Orange County comes alive during the winter season with festive lights, family attractions, outdoor adventures, and classic holiday traditions. If you are searching for the best things to do in Orange County this winter, this guide brings together the most popular events taking place from November through January. Whether you love Christmas markets, beautiful light displays, live performances, or fun activities for kids, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Roger’s Gardens Holiday Boutique is a favorite winter tradition where visitors can explore a refined palette of apricot gold and pewter green decor with twinkling lights and sparkling crystals. The boutique is open daily from morning through late afternoon, and it is located on San Joaquin Hills Road in Newport Beach.
The Christmas Market at Old World Village in Huntington Beach brings German style charm with festive decorations, freshly baked treats, live music, and fun activities for all ages. Families can enjoy the lights and holiday spirit throughout the season.
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival Grounds showcases more than one hundred eighty local artists along with live music, delicious food, and creative activities. It is a perfect place to shop for unique gifts that make a difference while enjoying the cozy winter atmosphere.
Knott’s Merry Farm transforms the entire theme park into a classic holiday festival with winter wonderland inspired decor, seasonal entertainment, and themed treats. It is located on Beach Boulevard in Buena Park and runs from late November through early January.
Irvine Spectrum Ice Skating is one of the most popular winter activities in Orange County. Visitors can skate under the dazzling SoCal sun and stars at this outdoor rink. It is one of the most iconic seasonal attractions in Irvine.
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is a magical experience for families. Guests can take an enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus and enjoy the festive sights and sounds along the way.
Winter Fest OC brings real falling snow, thrilling carnival rides, Santa visits, a one hundred fifty foot ice tubing slide, expanded snow play zones, and more. It is located at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa and offers one of the most interactive winter experiences in the county.
The Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a narrated adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet. Audiences can enjoy dazzling dancers from the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School in a performance designed especially for children.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Visitors can enjoy elaborate Christmas light displays along the bay, along with the Ring of Lights competition across bayfront homes.
Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano features a tree lighting, Dickens era carolers, a nativity scene, beautiful light features, and a scented citrus grove. It is a cherished tradition for many families and a beautiful way to celebrate the season.
Orange County offers countless ways to enjoy winter, from sparkling lights and outdoor adventures to timeless holiday traditions. This guide gives you a complete list of where to go and what to see throughout the season, making it easy to plan memorable experiences with family and friends.
If you are looking for the best winter events in Orange County for 2025 this guide covers the most popular holiday activities including Roger’s Gardens Holiday Boutique, the Christmas Market, Winter Fantasy, Knott’s Merry Farm, Irvine Spectrum Ice Skating, the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train, Winter Fest OC, the Nutcracker for Kids, Capistrano Lights, and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. These family friendly events run from November through January and offer holiday lights, outdoor ice skating, live entertainment, festive food, and seasonal activities across Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Buena Park, Laguna Beach, and Mission San Juan Capistrano.