Winter Checklist of Southern California Attractions

Escape the cold for warmer temps with a visit to Orange County, California this winter. Not only are you pretty much guaranteed some sun during your visit but you’ll find less crowds and lower prices on hotel stays during the winter months. Check out all that The OC has to offer and plan your trip today!

Snoopy on Ice at Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park

Knott’s Merry Farm (Buena Park)

Late November-early January

Head to the winter wonderland of Knott’s Berry Farm (just 5miles from Disneyland) for nightly snowfall and holiday shows that will definitely get you in a festive spirit. You’ll find holiday treats only available this time of year, holiday decorations and World-Famous rides.

Holidays at Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)

Late November-Early January

Nightly firework displays, holiday parades, and more come to Disneyland® and Disney’s California Adventure® this holiday season. Dine on festive fare while you enjoy the seasonal decorations and performances throughout the parks.

Boat decorated in lights at the Christmas Boat Parade

Military Appreciation Months (Buena Park)

November-December—Throughout Buena Park

As a thank you for your service, Buena Park offers hotel, attraction, and dining discounts to U.S. Military in November and December. Military and one guest can also receive free admission to Knott’s Berry Farm on select days during these months.

Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Harbor)

December 18-22

For an oh-so-California celebration of the holiday season, head to Newport Harbor for a Christmas light parade on the water. Now in its 111th year, this celebration features yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes all lit up for the holiday season.

Children on sleds on the snow at the Winter Fest OC

Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa)

December 19-January 5—OC Fair & Event Center

Get your snow fix on the massive, eight-lane snow tube hill, and then lace up your skates to glide across the ice on SoCal’s largest outdoor rink at Winter Fest OC. There will be fireworks, nightly tree lighting, festive entertainment, and a new Alpine Village with a light maze.

Christmas Train Rides (Orange)

November 29-December 23—Irvine Regional Park

Gather your friends for a festively-lit train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa! Get your photo taken with the big man in red before you head back to Santa’s Village through the tunnel of lights at Irvine Regional Park.

Lucy, Snoopy and Sally with kids at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park

Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration (Buena Park)

Select weekends in January and February—Knott’s Berry Farm

It’s all about Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as special Peanuts-themed shows and interactive experiences come to the park at the beginning of 2020.

Whale Watching Season (Newport Harbor)

December-March—Newport Landing Whale Watching

See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, and many more on these scenic cruises in the protected waters off Newport Bay at Newport Landing Whale Watching.

Santa and Mrs. Clause with magical chest at Pirates Take Christmas in Buena Park

All Aboard, America! (Yorba Linda)

Late November-Early January- Trains at the Richard Nixon Library

Visit this special Christmas display of model trains whistling over bridges, and through snow-capped mountains, miniature towns, farms and cities at the Richard Nixon Library. This tribute to our 37th president’s love of trains is a holiday favorite .

Pirates Take Christmas (Buena Park)

December—Pirates Dinner Adventure

Yo-ho-ho, the pirates are gearing up to steal Christmas at Pirates Dinner Adventure in this epic dinner show that includes a three-course holiday feast and tons of audience participation. Will Santa escape? Get your pirate crew together to find out!

Carolers on stage at Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park

Fire and Law Tribute Days (Buena Park)

January—Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s offers free admission for fire and police personnel and one guest on select days in January.

Winter Wonderland at the Zoo (Santa Ana)

December—Santa Ana Zoo

Make your way to the zoo for falling snow, fairy lights, seasonal music, and more. Visit Santa’s Workshop and Post Office before you take a ride on the Zoofari Express and Conservation Carousel all decked out for the holidays at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Where To Stay
After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable Buena Park hotels -- most are located within walking distance to all major attractions and several offer free shuttle service to Disneyland® and local attractions. CLICK HERE for hotel deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Travel Guide HERE.

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Santa and Mrs. Clause at pirate ship wheel at Pirates Take Christmas in Buena Park

Winter Checklist of Southern California Attractions

Get To Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Pirates Dinner Adventure Christmas Show

Create Memories at Merry Farm

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