Experience the best of Mission Viejo during the holidays with our detailed guide. Whether you're intimately familiar with Mission Viejo or just getting to know it, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
One of the standout events during the festive season is the Newport Dunes, Lighting of the Bay, which transforms the waterfront into a dazzling display of lights. Guests can enjoy a scenic drive-through experience while soaking in the holiday ambience. Another event features delightful seasonal attractions at the 31st Annual Festival of Lights, showcasing charming displays and festive activities for all ages. And the Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering thrilling rides combined with holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Mission Viejo
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
- 31st Annual Festival of Lights (Riverside)
- Newport Dunes, Lighting of the Bay (Newport Beach)
- Santa Ana Winter Village (Santa Ana)
- Nightly Tree Lighting at Fashion Island (Newport Beach)
- Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting
- Holidays at MainPlace Mall (Santa Ana)
- Corona del Mar Christmas Walk (Corona del Mar)
- Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting (Anaheim)
See these and even more events listed below!
Mission Viejo Holiday Light Displays
Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and tree lighting.
Description:
The Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Downtown Anaheim features a variety of holiday happenings, including a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping, and pictures with Santa. The event culminates in a tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting
Laguna Niguel Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with festive activities and Santa visits.
Description:
Join us for Laguna Niguel's annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall, featuring holiday performances, crafts, games, and visits with Santa.
Where: Laguna Niguel | More Info: Laguna Niguel Holiday Magic
Newport Dunes, Lighting of the Bay
What to Expect:
Free public event with over fifty floating holiday light displays.
Description:
Newport Dunes presents the 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay, transforming the serene bay into a vibrant winter scene with over fifty holiday light displays. Enjoy holiday crafts, festive food, and concessions, as well as ice skating and waterfront views. The event is free for the public, with on-site parking available at various rates.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Dunes, Lighting of the Bay
Nightly Tree Lighting at Fashion Island
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a 90-foot holiday tree.
Description:
Watch Fashion Island's beautifully decorated 90-foot tree come to life with snowfall, music, and a choreographed light display every half hour in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdale's Courtyard.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Nightly Tree Lighting at Fashion Island
Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
What to Expect:
Hand-painted vintage Peanuts character scenes.
Description:
The Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall features hand-painted vintage scenes of the Peanuts characters, including Snoopy and the gang, in a festive holiday display. The event includes nightly visits from Santa, live musical performances, train rides, and a miniature sledding hill.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
Capistrano Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with lighted features and live performances.
Description:
Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission with tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, and light features including a new lighted halo grove and scented citrus garden. The event also features Community Christmas Trees, Family Wreaths, and a harpist in the Serra Chapel.
Where: San Juan Capistrano | More Info: Capistrano Lights
31st Annual Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light display with live music and activities.
Description:
The 31st Annual Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa features millions of holiday lights, live music, rides, attractions, and food vendors. Enjoy holiday-themed decorations in downtown Riverside, including an ice rink, Santa's House, and the Merry Art Market.
Where: Riverside | More Info: 31st Annual Festival of Lights
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
What to Expect:
Thousands of colorful lights and festive entertainment.
Description:
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a winter spectacle with thousands of colorful lights, thrilling rides, and seasonal treats. Enjoy personalized meet-and-greets with Santa and his helpers, festive shows, and holiday-inspired food items.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Mission Viejo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
What to Expect:
Live entertainment by over 17 local bands.
Description:
The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a community event celebrating merchants and restaurants in Corona del Mar Village with live entertainment, Santa visits, beer and wine gardens, unique vendor gifts, and children's activities.
Where: Corona del Mar | More Info: Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
Old Towne Orange Holiday Celebration
What to Expect:
Historic district setting with community choir and tree lighting.
Description:
Old Towne Orange Holiday Celebration features a candlelight choir procession, tree lighting, and community activities in a historic district setting.
Where: Orange | More Info: Old Towne Orange Holiday Celebration
Outlets of San Clemente Tree Lighting Celebration
What to Expect:
Special visit from Santa Claus during the tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Outlets at San Clemente Tree Lighting Celebration is a family-friendly holiday event featuring original pop songs and holiday favorites. Santa Claus will join the performers on stage for the tree lighting, while OCSA performs a countdown to light California's Tallest Live-Cut Christmas Tree. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots.
Where: San Clemente | More Info: Outlets of San Clemente Tree Lighting Celebration
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
What to Expect:
Nostalgic tribute to John Denver's music with a focus on holiday classics.
Description:
Rick Schuler, America's Top John Denver Tribute, performs an intimate holiday show featuring all your favorite John Denver hits and heartwarming inspirational carols, transporting audiences back to the '70s with his nostalgic performance.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
Knott's Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Beloved ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm is a holiday celebration featuring winter wonderland-inspired decorations, Christmas shows, and festive dining options.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Traditional Mexican music and dance celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, featuring Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande. This vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season, capturing 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
Mission Viejo Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Interactive activities and live entertainment with Santa's arrival on a fire engine.
Description:
Join the community for a festive celebration featuring fun interactive activities, a petting zoo, and live entertainment. The festival will be held at 200 Civic Center, with Santa arriving on a fire engine at 6 PM to turn on the holiday lights in Mission Viejo.
Where: Mission Viejo | More Info: Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive activities.
Description:
The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting features train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Aliso Viejo | More Info: All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Lake Forest Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Description:
The Lake Forest Annual Tree Lighting Celebration features family-friendly games, crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and photo opportunities. Inflatables, trackless train rides, food vendors, and holiday-themed entertainment are also part of the event. A special appearance by Santa Claus and a beer and wine garden with last-minute gift choices add to the festivities.
Where: Lake Forest | More Info: Lake Forest Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive crafts.
Description:
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival features Santa's arrival, real snow, stilt walkers, cookie decorating, and holiday crafts, creating a joyful celebration for the whole family.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
Holidays at MainPlace Mall
What to Expect:
Diverse holiday-themed events and activities.
Description:
MainPlace Mall offers a variety of events, including the Taste of Santa Ana, American Red Cross Blood Drive, and Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, providing a diverse range of activities for visitors.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Holidays at MainPlace Mall
Santa Ana Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long event featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. It includes special events like a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and a toy giveaway.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Fontana Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and train rides.
Description:
The Fontana Festival of Winter is a free community event featuring train rides, rides and attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It includes snow play and the chance to experience snow for the first time.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Fontana Festival of Winter
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Laguna Hills (3 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (3 miles)
- Lake Forest (3 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (4 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (5 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (6 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (7 miles)
- Laguna Beach (8 miles)
- Dana Point (9 miles)
- Irvine (10 miles)
- San Clemente (12 miles)
- North Tustin (13 miles)
- Tustin (13 miles)
- Costa Mesa (14 miles)
- Newport Beach (15 miles)
- Santa Ana (15 miles)
- Orange (17 miles)
- Fountain Valley (18 miles)
- Huntington Beach (19 miles)
- Garden Grove (20 miles)
- Corona (20 miles)
- Lake Elsinore (20 miles)
- Anaheim (21 miles)
- Yorba Linda (22 miles)
- Placentia (22 miles)
- Westminster (22 miles)
- Wildomar (23 miles)
- Stanton (23 miles)
- Fullerton (24 miles)
- Norco (24 miles)
- Brea (26 miles)
- Cypress (26 miles)
- Eastvale (26 miles)
- Buena Park (26 miles)
- Murrieta (27 miles)
- Seal Beach (27 miles)
- Chino Hills (28 miles)
- La Habra (28 miles)
- Perris (28 miles)
- Chino (28 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (29 miles)
- Fallbrook (29 miles)
- Cerritos (29 miles)
- Riverside (29 miles)
- Rowland Heights (29 miles)
- La Mirada (29 miles)
- Glen Avon (30 miles)
- Diamond Bar (31 miles)
- Temecula (31 miles)
- Walnut (31 miles)
- Rubidoux (31 miles)
- Norwalk (31 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (31 miles)
- Menifee (31 miles)
- Pomona (32 miles)
- Lakewood (32 miles)
- Long Beach (32 miles)
- Ontario (32 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (32 miles)
- South Whittier (32 miles)
- Bellflower (32 miles)
- Oceanside (33 miles)
- Montclair (33 miles)
- La Puente (33 miles)
- Whittier (33 miles)
- Upland (34 miles)
- Claremont (34 miles)
- Paramount (34 miles)
- Moreno Valley (34 miles)
- Valinda (34 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (35 miles)
- La Verne (35 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (35 miles)
- Downey (35 miles)
- West Puente Valley (36 miles)
- Carlsbad (36 miles)
- West Covina (36 miles)
- San Dimas (36 miles)
- Pico Rivera (36 miles)
- Covina (36 miles)
- Bloomington (36 miles)
- Fontana (37 miles)
- San Pedro (37 miles)
- Vista (37 miles)
- Bell Gardens (37 miles)
- Baldwin Park (37 miles)
- Compton (38 miles)
- Montebello (38 miles)
- South El Monte (38 miles)
- El Monte (38 miles)
- Lynwood (38 miles)
- Carson (39 miles)
- Cudahy (39 miles)
- Colton (39 miles)
- Glendora (39 miles)
- West Carson (39 miles)
- Loma Linda (39 miles)
- Rialto (39 miles)
- Azusa (39 miles)
- Lomita (39 miles)
- Bell (39 miles)
- South Gate (40 miles)
- Maywood (40 miles)
- Willowbrook (40 miles)
- Rosemead (40 miles)
- East Los Angeles (41 miles)
- Monterey Park (41 miles)
- Duarte (41 miles)
- Huntington Park (41 miles)
- San Bernardino (41 miles)
- Temple City (41 miles)
- Hemet (41 miles)
- Florence-Graham (42 miles)
- Gardena (42 miles)
- Torrance (42 miles)
- Redlands (42 miles)
- Monrovia (42 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (42 miles)
- San Gabriel (42 miles)
- Arcadia (43 miles)
- Boyle Heights (43 miles)
- San Jacinto (43 miles)
- San Marcos (43 miles)
- Alhambra (43 miles)
- Westmont (43 miles)
- Lawndale (44 miles)
- Redondo Beach (45 miles)
- Encinitas (45 miles)
- Hawthorne (45 miles)
- South Pasadena (45 miles)