Orange County Holiday Wonder

Orange County is a great place to get your culture on. Whether you take in a play, participate in a holiday tradition or immerse yourself in a festival, the OC is truly the place to be this holiday season.

The Sawdust Art Festival, featuring 200 Laguna Beach artists in a magical setting complete with waterfalls and towering eucalyptus trees, transforms into the Sawdust Winter Fantasy during weekends Nov. 22 through Dec. 14. Celebrating 18 years, the festival includes a Winter Walkabout Tour, which gives visitors a behind-the-scenes tour in the show's creation.

San Juan Capistrano Christmas tree ceremony begins in Historic Towne Center Park on Dec. 6, with a visit from Santa, a live nativity presentation, merchant open house and music. Christmas at the Mission at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, includes musical performers, a nativity scene, St. Nicholas, and more.

Enjoy music, dance, Mexican hot chocolate, tamales and pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) at the Bowers Museum during “Los Posadas: A Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration.” Taking place on December 14, the event is a celebration of the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a posada (inn) prior to the birth of Christ.  

The world-famous Crystal Cathedral hosts the annual Glory of Christmas (Nov. 28-Jan. 4), a creative blend of Christmas carols, live animals, flying angels and special effects create a living nativity. Pre-recorded orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra provides the musical backdrop for live performances by adult and child soloists.

Orange County is home to the Tony-Award winning South Coast Repertory. This holiday season enjoy two holiday plays; the enchanting musical play, “La Posada Magica” and the 29th annual staging of Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.”

Known for making science fun, the OC’s Discovery Science Center takes a look at inner workings of the holiday edible wonder with “The Science of Gingerbread” exhibition, running November 24, 2008 through January 4, 2009

For more, download our Holiday Calendar of Events.