Events In Orange County December 2015
It’s the most wonderful time of the year with tons of things to do and events in Orange County this December 2015. Check out the list of events and start filling out your holiday calendar with some much needed merriment.
SEASON OF THE FORCE AT DISNEYLAND
Now – Wednesday, December 16th
disneyparks.disney.go.com
Source: Flickr
In anticipation of the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disneyland will give guests the chance to experience new and exiting twists on the Star Wars park attractions. Special attractions include Star Wars Launch Bay with exhibits, peeks at the upcoming film and a chance to meet your favorite characters. A new scene in the Star Tours ride, Jedi Training with new characters. Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain plus themed food and drink around the park.
IRVINE SPECTRUM HOLIDAY EVENTS
OC CHILL ICE RINK
Now – February 2016
shopirvinespectrumcenter.com/Skate
It’s skating season at Irvine Spectrum! Tickets can be purchased at the Ice Rink Box Office in Giant Wheel Court, $19 for rentals including skates, $15 if you bring your own skates. Check out the site for a complete schedule of skate times.
SELFIES WITH SANTA
Now – December 24th
orangecountyzest.com
Take a free selfie with Santa at the Carousel Court in Irvine Spectrum. Santa’s house (aka surf shack) is open Monday-Saturday from noon to 8PM and Sunday 11AM to 6PM.
DISNEY MAGICAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Now– Sunday, December 27th
orangecountyzest.com
Kicking off the holiday season at Irvine Spectrum is the Disney Magical Holiday Lights in the Edwards Courtyard. This special tree lighting moment occurs throughout the night: Showtimes begin at 5:30pm and run every hour to closing.
ANAHEIM NUTCRACKER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Saturday, December 5th
10AM-7PM
downtownanaheim.com
Source: Facebook
Kick off the holiday season at the 21st Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Shopping Village in Downtown Anaheim on Center Street Promenade. The event spans the entire length of Center Street Promenade, with the giant redwood Christmas tree anchoring the traffic circle at the west end. Enjoy tons of food, vendors, musical performances, kids train rides, free photos with Santa, a real snow play area and more holiday fun. Admission and parking are free!
BREW HO HO
Saturday, December 5th
12PM-4PM
ocbrewhoho.com
Unlimited beer tastings and holiday cheer awaits at this year’s 4th annual Brew Ho Ho Craft Beer Festival. The event includes world-class beer, yummy food trucks, festive friends and a unique craft beer holiday shopping expo for all the hard to shop for family on your Christmas list. Play lawn games, taste test the best seasonal, holiday and winter ales in Southern California and don’t forget to dress the part!
THE BIG BITE SUGAR RUSH
Saturday, December 5th – Sunday, December 6th
bigbiteevents.com/sugar-rush
The inaugural Big Bite Sugar Rush is coming to the OC fairgrounds this December, a one-of-a-kind dessert showcase and market with tons of competitions, demonstrations and entertainment. The main event will be a sugar cookie art display competition for a $250 cash prize. To sweeten the competition, attendees can bid (via a silent auction) for the chance to take their favorite display home and 100% of the auction proceeds will be donated to Share Our Selves, a local charity fighting hunger. Satisfy your sweet tooth, drool over amazing creations and be a part of the deliciousness.
FIRST TEAM HUNTINGTON BEACH SANTA PHOTO DAY
Saturday, December 5th
8AM-5PM
Huntington Beach South Office
The Huntington Beach South Office will soon be hosting it’s 26th annual Santa Photo Day. Friends and families from all over the county will line up to take a free photo with Santa. There will be a Christmas Tree and gift card give aways, carolers, trains and treats for all who come to pay a visit. So far, they have collected over $2,000 in toys which will be donated to Toys For Tots and there’s still time to give. Stop by on Saturday with the whole family – pets are welcome!
DUCK THE HALLS – KIDS PARTY
December 5th, 12th and 19th
2PM-4PM
orangecountyzest.com
Check out three different holiday trees inspired and designed by SoCal’s favorite hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks. Look for fun and interactive events and activities with the Anaheim Ducks each weekend through the holidays! Every Saturday until December 19th, families and kids are invited to enjoy crafts & games, meet Wild Wing and the Power Play girls.
WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS
Sunday, December 6th
9AM-1PM
walknowforautismspeaks.org
Walk with us and help raise funds to support vital research and top-quality programs that are changing the future for those who struggle with autism. Hosted by ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor Phillip Palmer, this fun-filled, family friendly event will feature a large resource fair, kid-friendly activities and live performances by ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack and John Easdale, lead singer of Dramarama. All the fun will be held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
JINGLE BELL RUN
Sunday, December 6th
8AM
jbr.org
Over 2,000 participants will either run the 5k timed course or take their time with a 3 mile run or walk participating in holiday themed activities including Santa’s Workshop, Mistletoe Bridge, North Pole Challenge and Present Toss! There will be a Kids’ Zone with snow, face painting and crazy hair as well. The goal this year is to raise $150,000 for arthritis. Registration goes until December 4th, Adults $45 and kids $25.
GERMAN CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FAIR
December 6th, 13th and 20th
11AM-4PM
oldworld.ws
The annual German Christmas Holiday Fair is coming to the Old World Village three Sundays this December. Shop rom up to 40 unique arts and crafts vendors, enjoy a taste of German pastries and other foods, hop in the Santa photo booth and listen to live music. Entrance is free so stop by and do some truly unique and festive holiday shopping!
NEWPORT BEACH SANTA PUB CRAWL
Saturday, December 12th
9PM
nbsantapubcrawl.com
Last year 500+ Santas raised over $9,000 for Project Access and the 10th Annual Newport Beach Santa Charity Crawl is back for more. Brought to you by OC Weekly and supported by Future Leaders of Our Community (FLOC), the Santa pub crawl will be heading through 12 bars in Newport to raise funds and festive cheer. All Santas with a wristband on two separate pub crawl routes will get drink specials all night long.
SNOOPY HOUSE HOLIDAY DISPLAY
Saturday, December 12th – Wednesday, December 23rd
5:30PM-9PM nightly at Costa Mesa City Hall
costamesaca.gov
The Snoopy House holiday display has been a Costa Mesa and Orange County holiday tradition for 48 years. Featuring several “Peanuts” character scenes, it’s a great place to visit with the whole family to take a free picture with Santa, take train rides, enjoy the elaborate display and listen to a variety of live entertainment including bands, dance groups and more.
RENEGADE SANTA RUN
Saturday, December 12th
8AM
renegaderaceseries.com
Whether you’re participating in the 5K, 10K, or kids run, the Renegade Santa Run is a blast! There will be costume contests and prizes for best running Santa, best holiday non-Santa, and best kids holiday costume. Plus the man in red will make an appearance as well so you can take advantage of a photo op with Santa! Held at Hicks Canyon Elementary School in Irvine, this race event is fun for the whole family and runners of any skill level.
FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE | THE NUTCRACKER
Saturday, December 12th – Thursday, December 24th
Show times vary
thebarclay.org
Source: festivalballet.org
Bursting with energy and excitement, Festival Ballet’s enormously popular production charms audiences of all ages. Set to the timeless music of Peter Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives the gift of a nutcracker soldier from her mysterious godfather – and then the magical journey begins! Playing this season at the Irvine Barclay Theater at UCI.
107TH NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
Wednesday, December 16th – Sunday, December 20th
christmasboatparade.com
Source: Flickr
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the nation’s longest running lighted holiday boat parade and a staple Orange County holiday event. This year’s theme is “Seas the Holidays” so take to the water and enjoy as the harbor is set ablaze for five consecutive night. Multi-million dollar yachts, kayaks, canoes and all types of small boats will light up the harbor with holiday lights for 14 miles so get your viewing spot secured!
WINTER FEST
Friday, December 18th – Sunday, January 3rd
winterfestoc.com
Winter Fest is a magical winter wonderland right here in SoCal. Experience a six-lane ice slide, world’s largest walk-through ornament, ice skating, a nightly tree lighting ceremony, snow food and tons of entertainment all a the OC Fair Grounds. This whimsical getaway is a must see and mostly held within building which makes Winter Fest as “El Nino-proof” as possible!
FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT | HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 21st
6PM in Costa Mesa
costamesaca.gov
Pajama wearers are welcome at the free Holiday Movie Night at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center. Chairs will be provided plus complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and cookies during the movie. See the movie on the big screen at 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this information useful.
Jeff Pittman, Realtor in Ladera Ranch – Orange County, California