2023 Holiday Celebrations in Anaheim, California

Winter Activities

Witness the city’s annual tree lighting, or visit the happiest place on Earth. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these winter activities in Anaheim, California, are sure to get your holiday season started right.

Nutcracker Holiday Village and Lighting: Happening this year on Sunday, December 3, this annual tradition is hosted by the City of Anaheim, the Downtown Anaheim Association, the Anaheim Community Foundation, and the Nutcracker Holiday Committee. Events include a dog costume contest, pictures with Santa, and the lighting of the tree at Feldhaus Circle, located at the corner of Clementine and Center Street Promenade. The event begins at 10 a.m. and continues through the tree-lighting ceremony, which will take place at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: The holiday season is a magical time, so why not spend some time at the Magic Kingdom? The holiday-themed events, experiences, and eats kick off November 10 and run through January 7, so there’s plenty of time to see the park decorated for the season and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of some special events, including the Festival of Holidays, which pays tribute to multicultural food, music, and traditions.

Knott’s Merry Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm may already be a favorite destination for you and your loved ones, but during the holiday season, it just gets better! From November 17 to January 7, Knott’s Merry Farm takes over the whole park, filling it with holiday lights, decor, food, treats, activities, and more. Knott’s Berry Farm is always fun for the whole family, and during the holiday season, it is even more memorable and magical! Check out this teaser video for a sneak peek of Knott’s Merry Farm!



Tyler Henry: An Evening of Hope and Healing: Renowned Hollywood medium Tyler Henry, star of his own Netflix series, is coming to City National Grove of Anaheim for two nights of live readings and discussion of his unique gift. He will be appearing on November 30 and December 1. Learn more about Henry at his website.

Holiday Shows and Performances

The holidays bring with them their own style of music, and these performances—ranging from singalongs to more traditional fare—highlight just a sampling of what Anaheim, California, has to offer when it comes to enjoying the songs of the season.

Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker: When it comes to ubiquitous seasonal performances of The Nutcracker, there are generally two kinds of people: those who move Heaven and Earth to catch the venerable holiday classic each year and those who do everything possible to avoid it. If you fall into the former camp, then the Anaheim Ballet production is a great one to catch. With accompaniment by Symphony Irvine, performances are scheduled for November 24 and November 25 (including a matinee) at City National Grove of Anaheim.

Dickens Christmas Carol Singalong: The classic story of A Christmas Carol is a popular seasonal favorite, and the Charles Dickens Carolers have provided holiday cheer to the citizens of Anaheim and its surrounding cities since 1987. Dressed in traditional Dickensian costumes, this quartet sings traditional Christmas carols, popular holiday songs, and other children’s favorites in four-part harmony. This year’s singalong will take place on Sunday, December 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church in nearby Alhambra. This event is free and open to the public with an RSVP or $20 at the door on the day of the event.

Holiday Shopping

Showing support for local businesses in Anaheim, California, is one of the best ways to give back this holiday season. Check out some of these locally focused seasonal pop-up shops and events as you make your list and check it twice this holiday season.

Candy Caneland and Craft Fair: Looking for a good time? Pack up the family and check out this 52nd annual event in nearby Buena Park on Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. There’s a lot to do to keep everyone entertained. The kids can play on the snow slide and visit the petting zoo, and the adults can shop. There’s also general entertainment, food, and a raffle. It all goes down at the Ehlers Event Center on Knott Avenue. Entry is free, but please use the shuttle from Peak Park Pool (7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park).

Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market & Craft Fair: This year-round event provides shoppers the opportunity to support local businesses, restaurants, and vendors in their hunt for the perfect present. Taking place every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting) at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street in downtown Anaheim, the farmers market and craft fair is free and open to the public.

Piecemakers Christmas Festival: With over 70 of the finest vendors of hand-crafted items, the Piecemakers Christmas Festival will be the perfect place to get some thoughtful holiday shopping completed! Make sure to set December 2 aside to enjoy this festive shopping event!



Upland Holiday Faire and Parade: Upland is home to an Annual Upland Christmas Parade and Holiday Faire. Celebrate on December 9, beginning at 2 p.m. with holiday fun for the whole family. For more information or vendor opportunities, email errodriguez@uplandca.gov.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Every year, dozens of organizations work to provide for those in need during the holidays, and volunteering your time is a great way to help. Whether you could use some holiday magic or just want to give back, these amazing opportunities are available this holiday season around Anaheim, California.

Christmas Together 2023: This annual event hosted by Families Together of Orange County serves thousands of families in and around Anaheim by providing toys to underprivileged children in the community. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, December 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center and is gearing up to give away 30,000 toys along with other entertainment. Christmas Together is a free event, but pre-registration is required for admission and to receive a gift. 

Winter Wonderland: Toy Drive: This important event is about so much more than toys! It’s about helping the children and families in the community to get the help they need this holiday season. In addition to a free toy, children will get health screenings, haircuts, and snacks to make sure they’re healthy and happy this holiday season. Consider donating your time or money to this great cause! The toy drive takes place on Saturday, December 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park (3401 E. Florence).

Safely Celebrate the Holidays at Home

Since Anaheim, California, doesn’t see the same winter weather as many other parts of the country, decorating your home is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but it’s important to make sure your decorations aren’t at risk of harming you, your loved ones, or your neighbors. The American Red Cross reports that fires caused by burning candles are four times more likely to happen during the winter, so always make sure you never leave a candle unattended once lit.



Christmas trees can also pose a threat if they get dried out or are not properly secured. If you are using a real Christmas tree, keep it properly watered, and make sure the cables for your lights aren’t damaged, especially if you have a curious pet. Keeping your tree safely positioned to prevent it from falling and causing additional damage is also important. You can find more information on winter holiday safety and Christmas tree safety from the National Fire Protection Association.

We hope this list of activities, events, shopping, and volunteer opportunities in and around Anaheim, California, has helped you start to plan for your holiday season. From all of us at Stadium House Apartments, Happy Holidays!