Disneyland Resort
It’s the Merriest Place on Earth! The Disneyland Resort transforms both parks into a festive wonderland. Experience the tree lighting and snow on Main Street with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Be dazzled by the illuminated facade and darling songs of the world’s children on it’s a small world holiday. Accompanied by Santa Claus, the Disney characters will help ring in the season during the Christmas Fantasy Parade.
The charm of the holidays at Disneyland is delightful, as are the multicultural festivities happening at Disney California Adventure Park. Sample seasonal favorites from around the globe during the Festival of Holidays with musical performances from bands like Mostly Kosher. After dining on diverse culinary offerings, head to Cars Land where the holiday decor is given an automotive theme. Themed attraction overlays like Mater’s Jingle Jamboree make the holidays the most magical time of the year.
More info: Disneyland Resort
Knott’s Merry Farm
The charm of the holidays has transformed Knott’s Berry Farm into Merry Farm now through January 6th. The 2018 season brings additional decor and themed food offerings. Try the Turkey Holiday Balls covered in gravy and the Holiday Elote. Marrying new favorites with traditions, guests to Knott's Berry Farm will also enjoy beloved traditions watching Snoopy On Ice: Merry Christmas, Snoopy; singing along to the Calico Carolers; shopping at the Christmas Crafts Village. Free admission to shop is available December 3-6, with the entrance for the shopping-only experience near the park entrance.
For those enjoying the park the full day, say “Hi!” to Santa in the Wilderness Dance Hall which has been transformed for the holidays. Next door, Mrs. Claus is whipping up cookies for guests to decorate for a nominal fee.
More info: Knott’s Merry Farm
Muzeo Express Holiday Model Trains
All aboard for Muzeo’s Holiday Model Train exhibit. The exhibit showcases model trains and miniature scenes to the delight and both children and adults. The exhibit features Treasures from Carolwood. Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn, called the birthplace of Imagineering, has been loaned to the collection honoring Disney’s railroad legacy. The trains will be on display through January 20th.
More info: Muzeo
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
Where can you race down water slides and experience snowfall in the same place? At Great Wolf Lodge guests will be transported to Snowland. The winter fun transforms the lodge into a wonderland with seasonal decor, visits with Santa, Snow ‘N’ Glow dance parties and more. Celebrate children earning their Snow-ploma for completing North Pole University activities. You can even dine inside a life-size gingerbread house, trimmed with sweets galore, with reservation fees going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
More info: Great Wolf Lodge
Santa Visits
The elves are busy with toy making in the North Pole, and Santa is booked solid making visits to families throughout Orange County. Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Catal within the Downtown Disney District on weekends. A scrumptious breakfast spread is completed with a milk and cookie bar for the kids and bottomless mimosas for the grown-ups. A complimentary Santa photo and caroler performance are also included. Visit Catal for more information and tickets.
Grab your selfies with Santa at the Anaheim Packing House on December 8th from 2:00-5:00 PM. Organic candy canes will be provided, while supplies last, for all those on the nice list. More info: Anaheim Packing House
If dog bones and chew toys are on the wishlist, take your four-legged friends to visit Santa as part of the ribbon cutting for the puppy park PAW-SEA at Pasea Hotel & Spa December 2nd from 2:00-6:00 PM. There are additional opportunities to share your holiday wishes with Santa on the Ocean Deck and grab retro-inspired snaps on the 2nd level at Bluegold. More info: Pacific City
Wheel of Fortune (Garapon) at Okayama Bakery
Celebrating their first holiday on Center Street, the Okayama Bakery is hosting a holiday game of chance. Spend $10 in the Japanese bakery for a chance at prizes including store coupons, sweet holiday treats, and mugs.
More info: Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe
Sushi Omakase at Bizen Beer Bar
Chef Ivan Garcia takes everyone on the ultimate premium sushi omakase experience on December 15th, 2018 at Bizen Beer Bar on Center Street in Downtown Anaheim. Guests will enjoy a curated menu of various nigiri pieces of the freshest and most unique fish and the best brews Bizen Beer Bar has to offer. Two sessions are still available; 5:00 and 6:00 pm.
More Info: Bizen Beer Bar
Anaheim Night Market: Christmas Edition
The Anaheim Packing House hosts a holiday edition of the Anaheim Night Market at Founder’s Park. Shop for everyone on your gift list amongst the local and independent vendors.
More info: Anaheim Packing House
7th Annual Brew Ho Ho at the Phoenix Club
Say cheers to holiday fun with over 100 craft beers being served during the 7th annual Brew Ho Ho at the Phoenix Club on December 8th. The festival includes samples of drafts served year round plus holiday and winter ales in a commemorative festival cup. Live performances, shopping, and photo opportunities make it a fun holiday tradition.
More info: Brew Ho Ho at the Phoenix Club
24th Annual Nutcracker Tree Lighting and Holiday Village
Bring the family to Anaheim’s own tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Anaheim on December 8th. The festivities feature performances by Loara and Anaheim High Schools and Anaheim Ballet. Prior to the 6:00 PM tree lighting ceremony, guests can shop and sample international cuisine.
More info: Downtown Anaheim Tree Lighting
Stadiumlinks at Angel Stadium
Go for a hole in one at Angel Stadium December 14-16. Stadiumlinks takes over the outfield as it transforms Angel Stadium into a one-of-a-kind gold experience. Tee it up from the upper decks of the stadium and aim for targets hundreds of feet below. Though the event is currently sold out, golf fans and pros alike are still able to join the waitlist.
More Info: Stadiumlinks
Tall Ships in Newport Beach
Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker
The classic holiday story takes the stage at City National Grove of Anaheim December 23rd. See Clara, the mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the 32nd season of the Nutcracker performances by the Anaheim Ballet. The full-length presentation with the Symphony Irvine is a holiday tradition not to miss.
More info: Anaheim Ballet