25+ Festive Things to do in Huntington Beach at Christmas (2023)

A true California Christmas adventure is ready and waiting when you visit Huntington Beach. With beachside cottages and ice rinks overlooking the ocean, there is so much to do during the holidays.

Even though it might not feel like Christmas, with the sun shining and the sandy beaches, there are still plenty of thrilling things to do in Huntington Beach at Christmas that won’t have you shivering in the cold.

Boat with lights on it at the Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights during Christmas in California — *credit Visit Huntington Beach*

Christmas in Huntington Beach

Magic on Main Street

Address: First three blocks of Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA
Date: Mid-November
- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Magic on Main Street event
  6 p.m.: Magic on Main Street holiday tree lighting ceremony
Website

Kick off the holiday season with the most festive event leading to Christmas in Huntington Beach: Magic on Main Street.

This annual celebration that lights up downtown Huntington, features food booths, crafts, and entertainment as all the local businesses come together to celebrate the holiday season.

It typically takes place in mid-late November, around Thanksgiving (sometimes before, but sometimes after).Why do we love it? We can get all of our Christmas shopping done early!

Don’t miss the lighting of the Christmas tree on Main Street, a highlight of the evening.

Surf City Winter Wonderland

Address: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, Pacific Coast-Main, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Date: mid-November through the first week in January

Jump into winter at the Surf City Winter Wonderland, a daily event in Downtown Huntington Beach. Every day from mid-November through the beginning of January you can lace up your skates (or rent a pair) and pretend that all of that sand on the beach is snow.

Free parking will be offered for the first 90 minutes at City parking lots.

Ice skater twirling at the Ice Rink at Pasea Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach CA during Christmas — *credit Visit Huntington Beach*

Ice Skating at Paséa Hotel & Spa

Address: 1080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Date: mid-December through January 1
Website

In case you need MORE ice skating to experience the holiday season, Pasea Resort and Spa puts up their annual ice skating rink, which guests can enjoy from mid-December through January 1.

Want to spend the night? Grab the best rates and availability HERE.

More Christmas Events at Paséa Hotel & Spa

Cool Yule Tree Lighting Ceremony: First Thursday in December
Breakfast with Santa: Third weekend in December (book early as it does sell out)

Oceanfront Huntington Beach California surfers

Christmas at the Beach

Address: Beach City Provisions, 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
Date: First Saturday in December, 3pm-6pm
Website

Grab the kids and head to the beach to watch Santa arrive at Bolsa Chica State Beach on his jet ski along with his lifeguard elves for a very California Christmas!

More Christmas Fun at Beach City Provisions

Holiday Karaoke: Get up and share your vocal talents or simply sit back and watch; either way it’s a good time for all.
Christmas Tree Raffle: help clean up the beach and you will get a raffle ticket to win a free Christmas tree.
Outdoor Movie: Bring a blanket and the kids to watch a family-friendly holiday classic. Snacks will be available for purchase at Beach City Provisions.
Crafts and Games: Make a holiday ornament that will commemorate your year.

Santa Claus For A Cause 5K/10K

Address: Bolsa Chica State Beach, 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
Date: Third Saturday in December
Website

Join fellow runners for the Santa Claus For A Cause 5K, Santa Claus For A Cause 10K, and HO HO HO KID’s DASH Course this holiday season. Not only will you get a good workout, but you will help a great cause as well.

Photos with Santa at Pacific City

Address: Pacific City, 21010 Pacific Coast HighwayHuntington Beach, CA 92648
Date: Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve
Website

Visit Santa’s Airstream on the Ocean Deck for one of the most unique Christmas photos around. This is one of the earlier Santa meet and greets, so you can still get your photo in all of your Christmas cards before mailing them out for the holidays.

PRO TIP: Book reservations in advance to receive one free personalized phone call from Santa before your visit

More Things to do at Pacific City

“It’s a Cool Yule Celebration”
Shop Local Saturday
The Giving Machine Launch
Santa Paws
“All for a Good Clause”
Cookie Crawl
PC Grommets Holiday Party
Reading Reef Nutcracker + Ballet
Getting Ready for Santa

Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights

Address: Huntington Beach Harbour Mall, 16889 Algonquin St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Date: Third and fourth weekends in December
- Cruise times: 5:30 pm | 6:30 pm | 7:30 pm
Website

Every December the residents of Huntington Beach deck out their homes, decks, docks and boats with thousands of twinkling lights and animated displays. Voted, “Top 10,” By Coastal Living Magazine, you can get the best view when you join a 50-minute narrated boat tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbour in Huntington Beach, California.

PRO TIP: Keep an eye on the website for “value nights.”

Pier Summit Ski Lodge Pop-Up Bar

Address: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, 500 Pacific Coast HighwayHuntington Beach, CA 92648
Date: Wednesday-Saturday, November through mid-January
Website

Looking for a kitschy Christmas event where the 80s are back, neon is encouraged and Christmas sweaters are the norm? I wonder if I can find my old crimper to do my hair?

The Pier Summit Ski Lodge Pop-Up Bar at the Kimpton Shorebreak has you covered with bartenders in neon-colored ski outfits, a life-size yeti for your selfies, and winter-inspired food, drinks, and décor.

Do not miss nightly activations like the Jazzercise classes that even the legendary Richard Simons would want to join.

Want to spend the night? Grab the best rates and availably during the holiday season HERE.

SWEA of Orange County’s Annual Christmas Fair at Old World

Address: Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Center Avenue #49 , Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Date: Third weekend in November
Website

SWEA (Swedish Women’s Education Association, a global non-profit organization), puts on one of the most anticipated Christmas markets in Southern California each year. Enjoy traditional food and crafts, artwork, and of course, plenty of Glogg!

Children can say hello Santa before they munch on traditional Swedish pastries, and their parents sip SWEA’s very own mulled wine. Shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list, including art, jewelry, toys and collectibles.

Do NOT miss the Lucia pageant, featuring members’ children, children from Svenska Skolan OC and other singing Swedish teens. The pageant is performed twice during the day (12:30pm and 3pm), so if you miss the first, stick around for the second. .

Not sure who St. Lucia was? Check out our recipe for St. Lucia buns and the history of this saint and namesake sweet bread.

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.

NOTE: This is a ticketed event that supports SWEA and keeps this event going year after year. The fee is nominal and goes to a worthy cause.

Ballet Repertory Theatre’s The Nutcracker Ballet

Address: Golden West College, 15751 Gothard St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Date: Three weeks leading up to Christmas Eve
Website

Golden West College has been staging the enchanting performance of The Nutcracker for more than 45 years, delighting theater goers with their use of fine costumes and professional sets. Running through the last half of December, this is one of our tip Christmas events in Huntington Beach.

With over 300 cast members, you will experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s musical masterpiece through a fantasy land of life-size dolls, toy soldiers, delicate snowflakes (my favorite part of the show!), and to the Land of Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Taking the kids? Check out our guide to seeing The Nutcracker Ballet with Kids

Light a Light of Love Event

Address: Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street and Pier Plaza
Date: First Sunday in December
- 4pm Children’s Holiday Parade
- 5pm Photo opp with Santa
- 6pm Pier and Main Street Snowflake Lighting
Website

The Light a Light of Love is a free event that 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.

If you happen to miss the lighting, have no fear, the snowflakes will be lit every night through the holiday season.

Old World’s Live Nativity Play – International Celebration of Christmas

Address: Biergarten @ Old World HB Restaurant & Bar, 7561 Center Ave #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Date: Third Sunday in December
Website

Join merry makers at Old World Village in Huntington Beach to experience a live nativity performance. The play brings together several churches with a variety of singers, actors, and dancers who all contribute to achieving a very vivid representation of the play.

Admission and parking are free, so if you want to add a little religion back into the Christmas holiday, this is a great family-friendly event for you and your kids.

More events at Old World

Old World’s Christmas Market: open daily in November and December
Dachshund thru the Snow – Holiday Races: First Sunday in December
Gingerbread House Decorating: First Sunday in December

More Things to do in Huntington Beach at Christmas

Gingerbread House Decorating: First Saturday in December
OC Yoga Fest & Christmas Walk: First Saturday in December
LET IT SNOW” with the Snow Queen & Princess: Select dates from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve
Meet Santa at Bella Terra Mall: Saturdays in December (ends Christmas Eve)
Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Bella Terra Mall: early December (1 day only!)
Holiday Christmas Carolers at Bella Terra Mall: First two weeks in December
First Friday Night Market – Sleigh the Day at Bella Terra Mall: First day of December
“Sounds of the Season” The Huntington Beach Union High School District’s Academy for the Performing Arts: Second weekend in December
Huntington Beach Annual Countdown to Christmas: Downtown HB