Celebrate the Holidays in Santa Ana, CA
The winter holidays are everyone’s favorite time of the year! Holiday lights and decorations adorn the streets of Santa Ana, and homes in every neighborhood sparkle with holiday cheer. The holidays are a special time of year in Santa Ana because cultures and traditions from all around the world are celebrated.
One of the benefits of celebrating the holidays in Santa Ana is the mild California winter. Great weather means more opportunities to enjoy the holidays outdoors, no matter what age or group size!
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
Christmas at Calvary Church – Taking place at the Calvary Church of Santa Ana, this Christian Christmas celebration features weeks of activities. For example, they are hosting a Sunday advent series from November 27 to December 25, Christmas tree lighting on December 3, and candlelight services on December 23 and 24.
Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Village – This annual event and tree lighting take place on December 3, 2022, at the West Center Street Promenade in Anaheim, CA. From noon to 8 p.m., 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! Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to donate to nonprofit organizations and support local craft vendors. Check off that holiday gift checklist and enjoy a festive day with your family!
Santa Ana Winter Village – This winter celebration in Downtown Santa Ana features a world-class outdoor ice-skating rink, live entertainment, shopping, cuisine from local food trucks, and even more! Ride a festive train, read a story with Mrs. Claus, or just enjoy a holiday treat under the magical lights. The village is open from December 8, 2022, to January 8, 2023, at the following hours:
- Monday–Thursday, 12/8–12/22: 3 p.m.–9 p.m.
- Friday, 12/9 and 12/16: 3 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Monday–Friday, 12/23–1/6: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday (excluding holidays): 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Holidays, 12/24, 12/25, 12/31: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Don’t forget to fill out the waiver to get full access to the Winter Village!
Shows and Performances
Treat yourself to some holiday magic in Santa Ana, CA. 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 in Santa Ana!
A Magical Cirque Christmas – This dazzling holiday performance by the brave performers of A Magical Cirque Christmas is full of high-flying feats and whimsical choreography. All performances are set to live Christmas music, making it perfect for all ages and a great place to take the whole family! Book your tickets early; seats won’t last long.
Concordia Christmas: A Thrill of Hope – Every year, Concordia University puts together a spectacular Christmas concert, including vocals, instruments, and even handbells. Enjoy nostalgic carols and Christmas favorites, both new and old. This event is a popular Christmas tradition, and Concordia’s Christmas Concerts sell out every year, so don’t delay! Get your tickets for December 5 soon!
Switchfoot: This Is Our Christmas Tour – What’s better than live music during the holiday season? This year, you can attend Switchfoot’s Christmas tour at Anaheim City Hall on December 17 at 8:00 p.m. This Grammy Award-winning rock band from San Diego will be playing holiday hits from their new Christmas album, which just came out!
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!
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.
Huntington Beach Winter Wonderland – This unique event offers visitors the chance to craft their own holiday decorations and buy holiday accessories, decor, clothing, and jewelry. There’s also a selection of great gourmet foods and candy. Don’t miss the chance to shop for some truly unique gifts—and maybe even make some of your own!
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 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, CA.
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 19,000 toys and gifts, bringing happiness and hope to our most vulnerable children in Orange County who otherwise wouldn’t have 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 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
Everyone loves 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. 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 be 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!
From all of us at Artists Village Apartments in Santa Ana,
Happy Holidays!
COME ON IN
DAILY
9 AM–6 PM