Happy holidays from the Seven Gables Team! To ring in the season, here are ten can’t-miss holiday events happening in Southern California and the San Gabriel Valley that you and your family are sure to love. From dazzling boat parades to festive performances and seasonal markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Local Holiday Market and Santa Day
When: Sunday, December 8 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Where: 19671 Beach Blvd STE #100, Huntington Beach
Step into a winter wonderland filled with over 40 incredible local artisans, delicious food from Smalls Smash Burgers, live carolers, and plenty of holiday cheer. Discover the best unique gifts from local artists to gift your loved ones. Best of all, snap a picture with St. Nick! Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit for a fun-filled day of shopping, Santa, and songs! Check out a full list of all the vendors here.
Santa Day with Seven Gables Real Estate
Tustin Office
When: Sunday, December 8 from 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: 12651 Newport Ave, Tustin
Huntington Harbour Office
When: Saturday, December 7 | 1 – 4 PM
Where: 16875 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach
Kick off the holiday season with Santa! Bring the whole family to our Huntington Harbour or Tustin Office to take a free family photo with Santa, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and make some fun holiday crafts. All are welcome and no appointment is required!
Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy
When: November 22-December 22 | Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM-7 PM
Where: Laguna Beach
Winter is here, and this is the time that the Sawdust Festival comes alive. A must-see when you visit Laguna Beach, the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy hosts over 175 local artists, perfect for finding a unique gift for your friends and family. In addition to shopping, enjoy live music, delicious food, and a Santa Meet and Greet. Tickets can be purchased online.
Winter Fest OC
When: Open select dates between November 22-January 5
Where: OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
Southern California’s largest winter festival is back! Experience the ultimate winter adventure at the OC Fairgrounds with a 150-foot ice tubing slide, mesmerizing light shows, carnival rides, taste treats, and photo ops with Santa. Little ones will especially love the Snow Play section, where you can build a snowman, sled, and play in real snow!
12 Days of Christmas at the Queen Mary
When: December 12 to December 23
Where: Queen Mary | 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach
The Queen Mary is the place to be this holiday season. From December 1 to December 12, the historic ship transforms into a winter adventure. With each day different, enjoy a snow day with real snow or ugly sweater karaoke the next. Every day has live music, kid’s crafts, story time with Mrs. Claus, and a hot cocoa bar. Check out the full schedule of events on their website to buy your tickets.
The Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre
When: Select dates from December 14-15 and December 20-22
Where: Terrace Theatre | 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre on select dates from December 14-22. Accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, this show is a must-see, even being named one of the Nation’s Best-Loved Nutcracker Performances by Goldstar audiences. Get your tickets now to be transported into a whimsical world of snowflakes and sugar plums.
116th Annual Newport Beach Boat Parade
When: December 18 – 22 starting at 6:30 PM
Where: Newport Harbour
A tradition over one hundred years in the making, the Newport Beach Boat Parade is a holiday must-see. Watch holiday-themed boats, yachts, and kayaks glide along Newport Harbour, starting and ending at Tip of Lido Isle each night at 6:30 PM. Be dazzled by the opening night fireworks display starting at 6:15 PM before the boat commencement. There are plenty of places to watch, including Marina Park, Balboa Island, or the many Dine and Watch options along the parade route.
Fashion Island Tree Lighting
When: November 17 – January 5, every half hour from 5:30 to 8 PM
Where: Fashion Island in the Neiman Marcus and Bloomindgdale’s Courtyard
Get ready for some sparkling holiday magic at the Fashion Island Tree Lighting. Beginning November 17, this 90-foot Christmas tree comes alive with music and lights every half hour. Make sure to check it out as you walk around Fashion Island shopping for gifts.
Santa Claus with a Cause 5K and 10K
When: Saturday, December 14 | Registration opens at 6:30 AM
Where: Bolsa Chica State Beach
Celebrate everything Christmas with this St. Nick-themed race on the coast. Dress up in your most festive race outfit and get ready to run or walk in the 5K, 10K, or kid’s run up and down Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Glendora Hometown Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 14 | 9 – 11 AM
Where: Glendora Village | Starts at Bennett Ave. and ends at Sandburg Middle School
Join the community for a heartwarming celebration at the annual Glendora Christmas Parade. Watch as festive parade floats, live music, local organizations, and Santa make their way down the streets of Glendora. This free event has plenty of places to watch, and a full map of the parade route can be found here.
