With the snow capped mountains appearing in Mission Viejo, it seems the appropriate setting to begin holiday celebrations! Our family is very excited to take part in several events in the community to get our spirits ready for Christmas Day! Several events and celebrations can be found around the county but we have listed a few of our favorites below. However you choose to spend your holiday season we wish you a very, very happy one!
Mission Viejo Santa Arrival
When: Sunday December 1, 2019 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: Mission Viejo Civic Center
200 Civic Center Drive, Mission Viejo
Details: The whole family will enjoy musical and dance performances, activity and game booths as well as make and take craft tables at this free event. Santa will then arrive on a fire truck at 6 PM!
Website: https://mvactivities.com/all-mvac-events/santas-arrival/
All Is Bright Holiday Celebration And Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Thursday December 5, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 PM
Where: Aliso Viejo Town Center
Pacific Park Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656
Details: Join the city of Aliso Viejo as they light their 22 foot Christmas tree! Train rides, caroling, performances and even a snowfall will be some of the things you can look forward to at this fun celebration!
Fairy Home Illumination Festival at Potocki
When: Friday December 6, 2019 from 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Potocki Center for the Arts
27301 La Paz Rd, Mission Viejo, California 92692
Details: The famous Mission Viejo fairy trail will be in full holiday spirit with illuminated fairy homes, apple cider and cookies!
Website: https://z-m-www.facebook.com/events/2518064171618087/
RSM Cares Breakfast With Santa
When: Saturday December 7, 2019
Where: Bell Tower Regional Community Center,
22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita
Details: This event allows families to take photos with Santa, enjoy pancakes and coffee, and listen to Santa read The Night Before Christmas. This is a ticketed event (Adults - $15.75 Children- $5.50) with two time options. See the website below to purchase tickets.
Website: https://www.belltowerfoundation.org/events.html
Holiday Frozen Party At Plaza Antonio
When: Saturday December 7, 2019 from 12:00- 2:00 PM
Where: Plaza Antonio
22351 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688
Details: The shops at Plaza Antonio will be hosting this family fun holiday event featuring the ice queen princesses. With Frozen fever being at an all time high, this will be an event you don’t want to miss! Face painting, balloon animals, music, crafts, and special shop promotions will just be a few of the fun happenings!
Kaleidoscope Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Saturday December 7, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo
27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, California 92691
Details: Free family fun includes special performances, face painting, balloon animals, caricature artist, photo booth, crafts and more. The festivity highlight will be the countdown to the lighting of the 20 ft tall Christmas tree!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/554721341956962
Mission Viejo Lake Snow Day And Parade Of Lights
When: Saturday December 7, 2019 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Mission Viejo Lake
Details: Go sledding down the snow hill, visit Santa and watch the holiday boat parade on the lake at this fun family event! ** Please Note: This event a free event and is for Lake Mission Viejo members only. **
Website: https://lakemissionviejo.org/view-events-details-calender.php?eventId=179
Capistrano Lights Opening Night
When: Saturday December 7, 2019 from 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Where: Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Details: A fun, festive night as the Mission unveils their holiday lights for the first time in 2019! A tree lighting ceremony, music, photos, food, and a reading of the first Christmas will take place on this first evening for a ticketed event ($5-15). Following the opening night, the lights will be able to be viewed within the mission for a ticket price of $10 for adults, $7 for children from December 8- January 6 , 2019.
Website: https://www.missionsjc.com/events-venue/signature-events/capistrano-lights-2/
Tiki Holiday Boat Parade Of Lights
When: December 6,7,13,14 from 4:30-10:30
Where: Dana Point Harbor
Details: Be part of the 45th annual Dana Harbor boat parade! Festivities including photos with Santa begin at 4:30 with the boat parade starting at 7:30. Check out all the details including Boat Rides With Santa, the parade route, and free trolley information on the event’s website.
Website: https://danapointharbor.com/boat-parade/
Santa Cares
When: Sunday December 8, 2019 from 8:00 – 11:30 AM
Where: VIP Lounge at Outlets at San Clemente
101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa
Suite 190 (above Customer Service)
San Clemente, CA 92672
Details: A special event for children with developmental, physical, and sensory special needs to meet Santa in an accommodating environment. An online booking system eliminates waiting times as well as a private area and low overhead music will create a distraction free environment for those families that need it most. The cost is free however be sure to book your spot online prior to the event to avoid wait times!
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-cares-at-outlets-at-san-clemente-tickets-80933890445
Christmas With The Critters
When: Sunday December 8, 2019 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: 19191 Lawrence Canyon
Silverado CA, 92676
Details: This ticketed event allows you and your family to celebrate the holidays with all the friendly critters. Enjoy a catered lunch as well as music, bounce house, crafts, and encounters with furry friends and Santa! Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children 3-12, children 2 and under are free.
Website: https://christmaswiththecritters2019.brownpapertickets.com/
Heritage Hill Park Candlelight Walk
When: December 13,14,15 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Where: Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest
Details: Beautiful lit pathways and holiday décor through the park make for a stroll to remember. This ticketed event ($5 per person, 2 years and younger are free) includes carolers, visits with Santa, crafts with Mrs. Claus, puppet shows, stories and more!
Website: https://funorangecountyparks.com/candlelight-walk-heritage-hill-historical-park-lake-forest.html
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop
When: Saturday December 14, 2019 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Where: Palm Court Arts Complex, Orange County Great Park
8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
Details: Bring your little ones to share in this fun holiday tradition without creating a mess in your own home! This ticketed workshop will allow attendees to create their own gingerbread house, all supplies included! Tickets to the workshop are $45 and include admission for one adult and one child (ages 5+) as well as all supplies.
Aloha Holiday
When: Saturday December 14, 2019 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Where: Mercantile East
27612 Antonio Parkway, Crown Valley, Ladera Ranch
Details: The merchants of Mercantile East are putting on a Moana themed holiday event which will include music, photos with Santa, balloon art, face painting, carolers, and special offers from area shops.
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
When: Saturday December 14, 2019 from 100:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy
Laguna Niguel, CA
Details: With over 100 entrants, this parade will have something for everyone, including Santa Claus! Crowds of up to 10,000 people are expected so be sure to get a spot early and check out the parade route and free shuttle service ahead of time!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/514862955723755/
Newport Beach Boat Parade
When: December 18-22, 2019 beginning at approx. 6:30 PM
Where: Parade route starts and ends at the tip of Lido Isle in Newport Beach
Details: The 111th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a can’t miss Orange County holiday event. See dozens of holiday themed yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes drift through the parade route. Be sure to check out the route map ahead of time and get there early to get a great spot!
Website: https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/newport-beach-christmas-boat-parade/
Winter Fantasy at Sawdust Art Festival
When: November 30, December 1,7,8, 14,15,20,21 & 22 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Details: Part music/art festival and part holiday entertainment, the Winter Fantasy at Sawdust has it all! Kids can enjoy Santa visits, carolers, petting zoo, marionette shows, holiday lights and beautiful snowfalls. Many booths to shop and create crafts as well as several food vendors. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children (5 and under are free!).
Website: https://sawdustartfestival.org/festivals/winter-fantasy/
Author
Dr. Mikaeya Kalantari has been a practicing pediatric dentist for over 7 years working in both the children's hospital setting and private practice. She has had a wealth of experience treating children of all ages, and medical conditions. When it comes to serving children, she feels the importance of communication between the dentist and parent can not be emphasized enough. Dr. Kalantari practices in her family owned dental office in Mission Viejo, California.
