Okay, the holidays are here, and let’s be honest, Southern California is the only place where a Santa hat and flip-flops actually make sense. Anaheim and Orange County go all out this time of year, mixing that signature sunshine with plenty of sparkle, great food, and festive activities. If you’re planning a trip to Anaheim this season, here are a few musts to add to your list!

Disney Holiday

Get Your Classic Disneyland® Resort Holiday Fix

Seriously, you can't talk about the holidays in Anaheim without talking about Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. This holiday season, we're talking Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle covered in thousands of lights, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and the legendary “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.” Don't miss classics like the “it's a small world” Holiday or the newer Haunted Mansion Holiday, serving up frightfully festive vibes courtesy of Jack Skellington.

Pro Tip: More information can be found on our ultimate guide to Celebrating the Holidays at Disneyland® Resort.

 

Disney Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Anaheim Mickey and Friends

Foodies at Disney California Adventure® Park: Eat Your Way Around the World

If your main goal during the holidays is to snack, you won’t want to miss Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure® Park. They set up all sorts of Festive Food Marketplace kiosks celebrating diverse holiday traditions such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Grab a Sip and Savor Pass and just eat your way through the park!

Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting Anaheim City

 

Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting

Start the holiday season on December 7th at Anaheim’s 31st Annual Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Village! Center Street Promenade will transform into a festive wonderland with performances, holiday crafts, local artisan shopping, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance, and there’s even a Candy Canine Dog Costume Contest for all the holiday-loving pups. Gather at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. for the grand tree lighting ceremony, followed by dazzling performances by the Anaheim Ballet, Sean Oliu, and local choirs.

 

Lace Up Your Skates

The Rinks Anaheim Ice lets you live out your Olympic dreams (or just try not to fall). Rent a pair of skates and take a spin around the ice. It's a classic, fun holiday activity that gets you moving, and it's a nice break from the park crowds.

The Rinks Anaheim ICE

Anaheim Ducks game in anaheim, Ca inside Honda Center

 

Catch the Anaheim Ducks this December

There’s just something about hockey and winter that feels right, even in sunny Southern California, where snow is nowhere in sight! For a dose of holiday NHL action, head to the Honda Center and catch an Anaheim Ducks game this December. The team has nine home games this month, including a matchup on New Year’s Eve, so grab your tickets here and get ready to cheer.

Hit the Brew Trail for Seasonal Craft Beer

Anaheim is a serious beer city, and nothing pairs better with the cooler months than a rich, seasonal brew. Follow the La Palma Beer Trail to discover some of the region’s best spots, like Bottle Logic Brewing for inventive stouts, Brewery X for holiday-themed releases, and Unsung Brewing for superhero-inspired pours. With dozens of breweries pouring limited-edition winter ales and festive barrel-aged favorites, December is the perfect time to toast the season in Anaheim.

Micheladas and Beer

Enjoy the Holidays in Greater Orange County

Knott's Merry Farm Hang Time Ride

Go Country for the Holidays at Knott's Merry Farm

This December, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into the beloved Knott’s Merry Farm. The Old West Ghost Town turns into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and a festive Christmas Crafts Village where you can shop for handmade gifts. Stop by Santa’s Christmas Cabin for a photo or hit the ice for a skate with Snoopy. Learn more about this year’s holiday happenings at Knott’s Berry Farm here.

Winter Fest OC

From November 28th to January 4th, Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair and Event Center brings the magic of winter to life with over a million twinkling lights, grand holiday decor, and exciting attractions. Journey through the North Pole, skate along the enchanting Ice Trail, and dive into the new Snow Play area, perfect for building snowmen and sledding! Thrill-seekers can race down the 150-foot ice tubing slide at Snowflake Summit, while families can enjoy an expanded carnival filled with games and rides for all ages. 

 

Winterfest OC 2023 winter activities & ice skating

Irvine Regional Park Hay Rides & Pumpkin patches

Santa’s Village and Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad

For a magical holiday experience, visit Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad from November 28th through December 30th (closed on Dec 24-25th). Take photos with Santa, decorate cookies, and enjoy classic carnival games and rides. Board the Christmas Train to the North Pole, where children can share their wish lists with the big man himself! Expect plenty of lights, festive decor, holiday-themed food, and family-friendly fun.

Ice Skating at the Irvine Spectrum Center

Now through January 4, 2026, enjoy skating under the open sky at the Irvine Spectrum Center’s annual open-air ice rink, perfect for families, friends, and festive gatherings! Glide across the ice and embrace the holiday spirit, with special events like Skating with Santa on December 7th and themed Thursday nights featuring live DJ music for an extra dose of seasonal fun.

 

irvine-spectrum-ice-rink

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Costa Mesa, Anaheim and Orange County

Enjoy a Holiday Show at the Segerstrom Center

For some lively holiday entertainment, head over to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, one of Orange County’s premier venues for ballet and symphony performances. This December some of their holiday-themed events include:

  • Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake (Pacific Symphony) — December 4–6, 2025
  • The Nutcracker for Kids (Pacific Symphony) — December 6, 2025
  • American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker — December 11–21, 2025
  • ’Tis the Season! (Pacific Chorale) — December 21–22, 2025
  • Fiesta Navidad — December 23, 2025

Catch the Gray Whales on Their Way South

Did you know December marks the start of gray whale migration season? Orange County has front-row seats to one of the most incredible natural events in Southern California. These massive mammals make their way down the coast toward Mexico, and you can spot them right from the shore of many local beaches. Or, to see the action up close, head out on a whale-watching tour from Newport Beach or Dana Point and make a whole day of it!

Newport Landing Whale Watching

Calendar Events in AnaheimWhat's Happening This Weekend?

 Want to discover more festive events in Anaheim and Orange County this holiday season? Check out our events calendar for the latest holiday happenings and joyful gatherings!

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