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9 Holiday Things to Do in Orange County in 2026 (And When They Start)
The pumpkins are coming down, the Christmas decorations are going up, and somewhere in Orange County, someone is already playing holiday music.
Yes, it's officially that time of year again.
If you're looking for holiday things to do in Orange County in 2026, there's plenty happening beyond shopping malls and endlessly refreshing your online gift list.
We've rounded up nine activities around Anaheim and Orange County, including family-friendly adventures, holiday festivals, Christmas lights, and a few ideas that don't require wearing an ugly Christmas sweater.
Although we support that decision.
1. Kick Off the Holiday Season With an Escape Room in Anaheim
Available throughout November | Anaheim
Not every holiday outing needs Santa, snow, or a giant inflatable reindeer.
Sometimes the best activity is getting everyone together for an adventure.
At Exit Game OC in Anaheim, we've got two very different escape rooms.
Meow! I'm a Cat! is a colorful, completely non-scary adventure where your family becomes cats trying to escape an unfortunate pet shop adoption situation.
For older groups who want something a little more twisted, 13th Basement is a horror-comedy escape room with creepy surprises, ridiculous humor, and no live actors.
Both are private 60-minute adventures, making them fun ways to spend time with visiting relatives or friends during the holidays.
Best for: Families, groups of friends, teens, and anyone who prefers solving puzzles to untangling Christmas lights.
November 7, 2026 | Irvine Great Park
The Irvine Holiday Faire is a fun way to start the season before Thanksgiving even arrives.
The Great Park hosts local artists and makers selling handmade gifts, ceramics, jewelry, decorations, and other unique finds.
It's also free to attend.
This is the kind of holiday shopping that actually feels like an outing instead of an obligation.
Best for: Couples, families, and anyone who would rather give a handmade gift than another generic gift card.
Begins November 12, 2026 | Dana Point
Want some holiday magic without committing to an entire theme park?
Dana Point Harbor transforms into a waterfront holiday display with illuminated decorations, festive photo opportunities, and plenty of places to enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
It's a great choice for an evening walk, especially if you follow it up with dinner or dessert.
Best for: Couples, families, and holiday photos.
Begins November 13, 2026 | Anaheim
You don't necessarily need a Disneyland ticket to enjoy some Disney holiday atmosphere.
Downtown Disney features seasonal decorations, entertainment, shopping, and holiday treats.
It's also a fun place to wander around with family before or after another Anaheim activity.
Just remember that free admission to the district doesn't mean free parking or free cookies.
Unfortunately.
Best for: Disney fans and families looking for a flexible holiday outing.
November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027 | Anaheim
If you're ready to go all-in on the holidays, Disneyland has you covered.
The resort celebrates with festive decorations, seasonal entertainment, holiday attractions, and special food.
Disney California Adventure also hosts its Festival of Holidays, featuring seasonal flavors and entertainment inspired by different cultural traditions.
It's definitely a bigger-ticket outing, but there's a reason so many families make it an annual tradition.
Best for: Families and visitors planning a full holiday theme park day.
November 20 – December 20, 2026 | Laguna Beach
Sawdust Winter Fantasy turns the Laguna Beach art festival grounds into a festive holiday village.
Expect local artwork, handmade gifts, live entertainment, and a setting that feels a little different from the usual mall experience.
It operates Fridays through Sundays during its scheduled season.
Best for: Creative families, couples, and people who genuinely enjoy holiday shopping.
November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Buena Park
Knott's Berry Farm trades its spooky atmosphere for festive decorations, holiday shows, seasonal food, and Christmas cheer.
It's a nice option for groups who want theme park rides mixed with holiday entertainment.
And if you've spent October being chased by monsters at Knott's Scary Farm, the transformation is pretty impressive.
Best for: Families, theme park fans, and groups with mixed ages.
November 27 – December 23, 2026 | Orange
The Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park is a longtime Orange County holiday favorite.
Families ride through decorated park scenery to visit Santa before returning through illuminated displays.
Tickets go on sale November 2, and reservations are required.
If this is on your holiday list, planning ahead is a good idea.
Best for: Families with younger children and anyone who loves classic Christmas traditions.
Begins November 27, 2026 | Costa Mesa
Looking for something that feels a little more like winter?
Winter Fest OC brings seasonal lights, snow-themed activities, holiday entertainment, and plenty of festive atmosphere to the OC Fair & Event Center.
It's one of the bigger holiday experiences in Orange County and a great option if your family enjoys making an entire evening out of an outing.
Best for: Families, friend groups, and holiday enthusiasts.
Make This Holiday Season About Doing Things Together
Orange County has plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
You can wander through holiday lights, visit a festival, ride a Christmas train, spend a day at a theme park, or try something completely different.
And if you're looking for a fun indoor activity in Anaheim that works for families or groups of friends, we'd love to see you at Exit Game OC.
Choose the silly cat adventure or the ridiculous serial killer basement.
We realize those are two very different holiday moods.
Holiday event dates and activities can change. Check each attraction's official website before visiting.
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