The best Christmas events in Orange County for 2026 start with the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on December 16 to 20 and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Knott’s Merry Farm, the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train, and the Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights round out my top five.
This guide ranks eight OC Christmas traditions, from free harbor parades to ticketed theme park nights. I pulled every 2026 date, time, and ticket rule from the official event pages before ranking.
December in Orange County is mostly about water and lights. Three harbors run boat parades, and two of them are free to watch from shore.
The ticketed picks sell out early. The Irvine Park Christmas Train goes on sale November 2, and the best Cruise of Lights nights go fast.
For tree lightings and one-night city events, keep our Orange County events calendar open. Our free family events in Orange County by month guide covers the no-cost December extras.
1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the Christmas event I would pick if you only do one. The 118th parade runs Wednesday through Sunday, December 16 to 20, 2026.
More than 100 lit yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes loop a roughly 14-mile route through Newport Harbor. Boats leave the tip of Lido Isle at about 6:30 p.m. each night.
Waterfront homes compete too. That contest is the Ring of Lights, and the best displays cluster on Balboa Island and around the harbor.
Opening night, fireworks, and drone shows
Opening night is the big one. Fireworks go off the Newport Pier at about 6:15 p.m. on December 16.
Marina Park hosts a free kickoff that night. The holiday market runs 4 to 8 p.m., and the parade passes the park at about 6:45 p.m. The Marina Park lot is closed to the public on opening night, so plan on street parking.
Holiday drone shows fly over the harbor each parade night. From Thursday to Sunday, the parade site lists shows at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. near Balboa Bay Club. Peninsula Park shows run at 6:45 and 8 p.m.
Where to watch for free
Watching from shore costs nothing. Marina Park is the largest public viewing area on the route.
Balboa Island, China Cove, Lookout Point, and the Balboa Fun Zone area also have good views. Parade cruises and reserved seating cost extra and sell out.
Start at Marina Park, 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Route maps and show times are on christmasboatparade.com.
This is my top pick because it is free, it runs five nights, and nothing else in OC matches the scale.
2. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is the biggest ticketed Christmas event in Orange County. The 2026 season runs November 13 through January 6, 2027.
Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Each evening, more than 80,000 lights glow while “snow” falls on parts of Main Street, U.S.A.
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks return at Disneyland Park. Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday are back too.
What is new at California Adventure
Disney California Adventure runs the Disney Festival of Holidays with food marketplaces and cultural music. “World of Color – Season of Light” returns at night.
Santa visits Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail from November 13 to December 24. Downtown Disney adds nightly “snowfall” at its LIVE! Stage, with no park ticket needed.
Tickets and reservations
Most holiday entertainment is included with park admission. You need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same park and date.
December weekends and the week after Christmas get crowded. Go on a weekday in late November or early December if you can.
The resort sits at 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802. Check the official Holidays at the Disneyland Resort page for showtimes.
This is my pick when you want parades, fireworks, and snow in one paid day.
3. Knott’s Merry Farm
Knott’s Merry Farm turns Knott’s Berry Farm into a classic holiday festival. It runs November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and the park is closed on Christmas Day.
Thousands of lights, miles of garland, and jumbo snowflakes cover the park. A Parkwide Holiday Lighting Moment happens every night.
Shows, Santa, and Calico
The ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang is the headline. “Home for the Holidays” is the musical revue with dancing toys and stage snow.
Calico turns into a Christmas Crafts Village with handmade gifts. Santa’s Christmas Cabin and a Snow and Glow show round out the evening.
Tickets and timing
Shows, light displays, and most rides are included with regular park admission. Food, drinks, and select holiday extras cost more.
Weekends run longer hours, so the lights look best on a Friday or Saturday night. Holiday weeks are the most crowded.
Find the park at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620. Hours and show times are on the official Knott’s Merry Farm page.
This is my pick when Disney prices feel too steep and you still want a full theme park Christmas.
4. Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is the best Santa visit in Orange County for young kids. The train runs November 27 through December 23, 2026, rain or shine.
You ride through Irvine Regional Park to the North Pole. Kids meet Santa and take a photo, then ride back through the “Tunnel of Lights.”
Tickets go on sale November 2
Tickets are sold online only, starting November 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. When a time slot sells out, it is gone.
Prices run $22 for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. slots. Evening slots cost $27 to $37, with 5 to 7 p.m. at the top. An online service fee is added. Kids under 24 months ride free.
Santa photos are $15 per print or $20 for a digital download. Your own camera is free to use.
Hours, Santa’s Village, and parking
The train runs 4 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. From December 14 to 23, it runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Santa’s Village is free to enter and stays open through December 30. It closes December 24 and 25. Activity tickets cost $8 each.
Irvine Regional Park charges $3 per car on weekdays, $5 on weekends, and $7 on holidays. Parking is free after 6 p.m.
Head to 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Book through the official Christmas Train page.
This is my pick for families with kids under 8 who want Santa without a theme park ticket.
5. Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights
The Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights is a 50-minute narrated boat tour past decorated homes, docks, and boats. The 64th season runs December 19 to 23, 2026.
Cruises leave at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. Every departure is after dark, so you see the lights at full strength.
Ticket sales support the Philharmonic Society of Orange County’s free youth music programs. That makes it an easy holiday spend to justify.
Parking, shuttle, and tickets
Park free in the rear lot at Huntington Harbour Mall and take the shuttle. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Cruises run in the rain, and there are no refunds unless a cruise is canceled. The boats are wheelchair accessible, but power chairs are not allowed.
The 2026 ticket price is not posted on the official pages, so check when you book. Space is limited.
The free Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Want a free option nearby? The all-volunteer Huntington Harbour Boat Parade runs December 12 and 13, 2026. Public beach viewing fills fast and parking is very limited.
Meet at 16889 Algonquin St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Buy tickets through cruiseoflights.org.
This is my pick for a date night or for grandparents who would rather sit than stand in a crowd.
6. Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights is South County’s answer to Newport. The 51st parade runs Friday to Sunday, December 11 to 13, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Harboritaville.” Expect lit palm trees and tropical touches on boats competing for cash prizes.
The harbor also glows all season. More than 700,000 LED lights switch on starting November 12 across the harbor entrance, the island, and Bump Out Park near Baby Beach.
Where to watch
Watching from shore is free. Try the walkways near Baby Beach, Island Way, or the waterfront shops.
For a wide view of the whole harbor, head up to Lantern Bay Park on the bluff. Weekend nights draw the biggest crowds.
The Ocean Institute hosts parade viewing parties. Its Premier Viewing is $45 per person. Its R/V Sea Explorer cruise sails in the parade for $65.
More harbor holiday events
Santa Paws pet photos run December 12 and 13 on the Island. Boat Rides with Santa sail December 5 and 6 from Dana Wharf, and reservations are required.
The Ocean Institute sits at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629. Full details are on the Dana Point Harbor holidays page.
This is my pick for South County families who want a boat parade without the Newport traffic.
7. South Coast Repertory’s A Christmas Carol
South Coast Repertory bills A Christmas Carol as Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition. The 2026 run is November 28 through December 27 on the Segerstrom Stage in Costa Mesa.
Jerry Patch adapted the Dickens story, and Hisa Takakuwa directs. The show runs about two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Ages, previews, and special performances
The show is for ages 6 and up. Children under 6 are not admitted, and everyone needs a ticket.
Previews run November 28 to December 3, and regular performances begin December 4. There is a sensory-friendly show on December 1 at 7 p.m. An ASL performance is on December 5 at 2:30 p.m.
The production uses smoke, haze, and strobe effects. Matinees on December 24 at noon and 4 p.m. make a good Christmas Eve plan.
The theater is at 655 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Buy direct at scr.org or call (714) 708-5555.
This is my pick when you want a dressed-up night out instead of another crowd outdoors.
8. Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique
The Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique is the most beautiful Christmas shop in Orange County. The 2026 theme is “The Stories of the Season,” and it is already open.
The boutique features 20 themed trees and more than 800 ornament styles. The gift and décor collection tops 3,000 unique products.
It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with special holiday hours posted on the store site. Dogs are welcome.
How to make a morning of it
Weekday mornings are the calmest time to browse. Many families pick one new ornament each year.
Pair it with a meal at the Farmhouse restaurant on site, then drive down to the Newport boat parade if it is parade week.
Visit 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. Details are on the Roger’s Gardens Christmas page.
This is my pick for a low-key holiday outing that works in October, November, or December.
Christmas events comparison
| Event | City | 2026 dates | Cost notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | Newport Beach | Dec 16–20 | Free from shore |
| Holidays at the Disneyland Resort | Anaheim | Nov 13–Jan 6 | Park ticket + reservation |
| Knott’s Merry Farm | Buena Park | Nov 20–Jan 3 | Park admission; closed Dec 25 |
| Irvine Park Christmas Train | Orange | Nov 27–Dec 23 | $22–$37; under 2 free |
| Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights | Huntington Beach | Dec 19–23 | Ticketed; limited space |
| Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights | Dana Point | Dec 11–13 | Free from shore |
| SCR’s A Christmas Carol | Costa Mesa | Nov 28–Dec 27 | Ticketed; ages 6+ |
| Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique | Corona del Mar | Open now | Free to browse |
How to choose in one minute
Pick the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade for the biggest free night. Pick Disneyland for fireworks, parades, and snow.
Pick Knott’s Merry Farm for a cheaper theme park Christmas. Pick the Irvine Park Christmas Train for little kids and Santa.
Pick the Cruise of Lights for a seated date night on the water. Pick Dana Point for a South County boat parade.
Pick A Christmas Carol for a classic theater night. Pick Roger’s Gardens for a calm, pretty shopping morning.
Plan your December weekends
Dana Point and the Huntington Harbour parade share the weekend of December 11 to 13. Newport runs December 16 to 20, and the Cruise of Lights fills the gap to December 23.
Want the whole year of big traditions? Our best annual festivals in Orange County guide lines up every season.
People Also Ask
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the best free Christmas event in Orange County. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Merry Farm are the top ticketed picks. The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is the best Santa visit for young kids.
The 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs Wednesday through Sunday, December 16 to 20, 2026. Boats leave the tip of Lido Isle at about 6:30 p.m. each night. Opening-night fireworks go off the Newport Pier at about 6:15 p.m. on December 16.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights are free to watch from shore. The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade on December 12 and 13 is also free. Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad is free to enter.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort runs November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Santa appears in both parks from November 13 to December 24. You need a park ticket and a theme park reservation.
Knott’s Merry Farm runs November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The park is closed on Christmas Day. Most shows, light displays, and rides are included with regular park admission.
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train takes kids to meet Santa at the North Pole from November 27 to December 23. Santa also visits Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Santa’s Christmas Cabin at Knott’s Merry Farm.
The Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights runs 50-minute narrated tours on December 19 to 23, 2026. Newport Beach and Dana Point Harbor also have ticketed parade and holiday lights cruises.
Christmas Train tickets go on sale online only on November 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. Prices run $22 to $37 by time slot, plus an online service fee. Kids under 24 months ride free. Sold-out time slots do not reopen.
