Let The Festivities Begin

South OC is decking the halls, lighting the trees and rolling out the fun. Whether you’re after twinkling lights, hometown parades or merry markets, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in style.

SAN CLEMENTE
In San Clemente, the annual Santa’s Village by the Sea and Puttin’ on the Glitz is December 6 from 4 – 9 p.m. This family-friendly celebration transforms the area around the community center into a winter wonderland, featuring live music, food, hot chocolate, popcorn, games, and even a sledding hill. Local businesses create a fun and festive evening of late-hours holiday shopping and dining, with carolers and street musicians on Avenida Del Mar. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival — starting at the top of Del Mar at 4:30 p.m. The festivities culminate with the lighting of the community Christmas Tree.

DANA POINT
Dana Point’s Holidays at the Harbor runs nightly through the new year. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the harbor’s holiday lights while snapping a picture at the Merry Kiss Me light display. On December 6, Dana Point will also host its Jolly Trolley event, where Santa and his elves will visit various parks to distribute pre-packaged treats, with the final stop at La Plaza Park for the Tree Lighting ceremony and holiday celebration. Mark your calendar for the annual Boat Parade of Lights taking place December 12 to 14 at 6:30 p.m. Boaters decorate their vessels and vie for awards, creating a dazzling display on the water. Lastly, on December 8, Pines Park’s Tree Lighting will take place from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. As part of the tree lighting, Santa and his elves will arrive at Pines Park on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for children up to 12 years of age. Residents are requested to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toy Drive.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
The city will host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on December 6 at Historic Town Center Park. Beginning at 4 p.m., attendees will enjoy pre-show entertainment, a holiday stage production, and the tree lighting countdown set to begin at approximately 5:45 p.m. Afterwards, locals can stroll over to Los Rios Street and meet costumed characters and enjoy free family activities, including pictures with Santa. The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano kicks off Capistrano Lights on December 19. Visitors will enjoy holiday performances, including Dickens-era carolers, selfies with Santa and beautiful light displays. Capistrano Lights will run on select evenings through December 30, with a nightly tree lighting at 5:05 p.m.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
On December 6 from 5 – 8 p.m., Laguna Niguel will celebrate their Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m.! Enjoy cookie decorating, holiday crafts, games, live entertainment, special moments with Santa, and more. Be sure to gather for the magical annual Holiday Parade taking place on December 13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Experience the unique sights and sounds of the holidays with decorative parade floats, marching bands, youth groups, and exotic cars. No parade would be complete without a visit from Santa!