Plan your festive season in Garden Grove with our itinerary guide. Discover all the top holiday events and activities. Whether you're a Garden Grove insider or an outsider looking in, this guide helps you create lasting memories.
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Knott's Merry Farm, where twinkling lights and seasonal treats abound. For a uniquely festive experience, visit Queen Mary Christmas, featuring elaborate decorations and holiday-themed attractions that capture the spirit of the season. And don't forget Disney On Ice, a captivating show that brings beloved characters to life on the ice. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Garden Grove
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Disney On Ice (Anaheim)
- Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
- Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train (Orange)
- The Grove Winterland (Los Angeles)
- John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas (Anaheim)
- LA Zoo Lights (Los Angeles)
- Christ Cathedral Christmas Services
- Magic of Lights (Los Angeles)
See these and even more events listed below!
Garden Grove Holiday Light Displays
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive activities and performances.
Description:
The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony features holiday cheer, train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus as the 22-foot tree is lit.
Where: Aliso Viejo | More Info: All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with dog costume contest and Santa photos.
Description:
The Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village in Downtown Anaheim features a variety of holiday happenings, including a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping, and pictures with Santa. Guests will enjoy these activities leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular waterfront decorations and fireworks display.
Description:
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a 116th annual event featuring beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The parade takes place from December 18 to 22, 2024, with the first public viewing at Marina Park, the largest public viewing location along the parade route.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
LA Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive wildlife-inspired lantern displays.
Description:
LA Zoo Lights features an immersive landscape filled with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers. This nature-focused holiday celebration includes all-new wonders like the magical Holiday Forest and spectacular holiday photo spots. Santa photos are available at an additional fee. The event offers various special experiences, including sensory-inclusive evenings and all-ages Pride Nights.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Zoo Lights
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with life-sized dinosaurs and animated characters.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights spectacle featuring over 2 million sparkling lights, including classic holiday scenes and larger-than-life displays like the Holiday Barbie and Bigfoot Monster Truck.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
Garden Grove Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Grove Winterland
What to Expect:
Seasonal shopping and dining with exclusive collections and live events.
Description:
The Grove Winterland offers a vibrant atmosphere with seasonal offerings, including exclusive fashion collections, gourmet flavors, and live entertainment.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: The Grove Winterland
Garden Grove Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott's Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration with live entertainment and themed food.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows like "Home for the Holidays," a musical revue featuring classic Christmas tunes and holiday lights. The event also includes a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang and delectable holiday dining options.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
Queen Mary Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday festivities with iconic ship decorations and activities.
Description:
The Queen Mary Christmas event features an 80-foot LED tree lighting, ice skating rink, meet and greets with Santa, holiday entertainment, and more. Guests can stroll through the beautifully decorated Promenade Deck and Main Hall, enjoy live music and handcrafted cocktails at the Observation Bar, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the ship.
Where: Long Beach | More Info: Queen Mary Christmas
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
What to Expect:
Intimate performance of John Denver's iconic songs and carols.
Description:
Rick Schuler's performance of John Denver's music takes audiences back to the 1970s with hits like "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," and holiday classics from John Denver's TV specials and Christmas albums.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
Christ Cathedral Christmas Services
What to Expect:
Candlelit Christmas service with Choral and Congregational Carols.
Description:
Celebrate the Christmas season at Christ Cathedral with a centuries-old tradition of the Service of Lessons & Carols. This candlelit evening features Choral Christmas favorites and Congregational Carols complementing beloved scripture readings about the birth of Jesus Christ.
Where: Garden Grove | More Info: Christ Cathedral Christmas Services
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
Description:
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico is a vibrant show that weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. Through the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, it captures the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Disney On Ice
What to Expect:
Live-action Disney stories on ice with synchronized skating.
Description:
Disney On Ice is a touring ice show featuring beloved Disney stories, breathtaking ice skating, and world-class performer athletes. The event brings families together with immersive audience experiences, connecting generations through entertainment.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Disney On Ice
Garden Grove Other Holiday Activities
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Take a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The Christmas Train offers a fun experience with colorful lights and decorations, including the magical "Tunnel of Lights." Children can share their wish lists with Santa and have their photos taken. Activity tickets are available for various festive activities in Santa's Village.
Where: Orange | More Info: Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and train rides.
Description:
The Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular offers photo opportunities with Santa, children's crafts, face painting, balloon art, and train rides in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Stanton (4 miles)
- Westminster (4 miles)
- Anaheim (5 miles)
- Fountain Valley (5 miles)
- Santa Ana (5 miles)
- Orange (5 miles)
- Cypress (6 miles)
- Fullerton (7 miles)
- Tustin (7 miles)
- Buena Park (7 miles)
- Placentia (8 miles)
- North Tustin (8 miles)
- Huntington Beach (9 miles)
- Cerritos (9 miles)
- Costa Mesa (9 miles)
- Seal Beach (10 miles)
- Irvine (10 miles)
- Brea (10 miles)
- La Mirada (11 miles)
- Newport Beach (11 miles)
- Yorba Linda (11 miles)
- La Habra (11 miles)
- Norwalk (12 miles)
- Lakewood (12 miles)
- Bellflower (13 miles)
- South Whittier (13 miles)
- Rowland Heights (14 miles)
- Long Beach (14 miles)
- Paramount (15 miles)
- Whittier (15 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (15 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (16 miles)
- Downey (16 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (17 miles)
- Lake Forest (17 miles)
- Pico Rivera (17 miles)
- La Puente (17 miles)
- Laguna Hills (17 miles)
- Walnut (18 miles)
- Bell Gardens (18 miles)
- Compton (18 miles)
- Laguna Beach (18 miles)
- Chino Hills (18 miles)
- Valinda (19 miles)
- Montebello (19 miles)
- Lynwood (19 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (19 miles)
- Cudahy (19 miles)
- Diamond Bar (19 miles)
- West Puente Valley (19 miles)
- Mission Viejo (20 miles)
- Bell (20 miles)
- South Gate (20 miles)
- Carson (20 miles)
- South El Monte (20 miles)
- Maywood (20 miles)
- San Pedro (20 miles)
- West Covina (20 miles)
- West Carson (20 miles)
- Willowbrook (21 miles)
- El Monte (21 miles)
- Lomita (21 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (22 miles)
- Baldwin Park (22 miles)
- Huntington Park (22 miles)
- East Los Angeles (22 miles)
- Chino (22 miles)
- Florence-Graham (22 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (22 miles)
- Covina (22 miles)
- Pomona (22 miles)
- Rosemead (22 miles)
- Monterey Park (22 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (22 miles)
- Gardena (23 miles)
- Corona (23 miles)
- Torrance (23 miles)
- Boyle Heights (23 miles)
- Westmont (24 miles)
- Temple City (24 miles)
- San Gabriel (24 miles)
- San Dimas (24 miles)
- Alhambra (25 miles)
- La Verne (25 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (25 miles)
- Lawndale (25 miles)
- Azusa (25 miles)
- Norco (25 miles)
- Eastvale (25 miles)
- Duarte (25 miles)
- Glendora (25 miles)
- Dana Point (25 miles)
- Montclair (25 miles)
- Hawthorne (26 miles)
- Claremont (26 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (26 miles)
- Arcadia (26 miles)
- Los Angeles (26 miles)
- Ontario (26 miles)
- Monrovia (26 miles)
- Lennox (26 miles)
- Redondo Beach (26 miles)
- South Pasadena (27 miles)
- Inglewood (27 miles)
- Echo Park (28 miles)
- Upland (28 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (28 miles)
- Pasadena (28 miles)
- Koreatown (28 miles)
- Silver Lake (29 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (29 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (30 miles)
- San Clemente (31 miles)
- Altadena (31 miles)
- Glen Avon (31 miles)
- Glendale (31 miles)
- Culver City (31 miles)
- Hollywood (31 miles)
- West Hollywood (33 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (33 miles)
- Venice (33 miles)
- Beverly Hills (33 miles)
- Riverside (34 miles)
- Rubidoux (34 miles)
- Universal City (35 miles)
- Burbank (35 miles)
- Santa Monica (36 miles)
- Lake Elsinore (36 miles)
- Fontana (36 miles)
- Studio City (37 miles)
- North Hollywood (37 miles)
- Bloomington (37 miles)
- Tujunga (39 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (39 miles)
- Wildomar (40 miles)
- Rialto (40 miles)
- Van Nuys (41 miles)
- Valley Glen (41 miles)
- Perris (41 miles)
- Colton (42 miles)
- Encino (42 miles)
- Moreno Valley (42 miles)
- Loma Linda (43 miles)
- San Bernardino (44 miles)
- Murrieta (45 miles)
- North Hills (45 miles)