Your Ultimate SoCal Holiday Guide

When November arrives, Southern California transforms into a coastal wonderland—where sunshine meets sparkle, ocean breezes mix with holiday lights, and every Orange County neighborhood feels wrapped in a little extra magic. Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting for the first time, this guide brings together the best holiday moments, events, and OC lifestyle highlights curated by Brad Trager | Surterre Properties.

Your Southern California Holiday Bucket List

Holiday joy in Southern California comes with palm-lit nights, waterfront celebrations, and effortless coastal style. These inspired activities will elevate your season:

Coastal-Inspired Ways to Celebrate in Orange County

• Hang a custom wreath that complements your home—coastal greenery for Newport Coast or modern metallics for Irvine.

• Light a seasonal citrus-pine candle to bring cozy Laguna Beach energy inside.

• Sip a peppermint latte while shopping at Fashion Island or Costa Mesa boutiques.

• Host a seaside Friendsgiving overlooking Dana Point’s harbor.

• Mix a signature holiday cocktail—a pomegranate spritz or rosemary gin fizz pairs beautifully with Pacific sunsets.

• Book a holiday photoshoot at Dana Point Harbor’s light display or Newport Dunes’ Lighting of the Bay.

• Catch the iconic Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade or Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights.

• Go ice skating beneath the Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel, followed by hot cocoa at a luxe café.

• Attend VEA Newport Beach Resort’s tree lighting—complete with ocean views and live entertainment.

• Spend Christmas morning in PJs, champagne in hand, watching waves roll into shore.

Festive Orange County Events You Can’t Miss

Fashion Island® Christmas Tree Lighting — Newport Beach

Nov. 21–Dec. 28
Snowfall, music, and Santa’s Coastal Cottage bring holiday charm to this luxury shopping destination.

Irvine Spectrum Holiday Happenings — Irvine

Through Jan. 5
Enjoy ice skating, nightly light shows, Ugly Sweater Night, UCI Night, and family-friendly festivities.

Happy Harbor Days — Dana Point

Nov. 12–Jan. 4
Stroll past more than 700,000 LED lights and photo-perfect displays, including the famous “Merry Kiss Me” sign.

Lighting of the Bay & Fire & Lights Festival — Newport Beach

Nov. 28–Jan. 4
A glowing waterfront celebration with fire dancers, s’mores, and festive cocktails at the Igloo Bar.

Newport Beach & Dana Point Boat Parades

Dec. 12–21
Yachts, kayaks, and sailboats illuminate the coastline—signature traditions that define the OC holiday season.

VEA Newport Beach Resort Tree Lighting

Nov. 20
A glamorous kickoff to the season with cocktails, ocean views, and luxury ambiance.

Celebrate the Season + the Orange County Lifestyle

Orange County is more than a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine spending the holidays surrounded by ocean views, curated interiors, and communities that feel like family.

From Laguna Beach’s artistic soul to Irvine’s modern energy, from Newport Coast’s gated estates to Dana Point’s harbor-front retreats, every pocket of OC offers its own seasonal magic.

Whether you are a local, a visitor, or exploring real estate opportunities, this season reveals why home is where the waves are.

📍 This holiday season, make Orange County your home for the moments that matter.
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