Christmas Lights in Orange County 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to take in the dazzling light displays Orange County has to offer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top displays, parades, and light-themed events you won’t want to miss in 2025.

So, come on a journey with us and find out why holiday light displays can be some of the best things to do in Orange County during the festive season!

Must-See Light Displays

We get it. You can’t make it to everything. Here are five must-see light displays to help narrow down your options for the best Christmas activities in Orange County!

Wander around Knotts Berry Farm forwholesomeholiday joy.
Take in the annual tree lighting display at City Hallé
Experience the artistry and community at Sparkle Ball Lane.
Cruise along the Newport Beach Christmas boat parade.
Take the kids to visit Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad.

Buena Park

Buena Park celebrates the holiday season with festive attractions and classic Southern California charm, making it a must-visit destination for Christmas activities in Orange County.

Knott’s Merry Farm

Knott’s Merry Farm turns the park into a full holiday village with Christmas décor, themed entertainment, and nightly snowfall on Ghost Town’s Main Street. It’s great for both families and groups, especially for those who want to pay Santa a visit.

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Date: November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Ticket Info: Included with regular park admission
Age Requirements: All ages with height restrictions on select rides
Vibe: Festive theme park meets old-fashioned Christmas village
Pro Tip: Arrive late afternoon to catch daylight rides, the tree lighting, and the snowfall finale without doubling back across the park.

Photographer: weiscisnbabs

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & City Hall Display

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Buena Park brings the community together for a warm, hometown celebration that feels both festive and personal. The City Hall lawn transforms into a holiday hub, complete with a towering tree, light installations, and live entertainment.

This event is perfect if you're looking for free Christmas activities in Orange County that still deliver a full seasonal experience.

Address: 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Ticket Info: Free admission
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Community-focused, festive kickoff event
Pro Tip: Be ready! The tree lighting countdown is quick, but the experience with the community is memorable.

Corona del Mar

Corona del Mar offers a more relaxed coastal holiday experience, combining elegant neighborhood light displays, oceanfront scenery, and community traditions that make it a charming stop for Christmas activities in Orange County.

A Very Sherman Holiday at Sherman Library & Gardens

A Very Sherman Holiday transforms Sherman Library & Gardens into a daylong festive experience full of charm, festive crafts, and community connections. If you want a one-of-a-kind gift, this is your stop! You’ll also be able to get into the spirit by sipping hot chocolate, taking the kids to meet Santa, and singing along to live music.

This event is a top pick for Orange County attractions because it balances family fun with tranquil garden beauty.

Address: 2647 East Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Date: December 6–7, 2025
Ticket Info: Members: Adults $20 | Kids $10
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Quiet garden fête meets holiday market experience
Pro Tip: Become a member before the event for discounted tickets, as this is a members-first event, and spots are limited.

Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa combines high-end shopping, brilliant light displays, and community celebrations.

Snoopy House Holiday Display

Snoopy House Holiday Display is a holiday staple with detailed, handcrafted Peanuts scenes and a nostalgic charm the whole family will enjoy. Beyond the lights, visitors can grab a bite from festive food trucks, listen to live music, and watch the adorable mini train ride that loops around the display.

Address: 77 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Date: December 13–22, 2025 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM nightly)
Ticket Info: Free admission
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Wholesome tradition, nostalgic, joyful
Did You Know? Snoopy House started as a neighborhood display, but it grew so popular that the city partnered with the family to host it at City Hall.

Winter Fest OC

Winter Fest OC transforms the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa into a seasonal playground with over a million lights, snow zones (a treat for those in warmer regions!), carnival rides, and even an ice tubing slide. Visitors can also enjoy meet-and-greets with Santa and other beloved characters.

Address: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Date: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Ticket Info: Paid admission (various ticket tiers depending on access)
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Big festive carnival + immersive snow & light experience
Pro Tip: It goes without saying, but you’re going to want to pack your camera for this one.

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Costa Mesa Holiday Lights Display Contest

The Costa Mesa Holiday Lights Display Contest brings out the city’s most creative side. Neighborhoods like Eastside Costa Mesa and Mesa Verde are especially known for going big, with coordinated themes, synchronized music, and dazzling setups that rival professional displays.

Address: Various neighborhoods throughout Costa Mesa
Date: Mid-December through New Year’s Eve
Ticket Info: Free, self-guided
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Community competition meets neighborhood tradition
Pro Tip: Plan your route on a weekday evening for easier parking and a more relaxed stroll.

Fullerton

Fullerton is home to more historic buildings per square mile than almost any other city in Orange County, which gives its holiday displays a distinctive backdrop. Many light tours weave through tree-lined streets with century-old homes decked out for the season.

Sparkle Ball Lane

Sparkle Ball Lane is a Fullerton tradition. Every year, a quiet residential street is turned into a glowing canopy of handmade light ornaments. It’s a shining example of community holiday spirit and one of the best Christmas activities in Orange County for anyone who loves authentic, community displays.

Address: Neighborhood streets in Fullerton, CA 92831
Date: December through New Year’s Eve
Ticket Info: Free
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Whimsical neighborhood tradition with a handmade touch
Did You Know? Sparkle Ball Lane has grown into a full community project, with neighbors working together to string hundreds of lights overhead.

Fullerton Light Show

Fullerton Light Show offers a dazzling, coordinated display where your car becomes the perfect seat. All you have to do is tune in to hear lights dance to music through your FM radio.

Address: 1613-1581 N Mountain View Pl, Fullerton, CA 92831
Date: Check the website for the show schedule.
Ticket Info: Free, donation optional
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Choreographed, drive-through musical light show
Pro Tip: Arrive right when the show starts or later in the evening to avoid the line of cars that tends to build up around prime hours.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach blends coastal charm with festive energy, offering waterfront light displays, holiday boat parades, and community events that make celebrating Christmas in Orange County feel both laid-back and vibrant.

Cruise of Lights

Cruise of Lights® is a unique way to take in festive displays. It’s a narrated boat cruise through Huntington Harbour, lined with lights, animated docks, and festive displays on homes and boats. The cruise is put on by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, an organization dedicated to music appreciation and education.

Address: 16889 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Date: December 19–23, 2025 | Cruises depart 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, & 7:30 PM
Ticket Info: Paid tickets
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Serene, narrated boat tour with choreographed lights, educational
Pro Tip: Dress warmly (it gets colder on the water).

Source: Cruise of Lights

Magic on Main Street

Magic on Main Street brings downtown Huntington Beach alive. Food vendors dish out seasonal treats, Santa meets guests for selfies, and street performers add whimsy to the walk. It’s Christmas in Orange County done right. You get lights, local flavor, and that community feeling all in one night.

Address: Downtown Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
Date: November (exact date TBA)
Ticket Info: Free admission
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Holiday market + community gathering with music, lights, and tree lighting
Pro Tip: If you arrive before sunset. you’ll get daylight to explore vendor booths and secure a front-row spot for the tree lighting ceremony.

Irvine

Irvine shines during the holidays with a mix of free Christmas events and festive recreations of Santa’s village!

Illuminate Irvine (Great Park)

Illuminate Irvine at Great Park kicks off the city’s holiday season with a tree lighting celebration, live entertainment, and hands-on activities. The park’s open layout allows for inventive light installations, photo ops, and space for families to spread out and enjoy the night comfortably.

This event stands out among free light displays in Orange County because it blends a polished city production with a welcoming, neighborhood feel.

Address: 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
Date: December 6th, 2025
Ticket Info: Free admission
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Festive city celebration with lights, entertainment, and family fun
Pro Tip: Parking fills up quickly once the main event starts.

Holidayz at the Park (Palm Court Light Display)

Holidayz at the Park transforms Irvine’s Palm Court into a glowing winter scene filled with vibrant light displays. Even though the list displays are centered around air flight, the Grinch still happens to make an appearance!

Address: 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
Date: December 6, 2025–January 4, 2026
Info: Free admission
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Tranquil, self-guided light display with a community feel
Pro Tip: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten up someone else’s holiday season.

Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad

Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad combines nostalgic charm with hands-on fun, making it one of the best Christmas activities in Orange County for families with kids. The event transforms Irvine Regional Park into a festive wonderland, complete with themed stations, holiday games, seasonal treats, and visits with Santa.

Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
Date: November 28th – December 30, 2025
Ticket Info: Paid admission
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Classic family Christmas with lights, activities, and a nostalgic train ride
Pro Tip: Popular evening time slots often sell out weeks in advance.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach brings a creative twist to the holidays, blending coastal scenery with artistic flair through festive markets, light displays, and community events that highlight why this city stands out during Christmas in Orange County.

Sawdust Winter Fantasy

Sawdust Winter Fantasy turns the Sawdust Art Festival grounds into a festive holiday village where classic craft meets seasonal spectacle. More than 180 artists showcase their work as glowing installations light the pathways.

You can take a stroll under glowing installations, watch live glassblowing demos, catch falling snow, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Address: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Date: Weekends from November 22 – December 22, 2025
Ticket Info: Adults $12 | Seniors $10 | Kids (6–12) $5 | Children 5 & under free
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Artistic, unique workshops, snow effects
Pro Tip: Dress in layers. The canyon is one of the best viewpoints in Orange County, but the air gets surprisingly chilly after sunset.

Annual Light Decoration Contest

The Annual Light Decorating Contest, hosted by the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce, brings out some creativity. Homeowners, businesses, and even home-based entrepreneurs compete across multiple categories, transforming their spaces into festive showcases.

Participants don’t hold back, making this short trip from Laguna Beach a rewarding way to discover standout community displays and holiday spirit at its brightest.

Address: Various Laguna Beach neighborhoods
Date: Early December – New Year’s Eve
Ticket Info: Free, self-guided
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Scenic, neighborhood-focused, relaxed exploration
Pro Tip: Map out a route that includes both hillside homes and coastal streets, as the mix of ocean views and detailed decorations makes for an unforgettable night drive.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach blends luxury with tradition, offering waterfront light displays, iconic parades, and elegant seasonal events that make it one of the most dazzling places to celebrate the holidays.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is where you’ll see more than 100 decorated yachts, boats, and kayaks. It’s a floating light show that reflects beautifully off the water. The parade has been a community tradition for over a century, and its mix of creativity and scale makes it a standout seasonal experience.

Address: Parade route and schedule vary
Date: December 17–21, 2025
Ticket Info: Free viewing from the shore | paid reserved seating and boat tours available
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Coastal tradition meets large-scale holiday spectacle
Pro Tip: Stake out a viewing spot early, especially along Balboa Island or Marina Park, as prime waterfront locations fill up fast.

Source: Christmas Boat Parade Newport Beach

Ring of Lights Waterfront Home Competition

The Ring of Lights Waterfront Home Competition turns the bayfront neighborhoods of Newport Beach into a glowing gallery of festive fun. People find delight in decorating their docks, balconies with elaborate displays, often syncing lights with music and themed décor to impress both parade-goers and judges.

Address: Bayfront homes and docks throughout Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Date: Mid-December through New Year’s Eve
Ticket Info: Free viewing from public walkways, beaches, or boat tours
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Neighborhood competition meets high-end holiday spectacle
Pro Tip: Walking Balboa Island after sunset is the best way to see the displays up close.

Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes

Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes brings together a lively mix of holiday cheer and New Year’s Eve excitement in one waterfront celebration. Families and friends can gather along the bay to enjoy live entertainment, s’mores, fire pits, photos with Santa, and the nightly lighting of the bay!

Address: 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Date: November 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Ticket Info: Free entry; VIP and reserved seating available for purchase
Age Requirements: All ages
Vibe: Waterfront celebration, fireworks. holiday joy
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot for the fireworks and enjoy the entertainment before it gets crowded.

FAQs

What are the best free light displays in Orange County?

The best free light displays in Orange County are Sparkle Ball Lane in Fullerton, Illuminate Irvine at Great Park, and Costa Mesa’s annual light contest. They’re easy to access, walkable, and full of community charm.

Do I need to buy tickets for major events?

Tickets to large-scale attractions such as Winter Fest OC, Capistrano Lights, and the Cruise of Lights require tickets, especially on weekends. It’s smart to book early since popular nights sell out fast.

Are these events family-friendly?

Yes. Nearly every attraction offers something for kids to do in Orange County, from train rides and photo ops with Santa to interactive light experiences. Some nighttime boat parades or shows may be better suited for older children due to the crowds.

When do Christmas lights in Orange County usually turn on?

Christmas light displays usually turn on the weekend after Thanksgiving and run through New Year’s Eve, with peak crowds in mid-December. Neighborhood light tours often extend later into the evening compared to ticketed events.

Make It a December to Remember

Orange County transforms into something magical during the holidays, and it’s not just about the lights. Beyond the glow of festive neighborhoods and dazzling displays, there are world-class performances happening all season.

If you’re looking to make your holiday plans even more memorable, you should check out our Cirque du Soleil shows in Orange County. The combination of artistry, acrobatics, and seasonal atmosphere creates a night you won’t forget.

Christmas Lights in Orange County: A Complete 2025 Guide