Holidays
Orange County Tree Lighting Ceremonies (2023)
Christmas season is here and we have a great list of Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Orange County! We love these FREE family events.
For ease of use, this list of Orange County tree lighting events in Orange County list is organized by city in alphabetical order. Take a look and let us know if we missed one of your favorite Orange County tree lighting ceremonies! Email ([email protected]) or message us on Facebook.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Orange County
ALISO VIEJO
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 30, 2023 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Aliso Viejo Town Center, Aliso Creek and Pacific Park Dr., Aliso Viejo
Usher in the holiday season with tons of cheer, train rides, caroling, magical snow and a visit from jolly ole St. Nick as we light our 22-foot Christmas tree! Near the fountain.
ANAHEIM
29th Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree-Lighting and Holiday Shopping Village | City Hall
December 3, 2023 | 12:00pm – 7:30 pm
Take photos with Santa, enter the Candy Canine dog costume contest, shop local vendors, and watch as we light up the Center Street Promenade tree to mark the start of the Christmas season!
BREA
Christmas Tree Lighting | Civic and Cultural Center
December 7, 2023 | 6:30pm
Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Brea’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!
- Admission/Parking: FREE
- Live reindeer
- Santa photos
- Coffee and hot chocolate
BUENA PARK
Christmas Tree Lighting | City Hall
December 1, 2023 | 6:00pm
Entertainment, festivities, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, makes the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting you won’t want to miss! Food trucks will be serving up tamales, hot chocolate and more!
For more information, please call (714) 562-3860 or visit BuenaPark.com.
COSTA MESA
South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony | Towne Center Park, Costa Mesa (Across from South Coast Plaza)
November 16, 2023 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm
FREE Kick off the holiday season with cheer at the annual South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 16, featuring many of OCSA’s talented student artists. Sit back and enjoy as our singers, dancers, and musicians whisk you away on a magical musical tour to the North Pole! General and lawn seating will be available to the public at no cost on a limited first-come, first-served basis.
6:30 p.m. | Pre-Show Entertainment by Unplugged Holiday Carolers
7 p.m. | Main-Stage Show by MONTAGE! Performance Ambassadors
CYPRESS
Cypress Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting | On the Civic Center Green, Corner of Orange Ave. & Grindlay St.
December 5, 2023 | 6:00 pm
This festive holiday evening will include:
- Performances from local schools
- Train rides
- Hot chocolate & cookies
- Letters to Santa, cards to Veterans
- Crafts
- Life-sized games
- A visit from Santa himself
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some wonderful holiday memories!
The event is festival seating, chairs and blankets are highly recommended. Free parking is available in the Civic Center parking lot.
For more information, please call Cypress Recreation and Community Services at (714) 229-6780.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Fountain Valley Tree Lighting | Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Street
December 2, 2023 | 4:30pm – 8:00pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Fountain Valley Recreation and Community Services will have their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Fountain Valley Sports Park.
The event is FREE to the public so put on a jolly smile and celebrate with us at the Fountain Valley Sports Park on Brookhurst and Heil.
GARDEN GROVE
Winter in The Grove | Village Green Park, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove
December 2, 2023 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Join us for our 6th Annual Winter in the Grove on Saturday, December 3rd from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Village Green Park! The event will feature song and dance performances from local schools and performers, holiday crafts and inflatable activities for children of all ages, a holiday craft boutique featuring handmade gifts from local vendors, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
50 tons of snow to create nine snow slides for the whole family to enjoy!
Wristbands for unlimited snow slides are $5 and can be purchased onsite at the event by cash or credit.
IRVINE
Christmas Tree Lighting | Palm Court at Great Park
December 2, 2023 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Come see the Great Park light up with holiday magic, decorations with Santa Claus, live music, and a Holiday Market. Guests are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped gift for children up to age 12 to aid the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Toy Drive.
LAGUNA BEACH
Hospitality Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony | Peppertree Parking Lot – Downtown Laguna Beach
December 1, 2023 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
The City will be hosting arts and crafts and holiday card writing to U.S. military personnel overseas in the lot until 8 p.m. Street closures in the downtown area will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Portions of Forest Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Beach Street, and the Peppertree Parking Lot will be closed to vehicular traffic prior to and during the event.
ORANGE
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession | Old Towne Orange
December 3, 2023 | 3:30pm – 7:00pm
Come join us for an evening of holiday cheer and family fun as we sing traditional carols of the season with the Orange Community Master Chorale led by Musical Director, Michael Short. Our local non-profit groups will be there too with yummy treats, and youth activities, for a nominal charge.
2022 event: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClxNi7RDKlM/
PLACENTIA
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Placentia Civic Center Plaza
November 30, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
On Thursday, November 30th, the City will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event at the Civic Center Plaza. The event will feature a NEW snow play area from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please wear warm clothing and gloves to participate. Additionally, the event will feature performances by the Musical Theatre University, the lighting of the Menorah by the Chabad Beth Meir Hacohen, Holiday crafts, the lighting of the Holiday Tree, hot chocolate and coffee sponsored by Golden State Coffee Roasters, and tasty treats from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Photos with Santa Claus will be available from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please bring your own camera for photos. The Holiday Tree will be lit every evening throughout the Holiday Season. For more information on City events, contact Community Services at (714) 993-8232.
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Lago Santa Margarita Lakeshore, 21472 Avenida De Los Fundadores
December 2, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Members and guests are invited to enjoy the sights, sounds and treats of the season while singing along to holiday music and creating precious moments with family and friends at the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting!
The Christmas Tree Lighting festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Lakeshore, followed by a storytelling of “The Night Before Christmas” and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Musical performances by The Bridge Church will take place throughout the event.
Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and holiday crafts while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival.
SAN CLEMENTE
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Outlets at San Clemente
November 18, 2023 | 5:00pm
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a magical celebration you won’t want to miss. Our Tree Lighting Concert is a festive extravaganza that combines the joy of the holidays with the power of music, creating unforgettable memories for everyone. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
🎄 Tree Lighting Spectacle: Witness the enchantment as the Tallest Live Cut tree in OC is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, casting a warm glow on the festivities.
🎵 Live Music: Enjoy performances by talented artists and musicians who will fill the air with the sweet sounds of holiday classics and your favorite tunes.
🎅 Special Guests: Be on the lookout for surprise appearances from beloved holiday characters, including Santa Claus himself, who will be spreading cheer to kids of all ages.
📷 Photo Opportunities: Capture the magic of the evening with photo-worthy moments, from the beautifully lit tree to meet-and-greets with costumed characters.
2022 event: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClK24L_D02l/
TUSTIN
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Old Town Tustin
December 8, 2023 |
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a magical celebration you won’t want to miss. The Tree Lighting Concert is a festive extravaganza that combines the joy of the holidays with the power of music, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.
WINTER HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY
Originally published on October 24, 2023. Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Pattie Cordova