The weather outside isn’t frightful and infact, Orange County is full of winter activities that are quite delightful this holiday season. Visitors can experience the magic of the holidays with an exciting outdoor ice rink, award-winning boat parade and interactive dinner show. At the area’s most popular theme parks, enjoy all new holiday décor, shows, rides and even meet with Santa Claus himself.
Knott’s Merry Farm
Starting the end of November, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday décor. Join in the fun with the ice skating spectacular, Snoopy on Ice, sing-along with the Calico Carolers, meet Santa Claus in his Christmas Village and be dazzled by the all new production, ‘It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown’. At night, Ghost Town comes alive with Snow and Glow, a holiday celebration of music, lights and a blanket of snow that falls from the sky.
OC Chill Ice Rink in Irvine
At the Irvine Spectrum Center, visitors can ice skate until their heart’s content at one of Orange County’s only outdoor ice rinks. The rink will be open daily from 11 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. and guests of all ages can shred the ice for only $20 per person with rentals. On Saturday nights, grab a hot cocoa and enjoy live bands scattered throughout the Center.
Christmas Boat Parade
A combination of opulence and beauty, the Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade showcases luxury yachts, personal boats and kayaks covered in Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Running two weeks in December the annual tradition is one of Orange County’s most popular attractions and was even named “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation” by the New York Times.
“Pirate’s Take Christmas!,” at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Shiver me timbers…scoundrel pirates have captured Santa and Mrs. Claus and are threatening to put an end to the holiday season at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. The two hour, interactive Christmas dinner show runs through December and includes a delicious, four-course holiday feast.
Bolsa Chica’s Christmas at the Beach
To escape the cold of the North Poll, Santa Claus visits Bolsa Chica ever year in December. Garnering his favorite Southern California outfit, Santa meets with all the good boys and girls on his Christmas jet ski. After the sun sets, put on your ugly Christmas sweater and cozy up by the fire to roast marshmallows and watch the hit movie, “Despicable Me.”
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
With a sprinkle of pixie dust, the Disneyland Resort is transformed into a winter wonderland that runs through December . The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle glimmers with Christmas lights, Jack Skellington has taken over the Haunted Mansion and boughs of holly line Main Street. Visitors can also enjoy favorites like It’s A Small World Christmas with over 100,000 lights, the beloved Fantasy Parade and the night-time firework spectacular.
Winter Fest at the OC Fair Ground
Hitch up the sleigh and head over to Southern California's biggest winter celebration. The festive event brings over 2 million lights, tons of fresh snow, nightly fireworks, crafts at Santa's Workshop and an immersive petting zoo to Orange County. The winter wonderland takes place late December through early January.