Feel the holiday spirit in Dana Point! Discover all the exciting events and activities with our guide. For Dana Point devotees and casual admirers, this guide is your passport to seasonal splendor.
One highlight of the festive season is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where twinkling lights adorn magnificent vessels as they glide through the harbor. Another exciting event, Knott’s Merry Farm, features seasonal attractions, festive shows, and delicious treats for visitors of all ages. And the Holidays At The Harbor is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming decorations and family-friendly activities that embody the holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Dana Point
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
- Knott’s Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Holidays At The Harbor
- Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)
- Dana Point Boat Parade Of Lights
- Winter Village (Santa Ana)
- Festival of Winter (Fontana)
- Winter Lights (Santa Ana)
- Magic of Lights (Los Angeles)
- Enchanted Forest of Light (Descanso Gardens)
See these and even more events listed below!
Dana Point Holiday Light Displays
Holidays At The Harbor
What to Expect:
Annual holiday light displays along the waterfront.
Description:
Holiday lights will be on display at Dana Point Harbor from November 13 to January 12, featuring annual displays like Happy Harbor Days and Merry Kiss Me.
Where: Dana Point | More Info: Holidays At The Harbor
Dana Point Boat Parade Of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed boat parade with elaborate light displays and competitive categories.
Description:
The 49th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights features holiday-themed boats decorated with lights, competing for prizes in various categories. The event takes place nightly from December 13 to 15, 2024, with the parade beginning at 6:30 PM. Participants can enjoy the spectacle from the shoreline or take a holiday cruise to get a closer view.
Where: Dana Point | More Info: Dana Point Boat Parade Of Lights
Ritz Carlton Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony benefiting Surfers Healing.
Description:
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel's Tree Lighting Ceremony features holiday performances, seasonal activations, and a majestic 40ft. tall tree lighting, all while supporting Surfers Healing, a nonprofit enriching the lives of people with autism through surfing.
Where: Dana Point | More Info: Ritz Carlton Tree Lighting
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacularly decorated boats and waterfront estates.
Description:
The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition, fireworks, and drone shows, offering a unique and festive holiday experience.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Enchanted Forest of Light
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular display of light and color with Enchanted Forest of Light, featuring interactive installations and ambient music that illuminate beloved garden spaces.
Where: Descanso Gardens | More Info: Enchanted Forest of Light
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters and scenes.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
Astra Lumina
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound experience with celestial themes.
Description:
Astra Lumina is an immersive night walk experience at South Coast Botanic Garden, featuring light, scenography, original soundscape, and projection to create an imaginative world where visitors can encounter the wonder of the stars and embrace their own human light.
Where: South Coast Botanic Gardens | More Info: Astra Lumina
Dana Point Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holidayfest
What to Expect:
Live raffle with prizes from local businesses.
Description:
Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue is a community event where guests can shop, dine, and win prizes by purchasing items from local businesses and submitting receipts through the Holiday Raffle Entry Form. The event features family-friendly activities, live music, and holiday promotions at various locations along South Lake Avenue.
Where: Pasadena | More Info: Holidayfest
Dana Point Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott’s Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Winter-themed decorations and live entertainment.
Description:
Knott’s Merry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, ice skating, and delectable holiday dining. The event features a Christmas Crafts Village and a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott’s Merry Farm
Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays showcasing physics and illumination.
Description:
Winter Lights is a holiday musical spectacular at Discovery Cube Orange County, featuring a heartwarming story, captivating music, and interactive light displays. The show blends hope, resilience, and magic, set against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis. It includes unique characters like a science fairy and a lovable robot crafted from a toaster. The event is designed to inspire young minds and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
What to Expect:
Nostalgic John Denver tribute concert with classic holiday songs.
Description:
Join Rick Schuler, America's Top John Denver Tribute, for a nostalgic holiday show featuring all your favorite John Denver hits and heartwarming carols from his memorable TV specials and Christmas albums.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
Dana Point Other Holiday Activities
Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more. It includes special events like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Village
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival features Santa's arrival, real snow, stilt walkers, bubble elves, face painters, balloon twisters, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and holiday crafts.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and train rides.
Description:
The Festival of Winter in Fontana, CA, is a free community event featuring train rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. Visitors can also enjoy snow play and experience snow for the first time.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with themed decorations and special events.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood with festive decorations, special events, and unique attractions that bring the magic of Hollywood to life.
Where: Universal City | More Info: Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa visits and festive lights.
Description:
Take a ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus and enjoy colorful Christmas lights and decorations.
Where: Irvine Park Railroad | More Info: Christmas Train
Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with festive lighting.
Description:
Santa's Village offers a variety of festive activities including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and mini diggers. The event is filled with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and offers many photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available, along with hot chocolate and coffee. Although reservations are required for the Christmas Train to see Santa, visitors can still enjoy the lights and decorations without a reservation.
Where: Irvine Park Railroad | More Info: Santa's Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- San Juan Capistrano (3 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (4 miles)
- San Clemente (6 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (7 miles)
- Laguna Beach (7 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (8 miles)
- Mission Viejo (9 miles)
- Laguna Hills (10 miles)
- Lake Forest (12 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (13 miles)
- Irvine (16 miles)
- Newport Beach (17 miles)
- Costa Mesa (17 miles)
- Tustin (21 miles)
- North Tustin (21 miles)
- Santa Ana (22 miles)
- Huntington Beach (22 miles)
- Fountain Valley (22 miles)
- Orange (24 miles)
- Garden Grove (25 miles)
- Lake Elsinore (25 miles)
- Wildomar (26 miles)
- Oceanside (26 miles)
- Fallbrook (27 miles)
- Westminster (27 miles)
- Anaheim (28 miles)
- Murrieta (29 miles)
- Stanton (29 miles)
- Corona (29 miles)
- Carlsbad (29 miles)
- Placentia (30 miles)
- Yorba Linda (30 miles)
- Seal Beach (30 miles)
- Fullerton (31 miles)
- Cypress (31 miles)
- Temecula (32 miles)
- Vista (32 miles)
- Buena Park (33 miles)
- Brea (33 miles)
- Norco (33 miles)
- Cerritos (34 miles)
- Perris (35 miles)
- Long Beach (35 miles)
- La Habra (35 miles)
- Eastvale (35 miles)
- La Mirada (36 miles)
- Menifee (37 miles)
- Chino Hills (37 miles)
- Lakewood (37 miles)
- Rowland Heights (37 miles)
- Norwalk (37 miles)
- Bellflower (37 miles)
- Chino (38 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (38 miles)
- Riverside (38 miles)
- Encinitas (38 miles)
- San Marcos (38 miles)
- South Whittier (39 miles)
- San Pedro (39 miles)
- Diamond Bar (39 miles)
- Walnut (39 miles)
- Paramount (39 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (40 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (40 miles)
- Glen Avon (40 miles)
- Rubidoux (40 miles)
- Whittier (40 miles)
- Pomona (41 miles)
- La Puente (41 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (41 miles)
- Downey (41 miles)
- Ontario (41 miles)
- Carson (42 miles)
- Lomita (42 miles)
- West Carson (42 miles)
- Compton (42 miles)
- Moreno Valley (42 miles)
- Montclair (42 miles)
- Valinda (42 miles)
- Pico Rivera (42 miles)
- Escondido (43 miles)
- Bell Gardens (43 miles)
- West Puente Valley (43 miles)
- Claremont (44 miles)
- Lynwood (44 miles)
- Upland (44 miles)
- West Covina (44 miles)
- La Verne (44 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (44 miles)
- Cudahy (44 miles)
- Montebello (44 miles)
- Covina (44 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (45 miles)
- Willowbrook (45 miles)
- San Dimas (45 miles)
- South Gate (45 miles)
- Torrance (45 miles)