Myriad Holiday Choices Await for Activities in Santa Ana, CA!
There will be no shortage of things to do and see this winter, ranging from simple gatherings to large-scale concert productions. With cultures and traditions from around the world melding together in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County, the holidays will encourage both a zest for adventure and time for reflection.
Whether you live in Santa Ana or are visiting for the holidays, you will feel the magic of the season! Here are a few of the festivities that make Santa Ana the place to be for the holidays this year:
Activities
Shows and Performances
Shopping
Opportunities to Share
Safe Celebration
Activities
Annual Christmas Together Toy Drive: Last year, this event gave away more than 7,000 toys to registered families. The event will be super-sized this season as the group plans to share 20,000 toys and, on top of that, create an unforgettable experience for children on December 18. That experience includes carnival rides, games, raffles, entertainment, pictures with Santa, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, holiday meals, and a variety of food options from which to choose—all for free. To be eligible, participants must provide an Orange County address to register and proof of that address at the event. Quantity is limited, so interested parties are advised to register early.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights Cruise: Newport Bay becomes a glistening beacon of lights as homeowners and businesses go all out competing in the Ring of Lights competition. You can enjoy this magical holiday experience throughout the month as Newport Landing provides 75-minute cruises from December 2 to December 31, and Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Cruises are offered from December 14 to December 18.
Tree-Lighting Festival & Holiday Village: This annual tree-lighting festival is celebrating its 28th year and taking place on December 3 at the West Center Street Promenade in Anaheim, CA. The event will include a holiday village, children’s stage performances, a dog costume contest, visits with Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony! On top of amazing entertainment, there will also be delicious food available, including coffee, cookies, Belgian waffle desserts, and more. Stop by anytime between noon and 8 p.m. to enjoy a festive day with your family!
Santa Ana Winter Village: This winter celebration in Downtown Santa Ana is fun for the whole family! Test your skills at the world-class outdoor ice-skating rink, then enjoy live entertainment, shopping, local food trucks, and more! The village is open from December 8 to January 8.
Shows and Performances
Treat yourself to some holiday magic in Santa Ana. This year has brought some truly spectacular performances to the area. Circuses, vocal and band performances, and cultural celebrations are just a few of the holiday treats in store for you this season near Santa Ana!
Switchfoot: This Is Our Christmas Tour: Want to hear a rock band’s take on Christmas music? Attend Grammy Award-winning Switchfoot’s Christmas tour at Anaheim City Hall on December 17 at 8:00 p.m. The band will be playing holiday hits from their new Christmas album. This concert is sure to be an exciting time!
A Magical Cirque Christmas: This dazzling holiday performance is one you won’t want to miss! Full of high-flying feats and whimsical choreography, all performances are set to live Christmas music. This event is exciting for all ages and is sure to entertain the whole group! Tickets are on sale now, so don’t wait to reserve your seat!
Concordia Christmas: A Thrill of Hope: Bringing tidings of hope and joy, Concordia University puts together a spectacular Christmas concert every year. Enjoy top ensembles from the music department as they perform festive music with carols both old and new. This event is a popular Christmas tradition, and Concordia’s Christmas concerts sell out every year, so don’t wait to get your tickets for December 5!
Shopping
For many, the holiday season means decorating the house from roof to floor with tinsel, Christmas trees, lights, and a host of other decorations. Then, of course, there are presents: Is there anything better than seeing a loved one’s face light up as they open a holiday gift you picked out for them? Whether you’re looking for unique seasonal decorations or a special gift to show someone how much you care, Santa Ana is the perfect place to be!
Holiday Faire: This Orange County fair hosts over 50 local artists selling one-of-a-kind holiday decorations, unique handmade gifts, hand-blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, folk crafts, clothing, and more.
Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees: If you’re looking for Christmas trees near Santa Ana, look no further than Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees. They have a wide selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees, including noble fir, grand fir, Douglas fir, Nordmann fir, and Fraser fir. They also sell cute woodcut Christmas decorations and wreaths.
Sugar Plum Holiday Festival: This vintage market is host to over 165 exhibitors selling an eclectic mix of vintage, upcycled, chic, and handmade gifts and decorations.
Opportunities to Share
Receiving gifts is great, but the true meaning of the holiday season is giving to others. If you have the means or the time during this special time of year, consider giving to those less fortunate so they too can feel the joy of the season. Here are some great volunteer opportunities in Santa Ana:
Operation Santa Claus: Unfortunately, thousands of children in Orange County won’t be having a very merry Christmas without our help. This holiday season, donate toys and gifts to children and families in need. Last year, Operation Santa Claus distributed over 39,000 toys and gifts, bringing happiness and hope to our most vulnerable children in Orange County who wouldn’t have otherwise had much at all.
Volunteer with The Salvation Army: Whether you like to get out and interact with the community or work behind the scenes, the Salvation Army is the perfect place to volunteer. Dress up as Santa Claus and help collect donations with the jolly-but-vigorous ring of your bell. If a red jumpsuit isn’t your style, you could help pick out gifts for kids or be a personal shopper for a family in need.
Safe Celebration
Let’s be honest: Who doesn’t love a good pine-scented candle this time of year? But up to 7,500 fires are started each year because of household candles. Be extra careful when lighting candles in your apartment, especially your bedroom. Instead, consider using battery-powered candles to achieve the same ambiance without the added danger. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended!
Christmas trees can create another fire hazard you need to be aware of. If you’ve brought a real Christmas tree into your apartment for the holidays, make sure you keep it watered so it doesn’t dry out. Keep all open flames, such as candles, away from the branches and make sure you turn all lights off when you’re not at home. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
With plenty of shows, activities, opportunities to share, and places to shop, Santa Ana has all you need for a festive season.
We’d love to see your holiday fun! If you decorate for the holidays or try out one of the activities above, post a photo on social media, tag us, and use #TisTheSeasonAtAMC.
From all of us at Washington Place Apartments in Santa Ana, Happy Holidays!
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