December in Orange County is a winter wonderland of excitement, where families can immerse themselves in a festive mix of joyful holiday events and peaceful nature treks. With a specially curated list of activities in hand, families are all set to explore and revel in the delightful sights and sounds that Orange County has to offer.
Wild Tales
Dec. 1, 8 & 15. Get ready for an adventure with OC Parks’ Wild Tales! Perfect for little explorers aged 2-4 (but open to all ages), each session is packed with fun: a hike that’s just right for tiny feet, an engaging story time, and a craft project to spark creativity. Don your best hiking gear and comfy shoes for the trails, and feel free to just show up. However, to secure your spot in this popular program, registering in advance is a good idea.
Address: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach.
Time: Friday, 10–10:45 a.m.
Register Here
Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon
Dec. 2. Kick off your weekend with an adventure in Limestone Canyon, where a treasure trove of trails awaits. Whether you’re on foot or on wheels, Wilderness Access Day opens the gates to a variety of self-guided journeys through OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Choose your own path, from leisurely one-hour strolls to heart-pumping 15-mile treks. Each route offers a unique blend of challenges and scenic beauty, making Limestone Canyon a perfect playground for hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Address: Limestone Canyon Regional Park, Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado
Time: Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Register Here
Holiday Animal Art Preschool Program
Dec. 1. Designed exclusively for 3 to 4-year-old animal enthusiasts, each session is a whirlwind of excitement as kids get to dive into hands-on learning, unleash their creativity with delightful crafts and come face-to-face with the charming residents of the zoo. For just $5, a little one and their guardian can embark on this adventure together. Remember, a parent needs to be there throughout the journey. To join in, simply ring up and register. And when you arrive for this fun-filled experience, parking is a breeze at only $3 per vehicle on weekdays.
Address: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange
Time: Friday, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
To Register call: 714-973-6846 or click here for More Information
Fall Bird Walk
Dec. 2. Mile Square Regional Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise with Orange County’s richest bird diversity, invites you to a leisurely stroll under the guidance of expert OC Parks volunteers. This birding adventure is perfect for enthusiasts of all skill levels, eager to uncover the park’s feathery wonders. Don’t worry if you’re without binoculars; there are plenty to borrow. Just remember, you need to sign up in advance to join this feather-filled fiesta!
Address: Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley
Time: Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
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Candlelight Walk
Dec. 8, 9 & 10. Get ready for a magical experience at the 37th annual Candlelight Walk, lighting up three enchanting evenings on December 8th, 9th, and 10th, from 5 to 9 p.m. Imagine wandering through beautifully decorated grounds, with the air filled with live music and holiday cheer. Kids can dive into festive crafts and even meet Santa Claus himself. And when hunger strikes, tasty light refreshments await, ready for purchase. The best part? Both the event and parking are absolutely free, making it a perfect holiday outing for everyone.
Address: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest
Time: Friday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
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Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Dec. 9 & 23. Embark on an adventure in the newly unveiled Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, nestled in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This self-guided journey lets explorers discover six miles of fresh trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Along the way, two scenic lookout points offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding canyons and ancient rock formations. Choose from seven diverse trails, each weaving through the wilderness with varying lengths and difficulties from easy strolls to moderate challenges. This protected natural haven is brimming with wildlife, from majestic mule deer and red-tailed hawks to the elusive California gnatcatchers and bobcats. Just remember to sign up in advance for this wilderness wonderland experience.
Address: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, 390 Gypsum Canyon Rd., Anaheim
Time: Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Backyard Bugs
Dec. 9. Insects, the planet’s most varied animal group, astonishingly represent 80% of all known species, outnumbering all other animal types put together! Dive into the fascinating world of these tiny, ecological specialists in a family-friendly exploration at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Far from just being ‘icky’, these critters are vital pollinators, playing a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Remember, participants under 16 need a guardian with them. Don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes and pack some snacks and water for the journey. Be sure to register in advance for this insect-insight adventure.
Address: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel
Time: Saturday, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
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Christmas at the OC Zoo
Dec. 9. It’s a holiday extravaganza at the OC Zoo! Imagine a festive day where you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and watch as the delighted zoo animals unwrap treat-stuffed “gifts” and discover surprises in Christmas trees. There’s also a wonderland of holiday crafts for the kids. No need for reservations – just come along and join the fun. All these merry activities are included with your zoo admission (a jolly $2 per person, and free for the little ones under 2).
Address: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Time: Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Tot Walk
Dec. 15. Gather the littlest explorers (infants to 3-year-olds) and join OC Parks naturalists for a delightful journey in Aliso’s enchanting backyard! Set off on a gentle stroll through gardens and along the creek, where bugs, plants, and birds await discovery. There might even be a playful game or a chance to meet one of the local critters! This fun-filled expedition starts at the Visitor Center in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes, and pack some snacks and water. Keep in mind, strollers might find the trail a bit challenging. Remember, signing up in advance.
Time: Friday, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
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Holiday Lights
Dec. 15-17. Gather the littlest explorers (infants to 3-year-olds) and join OC Parks naturalists for a delightful journey in Aliso’s enchanting backyard! Set off on a gentle stroll through gardens and along the creek, where bugs, plants, and birds await discovery. There might even be a playful game or a chance to meet one of the local critters! This fun-filled expedition starts at the Visitor Center in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes, and pack some snacks and water. Keep in mind, strollers might find the trail a bit challenging. Remember, signing up in advance.
Address: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest
Time: Friday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
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Holiday Animal Art Program
Dec. 16. It’s a holiday extravaganza at the OC Zoo! Imagine a festive day where you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and watch as the delighted zoo animals unwrap treat-stuffed “gifts” and discover surprises in Christmas trees. There’s also a wonderland of holiday crafts for the kids. No need for reservations – just come along and join the fun. All these merry activities are included with your zoo admission (a jolly $2 per person, and free for the little ones under 2).
Address: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Time: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Register By Calling: (714) 973-6846 and Click Here for More Information
Nature Journaling at Clark Park
Dec. 20. It’s a holiday extravaganza at the OC Zoo! Imagine a festive day where you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and watch as the delighted zoo animals unwrap treat-stuffed “gifts” and discover surprises in Christmas trees. There’s also a wonderland of holiday crafts for the kids. No need for reservations – just come along and join the fun. All these merry activities are included with your zoo admission (a jolly $2 per person, and free for the little ones under 2).
Address: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Time: Saturday, 8–10 a.m.
Register By Calling: (714) 973-6846 and Click Here for More Information
Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime
Dec. 21. Dive into a morning filled with imagination and creativity at the Interpretive Center in Clark Regional Park! Enjoy an enchanting story, then get crafty with a fun project to take home. Designed for kids aged 2-5, but open to all, it’s the perfect family outing. Just remember, space is a treasure, so parents need to register both themselves and their little ones. And for adventurers under 16, a parent or guardian must be their trusty sidekick at all times. Don’t forget to sign up in advance for this delightful escapade!
Address: Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park
Time: Sunday, 10–11 a.m.
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Photo credits: Photos courtesy by The ACE Agency. Other images are courtesy of the venues featured.
