Experience the thrill of the holidays in Rancho Santa Margarita! Our guide highlights all the top festive events and activities. From Rancho Santa Margarita enthusiasts to casual tourists, our guide is your gateway to holiday wonder.
One popular attraction during this festive season is the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train, where families can enjoy a delightful ride through beautiful, twinkling lights and holiday displays. Another must-see is Knott's Berry Farm Merry Farm, featuring seasonal shows and handcrafted holiday treats that enhance the in-park experience. And the Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with exciting rides and a vibrant holiday atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rancho Santa Margarita
- Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park (Valencia)
- Knott's Berry Farm Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train (Orange)
- Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Marina del Rey)
- Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad (Orange)
- Winter Lights (Santa Ana)
- Fontana Festival of Winter (Fontana)
- Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village (Anaheim)
- Irvine Park Railroad Train of Lights (Orange)
- Christmas Tree Lighting
See these and even more events listed below!
Rancho Santa Margarita Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with musical performances and family activities.
Description:
Join SAMLARC for the 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting at Lago Santa Margarita Lakeshore. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while singing along to holiday music. The festivities include musical and dance performances, crafts, and a reading of "The Night Before Christmas." The Christmas tree will be lit at 6:00 p.m., followed by professional family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
Irvine Park Railroad Train of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday light train ride with festive activities.
Description:
Ride through thousands of holiday lights and festive scenes on a 1-mile loop at Irvine Park Railroad's Train of Lights. Enjoy various activities in Santa's Village, including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and Rudolph Racers.
Where: Orange | More Info: Irvine Park Railroad Train of Lights
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with train rides and community performances.
Description:
The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting features train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus at the Aliso Viejo Town Center.
Where: Aliso Viejo | More Info: All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Special tree lighting ceremony with holiday entertainment and activities.
Description:
The Nutcracker Holiday Village & 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 special tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
What to Expect:
Hand-painted vintage scenes of "Peanuts" characters.
Description:
The Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall features hand-painted vintage scenes of "Peanuts" characters, including Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. The event includes train rides, live entertainment, carolers, an inflatable slide, and opportunities to write letters to Santa. Food vendors and special weekend activities add to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and themed areas.
Description:
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with over two million twinkling lights, world-class coasters, and festive treats. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live music, and explore themed areas like The North Pole and HollyRock.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park
Rancho Santa Margarita Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols 'Round the Lake
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with musical performances and festive activities.
Description:
Join SAMLARC at the Lakeshore and Beach Club for a beautiful evening filled with sights and sounds of the season. Enjoy musical performances by talented local musicians, grab coffee and hot cocoa, and stroll around the trail lights. The event features trackless train rides, gingerbread craft stations, and special photo opportunities with Santa and Gingerbread Lane.
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita | More Info: Carols 'Round the Lake
Knott's Berry Farm Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Classic holiday festival with Peanuts-themed ice show.
Description:
Knott's Berry Farm Merry Farm transforms the entire park 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 the beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang. The event also includes delectable holiday dining and a Christmas Crafts Village offering unique gift ideas.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Berry Farm Merry Farm
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
Description:
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande present Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, a vibrant show weaving cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. Through the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, witness the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey, experiencing the spirit of Posadas and the majesty of the Reyes Magos.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive science exhibits and original holiday music.
Description:
Winter Lights is a holiday musical spectacular at Discovery Cube OC, featuring an original story, captivating music, and interactive science exhibits. 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.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights
Rancho Santa Margarita Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Home Decorating Contest
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday decoration showcase.
Description:
The Holiday Home Decorating Contest at SAMLARC is a community event where residents showcase their creative and festive home decorations, fostering a sense of community and holiday spirit.
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita | More Info: Holiday Home Decorating Contest
North Pole Hotline
What to Expect:
Direct phone calls from Santa Claus to children.
Description:
SAMLARC's North Pole Hotline offers children a direct line to Santa Claus, where they can share their holiday excitement, learn about their favorite activities, and double-check the nice list.
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita | More Info: North Pole Hotline
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa Claus.
Description:
Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train offers a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park, where children can share their wish lists with Santa and have their photos taken. The train departs from the station, drops passengers off at the North Pole, and returns to Santa's Village, featuring colorful Christmas lights and decorations.
Where: Orange | More Info: Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with festive lights and decorations.
Description:
Santa's Village at Irvine Park Railroad offers a variety of activities including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and Rudolph Racers. The village is filled with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and provides many photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available, along with hot chocolate and coffee.
Where: Orange | More Info: Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad
Christmas Chalk Walk
What to Expect:
Community-driven chalk art exhibition with live music and a live nativity.
Description:
The Christmas Chalk Walk is a free community event featuring artwork by local artists, live music, and a holiday celebration. It includes a live nativity scene and the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to local charities.
Where: Aliso Viejo | More Info: Christmas Chalk Walk
Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and unique vendor gifts.
Description:
The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a free 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
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Colorfully decorated boats with festive lights and fireworks.
Description:
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade features decorated boats, festive lights, and a fireworks display, creating a spectacular holiday event.
Where: Marina del Rey | More Info: Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Fontana Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and sled rides.
Description:
The Fontana Festival of Winter is a free community event featuring train rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and various vendors and activity booths. It includes snow play and the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow.
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!
- Mission Viejo (5 miles)
- Lake Forest (5 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (5 miles)
- Laguna Hills (7 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (9 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (10 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (10 miles)
- Laguna Beach (12 miles)
- Irvine (13 miles)
- Dana Point (13 miles)
- North Tustin (14 miles)
- Tustin (15 miles)
- San Clemente (15 miles)
- Lake Elsinore (16 miles)
- Corona (16 miles)
- Santa Ana (17 miles)
- Orange (18 miles)
- Costa Mesa (18 miles)
- Newport Beach (19 miles)
- Wildomar (19 miles)
- Norco (20 miles)
- Fountain Valley (21 miles)
- Yorba Linda (21 miles)
- Garden Grove (22 miles)
- Placentia (22 miles)
- Anaheim (22 miles)
- Eastvale (22 miles)
- Huntington Beach (23 miles)
- Murrieta (23 miles)
- Perris (24 miles)
- Fullerton (24 miles)
- Westminster (25 miles)
- Riverside (25 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (25 miles)
- Stanton (25 miles)
- Brea (26 miles)
- Chino Hills (26 miles)
- Chino (26 miles)
- Glen Avon (27 miles)
- Menifee (27 miles)
- Rubidoux (27 miles)
- Fallbrook (27 miles)
- Buena Park (28 miles)
- Cypress (28 miles)
- Temecula (28 miles)
- La Habra (28 miles)
- Rowland Heights (29 miles)
- Diamond Bar (29 miles)
- Ontario (29 miles)
- Moreno Valley (30 miles)
- Seal Beach (30 miles)
- Pomona (30 miles)
- Walnut (30 miles)
- La Mirada (30 miles)
- Cerritos (30 miles)
- Montclair (31 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (31 miles)
- Upland (32 miles)
- Bloomington (32 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (32 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (32 miles)
- Claremont (32 miles)
- Fontana (33 miles)
- La Puente (33 miles)
- Norwalk (33 miles)
- South Whittier (33 miles)
- La Verne (33 miles)
- Oceanside (33 miles)
- Lakewood (34 miles)
- Bellflower (34 miles)
- Whittier (34 miles)
- Valinda (34 miles)
- Colton (34 miles)
- San Dimas (34 miles)
- Loma Linda (34 miles)
- Long Beach (35 miles)
- Rialto (35 miles)
- Covina (35 miles)
- West Covina (35 miles)
- West Puente Valley (35 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (35 miles)
- Paramount (36 miles)
- Carlsbad (36 miles)
- Downey (37 miles)
- Vista (37 miles)
- Pico Rivera (37 miles)
- Baldwin Park (37 miles)
- Hemet (37 miles)
- San Bernardino (37 miles)
- Glendora (37 miles)
- Redlands (37 miles)
- South El Monte (38 miles)
- Azusa (38 miles)
- El Monte (38 miles)
- San Jacinto (38 miles)
- Montebello (38 miles)
- Bell Gardens (39 miles)
- Compton (40 miles)
- Cudahy (40 miles)
- San Pedro (40 miles)
- Lynwood (40 miles)
- Highland (41 miles)
- Duarte (41 miles)
- Rosemead (41 miles)
- Bell (41 miles)
- Maywood (41 miles)
- Beaumont (41 miles)
- South Gate (41 miles)
- Carson (41 miles)
- Temple City (41 miles)
- West Carson (42 miles)
- Monterey Park (42 miles)
- Monrovia (42 miles)
- Willowbrook (42 miles)
- East Los Angeles (42 miles)
- Yucaipa (42 miles)
- Lomita (42 miles)
- Arcadia (42 miles)
- San Marcos (43 miles)
- San Gabriel (43 miles)
- Huntington Park (43 miles)
- Florence-Graham (43 miles)
- Alhambra (43 miles)
- Boyle Heights (44 miles)
- Gardena (44 miles)
- Torrance (44 miles)