A true California Christmas adventure awaits you in Huntington Beach. With beachside cottages and ice rinks overlooking the ocean, there is so much to do during the holidays. With the sun shining and the sand warm, we highlight many winter activities and thrilling things to do in Christmas in Huntington Beach that won’t have you shivering in the cold.
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
Christmas in Huntington Beach: All you Need to Know
Magic on Main Street
We start off our list with an iconic event leading to Christmas in Huntington Beach: Magic on Main Street. This is an annual celeration that lights up downtown Huntington. It features food booths, crafts, and entertainment as all the local businesses come together to celebrate the holiday season.
It typically takes place in late November, with the 2022 event taking place the Sunday following Thanksgiving. This makes it just perfect for all those who need to do their shopping early for Christmas. The center of all the events is a beautiful display of Christmas trees, with the tree lights being lit right before the sunset. Dates and further info in this website.
Surf City Winter Wonderland
The Huntington Beach surf festival is an unmissable Christmas activity in town. Surf City Winter Wonderland is a daily event that is held on the Pier every day from late November to the beginning of January. There is shopping, ice skating, as well as days of theme nights, including ugly sweater parties and nights spanning different decades.
The Paséa hotel’s ice skating rink is the focal point for most of the festivities. Other than themed events throughout December, there are also be special evenings featuring live performances – ranging from rock n’roll bands to Charles Dickens carolers. Check admission fees, parking info, and more here.
Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights
A visit to the Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights is truly a thrilling experience of the passion and hard work of the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee to bring a wonderful experience to the residents and tourists in Huntington Beach.
To ensure that the holiday spirit of giving is alive and well, 10% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to a number of youth programs throughout Orange County. So, as you are enjoying the lights, you can be confident that you’re supporting a great cause in the process! Details and dates on this website.
SWEA of Orange County’s Annual Christmas Fair at Old World
This is an absolutely unique choice on the list as well as one ot the top Huntington Beach Christmas events! You can get a real sense of Swedish Christmas culture at this fair. There are many beautiful things to see and do at this fair. Throughout the celebrations, there will be traditional food and crafts, artwork, and of course, plenty of Glogg!
Since the fair only runs for one day every year, don’t miss the chance to make the most of your visit. Although the dates may change from year to year, it usually takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. In terms of ticket prices, they range from $5-$10 dollars, so in this case, this is a cost-effective option while supporting the SWEA. All the relevant details for this Huntington Christmas event are here.
GWC’s The Nutcracker Ballet
Golden West College has been staging this enchanting performance of The Nutcrackee for over 45 years, delighting theatergoers with their use of fine costumes and professional sets. Running through the first half of December, this is truly an incredible ballet that has rightfully made its way among the top remarkable Christmas events in Huntington.
There is no doubt that The Nutcracker is one of my favorite ballets, and this event did not disappoint. This performance is one that captures the Christmas spirit in a way that most cannot. Therefore, I highly recommend that you see it at least once if you have not already done so. Look for more info on the official website.
Light a Light of Love Event
The spirit of giving is spread through this remarkable pick that’s on our list and that truly represents the essence of Christmas. The Light a Light of Love is a free event that you can visit in Huntington Beach. This includes a free craft table, a parade, and a beautiful display of snowflakes that will light up the Main Street and Pier at 6 p.m.
If you would like to be a part of the thrill of this celebration, you can sponsor one of the snowflakes that will be lit up at this fantastic event. As part of your sponsorship, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.
In addition to sponsoring a snowflake, you can also purchase a variety of items supporting the cause, including head warmers, snowflake wands, and more. To check the parade route, visit their website.
Live Nativity Play at Old World
The experience of attending the live Nativity Play performance at Old World during the holiday season is an incredible experience. The event is free, setting a great example volunteers coming together to create such an amazing scene… Truly a reminder of what Christmas is really about.
This celebration brings together a variety of singers, actors, and dancers who all contribute to achieving a very vivid representation of the play. American Family Housing was the primary beneficiary of the performance in 2021. Check their website.
Holiday Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
It has to be said that I’m a tea aficionado and for that reason I find this to be one of the best choices on the list. A holiday afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton is unlike any other you have ever experienced. Those looking for a little decadence will enjoy the wide selection of savory and sweet treats, as well as the variety of teas inspired by the holiday season.
Aside from the extraordinary food and drink that you’ll enjoy, you’ll relax with a breathtaking view of the ocean, making this an experience that you will never forget. The venue usually offers the package during the first two weeks of December. Spots fill up quickly, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for this incredible experience!
Lido House Holiday Cottages
To round out the activities, the Lido House Holiday Cottages are perhaps the most luxurious of the bunch when it comes to Christmas in Huntington Beach. In the price of this package you will receive an overnight stay in a cottage of your choice, a private dinner prepared by an experienced executive chef, and a keepsake of your choice from The Cove – the Lido Houses gift shop.
A truly remarkable aspect of the experience are the two spa treatments available – a peppermint spice sugar scrub that will leave your skin looking supple and feeling refreshed, and a yam and pumpkin facial that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. There is no doubt in my mind that this package is more than worth the money you pay for it!