December plans have a way of filling up before December arrives.

Between visiting relatives, school celebrations and holiday gatherings, it helps to choose a few outings early. In Orange County, that could mean watching decorated boats cross the harbor, shopping for handmade gifts in Laguna Beach or taking the children on a train ride to meet Santa.

This guide brings together six December 2026 events, with confirmed dates, official links and practical details to help you plan. Several attractions begin in November, so you can also get an early start on the season.

1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

December 16–20, 2026
Approximately 6:30 p.m. each evening
Newport Harbor, Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade brings holiday lights onto the water, with decorated vessels following a route around the harbor. The 118th annual parade will take place over five evenings, giving you several opportunities to work it into your December plans.

Marina Park is a useful starting point for planning your visit. The organizer identifies it as the largest public viewing area along the route, with a waterfront setting and a playground for children. Check the route map for the expected arrival time at your chosen viewing spot; the parade’s start time is not when every location will see the boats.

Tickets: Viewing from public shoreline locations is free. Boat cruises, reserved viewing experiences and restaurant bookings have separate arrangements and costs.

Parking tip: City parking lots and permitted street parking are available, but spaces can fill quickly. Choose your viewing location first, review nearby parking and allow extra travel time. Free parade viewing does not mean parking is free.

Official parade information and route
Viewing information
Directions and parking

2. Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

December 11–13, 2026
6:30 p.m. each evening
Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point’s 51st Annual Boat Parade of Lights will bring a “Harboritaville” theme to the waterfront this year.

You can watch from the harbor’s public boardwalk and waterfront parks, or reserve a parade cruise for a view from the water. The harbor’s seasonal light display begins November 12, making this an option for an earlier holiday outing as well.

Consider arriving before the parade to explore the waterfront and have an early meal. If dinner is part of your plan, reserve directly with the restaurant and leave enough time to reach your viewing location.

Tickets: Public shore viewing is free. Parade cruises require a separate paid booking.

Parking tip: The harbor’s parking structure is at 799 Harbor Way. Its published standard policy provides the first four hours free, but special-event rates may apply. Check the current parking guidance before parade night, and avoid spaces reserved for boaters or business customers unless you qualify to use them.

Official holiday lights and parade information
Dana Point Harbor parking information

3. Sawdust Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach

December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20, 2026
11 a.m.–7 p.m.
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

If holiday shopping is on your list, Sawdust Winter Fantasy offers an opportunity to make an outing of it.

Browse artists’ work, look for a personal gift and leave time for the festival’s live entertainment. It is an appealing choice when you want an activity that combines shopping with time together.

The full festival runs Friday through Sunday, November 20–December 20, so November visitors can enjoy it too.

Tickets: Paid admission is required, with single-day tickets and a seasonal pass available through the official website. Check the ticket options for your group before purchasing.

Parking tip: The festival lists Lot 16 at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road at $5 per day, with a free trolley serving the festival area from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on festival Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This provides an alternative to searching for the limited metered spaces immediately outside the grounds.

Winter Fantasy dates and tickets
Parking and trolley details

4. Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train

November 27–December 23, 2026
Irvine Regional Park, Orange

For families planning a Santa outing, the Christmas Train combines a ride through Irvine Regional Park with a stop to visit Santa and a return journey through seasonal lights.

Despite the attraction’s name, Irvine Park Railroad is in the city of Orange.

Published operating hours are 4–9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekends, with extended hours of 10 a.m.–9 p.m. from December 14–23.

Tickets: Reservations are required, and Christmas Train tickets are sold online only. The announced ticket release is November 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. Children under 24 months ride free without a ticket. Check available departure times before making the rest of your plans.

Parking tip: The event page lists the park’s vehicle entrance fee as $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends and $7 on holidays, with free parking after 6 p.m. Allow time to enter the park and reach the station before your reservation.

Christmas Train reservations, hours and park fees

5. Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa

Select dates, November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Winter Fest OC is an option for families who want several seasonal activities in one place. The organizer lists holiday light displays, snow play, entertainment and other attractions, with additional experiences available depending on the ticket or package selected.

Before purchasing, think about what your group actually wants to do. Comparing admission packages can be more useful than choosing by the headline ticket price alone.

Tickets: Paid admission is required. Online purchasing is encouraged, and the organizer says only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Ice skating is included with certain passes or available as a separate add-on; do not assume every activity comes with basic admission.

Parking tip: Parking is listed at $15 per vehicle. The event is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card. Check the calendar for your chosen date’s opening hours, as the event does not operate every day of its seasonal run.

Official Winter Fest OC information and tickets
Operating dates, location and parking
Ticket and visitor FAQs

6. Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano

December 18–23, 26–27 and 29–30, 2026
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano

Capistrano Lights offers a holiday outing within the Mission’s historic grounds. The official December calendar lists the dates above; this is not a nightly event throughout the entire December 18–30 period.

The seasonal program includes lights, carolers, a nativity display and other holiday features. You could arrive earlier to explore the Mission, then stay for the afternoon and evening programming.

Tickets: Purchase a Capistrano Lights ticket for your selected date. Standard general-admission tickets do not include the event. The event ticket includes same-day Mission admission from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., with holiday programming listed from 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Parking tip: Public parking is available around the Mission, including a lot near Old Mission Road and El Camino Real. Read posted time restrictions, particularly if you plan to combine the event with shopping or dinner downtown.

Official Capistrano Lights information
Purchase event tickets
Directions and parking

What to arrange in November

A little planning now can make December outings easier to enjoy.

Start with the event that matters most to your household. If a particular train departure, boat cruise or ticketed evening is the priority, confirm that reservation before arranging dinner or inviting a larger group.

For waterfront outings, choose where you will watch before deciding where to park. For ticketed attractions, compare what admission includes and account for parking, food and optional activities.

It also helps to:

  • Coordinate dates with visiting friends and relatives.

  • Save tickets and booking confirmations somewhere easy to access.

  • Check walking distances and accessibility information for your group.

  • Bring an extra layer for evening outings.

  • Review the organizer’s weather and cancellation policies before purchasing.

For plans earlier in the season, explore my November 2026 Orange County events guide.

Make time to enjoy the communities around you

One of the pleasures of living in Orange County is the variety of experiences available across its communities. A waterfront celebration, an afternoon browsing art and an evening in historic San Juan Capistrano each offer a different way to spend time with the people you care about.

Save this guide and share it with anyone visiting for the holidays.

If you are considering a move to Mission Viejo or another Orange County community, I would be happy to help you explore the homes, neighborhoods and everyday lifestyle that could fit your next chapter.

Event dates, operating hours, ticket availability and parking policies can change. Details reflect official information available when this guide was prepared; check the linked organizer pages before booking and again before attending.