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The holidays are a time of good cheer and celebration as special events make their annual appearance. You’ll enjoy many holiday traditions around Orange County whether you’ve just moved in or are planning a purchase.

Newport Beach Boat Parade (Dec. 16 – 20)
Bundle up by the water for this annual parade of boats from yachts to canoes as they sail down the harbor all decked out with lights and other decor. The parade typically begins at 6:30 PM, although if you arrive early, you can always take a walking tour of homes in the area that get into the spirit with fancy trimmings and sparkles of their own. Opening and closing nights feature fireworks. Join the millions who watch the procession for free or buy a ticket for reserved seating at the Newport Sea Base for the best views.

A Christmas Carol (until Dec. 24)
The South Coast Repertory’s production of the Charles Dickens’ classic is notable for its constancy in its 37th year. Director John-David Keller again directs and Hal Landon reprises his role as Ebeneezer Scrooge with help from the theater’s founding members. Among the changes are the 16 children and four adult roles cast from the theater’s Conservator Acting Intensive Program. Watch for the iconic “hat trick,” which Landon only missed once, although he tried again immediately and succeeded.

Winter Fest OC (Dec. 16 – Jan. 1)
The Orange County becomes a white wonderland for the entire family with real snow blown in daily for building snowmen or snow tubing. An Outdoor Ice Rink and the World’s Largest Rocking Horse are among the attractions that vie for your time. Enjoy 10 holiday themed lands that you reach through a pathway illuminated by two million lights. Your tummy will delight in such goodies as Mexican tamales and Asian dumpling. Live mini-shows to entertain the kids feature Thomas the Tank Engine, Barbie, BOB the Builder, and the Angry Birds among others.

The Nutcracker (Dec. 10 – Dec. 20)
At least three companies will be mounting this classic ballet but the American Ballet Theatre’s production is arguably the best with more than 100 performers, choreography by artist-in-residence Alexei Ratmansky, and costumes and sets from Richard Hudson, fresh from Broadway’s Lion King.

Christmas Street
Every city in Orange County boasts one or more neighborhoods that locals know to visit because of the spectacular holiday decor and lights. The Popsicle Blog puts out an excellent list of 60 displays throughout the county, so you can locate the one that’s most convenient to you. If you pick only one, try Candy Cane Lane on El Corzo Street in Rancho Santa Margarita. The neighbors try to outdo each other with animated displays, music, snow machines, and thousands of lights. Best to park at the end of the cul-de-sac and walk into the fun.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (until Dec. 30)
The Martians are coming to spoil the holidays by kidnapping Santa Claus so the kids will have no toys on Christmas. Based on a 1964 science fiction movie of the same name, this live parody is at the Maverick Theater and is suitable for kids. Expect plenty of laughs, cheesy sets, green Martians, and, of course, Santa Claus.

If you want to start your own Christmas traditions in one of our Orange County homes, please contact us so you can visit our developments in person.