Holiday Happenings in Anaheim, California
Anaheim, California, might not be much of a “winter wonderland” when it comes to the weather. But the city and surrounding areas have an amazing variety of seasonal events to help ring in the holidays.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, Summer Crest has put together this list of some of our favorite opportunities to take in a show, support local businesses, and give back to the community, so let’s take a look at what’s happening in and around Anaheim, California, this holiday season!
Winter Activities
Whether you take in the city’s annual tree lighting or strap on your skates, there are some great activities that include festivals, food, and fun this winter in Anaheim, California.
Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting: Start the holiday season with the City of Anaheim’s annual tree lighting ceremony, which also includes holiday crafts and entertainment, unique shopping opportunities, and a dog costume contest! The event kicks off on Sunday, December 3, at 12:00 p.m., and will continue throughout the day. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the steps of City Hall in downtown Anaheim.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: Anaheim and Disneyland go hand in hand, and the park’s seasonal festivities are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Beginning November 10 and running through January 7, Disneyland’s holiday events include the Festival of Holidays, which looks at how the season is celebrated in other cultures through traditions, music, and food, as well as the sparking lights for World of Color.
The Rinks: Put your skills to the test this holiday season by coming down to The Rinks, located at 300 West Lincoln Avenue. It’s the perfect winter activity—just don’t forget to bundle up to keep warm. General admission is $15, and if you don’t have skates, don’t worry: They have rentals available. Get your pass today on the website.
Shows and Performances
One unique thing about the holiday season is that it has its own music. Whether you’re looking to listen or join in, these performances in and around Anaheim, California, are sure to put you and your family in the holiday spirit.
Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker: What better way to spend a winter night than watching a full-length Nutcracker performance? You’ll get the chance to see Clara and her nutcracker doll bring so much excitement to Candyland. There will be three showings: one on Friday, November 24, and two on Saturday, November 25. The show is a classic, and many will be quick to grab a ticket, so don’t miss out on all the fun that’s to be had this year.
Dickens Christmas Carol Singalong: For some sounds of the season, look no further than the four-part harmonies of the Charles Dickens Carolers, performing this year at the Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church in nearby Alhambra on Sunday, December 17. Dressed in traditional Dickensian costumes, the group has been performing in and around Anaheim since 1987, singing both traditional and contemporary holiday tunes. Reserve a space for you and that special someone—or the whole family—ahead of time, as seating for the performance is limited. This event is free and open to the public with an RSVP or $20 donation at the door on the day of the event.
Intergenerational Orchestra Holiday Concert: Guests are invited to attend the inaugural holiday concert put on by Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), an organization that provides free academic, arts, and athletic programs to underserved youth in and around the Anaheim area. Taking place on Saturday, December 2, at the Berendo Street Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, at 3:00 p.m., this event is free and open to the public.
Shopping
Local businesses are gearing up for the holiday season, and shopping locally is a great way to support them. While these specialty events aren’t the only way to do so, they do provide a fun opportunity to check out a lot of what Anaheim, California, has to offer.
Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market & Craft Fair: Local restaurants, businesses, and vendors converge every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting) at Center Street Promenade in downtown Anaheim as part of this year-round event. Make it a point to stop by and see what’s being offered this holiday season in an effort to support local businesses while hunting for that perfect present.
Winter Market: Desserts, homemade crafts, jewelry, and clothing—who wouldn’t want to shop at the Winter Market, with all of the unique and exciting boutiques coming on December 9? This will be your chance to find a great gift for all of your loved ones since they have such a wide range of products to pick from. This event will last from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be hosted at Masjid Al-Ansar.
Anaheim GardenWalk: If you’re looking for more ways to support local businesses this holiday season, Anaheim GardenWalk is putting on a great free event from November 17 through November 19. There will, of course, be the usual amazing shops open for business, along with additional local vendors. GardenWalk encourages the community to shop small and be thankful this year—and to take one of the free salsa classes available this year. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way down to 400 West Disney Way.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Many people take the opportunity to volunteer during the holidays as a means of giving back to their community. If you’re looking for ways you can help in Anaheim, California, or if you yourself could use a little holiday magic, these events are working to help those in need this holiday season.
Salvation Army Christmas Assistance: To help provide for underprivileged children in Anaheim and other Orange County cities, The Salvation Army has put together multiple donation programs. Of course, it is always accepting gently used house goods, clothing, and furniture, but around the holidays, the organization likes to do something a little more special. If you would like to donate a toy, fund a whole family’s Christmas, or volunteer your time, The Salvation Army has plenty of opportunities.
Orange County Christmas Donations: Are you in the giving spirit this year? Orange County is the perfect place to be in. We have an amazing community that has put together several donation and volunteer opportunities to help those in need. Check out this list to see which option is right for you. Every donation is highly appreciated, whether it is food, money, time, or a toy.
Safely Celebrate the Holidays at Home
Decorating your home is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, but those decorations can also become dangerous if not properly set up and monitored.
Whether you’re using a real or fake Christmas tree, it’s important to make sure that it’s securely stationed to minimize the risk of it falling and causing damage or even a fire. Check your lights to make sure the cords are not damaged or frayed—especially if you have a curious pet at home who is interested in the seasonal decorations—and if you’re using a real tree, keep it watered to prevent it from drying out.
Candles can also be dangerous if not properly monitored. The American Red Cross says that during the winter months, candles cause up to four times as many fires, so keep candles away from other decorations and properly extinguish them if you’re not going to be around to watch them. Battery-powered candles are a safe alternative that can achieve the same effect.
While our warmer winters in Anaheim, California, may prevent us from seeing snow, our holiday spirit is alive and well with many events, performances, and opportunities for both shopping and volunteering. However you plan on celebrating this holiday season, we hope this list has given you some ideas. From all of us at Summer Crest Apartments in Anaheim, California, Happy Holidays!
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