Merry Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, the coastal communities of San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano are preparing a variety of festive events to delight residents and visitors alike.

SAN CLEMENTE

In San Clemente, the annual Santa’s Village by the Sea is Saturday, December 7 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. Coinciding with Santa’s Village is Puttin’ on the Glitz, a fun and festive evening of late-hours holiday shopping and dining, carolers, sweet treats, street musicians, and community vendor booths on Avenida Del Mar. Rock out at the Silent Disco, but don’t miss Santa’s arrival! He’ll drive down Avenida Del Mar—starting at the top at 4:30 p.m. The festivities culminate with the lighting of the community Christmas Tree, bringing holiday cheer to all attendees.

DANA POINT

Dana Point’s holiday season kicks off with Holidays at the Harbor, running through January 12, 2025. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the harbor’s holiday lights, boat rides, pictures with Santa, a Menorah lighting and live music. The harbor transforms into a Southern California winter wonderland. On November 30, 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. The Jolly Trolley will travel to Sunset Park, Dana Woods Park, Sea Canyon Park, and La Plaza Park from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mark your calendar for the annual Boat Parade of Lights taking place December 13 to 15 at 6:30 p.m. Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for awards, creating a dazzling display on the water.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The city will host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 7 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, visitors 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 simultaneously kicks off Capistrano Lights on December 7. Visitors will enjoy holiday performances, including Dickens-era carolers and marionette shows, with opportunities to take selfies with Santa and view the beautiful light displays. Capistrano Lights will run on select evenings through December 29, with a nightly tree lighting at 5:05 p.m., musical performances, and opportunities for holiday shopping.