Southern California, December 6, 2025
Southern California is celebrating the holiday season with an exciting array of events throughout December. From enchanting parades to community gatherings, local organizations are showcasing their creativity and resilience. Highlights include the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train, LA County Holiday Celebration, and San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. These festivities not only offer joy for families but also support local businesses and enhance community spirit. Join in the celebrations and explore the vibrant holiday offerings across the region.
Southern California’s Holiday Events: A Festive Guide for December 2025
Delight in Holiday Festivities Across Southern California
Southern California is embracing the holiday season with a vibrant array of events perfect for every community member. From beloved traditions in Orange County to dazzling displays in San Diego, local organizers are showcasing their resilience and creativity, offering festivities that foster community spirit and engagement. Events like these not only enrich our neighborhoods but also highlight the benefits of personal initiative and reduced bureaucracy, allowing for an enhanced celebration of the season.
As families gather and friends reunite, let’s dive into some of the standout holiday events taking place this December. Each opportunity not only allows for shared experiences but also supports local businesses and strengthens community ties. This guide provides a closer look at what Southern California has to offer during this festive season.
Orange County
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Families can embark on a festive journey aboard the Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park, available from mid-December. The experience is not just about the ride; it offers ornament crafting, visits with Santa, and heartwarming caroling, making it a cherished tradition for many.
Festival Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
From December 6 to 24, the Festival Ballet Theatre showcases a traditional full-length production of “The Nutcracker” at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Featuring over 200 dancers, this event promises elegant sets and the chance to attend themed Nutcracker Tea Parties before select performances.
Los Angeles Area
Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch
From November 28 through December 27, King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas transforms into a holiday wonderland. Visitors are invited to stroll through immersive displays and participate in festive activities, creating picture-perfect memories in this enchanting setting.
LA County Holiday Celebration
On December 24, the 66th annual LA County Holiday Celebration will be held at The Music Center. Featuring a diverse lineup of local artists performing holiday classics, this event not only showcases talent but also promotes community engagement through live broadcasts on PBS SoCal for broader accessibility.
San Diego Area
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
On December 8 and 15, the San Diego Bay will sparkle with over 80 decorated boats, parading across the water in a dazzling display of lights. This annual tradition attracts thousands of spectators and offers a unique way to enjoy the festive spirit.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Throughout December, SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas Celebration runs from December 14 to January 4 and offers festive shows, holiday shopping, and special food offerings tailored to create magical experiences for families.
Additional Notable Events
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
From December 17 to 21, this iconic 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade showcases beautifully decorated boats sailing along the harbor, making it a highlight of the holiday season.
Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo
Candy Cane Lane is a neighborhood tradition where homes are spectacularly decorated in holiday lights. It’s a nostalgic setting perfect for leisurely evening strolls while sipping hot cocoa.
Naples Holiday Lights – Long Beach
This festive village, known for its amazing light displays along canals, hosts the Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade on December 20. Visitors can choose to stroll or take gondola cruises to appreciate the stunning visuals.
Christmas Tree Lane – Altadena
Christmas Tree Lane, a designated California Historical Landmark, features towering Himalayan cedar trees adorned with lights since the 1920s. This beloved tradition attracts families seeking a memorable holiday experience.
Columbia Memorial Space Center’s Apollo Capsule Lighting
On December 6, the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey will celebrate the season with a community celebration culminating in the lighting of the Apollo capsule.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars in San Diego
Throughout December, San Diego’s vibrant bar scene embraces the season with themed pop-up bars featuring unique holiday cocktails and festive décor, perfect for gatherings with friends.
Little Italy Holiday Market in San Diego
Weekends in December bring the Little Italy Holiday Market, where visitors can find artisan gifts and delicious local products amid the seasonal decorations.
Grand Park New Year’s Eve Celebration
On December 31, Los Angeles will host a flagship New Year’s Eve celebration at Grand Park, featuring music and a spectacular countdown show, all with free admission for attendees.
Celebrate Community Engagement
As festive events thrive throughout Southern California, they exemplify the power of local choice and individual creativity in enhancing community engagement. Whether attending a spectacular boat parade or participating in quaint neighborhood celebrations, each event offers an opportunity for connection and joy.
We encourage you to support these events, explore your local communities, and keep the holiday spirit alive. Your participation not only uplifts local organizers but also fosters a sense of unity within our neighborhoods as we celebrate the season together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train?
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is a festive ride through Irvine Regional Park, featuring ornament crafting, Santa visits, and caroling, making it a cherished tradition for many families.
When is the LA County Holiday Celebration?
On December 24, The Music Center hosts the 66th annual LA County Holiday Celebration. The event features a diverse lineup of local artists performing holiday favorites from 3 to 6 p.m., with a live broadcast on PBS SoCal for those unable to attend in person.
| Event | Date(s) | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train | Mid-December | Irvine Regional Park | Festive train ride, ornament crafting, Santa visits |
| Festival Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” | December 6 to 24 | Irvine Barclay Theatre | Traditional ballet, themed tea parties |
| Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch | November 28 to December 27 | Calabasas | Immersive displays, festive activities |
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | December 8 and 15 | San Diego Bay | Decorated boats, community celebration |
| SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration | December 14 to January 4 | SeaWorld San Diego | Winter wonderland experience, seasonal shows |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
