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Marketing - • November 16, 2023

Celebrate the 2023 Holidays in Orange, CA!

The holidays are back! From now through the new year, the world lights up as family and friends come together in celebration. And Orange, CA, is no exception. Even in Southern California, where you’ll never see a single snowflake fall from the sky, there’s plenty to do and see to get into the holiday spirit.



Here at Grove House, we love our city and want you to enjoy your time here as much as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this list of activities, shows and performances, shopping destinations, and opportunities to serve that will help you make the most of the holidays in Orange, CA! Take a look and get ready for a festive season you’ll never forget!

Activities

Turkey Trots: Turkey trots have become a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations and are the perfect way to work up your appetite for the feast to come. In Orange County, we’re fortunate to have multiple options to choose from:


  • Turkey Trot OC: Now in its 10th year, this 5K in Tustin is hosted by Orange County Rescue Mission. This year, its goal is to raise enough money to provide 50,000 meals for the less fortunate throughout Orange County. 
  • Orange County Turkey Trot: This Orange County tradition offers three options, making it perfect for the whole family. You have your choice of a one-mile dash, a 5K, and a Kids Gobble Wobble. This is also a great option for the more festive at heart, as the event will include a costume contest, with gift cards going to the most impressive outfits.
  • Dana Point Turkey Trot: For the more ambitious runners out there, Dana Point offers a 5K, a 10K, and even a 15K. Of course, they don’t forget about the kids, and the Gobble Wobble is still open so the younger ones can tag along.



Tree Lighting Ceremony: Every year, the city of Orange commences the Christmas season with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, complete with a candlelight choir procession. This year’s ceremony will take place on December 3 and run from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. Come join with the rest of the Orange community as we celebrate together.


Irvine Park Railroad: There’s more to Irvine Park Railroad than the iconic Christmas Train. Throughout December, you’ll find Santa’s Village in full swing and bristling with fun activities for young and old alike, including carnival games, ice fishing, cookie decorating, bounce castles, arts and crafts, and, of course, photos with Santa. The North Pole has never felt closer to Southern California!


Shows and Performances

Christmas Concert with Father Peter Hanna: St. John Maron Maronite Catholic Church is hosting Father Peter Hanna for his first trip to the US, and he’s bringing the spirit of the season with beautiful hymns and carols. This is just one stop on his trip through the state, so be sure to stop by on December 2 before he moves on!


59th Annual Holiday Wassail Concert: For nearly 60 years, Chapman University has invited the community to join it in a night of holiday season favorites performed by its very own choirs and the Chapman Orchestra. There are two chances (December 8 and 9) to come and see what has kept Orange residents coming back for more year after year.



Nochebuena: One of the best things about the holiday season is seeing how other cultures celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Nochebuena is one such opportunity and a local favorite. This musical performance celebrates traditions and customs from across Mexico, featuring songs and dances of the indigenous cultures and Spanish heritage alike. This event sells out every year, so act fast!

Opportunities to Share

Grandma’s House of Hope: This Orange County charity helps those in our community experiencing homelessness to escape the cycle of poverty and “graduate to permanent housing as stronger, more confident, and autonomous individuals.” And they need plenty of help during the holiday season to achieve that mission. There are plenty of ways to get involved, including making a donation or volunteering. Reach out today to find the opportunity that’s right for your time and talents.


Holiday Toy Drive: The Orange County Fire Authority is teaming up with KWAVE to participate in the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Last year, the drive collected 39,312 toys and $50,000 in monetary donations. If you want to help surpass last year’s achievement, you can drop off donations at any of the 78 fire stations in Orange County.


OneOC: California has more than 161,000 homeless residents, but it can be easy to overlook and forget about them. This year, you can embrace the season of giving by remembering these people and working with OneOC in its Days of Sharing events, scheduled throughout November and December. Find the right opportunity to make someone else’s holidays shine.

Safe Celebration

We’ve covered a lot for you to do in and around Orange, CA, this holiday season. But the most important place when it comes to celebrating the holidays is your own home. That’s why it’s so crucial that you do all you can to celebrate safely.


This can start with small precautions. For example, every year, around 7,400 fires are started by household candles. You can keep your own home safe by placing candles in safe locations, never leaving them unattended, and always extinguishing them before going to bed.


Another simple step is taking care of your Christmas tree. Live or artificial, make sure your tree is placed securely. If you do choose a live tree, keep it well watered to avoid it drying out, and make sure to turn off the lights whenever you step out of the house or turn in for the night.

There’s so much to do and see as the year draws to a close. With all these activities, shows and performances, shopping destinations, and opportunities to serve, you have all you need to celebrate the 2023 holidays in Orange, CA, and make lasting memories. From all of us at Grove House, happy holidays!

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