Things To Do In Orange County For Christmas

Orange County weather over the Christmas holidays can be a southern California crispy 60 degrees. When the warm Santa Ana winds build up speed coming down the mountains and valleys of the local mountains, it can toast the air to over 80 degrees for Christmas Day. Regardless of the temperature, Orange County offers a host of activities for the Christmas holiday season.

History

Orange County community and small local history museums feature special exhibits during the Christmas season. Local historical societies and small area museums feature tree decorations, holiday cards and toy displays over the holidays. The largest county museum is the Bower's in Santa Ana. The Irvine and Fullerton museums also celebrate Christmas.

Water Sports

Surfing, swimming and boating are popular activities along the Orange County coast and beach communities celebrate the holidays in early December with boat parades. The annual Newport Beach event is the county's largest boat parade. For over 100 years lighted boats, canoes, yachts and kayaks compete for prizes in the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Stake out a place at Collins Island to watch the beginning and finale of the parade or simply stand on the sidewalk along the shores of Balboa Islands. Tour boat rides are also available from the harbor commercial rental facilities.

Holiday Decorations

Shopping at Orange County malls during Christmas includes a chance to view holiday decorations at The Block in Orange, Brea Mall, Fashion Island in Newport Beach and the Village at Orange. South Coast Plaza West, formerly known as the Crystal Court, has holiday decorations and a run inside the mall each Sunday morning in December. Those who complete the free morning cardio work out get complimentary refreshments and a chance to win prizes for Christmas.The western segment of the large mall features a carved, wood-looking tree that is decorated with a Christmas train that weaves throughout the multi-story structure.

Wheeled Sports

Bikes can be rented at the Balboa Pier. Adventurous riders may select a tandem or chopper bike, built to resemble a motorcycle. Teams or families of riders can select surreys, formally known as a four-wheel pedal powered quadracycle, that allow four to six people a chance to cycle together. The bikes can be directed down the pier or to the main street in downtown Balboa. A ferry to Balboa Island is available to tour the island holiday decorations.

Holiday Lights

The homes on the craggy cliffs overlooking the ocean at Laguna Beach are usually decorated during the Christmas holidays. A walk along the white-sandy shoreline and exploration of the tide pools below the cliffs allows visitors a chance to see the holiday decorations above. Ocean cruises are available if you want to see the lights from the sea. Laguna's downtown streets and shops also feature decorations for the winter holidays. They go up right after Thanksgiving and stay on through the end of the year. The city streets and local shop displays create a crisp holiday-themed walk for window shoppers.