The holiday season is upon us! Below are some fun things to do in and around Irvine.
Holidayz at the Great Park
Now through January 1st, stop by the Great Park to enjoy holiday-themed displays, events and lights in the Palm Court, near the Great Park Carousel. It’s the perfect spot to take a holiday family photo. The holiday decorations include a larger-than-life airplane, which pays tribute to the park’s military roots, playfully taken over by the Grinch.
Drop in to see the lights and displays daily from dusk until 9:30pm.
To learn more, click here.
Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad
Now through December 23rd, pack up the family and head to Santa’s Village at Irvine Regional Park (located at 1 Irvine Park Road in the City of Orange) to enjoy holiday lights, pictures with Santa, and the popular Irvine Park Railroad. Santa’s Village is open weekdays from 4pm until 9pm; and weekends from 10am until 9pm. Tickets are $6 per person.
For more information, click here.
Celebrate the Holidays at the Irvine Spectrum
Take a stroll around the Irvine Spectrum for some window shopping. Then make your way to the center of the Spectrum for some ice skating or ride on the beautiful Ferris Wheel. And don’t forget a nice family photo in front of the big Christmas tree, right by the temporary ice skating rink.
Go to Tanaka Farms for their Hikari Light Festival
The holiday light festival at Tanka Farms (located at 5380 University Drive) is called Hikari and is open now through December 30th. The word “hikari” means “shine” in Japanese, and with more than a million lights, Tanaka Farms shines during the holidays! Gates open daily at 4:30pm and close at 8pm. There is also live music on the weekends.
Take a wagon ride through the farm, listen to music and watch the lights. Tickets range from $20-$30 per person (children under the age of 2 are admitted for free). Reservations are strongly encouraged.
For more information, click here.
Pajama Movie Night at the Great Park
On Saturday, December 10th, the Great Park will be playing the family-favorite film Home Alone on a big screen at 5:30pm. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite festive pajamas for the night.
Check out Winter Fest OC
The Orange County Fair Event Center (located at 88 Fair Drive) has set up a holiday festival full of games, crafts, ice skating, and more.
For more information, click here.
Make your way down to Laguna Beach for the Sawdust Festival
The annual art festival is happening now. Stop by to check out some local art and maybe find a Christmas present.
For more information, click here.
Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption event
On Sunday, December 11th, the Irvine Animal Care Center will be hosting their annual Home for the Holidays pet adoption event. Stop by to check out some cute animals up for adoption.
Watch one of your favorite holiday movies at home
Most of your favorite holiday movies are available online for you to stream for free.
Some of my favorites are: Elf & How the Grinch Stole Christmas (on HBO), It’s A Wonderful Life & Scrooged (on Amazon Prime Video), Home Alone & The Santa Clause (on Disney+), The Happiest Season (on Hulu), Klaus & White Christmas (on Netflix).
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