Holiday Happenings in Mission Viejo and Nearby this Year 2018

The holidays are here! Everyone’s really excited, and several plans have been made, I’m sure you have too. But just in case you don’t have ideas yet on the days ‘countdowning’ to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, here are some holiday happenings in Mission Viejo and nearby cities this 2018.

Now it’s time to plan blissful days on the holidays!

December 7: Kaleidoscope’s Cheery & Bright Tree Lighting

Address: Kaleidoscope, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Kaleidoscope’s Cheery & Bright Tree Lighting

On December 7, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo will celebrate the spirit of the holidays by decking the halls with Cheery & Bright Tree Lighting. It will be a magical Friday in the city with holiday crafts, face painting, visits with Santa, photo booth, and so many more.

Bring your kids to let them experience an enchanting night by A Storybook Nutcracker presented by the Pave School of the Performing Arts students. A holiday song and dance presentation will also grace the event by OCSA’s students with Santa and his friends.

December 7 and 8: Drive-Thru Nativity

Address: Mount of Olives Church 24722 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Drive-Thru Nativity in Mission Viejo

The Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo is set to host an annual Drive-Thru nativity. Bring your family to witness a live retelling of the Christmas story. Kids will surely adore it. You can experience the event by driving or walking through. There will be live actors, animals and beautiful music with narration. This event will start from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, December 7 – 8, 2018.

December 9: Neighborhood Sunday Dinner

Address: Presbyterian Church of the Master 26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Neighborhood Sunday Dinner

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a free and homecooked dinner at the Presbyterian Church of the Master on December 9. The free meal will start serving from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.

December 11, 2018: Paint a Portrait of Your Pet

Address: 22235 El Paseo, Suite B, Mission Viejo CA

Paint a Portrait of Your Pet

Holidays aren’t just for humans. They’re also for your pets. So this holiday season, give your furry family members an act of appreciation by joining the Project Pet where you get to paint a portrait of your pet. No need for a serious art experience. There will be a professional artist in the event that will help you in mixing colors and some techniques. No matter what your choice of a pet may be, they’re all welcome here.

If you’re interested, sign up at https://www.pinotspalette.com/ranchosantamargarita/event/276194. You can also call them at 949-393-1340. Admission is $65 per person.

December 13 to 16: 33rd Annual ‘The Nutcracker’

Address: Saddleback College Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692

33rd Annual ‘The Nutcracker’

Holiday traditions in Mission Viejo will not be complete with the annual ‘The Nutcracker’ show. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince in a magical Nutcracker Ballet. The Laguna Ballet will present the enchanting show in its 13th season at Saddleback College under the direction of Artistic Director Shery Gilbert. Nutcracker is probably the most famous ballet in the world.

Admission Fee:

For more information, visit this link: http://www.lagunanutcracker.com.

December 19 to 23: Christmas Boat Parade

Address: Newport Beach, CA

Christmas Boat Parade in Mission Viejo

Fill your soul with holiday cheer together with the rest of your family by driving to Newport Beach to catch its annual Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights. You can witness this enchanting event starting on the 19th of December until the 24th. The event will begin approximately at 6:30 PM.

This colorful occasion lets your eyes witness beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along the harbor. The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the event.

For parade route and more information, click here: https://www.christmasboatparade.com.

December 20 to January 6, 2019: Winter Fest OC

Address: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Winter Fest OC

Nothing is merrier than visiting the Winter Fest in Costa Mesa just a few miles away from Mission Viejo. Your holiday spirits will rise as Winter Fest features 40,000 square feet of new attractions and brings back well-loved activities from the previous years.

Here are a bunch of new stuff to look out for in this year in Winter Fest:

• SoCal Dicken’s Village
• Candy and Snowflake Wonderland
• Festival of Lights
• Orange Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration
• Club Winter Fest

Also, some activities are back by popular demand like:

• Snowflake Summit
• Flying Santa and his Reindeer
• Penny’s Snow Play

Favorite attractions like world’s largest rocking horse, wintery-themed bounce houses for kids, a giant walk-through ornament, strolling carolers, petting zoo, character meet and greets, crafts, arcade games, more than 30 carnival rides and games, and seasonal food and beverages are also back!

Tickets and selected value packages are available now starting at only $10. Read more here: https://winterfestoc.com.

December 24: Christmas Eve Service at Mount of Olives Church

Address: Mount of Olives Church 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Christmas Eve Service at Mount of Olives Church

The best way to kick the Christmas Eve celebration is by going to the church and know the real reason for the holidays. Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo has several Christmas Eve services on December 24, 2018.

Here are church service schedules:

• 2:30 pm – Contemporary Worship with candle lighting
• 4:00 pm – Contemporary Worship with candle lighting
• 5:30 pm – Contemporary Worship with candle lighting
• 7:00 pm – Contemporary Worship with candle lighting
• 9:00 pm – Traditional Worship with Communion and candle lighting

December 31: Orange Ball New Year’s Eve 2018-2019 (Winter Fest)

Address: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

On the 31st of December, there will be an Orange Ball New Year’s Eve 2018-19 in the Winter Fest. This countdown celebration is surely an event not to miss if you plan in welcoming the new year outdoors.

The hosts of this celebration will light up the night sky with fireworks and a not-to-miss 3,000 balloon drop. Come here as early as 5 PM to avoid the crowd as the event will start at 6:00 PM. Some bands will also grace the occasion as you end this year with a bang.

No additional fee for New Years Eve Celebration, it is included in your Dec. 31 admission ticket or season pass.

Read more here: https://winterfestoc.com.