Best of Orange County
Free and fun things to do in Orange County this weekend
There is so much to do this weekend (December 6-8) in the Orange County area!
This Orange County FREE weekend events list is organized by city! Use it as a jumping off point to find things to do this weekend in Orange County and choose a few events to attend.
There are so many free things to do in Orange County this weekend, December 6-8, with family! Check out our list of events below, and visit their pages to confirm event details. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back next week for more fun things to do with family in Orange County!
Did we miss one? Email ([email protected]) or message us on Facebook or on Instagram. Visit our Calendar of Events for more –> https://livingmividaloca.com/oc-events-calendar.
If you’re looking for FREE things to do during the week, check out our community calendar, and save our FREE and DISCOUNTED things to do this Summer list.
Free things to do this weekend in Orange County with family – December 6-8, 2024
FREE THINGS TO DO IN OC TODAY
Orange County Public Library Events | OC Public Libraries
varies
Free events happening at Orange County libraries.
OC Parks Events | OC Parks
varies
Free and low cost events happening at different parks throughout Orange County.
Centennial Farm | OC Fair & Event Center
Monday – Friday, 1pm – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Centennial Farm is a three-acre working farm at OC Fair & Event Center. Created to educate youth about agriculture and its importance to daily life. Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn.
Heroes Hall Museum | OC Fairgrounds
10:00AM-4:00PM Friday-Sunday (Ongoing)
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans. Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm. Free admission and parking.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Cal State Fullerton
Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
The mission of Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton is to support the academic mission of CSUF with a world class living and historical collection and to provide learning opportunities for every stage of life, extending our resources into the local community and around the globe to foster an appreciation for plant conservation, botanical research and horticulture.
General admission | Orange County Museum of Art
11:00 am – 6:00 pm (Ongoing)
OCMA has an established reputation as an innovative art museum with a history of actively discovering and engaging with living artists at pivotal points in their careers. Since its inception, OCMA’s commitment to artists and audiences has been at the core of its activities, presenting the voices and work of influential artists and creative thinkers through innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions and programs.
Great Park Balloon | Great Park
9 am–3 pm and 7 pm–10 pm
The Great Park Balloon is Great Park’s iconic attraction. With the ability to soar 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, it serves as a public observation deck for Great Park’s development and offers an unmatched 360° view that spans 40 miles on a clear day. For up-to-date flight information and weather-related availability, call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247. Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to each session.
Great Park Carousel | Great Park
9am–10 pm
An Orange County tradition, updated with vintage-inspired scenic artwork, is a favorite for kids of all ages. The Great Park Carousel was renovated in 2021. The City repainted 12 animals and the carousel floor, and added new artwork for riders to enjoy while taking a ride on one of the community’s favorite park attractions.
2024 Festival of Lights | Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading holiday cheer by hosting the annual holiday light display, consisting of over 700,000 LED lights, set to illuminate the Harbor beginning Wednesday, November 13. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor include a giant whale sculpture, #happyharbordays, lighted palm trees, giant beach-ball ornaments, the crowd-favorite Merry Kiss Me ™ arch and much more. The 2024 lights span the Wharf, boardwalk, and Bump Out Park near Baby Beach.
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Live Music | Anaheim Packing House
7:00PM-9:00PM (Ongoing)
Corona Del Mar
Weekend Events in Corona Del Mar
Lil’ Dickens Carolers | Rogers Gardens
12:30pm – 2:30pm and 6:00pm – 8pm
Enjoy shopping this holiday season by listening to a quartet of strolling Christmas Carolers as they perform throughout Roger’s Gardens and Farmhouse. Their repertoire includes your favorite classics and sacred Christmas carols, combined with the holiday songs you have grown to love. The Carolers will also mix in a bit of whimsy with some spirited jazz arrangements. There is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we celebrate the holidays at Roger’s Gardens.
GARDEN GROVE
Weekend Events in Garden Grove
Main Street Classic Car Show | Historic Main Street (Every Friday)
4:00pm – 8:00pm
The Main Street Classic Car Show is the longest-running car show in Orange County, California. Classics are on display for sure. But you’re likely to find all types of vehicles on the show-strip any given Friday. Because there are roughly 50 parking spaces. And with the show running every Friday you’re bound to catch a wide variety of rids on display.
IRVINE
Weekend Events in Irvine
Nightly Tree Lighting | Irvine Spectrum
5:00PM
From Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, stop by the beautifully decorated 75-foot tree in Giant Wheel Court every night to see it come to life with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes beginning at 5 pm. Dates and times are subject to change.
NEWPORT BEACH
Weekend Events in Newport Beach
Sow & Grow Fridays | Newport Bay Conservancy
9:00AM-12:00PM (every Friday)
Bring a friend and help us grow native plants for restoration projects around the Upper Newport Bay. Each week, you will have the opportunity to assist in seasonal activities like seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding, and maintaining nursery space.
Fire & Lights Festival | Newport Dunes
4:00PM-9:00PM (every Thursday-Sunday)
Experience the magic of the holiday season at our enchanting Fire & Lights Festival! Join us as we transform our bayside oasis into a winter wonderland filled with one of the most scenic and unique festive lights in the Orange County area. Relish sweeping views of the 34th annual Lighting of the Bay. Over fifty lit holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay. Festivities will take place Thursday through Sunday evenings, including Fire Dancer performances, Inflatables, Photos with Santa, Igloo Bar, & More!
ORANGE
Weekend Events in Orange
The Orange Home Grown Education Farm | 356 N. Lemon Street
9:00AM-11:00AM (every Friday)
In-person education about aspects of growing, harvesting, and distributing sustainable food.
SAN CLEMENTE
Weekend Events in San Clemente
Snowy Nights at Santa Clemente Village | Outlets at San Clemente
5:00PM, 6:00PM and 7:00PM (weekly)
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 , 2024
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Weekend Events in Various Locations
Kids Workshop | Home Depot
9:00am – 12:00pm
This workshop is designed for children ages 5 – 12. Each child can bring home a newly constructed project, a Kids Workshop apron, an achievement pin, and a certificate.
ALISO VIEJO
Weekend Events in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo Farmers Market | Aliso Viejo Town Center (Every Saturday)
8:00am – 12:00pm
The Certified Farmers Market every Saturday morning in the Regal Edwards Theatre parking lot at Aliso Viejo Town Center.
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Cars & Coffee | Anaheim GardenWalk
8:00am – 12:00pm (Every Saturday)
World class facility to unite cars and coffee‘s throughout Southern California. Come meet the locals, meet new auto owners, and talk about planting more cars and coffee’s from California to Connecticut.
Discover Nature Family Program | Oat Canyon – 6700 E Walnut Canyon Road
10:30am (Every Saturday)
Hour long, naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon to learn about the Canyon’s plants, animals, history, ecology, and more! Each week is a themed hike and ends at the Interpretive Center for a live animal demonstration. Recommended $5.00 donation per family. Pre-registration is required: HERE.
Live Music | MAKE Bldg – 500 S Anaheim Blvd
6:00pm – 8:00pm (Every Saturday)
Live Music | Anaheim Packing House – 440 S Anaheim Blvd
7:00pm – 9:00pm (Every Saturday)
COSTA MESA
Weekend Events in Costa Mesa
Segerstrom Center Tour | Segerstrom Center
10:00am – 3:30pm (Most Saturdays)
Take a free tour of Orange County’s award-winning home for the performing arts and see Segerstrom Center in a whole new light! Led by Segerstrom Center volunteer Docents, guests will explore the remarkable campus while experiencing the details and history of this cultural arts hub located in the heart of Orange County. Reservations required.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Weekend Events in Huntington Beach
Donut Derelicts | Adams Ave Donuts (Every Saturday)
Mornings
Each Saturday morning, car enthusiasts from all over gather in the parking lot of Adams Ave Donuts to enjoy a donut, a cup of coffee and a spectacle of hot rods and classic cars.
Live Musical Performances | Pacific City: Ocean Deck (every Saturday & Sunday)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Living in southern California, Annika Bellamy is Dutch /Indonesian & European Spanish. Articles in London, France, and the LA Times have called Annika‘s voice “fresh, melodic, soulful, totally unique and in her own lane”. Annika writes her own lyrics, melodies, and sings the harmonies she creates.
Winter Fest | Bella Terra
1:00 pm -7:00 pm
An evening of holiday shopping, activities, entertainment, and family fun with PHNX Wing Entertainment!
- Santa Photos 11am-5pm
- Holiday Character Meet n Greet 1pm-4:30pm
- Gift Wrapping Station 1pm-5pm
- Face Painting 2pm-3:30pm
- Hot Cocoa Station 3pm-6pm
- Magic Snow Show with Santa and Mrs. Claus 5pm-7pm
- Live Holiday Caroling + Entertainment (see below)
- Holiday Photo Op
- Character Meet n Greet
- Crafts Station
Magic Snow Fall Show – Christmas in Whoville | The Green (by Century Theater)
5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Join us on the Green for the Bella Terra Magic Snow Shows where every weekend you will meet and sing with your favorite holiday characters and be amazed by the magic snow fall.
IRVINE
Weekend Events in Irvine
Selfies with Santa | Mathis Home – 13300 Jamboree Rd.,
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Join Mathis Home this holiday season as they welcome Santa to The Market Place. On December 7 and 14 you can come take a FREE Selfie with Santa. He’ll be inside Mathis Home from 12pm – 3pm for visits and photos. Photos will not be provided, so don’t forget your camera/phone!
MISSION VIEJO
Weekend Events in Mission Viejo
Farmers Market | North Paseo, 25282 Marguerite Parkway (every Saturday)
10:00am – 2:00pm
Shop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. For more information on events at the North Paseo, visit envisionmv.com.
Santa’s Workshop | Santa’s Village at the Civic Center Plaza
6:00pm – 8:00pm (every Saturday through December 22nd)
Ho ho ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to make some holiday magic with you at Santa’s Workshop! Bring your little ones to strike a pose with the jolly couple on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to snap a couple of photos to capture the festive fun!
NEWPORT BEACH
Weekend Events in Newport Beach
Fire & Lights Festival | Newport Dunes
4:00PM-9:00PM (every Thursday-Sunday)
Experience the magic of the holiday season at our enchanting Fire & Lights Festival! Join us as we transform our bayside oasis into a winter wonderland filled with one of the most scenic and unique festive lights in the Orange County area. Relish sweeping views of the 34th annual Lighting of the Bay. Over fifty lit holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay. Festivities will take place Thursday through Sunday evenings, including Fire Dancer performances, Inflatables, Photos with Santa, Igloo Bar, & More!
ORANGE
Weekend Events in Orange
Orange Home Grown Farmers Market | 303 West Palm Avenue
9:00AM-1:00PM (Every Saturday)
Food Artisans found at the market sell items such as breads, cheeses, oils, and dips that are made using traditional methods, increasing the diversity of goods and foods found at the market and increasing the chance to share in someone else’s food culture.
PLACENTIA
Weekend Events in Placentia
Diamond 9 Sports Cards and Memorabilia Show | Diamond 9 Sports Cards (Every Saturday)
9:00AM-6:00PM
Sports cards and collectible show. Raffle every Saturday.
SAN CLEMENTE
Weekend Events in San Clemente
South OC Cars and Coffee | Outlets at San Clemente (every Saturday)
9:00am –11:00am
Common sights include supers, hypers, euscle, classics, rods, trucks, and motorcycles. But, of course, you don’t have to bring a car to put on display. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow car guys and gals.
Snowy Nights at Santa Clemente Village | Outlets at San Clemente
5:00PM, 6:00PM and 7:00PM (weekly)
YORBA LINDA
Weekend Events in Yorba Linda
Farmers Market | Yorba Linda Friends Church – 5091 Mountain View Ave. (every Saturday)
9:00am – 1:00pm
The Yorba Linda Farmers Market will feature a produce, a variety of prepared foods, crafts and informational booths!
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Live entertainment | Anaheim Indoor Marketplace- 1440 S. Anaheim Blvd (every Saturday and Sunday)
12:00pm – 6:00pm
We’re here to remind you we have FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT every Saturday and Sunday in our Placita at the Anaheim Marketplace! We are doing giveaways, all you have to do to enter is come enjoy our entertainment.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Weekend Events in Huntington Beach
Live Musical Performances | Pacific City: Ocean Deck (every Saturday & Sunday)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sit back and relax with a perfect view of the sea. Genres range from acoustic guitar to surf rock, pop, country and even steel drums. Each performance features a popular local musician.
IRVINE
Weekend Events in Irvine
Winter Workshops & Selfies with Santa | Food court near Mathis Home – 13300 Jamboree Rd.,
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Aboard the Happy Holidays Express and experience the magic of the holiday season. Guests will receive themed giveaways and train rides. Plus, the season’s most popular guy will be at the event for Selfies with Santa.
MISSION VIEJO
Weekend Events in Mission Viejo
Santa’s Workshop | Santa’s Village at the Civic Center Plaza
6:00pm – 8:00pm (every Sunday through December 22nd)
Ho ho ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to make some holiday magic with you at Santa’s Workshop! Bring your little ones to strike a pose with the jolly couple on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to snap a couple of photos to capture the festive fun!
NEWPORT BEACH
Weekend Events in Newport Beach
Community Day | Back Bay Science Center (every Sunday)
10:00AM-2:00PM
Join us as you tour the facility, including Shellmaker trail, teaching lab, and aquatic lab.
Learn about the Back Bay Science Center’s Educational Programs and how you can get more involved.
Fun, hands-on activities for kids.
Bring your friends and family for a fun day of shopping, supporting local artisans, and soaking in the good vibes. Don’t miss out on this vibrant community event!
Fire & Lights Festival | Newport Dunes
4:00PM-9:00PM (every Thursday-Sunday)
Experience the magic of the holiday season at our enchanting Fire & Lights Festival! Join us as we transform our bayside oasis into a winter wonderland filled with one of the most scenic and unique festive lights in the Orange County area. Relish sweeping views of the 34th annual Lighting of the Bay. Over fifty lit holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay. Festivities will take place Thursday through Sunday evenings, including Fire Dancer performances, Inflatables, Photos with Santa, Igloo Bar, & More!
SANTA ANA
Weekend Events in Santa Ana
Santa Cares – A sensory friendly photo experience | MainPlace Mall
9:30AM-10:30AM
In partnership with Cherry Hill Programs, Santa Cares will be held on Sunday, December 8.
Santa Cares events make the magic of Christmas accessible to everyone by:
• Reducing crowds with limited guest attendance
• Decreasing wait times by offering isolated time slots
• Ensuring that the lighting & music are at comfortable levels
• Providing trained staff to create a sensory-friendly environment
Because space is limited, to attend this event, advance registration is required.
SAN CLEMENTE
Weekend Events in San Clemente
Snowy Nights at Santa Clemente Village | Outlets at San Clemente
5:00PM, 6:00PM and 7:00PM (weekly)
Mark your calendars for upcoming Orange County weekend events.
ORANGE COUNTY EVENTS CALENDAR
How do you get YOUR event on the calendar? It’s easy! View Event Submission Guidelines and Submit Your Event here: livingmividaloca.com/event-submission-form/
Save this free Orange County weekend events list for next week!
Originally published on December 2, 2024. Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by Pattie Cordova
