticket prices: winterfestoc.com
A Christmas Carol: South Coast Repertory will present the Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Various showtimes Nov. 30 through Dec. 24. Information: scr.org
Global holiday: The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is hosting Holidays Around the World from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. There will be festive performances reflecting holiday traditions from around the globe and kids can do crafts. Snow is in the forecast. Entry is free with Plaza Pass, find out more at scfta.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. 3 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
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Tree lighting: The city will celebrate the holidays with the lighting of its tree at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center on Dec. 7. The event is 4:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature family activities, pictures with Santa, live entertainment and the Hyundai Snow Zone. Information: fountainvalley.org
GARDEN GROVE
Tree lighting: Winter in the Grove on Dec. 7 will feature snow slides, 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. 13 at Eastgate Park. Enjoy performances, activities, a vendors village and a variety of foot 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 4-6 p.m. event on Dec. 8 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 Library Theater. Performances are 4 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 1 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 22. Tickets are $10. Information: balletetudes.com
Boat parade: The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade will shine bright for its 62nd year on Dec. 14 and 15. 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 “Yacht Rockin’ the Holidays” and the grand marshal is Paul Haase. 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. 18-23. Information: cruiseoflights.org
Seasonal sounds: The Huntington Beach Union High School District’s Academy for the Performing Arts will present “Sounds of the Season” at 7 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 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 14 performances between Dec. 7 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. 7 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. Information: cityofirvine.org
Dash with Santa: The Run for a Claus returns, featuring a 5K and a 1-mile kids run/walk, on Dec. 14 at the UC Irvine campus. 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. 7 to 29. Holidayz at the Park will feature special decorations open 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 1 to 8 p.m. weekends. 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 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and weekends through Dec. 29 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). There is a holiday wagon ride and the farm is festively lit. Visit with the farm animals, get a photo with Santa and experience the 30-acre working farm. The farm also has a Christmas tree lot and holiday market. Tickets start at $15 for children and $25 for adults. Information and reservations: tanakafarms.com
Hanukkah celebration: The Chabad of North Irvine will host a community Hanukkah celebration at The District Shopping Center with activities and entertainment at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7.
LOS ALAMITOS
Winter fun: Winter Wonderland will be hosted from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at 10961 Reagan Street and 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
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. 7; 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 is 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. 29. 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
Island lighting: The Balboa Island Christmas tree will be having a lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the First Station at Marine and Park avenues with activities for the community. The holiday golf cart parade with island residents will be the same day at 2 p.m.
Lighting of the Bay: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will celebrate the season by lighting up its bay nightly with floating holiday decorations from Nov. 29 through Jan. 5. It offers a variety of activities, look online for prices and times.
Hanukkah celebration: The Chabad Center for Jewish Life is presenting a Hanukkah celebration, with a BMX show, starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 10. There will be activities for children, treats, a gelt drop from a firetruck ladder and a concert with The Levins. 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 116th annual event. The parade runs nightly Dec. 18-22, starting about 6:30 p.m. It starts and ends at Tip of Lido Isle. There will be fireworks at 6:15 on Dec. 18 to open the parade. Information and map: christmasboatparade.com
STANTON
Holiday tree: The city is hosting a holiday celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. 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. 2-20. 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. 6 in the Old Town Tustin area. There will be photos with Santa Claus, entertainment, activities for children and more. Information: tustinca.org
District holiday: The District at Tustin Legacy will host a holiday celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 with photos with Santa Claus, activities and crafts for kids and more. The District will also host a nightly holiday light show through Jan. 1 at The Promenade. Information: thedistricttl.com
WESTMINSTER
Tree lighting: The annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 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 Goldenwest Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Sigler Park from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. On Dec. 14, he’ll be visiting Bowling Green Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Russell C. Paris Park from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There will be crafts to do, activities, treats and more. Information: westminster-ca.gov
SOUTH OC
ALISO VIEJO
All is Bright Holiday Celebration: Usher in the holiday season with this annual event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 in the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater. There will be train rides, ornament making, entertainment and snow will fall. Santa will also help light the 22-foot Christmas tree. Information: cityofalisoviejo.com
DANA POINT
Santa on the go: The city’s Jolly Trolley will take Santa on a tour of the community on Nov. 30 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.).
On Dec. 2, 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. Information: danapoint.org
Tree lighting: The city’s tree lighting will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 30. 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. 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. 7 and 8. People are invited to bring their pets to the Clock Courtyard 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.
Boat Parade of Lights: The 49th annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place Dec. 13-15 through the harbor. The Santa’s Seaside Carnival-themed Boat Parade of Lights 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 a giant whale.
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. 7 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. 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. 15. There will be music, dancing, crafts and dreidels and the traditional menorah will be lit. Information: LaderaLife.com
LAGUNA BEACH
Hospitality Night: The festivities begin in the Peppertree Lot (Lot 2), where Santa Claus will arrive to greet holiday revelers before the tree lighting. Begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6. There will be crafts and activities, shopping, holiday performances and more through 10 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 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 22. Along with shopping from more than 180 local artists, there are holiday performances and more. General admission is $12. 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. 6 at the Laguna Hills Community Center. There will be carolers, crafts and Santa Claus will be visiting. There will also be a snow play area. Information: lagunahillsca.gov
Holiday shows: The city will host a Holiday Dance & Music Extravaganza from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 14, 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. 14 on Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park. Information: lagunaniguelparade.com
Tree time: An Enchanted Christmas Tree Lighting will be hosted by the city from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 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. 14. There will be entertainment, family activities and food vendors. Get some gifts at the “Sip and Shop” boutique and beer and wine garden. The night will end with the city’s tree lighting at dark (about 6 p.m.).
Wander Heritage Hill: Experience the historic Heritage Hill Park decked out for the season. On Dec. 6-8 explore the park and its historic buildings during the 37th 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. 13-15, 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
MISSION VIEJO
Santa’s arrival: Santa’s arrival in Mission Viejo will be celebrated starting at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at City Hall, 200 Civic Center Drive. 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. 4 to 22. He’ll be hanging out to greet visitors and take photos. Information: cityofmissionviejo.org
Mix it up: The city will be hosting Holiday Mix and Mingle from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 21 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, there will be a snow play area, food trucks and other entertainment. Information: cityofmissionviejo.org
Light a candle: The Chabad of Mission Viejo will celebrate the Festival of Lights with the community from 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the Norman P. Murray Center. Along with lighting the menorah, the event will feature music and entertainment, family activities and games. Latkes and sufganiyot, or jelly donuts, will be served. Information: cityofmissionviejo.org
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 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8, and 5 p.m. on Dec. 8. general admission is $32.50. Information: saddleback.edu
Drive-Through Nativity: 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. 13 and 14 at Mount of Olives Church. Information: moochurch.org/christmas/drive-thru-nativity
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Dine with Santa: The RSM Cares Bell Tower Foundation hosts its annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 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
Beachfront Santa: Ring in the season in downtown San Clemente from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7, with Santa’s Village by the Sea. Santa Claus will drive down Avenida Del Mar 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 4:45 p.m. on the grass at Del Mar and Calle Seville. 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. Information: san-clemente.org
Sunsets with Santa: Santa Claus will be hanging out on the San Clemente Pier from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22. Take photos with him in front of the tree and there will also be holiday music.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
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. 7, 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. Free shuttles will run on a loop through the area from 4 to 10 p.m. Information: sanjuancapistrano.org
Capistrano Lights: The Mission San Juan Capistrano’s tree lighting and music program returns on select nights from Dec. 7 to 29. The evening spectacular begins at 3 p.m. 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 lighting of the tree, among other features. General admission is $20. Information and tickets: missionsjc.com
