Where to See Christmas Lights in South Orange County
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… even in South Orange County!
From Newport Beach to Dana Point and everywhere in between, we’ve rounded up the most dazzling holiday light displays In Orange County.
LET IT GLOW, LET IT GLOW, LET IT GLOW!
Photo courtesy of Newport Boat Parade.
NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE
Watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along the harbor in the 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This year’s parade will be held Wednesday through Sunday, December 13-17, starting and ending at Tip of Lido Isle. The parade begins at 6:30pm each night and is free for anyone watching from the shore.
Photo courtesy of Snoopy Holiday House.
SNOOPY HOUSE HOLIDAY DISPLAY
Celebrate Christmas with Snoopy and friends in Costa Mesa! From December 15 through 22, Costa Mesa City Hall will transform into Snoopy House, a winter wonderland offering photos with Santa, train rides, stage performances, and light displays every night from 5:30pm. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for the whole family.
Photo courtesy of Irvine Park Christmas Train.
IRVINE PARK CHRISTMAS TRAIN
Climb aboard the Christmas Train to Santa’s Village. Located in Irvine Regional Park, this manmade winter wonderland is the perfect place for children to explore Santa’s workshop, hear stories from Mrs. Claus, and admire thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. A full range of prices and event information can be found here.
Photo courtesy of Capistrano Lights.
CAPISTRANO LIGHTS
Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission! From December 2 through 30, gather in San Juan Capistrano for family photos under a 30-foot tree, candle lighting, and music performances by Dickens-era Carolers. The event runs from 9am-6pm, and tickets are priced from $14 to $20.
Hot tip: For a little extra fun, see if you can spot Sullivan the Elf and his best friend Poppy. Once you find them, snap a photo, post it on social media, and tag #ElvesOnAMission.
Photo courtesy of Sawdust Winter Fantasy.
SAWDUST WINTER FANTASY
Winter Fantasy is a one-of-a-kind holiday art festival that offers a festive shopping experience in an enchanting winter wonderland with thousands of lights and decorations, handcrafted gifts by 165 artists, three stages of live music, community performances, carolers, puppeteers, art classes, and daily visits with Santa Claus. The Winter Fantasy festival runs until December 17 (hurry!) from 10am-7pm in Laguna Beach.
Photo courtesy of Holidays at the Harbor.
HOLIDAYS AT THE HARBOR
Until New Year’s, you can experience a waterfront light display at Dana Point Harbor consisting of 700,000 LED bulbs. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor include a giant whale sculpture, palm trees, giant beach-ball-like ornaments, and the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch. Best of all, it’s free!
DRIVE-THRU DISPLAY
If you’d prefer to enjoy the spirit of Christmas from the comfort of your car, then this Orange County neighborhood is a must! For nearly two decades, residents of King Eider Lane in Aliso Viejo have been lighting up the block — connecting their homes with a string of lights and placing adorned trees by the curb. If it’s a drive-thru enchanted forest you’re looking for, King Elder Lane has it.
Are you creating an elaborate holiday display? We’d love to see it! Tag @LagunaBeach.Living on Instagram.