Although the holiday season looks a little bit different this year, we’ve put together a list of holiday events and activities to do this winter across Orange County so that you and your family can experience the holiday cheer!
NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE
The must-see Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is on schedule for its 112th anniversary this year!
A holiday favorite amongst Orange County locals, the boat parade features over 100 holiday-decorated boats and yachts cruising through Newport Harbor. The event held between December 16th-20th is totally free to view from anywhere on the land around the harbor. For an even better experience, there are several restaurants having “dine and watch” packages where you can enjoy your favorite family dinner while taking in the show or opt for one of the many boat cruises that allow you to be on a themed-boat in the middle of the action!
This year the boat parade will be streamed live online, but if you can go in person, we promise it’ll be more than worth it!
The must-see Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is on schedule for its 112th anniversary this year!
A holiday favorite amongst Orange County locals, the boat parade features over 100 holiday-decorated boats and yachts cruising through Newport Harbor. The event held between December 16th-20th is totally free to view from anywhere on the land around the harbor. For an even better experience, there are several restaurants having “dine and watch” packages where you can enjoy your favorite family dinner while taking in the show or opt for one of the many boat cruises that allow you to be on a themed-boat in the middle of the action!
This year the boat parade will be streamed live online, but if you can go in person, we promise it’ll be more than worth it!
HOLIDAYS AT THE IRVINE SPECTRUM
From November 27th until Christmas Eve, Irvine Spectrum will be host to a number of fun holiday-themed events and activities, including augmented reality, fun photo experiences, and a 75-foot Christmas tree that comes to life at night with a Christmas-themed light show.
On top of the holiday spirit that will be throughout the shopping center, this year, the Candy Cane Challenge, a scavenger hunt for the whole family, is a fun free activity that could lead to an incredible award if you find all of the candy canes!
From November 27th until Christmas Eve, Irvine Spectrum will be host to a number of fun holiday-themed events and activities, including augmented reality, fun photo experiences, and a 75-foot Christmas tree that comes to life at night with a Christmas-themed light show.
On top of the holiday spirit that will be throughout the shopping center, this year, the Candy Cane Challenge, a scavenger hunt for the whole family, is a fun free activity that could lead to an incredible award if you find all of the candy canes!
NEWPORT DUNES LIGHTING OF THE BAY
For a free and extremely underrated experience, head to the Newport Dunes for the 30th annual Lighting of the Bay! Starting November 27th until New Year’s Day, the dunes will be lit up in holiday fashion where you and your family can go on a stroll and take in the holiday spirit.
For a free and extremely underrated experience, head to the Newport Dunes for the 30th annual Lighting of the Bay! Starting November 27th until New Year’s Day, the dunes will be lit up in holiday fashion where you and your family can go on a stroll and take in the holiday spirit.
HOLIDAYS AT THE RITZ
The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Laguna Niguel will be throwing a number of events this season to spread the holiday cheer and get you in the holiday spirit!
On November 21st and 22nd, the Ritz will host tree lighting ceremonies that include holiday music, hot cocoa with Santa himself, a donation event for Miracles of Kids, Orange County Rescue Mission, and local dog shelters, and the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree to top it off!
On December 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, the Ritz will also host a Holiday Storytelling event where children and their families are invited to sit down and listen to their favorite holiday stories.
Lastly, on December 6th and 13th, head to the Ritz with your family for a fun day making Gingerbread houses and holiday cookies with the hotels’ expert pastry team!