As the holiday season approaches, Orange County offers a variety of festive tree and menorah lighting ceremonies to usher in the celebrations. These events typically occur right after Thanksgiving or in early December, making them perfect additions to your calendar.
Below is a curated list of upcoming events for 2024:

1. Dana Point Harbor – Festival of Lights

  • Dates: December 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
  • Location: Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Experience the harbor transformed into a festive wonderland with thousands of lights, holiday displays, and nightly illuminated boat rides.
  • Link: Dana Point Harbor Festival of Lights

2. Mission Viejo Civic Center – Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting

  • Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Festival Celebration), 6:00 PM (Santa Arrives)
  • Location: Civic Center Plaza, 200 Civic Center Dr., Mission Viejo
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Kick off the holiday season with a festive celebration featuring live entertainment, crafts, and the arrival of Santa Claus to light the Christmas tree.
  • Link: Mission Viejo Civic Center Event

3. Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel – Holiday Tree Lighting

  • Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point
  • Admission: Free; donations accepted for local charities
  • Details: Experience an elegant tree lighting ceremony with live music, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus.
  • Link: Ritz-Carlton Tree Lighting

4. Outlets at San Clemente – Tree Lighting Concert

  • Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Location: Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Enjoy a live concert featuring holiday music, followed by the lighting of a towering Christmas tree.
  • Link: San Clemente Outlets Tree Lighting

5. Mission San Juan Capistrano – Capistrano Lights

  • Dates: December 7 – December 29, 2024 (select evenings)
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM; tree lighting at 5:05 PM
  • Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
  • Admission: Adults $20, Seniors $17, Youth $14, Children under 4 free
  • Details: Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only mission with nightly tree lighting, music, and festive activities.
  • Link: Capistrano Lights

6. Rancho Santa Margarita – Christmas Tree Lighting

  • Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 PM
  • Location: Central Park, 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Join the community for a joyful evening featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree, live entertainment, and holiday festivities.
  • Link: Rancho Santa Margarita Event

7. Newport Beach – Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

  • Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr., Newport Beach
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Celebrate the season with the annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring live entertainment, refreshments, and a visit from Santa.
  • Link: Newport Beach Tree Lighting

Menorah Lighting Ceremonies:

8. Mission Viejo – Menorah Lighting at The Shops

  • Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 PM
  • Location: The Shops at Mission Viejo, 555 The Shops Blvd, Mission Viejo
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Join the community for the annual menorah lighting ceremony, featuring traditional songs, refreshments, and family-friendly activities.
  • Link: Mission Viejo Menorah Lighting

9. Newport Beach – Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island

  • Date: Monday, December 23, 2024
  • Time: 4:00 PM
  • Location: Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach
  • Admission: Free
  • Details: Celebrate Hanukkah with the annual menorah lighting ceremony, which includes live music, refreshments, and activities for children.
  • Link: Newport Beach Menorah Lighting