Activities Abound for Celebrating Holidays in Santa Ana, CA!

Of all the places one could choose to live or visit during the holidays, at least if you are looking to escape frigid winter temperatures, Southern California would likely rank high on the list. The temperate climate in Santa Ana provides the perfect backdrop for getting out and about to experience myriad holiday celebrations and events.

From Christmas tree shopping and toy drives to night cruises and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the beach, Santa Ana and its surrounding areas have a full list of things for you and your family to do during the holiday season.

Santa Ana is a diverse city, with a wide range of people honoring a multitude of traditions. Whatever brings you or your guests here for the holidays, enjoy the magic of the season with all Santa Ana has to offer.

Activities

Families Together of Orange County Annual Christmas Together Toy Drive: This year’s event will be bigger than ever this season, with 30,000 toys expected to be given away. Create an unforgettable experience for children on December 10. Quantity is limited, so register early. 

Newport Beach Christmas Light Cruises: Experience Newport Bay like never before as multimillion-dollar estates and ships show off their holiday decor. Cruises are available the entire month of December, with tickets starting at only $32.

Christmas at Calvary Church: Celebrate the birth of Christ at Calvary Church with Sunday services, a tree lighting, a toy drive, carol singing, and candlelight. All events are free and open to the public.



Plaza Navideña: This tree lighting event takes place at Plaza Calle Cuatro in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana on November 18. The festivities are free and feature a tree-lighting ceremony, live holiday entertainment, and photo opportunities. Plaza Navidena runs from 5 to 8 p.m., so come and get your lights fixation turned on.

Shows and Performances

There is a plethora of holiday magic in Santa Ana this year, with some diverse performances scheduled to unfold. Concerts, circuses, cultural celebrations, and vocal performances will all brighten stages throughout Orange County. 

Concordia Christmas: Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem: Concordia University puts together a spectacular Christmas concert every year, featuring vocals, instruments, and even handbells. This event is a popular Christmas tradition, and Concordia’s Christmas concert sells out every year, so don’t delay! Get your tickets soon!

Nutcracker for Kids: Do your kids struggle to sit through performances? This condensed version of The Nutcracker is designed specifically for children ages five to 11. Even better, the concert ends with a visit from Santa and a holiday sing-along! Additionally, pre- and post-concert fun includes a coloring station, craft station, S.T.E.A.M. station, and holiday photo backdrop in the lobby. Reserve your tickets now for December 2!



Tis the Season!: Ring in the holiday season with Grammy award-winning Pacific Chorale! The event, held December 17 and 18, will feature a selection of holiday favorites seasoned with delightful surprises in a concert the entire family can enjoy.

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 this winter 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 16,000 toys and gifts, bringing happiness and hope to our most vulnerable children in Orange County who wouldn’t have otherwise had much at all.

Winter Wonderland Toy Drive: A toy drive will be held on December 9 at Huntington Park. Children who attend will be able to receive a toy, and attendees will have access to health screenings, haircuts, and additional resources and information. Further kids activities, like an artificial ice rink, will also take place. The event is free and open to all families.



Volunteer with The Salvation Army: Have you ever had a secret desire to play a musical instrument so exuberantly that fans felt compelled to empty their pockets of excess coinage into a festive nearby container? If so, the Salvation Army has the perfect gig for you. OK, so that instrument is a bell, and the fans are harried shoppers, but the basic premise remains the same. If performing in this manner isn’t in your wheelhouse, how about helping pick out gifts for kids or serving as a personal shopper for a needy family?

Shopping

For many, the holiday season means covering 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!

Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees: It’s all fir one and one fir all at Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees near Santa Ana. A wide selection of fresh-cut trees features the following types: noble fir, grand fir, Douglas fir, Nordmann fir, and Fraser fir. In addition to trees, Pumpkin City also sells Christmas decorations and wreaths.

Sugar Plum Holiday Festival: This vintage market’s offerings will dance—if not outright take up residence—in your head. Over 100 artists and crafters will be selling a mix of vintage, upcycled, chic, and handmade gifts and decorations.

MainPlace Mall: MainPlace Mall is a favorite shopping destination in Santa Ana all year round! With stores like H&M, The Children’s Place, and Bargain Book World, you’ll be sure to find something for all of your loved ones here. Plus, if you stop by after November 16, you can even get a photo with Santa Claus!

Safe Celebration

Who among us has not burned a cinnamon-scented candle during the holidays? But did you know that up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles? Be sure to take extra care when lighting candles in your apartment, especially your bedroom. Consider using battery-powered candles or scented spray instead to address all your aroma needs while avoiding any inherent dangers. And if you do use candles, do not leave them unattended.



Christmas trees can also create another fire hazard. 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 so many activities, performances, shopping experiences, and opportunities to give, Santa Ana has all you need for an unforgettable holiday season. From all of us at River House Apartment Homes in the heart of Santa Ana, Happy Holidays!