Festive Fun in Irvine
The holiday season in Irvine brings an extra touch of magic, with a wealth of festive events and activities to celebrate with friends and family. From sparkling tree lightings to unique holiday experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in and around the city. At the Irvine Spectrum, seasonal traditions like nightly tree lighting ceremonies, a lively silent disco, and selfies with Santa bring holiday cheer to all ages. For a little adventure, lace up your skates for an evening of ice skating under the stars—creating memories that truly capture the spirit of the season.
At The Tustin Marketplace, the festivities continue with a range of activities to make the holiday season extra special. Kick off the season with Black Friday shopping, followed by the “12 Days of Giveaways,” where lucky visitors have a chance to win exciting prizes. For those planning holiday meals, the Marketplace offers meal planning events and festive kits for building gingerbread houses, a fun way to spend time with family. And if you’re looking to bring home the perfect tree, their holiday tree lot makes it easy to find the right one for your celebration.
Beyond the Irvine Spectrum and Tustin Marketplace, Irvine hosts a wide array of festive holiday activities. The annual Irvine Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at the Irvine Civic Center is a favorite for families, offering live holiday music, a seasonal train ride, and activities that support the community’s Holiday Toy Drive. For an outdoor art experience, the Modern Makers Mart at Woodbridge Village Center brings a local artisan holiday market to the community on select December dates, making it a great spot for finding unique holiday gifts.
Another highlight is the Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park, where families can ride a train through a holiday-themed route to the “North Pole” to visit Santa’s Village. This event also includes carnival games, ice fishing, and other fun activities for kids. Additionally, animal lovers might enjoy Christmas at the Orange County Zoo within the park, where zoo animals receive festive “gifts,” and visitors can participate in crafts and games.