Orange County Holiday Events 2012 - OC Parks

Celebrate the Holiday Season with OC Parks 

Spend this holiday season in the outdoor winter wonderland of OC Parks. December welcomes a full calendar of festive events and programs for families and friends to enjoy together.

Join OC Parks and OC Public Libraries on Thursday, November 29 for the second annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Irvine Ranch Historic Park, home to the Katie Wheeler Library. The event will feature holiday performances, music and refreshments, and a special appearance by Santa Claus in a beautiful, historic setting. Complimentary festivities will culminate with the lighting of the large redwood tree adjacent to the library.

On Saturday, December 1, Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest welcomes the 31st Annual Victorian Christmas. Experience the traditions of the holiday season at Heritage Hill Historical Park. The park’s historic buildings will be festively decorated for the holidays.  There will be musical performers, local craft vendors, and food available for purchase.  Families and friends will enjoy fun, hands-on activities including butter churning, candle dipping, Victorian-inspired crafts, and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus.

Also at Heritage Hill Historical Park, the annual Candlelight Walk returns on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9. Watch the park transforms into an extravagant celebration with 1,000 luminarias lighting the buildings, illuminating the pathways and shining on the park grounds. Holiday carolers, local musicians, storytellers and flamenco dancers provide seasonal entertainment throughout the evening. Visit Santa and enjoy warm cider, cocoa and homemade confections.

Also on Saturday, December 8, celebrate the holidays with the animals of the OC Zoo in Irvine Regional Park! Christmas at the OC Zoo welcomes children to story time with Mrs. Claus, a visit with Santa, seasonally inspired crafts and holiday face painting. Watch the zoo animals receive treats hidden inside Christmas Trees! While at the OC Zoo, take a ride on Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train through Irvine Regional Park, running November 30-December 2, December 7-9, and December 14-23!

The holidays are just beginning so gather the family and ring in the winter season with OC Parks!

Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park

November 29 – Holiday Tree Lighting

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Location: Irvine Ranch Historical Park

13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602

Cost: FREE Parking: FREE

Contact: (714) 973-6609

http://www.ocparks.com/irvineranch  

December 1 – 31st Annual Victorian Christmas

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park

25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Cost: $4 Adults, $3 kids ages 3-12 Parking: FREE

Contact: (949) 923-2230 or (949) 923-2232

http://www.ocparks.com/heritagehill/

December 8, 9 – Candlelight Walk

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park

25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Cost: $4 Adults, $3 kids ages 3-12 Parking: FREE

Contact: (949) 923-2230 or (949) 923-2232

http://www.ocparks.com/heritagehill/

December 8 – Christmas at the Zoo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: OC Zoo (inside Irvine Regional Park)

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Cost: $2 per child over age 3 (includes 1 adult) Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-6847

http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/

November 30 - December 2, 7-9, 14-23– Christmas Train

Location: Irvine Park Railroad (inside Irvine Regional Park)

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Cost: $10 per person (children under age 2 ride free) Parking: $5 per vehicle and free after 5 p.m.

Contact: (714) 973-6835 or (714) 973-3173

http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/

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