Orange County Christmas Fun

After you've ordered your Christmas flowers (hint, hint), there's lots to see and do here in the OC to celebrate the holiday season. So for some real Christmas fun, here's a list of local favorites: 

Visit Santa

Not sure where to go? Orange County Register reporter Niyaz Pirani's four-year-old little sister, Jaslyn, rated the Santas at the Orange County Marketplace, Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza. Our family's favorite Santa is at the Disneyland Hotel (near Goofy's Kitchen), where the line is short and we can take in the lights and sounds at Downtown Disney.

Holiday Music and Dance

December 15, Saturday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. - The Anaheim Ballet will be performing the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker at Fullerton's Plummer Auditorium. If you've never seen the Anaheim Ballet's video podcasts, you're missing some real treats.  Here's the delightful one about preparing for the Nutcracker performances:

December 16, Sunday, 3 p.m.  - Hear Handel's Messiah performed by the Pacific Symphony at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

December 21, Friday, 2 p.m. - Experience Tuba Christmas at Anaheim's Downtown Disney. The organizers are hoping to establish a world record by bringing together more than 800 tuba and euphonium players for what's sure to be a memorable performance.  :)

Now through January 5 - See and hear the spectacular Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral. Flying angels, live animals and fantastic performers all come together in this not-to-be-missed holiday pageant.

See the Lights

The Orange County Register has an interactive map charting locations of outstanding residential holiday light displays and detailed pages about the holiday boat parades in Newport Beach and Dana Point. (Thanks to the Register for these fantastic resources!)

Strut Your Christmas Tree

Again from the OC Register, upload a photo of your holiday tree and enter the competition. Winner to be announced on Christmas Eve. Only two entries so far, but the gallery and voting page will be fun to watch over the next couple weeks.

Did I miss your favorite? Let me know.

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