Originally posted at: http://www.firstteam.com/blog/cant-miss-holiday-events-in-orange-county-ca-2013/
With so many holiday events, it's hard to decide which ones to attend! That's why we've researched the best can't miss holiday activities, events and festive local shindigs you need to visit this holiday season. Whether you're looking for great places to shop, learning opportunities or just a big party, these are the events you'll want to check out!
Santa Ana:
Discovery Science Center Presents: Science Of Gingerbread – Now until Jan 5th
Treat your family this holiday season with an educational trip to the Discover Science Museum to check out the Science of Gingerbread display. Enjoy the Holiday Colors & Lights stage show, decorate your own holiday cookie snack or build and race your very own candy car for the Gingerbread Derby! The whole museum is in on the fun too with award-winning gingerbread houses displayed throughout.
Irvine:
Home For The Holidays Pet Adoption – Sunday Dec, 8th
Hosted at the Irvine Animal Care Center, the Home for the Holidays pet adoption was created as a way to bring together various shelters and rescues in Orange County in order to give hundreds of homeless pets a place to live. What better way to spend the holiday than by saving a life and gaining a furry friend?
Irvine Spectrum Ice Skating Rink – Now until Feb 17th
Located next to the Giant Wheel in between Nordstrom and Macy’s, the outdoor skating rink at Irvine Spectrum is fun for the whole family. While it may seem odd to be ice skating in 70 something degree weather at an outdoor mall, it’s certainly a fun and festive way to spend your time. Why not indulge and take a lap around in between your holiday shopping?
Newport Beach:
Balboa Village Christmas At The Beach – Dec 7th
Balboa Village is having its annual holiday celebration and tree lighting to kick off the Christmas season. Families can come for free horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, wooden boat building, live music, caroling and of course a visit with Santa for the little ones. The best way to embrace Southern California during the holiday season is by celebrating Christmas at the beach!
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Dec 18th-22nd
The Newport Beach annual Christmas Boat Parade is a classic Orange County holiday tradition and a spectacular sight to see. All type of boats from multi-million dollar yachts to kayaks and canoes dress up with dozens of holiday lights and decorations to set the harbor ablaze. The floats make their way around 14 miles to give viewers on public beaches, restaurants and private homes or clubs a show. Many boats are intricately decorated with themed displays and accompanied by lively holiday tunes. Boat owners have spent upwards of $50,000 to decorate their boats for the event!
Corona Del Mar
Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk – Sunday, Dec 8th
Held in the Corona Del Mar Village, this day event features food, music and great shopping. 12 different local bands will be performing throughout the village, the Newport Beach Fire Department will be barbecuing, restaurant tastings will be available and the kids will be busy all day long with fun and games like bounce houses, bungee jumping and more. The event also features a vendor’s fair to promote local businesses and there will be a raffle drawing with over $15,000 worth of prizes!
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Sawdust Winter Festival – Now until Sunday Dec 15th
The Sawdust festival grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland and welcome 175 different artists, displays and boutique sellers for their Winter Festival. There will be art classes and demonstrations, a petting zoo, pictures with Santa and of course tons of amazing and unique artwork to ogle and buy. By doing your holiday shopping at the Sawdust Winter Festival you’ll be supporting local artists as well as finding the most unforgettable decorations and gifts around.
