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Now that the holidays are here, I’ve compiled a list of tree lightings and other special celebrations throughout Orange County.
ALISO VIEJO:
The Aliso Viejo Community association will host their Winter Holiday Event on Sunday, Dec 2nd at 4:30pm at Grand Park. This will be the official lighting of the tree, live entertainment, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
ANAHEIM:
On December 1st, Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Village at Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim will feature tasty food, a snow play area, face painting and the tree lighting at 5:45pm.
BREA :
The Annual tree lighting will take place on December 6th on the front steps of Brea Civic and Cultural Center. There will be live music and entertainment. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will stop in for a visit. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
BUENA PARK:
The 42nd Annual Candy Caneland & Craft Faire will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Ehlers Community Center, 8150 Knott Ave. there will be entertainment, food, games, a petting zoo, moon bounces, prizes, Santa and the ever popular SnowSlide.
DANA POINT:
The Holiday In The Harbor will take place on November 30th from 4:30-8:00pm. Santa will be available for pictures and Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariner’s Alley will host holiday activities geared to families and children. Some of the activities include photos with Santa, performances by various characters, holiday crafts, people painting and caricature artist.
COSTA MESA:
The holiday season started off in Costa Mesa with the lighting of a 96 foot Christmas Tree at South Coast Plaza on Thursday, November 15th.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY :
Fountain Valley Recreation and Community Services Department will kick off the holiday season with their tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 1st at 4:30pm. There will be pictures with Santa ($5), games, crafts, live entertainment, fireworks and much more.
FULLERTON:
Winter Market will take place in Fullerton on Wilshire Ave between Harbor and Pomona on December 1st from 12pm – 6pm. There will be entertainment, pictures with Santa, food booths, holiday shopping, face painting, bounce house, beer and wine garden and A “Spark of Love” toy drive with the Fullerton Firefighters.
GARDEN GROVE:
A flurry of wintry fun will fall upon Atlantis Play Center at Garden Grove Park, 13630 Atlantis Way, for the annual Winterfest event December 1st from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Holiday treat-making activities, train rides, and of course, 30 tons of snow are sure to thrill kids of all ages. Jolly Ol’ St. Nick and Mrs. Clause will be on hand for photos and to hear Christmas wishes from children. Pre-purchased tickets are available at the Recreation Counter at City Hall, 11222 Acacia Parkway, for $8 each. Children under two are free. For more information, please call 714.741.5200
HAWAIIAN GARDENS:
The annual Christmas tree lighting will take place on November 30th at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center.
HUNTINGTON BEACH:
The Miracle on Main Street Tree lighting will be on Sunday, November 25th and includes visit from Santa, treats, live musical entertainment. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. Location: 200 Main St. in front of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Event includes lighting 18-foot artificial tree. Sunshine Kids Generation and Marina High School choir, former mayor, Shirley Detloff, cookies and marshmallow rice treats, free popcorn and free coffee and hot chocolate.
IRVINE:
Capture the spirit of the season at the City of Irvine’s free Joyful Jingles holiday concerts taking place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 A community tradition, the concerts will feature a selection of uplifting seasonal and holiday music performed local choral groups. Admission is free; parking is $10. Tickets will be available at the door starting at 2 p.m. with the seating commencing at 2:45 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy for children up to 12 years of age as part of the City’s toy drive to benefit the families of Irvine’s adopted Marine Battalion.
Santa’s Wonderland – At Santa’s Wonderland become and honorary Elf in our Elf Academy, decorate gingerbread, play Reindeer Games, stop by Santa’s office and control room and check the Naughty/Nice list. Then make your way through the Mischief Maze. Shop the Mistletoe Market and enjoy a treat at the Candy Cane Cafe’. November 23 – December 31st.
LA HABRA:
The City’s Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Monday, December 3rd at 6:00pm and will include a performance by a local choir.
LADERA RANCH:
Ladera Ranch will be holding their Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7th.
LAGUNA NIGUEL:
Saturday, December 8th will be the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade filled with beautiful horses, military tributes, youth groups, classic autos, marching bands and more.
LAKE FOREST:
Visit the 31st Annual Victorian Christmas at Heritage Hill Historical Park. That will include making hand dipped candles, see beautiful historical village decorated in the holiday cheer of the era. Fee is $4Adults, $3Children.
MISSION VIEJO:
Santa arrives in Mission Viejo on Sunday, November 25th. The Celebration begins at 3pm in the Civic Center Plaza and is open to all ages. The event includes a make and take craft, games, and holiday stories for kids. There will also be carolers and snacks and goodies along with entertainment.
NEWPORT BEACH:
Fashion Island kicked off the holiday season with a dramatic and festive tree lighting ceremony with Mickey and friends on November 13th and 14th.
ORANGE:
The 18th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession will take place at the Old Towne Plaza Area on Sunday December 2nd. The Holiday festivities will begin at 3:30pm with a musical program.
SAN CLEMENTE:
On Saturday, December 1st, Santa’s Village by the Sea presents Holly Jolly Hoopla to Christmas at the Casa. The event kicks off at the Community Center at 2pm with sledding, cookie decorating, pictures with Santa and movies. Then continue to Casa Romantica at 5:30pm for carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, holiday entertainment and holiday exhibitions.
SANTA FE SPRINGS:
The City’s Traditional Tree Lighting will be on Saturday, December 1st at 5:00pm at the Town Center Green. Enjoy entertainment, crafts and pictures with Santa.
STANTON:
Stanton Community Foundation will host their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 6th at 5:30pm at the Stanton Civic Center. There will be entertainment and refreshments.
TUSTIN :
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at Library Plaza at 6:00pm
YORBA LINDA:
Entertainment and activities for the kids and a delicious breakfast with Santa for the whole family to enjoy. Chance to visit with Santa and share their holiday wish list. Pre-registration required. For more information please call the Yorba Linda Community Center 714-961-7181. Saturday, December 8th at 9am
