The 2023 Holiday Season is well underway, expressed by the numerous open boxes of advent calendars and the burnt-out candles of the once completely lit Menorah. While the merry spirit is bundled into the warmest clothing California weather allows, now is the best time to search for the perfect way to celebrate the winter break, accompanied by the smiles of ecstatic friends and family around you.
Though Orange County (OC) weather restricts many of the typical winter activities such as sledding, skiing, snowboarding, or bundling up near a fireplace sheltered from the snow – the county still has a few tricks up its sleeve. To satisfy winter urges, here is an eclectic bunch of festive activities to spread happy cheer – all of which weave around the warm OC weather.
OC Winter Fest in Costa Mesa
Interested in attending the largest Christmas festival in Southern California complete with a tubing area, an ice skating rink, and a Christmas train ride perfect for the children of your group? This seasonal pop-up fest located at the OC Fair and Event Center features a jolly atmosphere as over one million lights adorn almost every surface. This opportunity also doubles as an amusement park with a bouquet of carnival rides and games that are fit for everyone to enjoy. The OC Winter Festival is open from November 24, 2023, to January 7th, 2024 at select dates and times. Tickets are required for admission and are available either online, with select discounted dates, or at the gate to the grounds upon which, prices will be raised.
Lighting of the Bay at the Newport Dunes
The Newport bay has been transformed into a picture-perfect sea of multi-colored Christmas tree lights shimmering in the dusk. These twinkling trees add a variety of colors to the horizon and have entered their thirty-third year of illumination. This event is open from November 24th to January 1, 2024. Parking will be free for the first thirty minutes and will increase to ten dollars for a total of two hours – more parking fees are detailed here.
Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Skating
Does ice skating in front of a gigantic Christmas tree adorned with festive lights and ornaments speak to you? How about if it’s next to a Ferris wheel? Then the Irvine Spectrum Center may have just what you’re looking for this winter. This seasonal festivity goes on from November 23 to January 1, 2024, at a separate set of times from Sunday to Thursday and Friday to Saturday. The center also includes a multitude of shops to enjoy either before or after your ice skating adventure including the Hello Kitty Café, a pop-up Christmas store, and an assortment of restaurants.
Old World Christmas Market
During the holiday season, Old World Village sets up a winter market with pathways lined by Christmas ornaments and decorations. The German village invites a collection of vendors to sell Christmas-themed gifts, functioning as a delightful way to do some last-minute shopping. From crochet animals to amusing Christmas tea towels, and a brilliantly decorated German deli, bakery, and market, you’re bound to feel the wonder of Christmas. This Christmas market opens at select hours daily and features the ever-loved treasure: free parking.
South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)
It’s that time of year when shopping malls go all out with their Christmas decorations, creating a festive aura for shoppers. South Coast Plaza is no exception to this. The mall is decorated with massive decor, including a two-story Christmas tree, Santa’s village, and a gigantic snow mountain village to celebrate this season. Even if you happen to be shopped out this year, a trip around the mall to admire the embellishments may surely brighten your mood.
Fashion Island (Newport Beach)
If staying outside is your forte, the outdoor mall, Fashion Island, is also a great place to go if you want a taste of the holiday cheer. With its many Christmas decorations and humongous Christmas tree – the perfect photo opportunity for a last-minute Christmas card (or text) – this mall is a beautiful setting to enjoy a stroll with some friends, accompanied by a hot drink.
Whether you decide to go tubing, scramble for some late last-minute Christmas shopping with the company of red and green decorations, take your pick at the many shops and vendors at Old World, or ice skate in front of a stunning Christmas tree, OC has enough options to cover any activities you may long for during this winter break.
