Celebrate the Holidays in Irvine, CA!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The weather is cooling down, holiday lights are being strung up, people are cozying up next to the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a great book, and stores are offering great specials. The holiday season is full of exciting and heartwarming activities to enjoy, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you!
Irvine, California, is one of the best places to spend the holidays, whether you live here or are visiting for the season. The weather is temperate enough to get out and enjoy nature, and we’re near dozens of festivities. If you’re looking for holiday activities in or near Irvine, here are a few of the best things to enjoy, including great shows and performances, events, and opportunities to give back to the community.
Holiday Activities
You don’t need to stay bundled up inside to enjoy the holiday season! Here are a few of our favorite activities near Irvine that include getting outside and enjoying the cool weather.
Holidayz at the Park: At the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, from December 2 to January 7, you can enjoy a winterscape of holiday-themed displays, lights, and events. For example, the Palm Court Light Display offers the chance to stroll through decorations such as “Air Santa” and explore the military roots of the park. The lights are on daily from dusk until 9:30 p.m.
Ice Skating at Great Park Ice & Five Point Arena: Ice skating is a great way to be active and pick up a new skill. The Great Park Ice is one of the most popular ice skating rinks in the area. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy public ice skating sessions and learn how to skate. Because all sessions will be limited capacity, you will have to register before you go. If you’re interested, you can register at this link!
EVENTS
Many places near Irvine, CA, also host festive events for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. These are a few events that you and loved ones of all ages are sure to enjoy!
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting: In Aliso Viejo, you can enjoy the annual lighting of a 22-foot tall tree, featuring a visit from Santa Claus, crafts like ornament making, train rides, caroling, and opportunities for giving. Exciting aerial performances will also be a part of this year’s event. This event takes place on November 30 from 5 to 8 p.m.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW Event: The GLOW event is hosted every year at the Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula, where thousands of lights are strung up and you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. Plus, you can experience stunning views of the beach, waterfalls, bayou, and kelp forest. Dates for this event are still pending but typically run from late November to mid-January. Watch for special themed nights, ensuring each year is a completely unique adventure.
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train: Take an enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park and meet Mr. Claus himself. The train operates from November 24-December 23. Tickets sell out quickly! While you’re there, visit Santa’s Christmas Village and participate in holiday activities, including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and carnival games. There are lots of opportunities for photos and delicious food will be available for purchase as well.
Shows and Performances
On top of fun events and activities, shows and performances are another festive way to celebrate the best time of the year! Whether you want to watch a show or star in one, here are a couple of fun performances to catch this year.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Watch the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas unfold in this live action rendition of the popular cartoon. Limited tickets are available for this delightful play that runs on December 17 beginning at 3 p.m. This is a sensory-friendly (all ages) performance located at the Phantom Projects Theatre at the La Habra Depot.
Fancy Nancy, Splendiferous Christmas: Held in the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center in Anaheim, this charming remake of the endearing children’s book follows Nancy as she decorates her home for the holidays, sings carols throughout the neighborhood, and sets up her Christmas tree. Performances are held December 1-3. Tickets are offered on a “pay-as-much-you-can” basis (limited four per group). Seats are assigned one hour before the performance.
Shopping and Giving
We also love the holidays because it is the perfect time to show that love by giving gifts and letters of appreciation. It is also a great opportunity to give to those in need and make this time of year a great experience for everyone!
Irvine Spectrum Center: The Irvine Spectrum Center is one of the best shopping malls in the area! It has some of the most popular stores all in one place, making it the perfect holiday shopping stop for everyone in the family. With stores like Lucky Brand, Urban Outfitters, Lush, H&M, and more, you can find all of your must-have brands there.
Holiday Toy Drive: The holidays are such a great time for giving back to the community. This annual toy drive is something you can do with your kids to give toys to other children. This year donors are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift for children 0-12 years to help aid the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee. Drop off locations will be available from November 1 - December 11 at the Irvine City Hall/Police Department and the Great Park Visitors Center.
Celebrating Safely
On top of enjoying holiday events in Irvine, it’s also important to stay safe this holiday season! According to the US Fire Administration, this time of the year is the top time for home candle fires. In fact, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve are the top three days of the year with the most fires caused by candles! Everyone loves a pumpkin- or pine-scented candle, but be safe by monitoring them and never leaving them unattended.
Christmas trees are another common fire hazard. They cause hundreds of fires every year due to electrical light shortages or the flames from candles—especially when the tree is dry and neglected. If you’re someone who loves to keep a real tree in your apartment, be sure to water it regularly to minimize the risk of home fires. Stay safe this holiday season!
We wish you the happiest holiday season filled with the best holiday activities in Irvine, CA. We hope you enjoy these holiday activities, events, shows, and opportunities for shopping and giving back. Let us know what you like most about the holiday season! From all of us here at Axis 2300, happy holidays!
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