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8 Family-Friendly Holiday Activities in Anaheim and Orange County for 2026
Finding holiday activities for families in Orange County sounds easy.
Until you have a five-year-old, a twelve-year-old, two adults, and a teenager who has already announced that everything is boring.
Now it's a logistical challenge.
Fortunately, Anaheim and the surrounding Orange County area have plenty of things to do during the holidays that work for different ages and interests.
Instead of another generic Christmas activity list, we've matched eight outings to different kinds of kids and families.
Because one family's magical holiday tradition is another family's three-hour negotiation.
1. For Kids Who Love Pretending: Meow! I'm a Cat!
Some kids want to ride roller coasters.
Some want to meet Santa.
And some would apparently love nothing more than becoming a cat for an hour.
At Exit Game OC in Anaheim, Meow! I'm a Cat! lets families explore an oversized world from a cat's perspective.
Your mission is to get the pet shop owner to contact your real owner before you're accidentally adopted by somebody else.
It's a private, non-scary escape room specifically designed for younger players and beginners.
Kids get to participate in the puzzles, rather than just watching adults do everything.
Recommended especially for: Families with children ages 5–10, first-time escape room players, and mixed-age groups. An adult must play with children under 13.
2. For Kids Who Love Trains: Irvine Park Railroad
The Christmas Train is one of those experiences that feels like a classic childhood holiday memory.
Families ride through Irvine Regional Park to visit Santa, with holiday decorations and lights along the route.
The 2026 Christmas Train runs November 27 through December 23, and advance reservations are required.
Recommended especially for: Younger children, train lovers, and families who enjoy traditional Santa experiences.
3. For Curious Kids: Discovery Cube Orange County
Not every family outing has to involve holiday decorations.
Sometimes you just need a place where kids can explore, touch things, and learn something without being told to stop touching things.
Discovery Cube Orange County in Santa Ana features interactive science exhibits and hands-on activities.
Its Science of Gingerbread display is scheduled to begin December 5, making it another holiday-themed reason to visit later in the season.
Recommended especially for: Curious elementary-school kids and families looking for indoor things to do.
4. For Families Who Love Disney: Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney offers a way to enjoy some holiday magic without buying admission to the theme parks.
Starting November 13, the district gets festive with seasonal decorations, treats, and entertainment.
You can browse the shops, enjoy a holiday snack, and make a casual evening of it.
Recommended especially for: Disney-loving families who want a shorter, more flexible outing.
5. For Kids Who Need to Run Around: Irvine Regional Park
Holiday break usually means school is out.
Which sounds wonderful until everyone has been inside for two days.
Irvine Regional Park in Orange offers open space, walking paths, picnic areas, and the Orange County Zoo.
It's an easy way to get everyone moving before returning to whatever holiday movie is currently playing for the seventh time.
Recommended especially for: Active kids, nature lovers, and families wanting a daytime outing.
6. For Families Who Love Christmas Lights: Hikari at Tanaka Farms
Beginning November 27, Tanaka Farms in Irvine hosts Hikari: Festival of Lights.
The farm features illuminated displays, festive activities, a wagon ride to the light path, and holiday photo opportunities.
It's a little different from driving past decorated houses because the outing itself becomes an experience.
Recommended especially for: Families who love holiday lights and outdoor activities.
7. For Teens Who Want Something More Exciting: 13th Basement
Here's where things get a little less adorable.
If your family includes older teens who think they've outgrown Christmas trains and gingerbread displays, our 13th Basement escape room at Exit Game OC offers a completely different kind of challenge.
It's a funny-scary horror parody featuring creepy environments, clever puzzles, and a serial killer with an unhealthy enthusiasm for escape rooms.
There are no live actors, but there are mild scares, some gore, and adult humor.
Recommended especially for: Teens ages 13 and up, older families, and adventurous groups.
8. For Families Who Can Never Agree on Food: Anaheim Packing House
Sometimes the best family activity is simply finding someplace everybody can eat without an argument.
The Anaheim Packing House offers a wide variety of food vendors inside a historic building.
Family members can choose different meals, grab dessert, and spend time together without needing a formal sit-down restaurant.
Pair it with another nearby Anaheim activity and you've got a fun afternoon.
Recommended especially for: Mixed-age families, picky eaters, and groups visiting Anaheim.
The Best Holiday Activity Is the One Your Family Actually Enjoys
You don't have to visit every holiday festival in Orange County to make the season memorable.
Sometimes a single fun afternoon is more than enough.
If your kids love imagination, puzzles, and silly adventures, Meow! I'm a Cat! at Exit Game OC is a great place to start.
And if your older kids would rather solve a serial killer's puzzles, well, we have an option for that too.
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