In the month of Dec., fellow Orange County public parks are being lit up by Christmas lights and enjoyed throughout the towns. With dazzling displays, fake snow in the warm California weather, and sparkling decorations that draw families to enjoy the scenery. Throughout all of Orange County, people can enjoy the holiday glow.
At Dana Point Harbor, they have magical lights lighting up the walkway as you take in the view of the boats and the beautiful ocean. The amazing snow flown lights hanging from the paths and the lightened Christmas tree makes it all a magical night. Although the Candy Cane Lane is not going to be seen this year due to reconstruction on fencing due to the harbor “revitalization” project. But the iconic Merry Kiss Me sign will always be standing where couples can wholesomely enjoy a wonderful and magical moment together.
Camille Mkeann (12), a fellow student who witnessed the magical Holiday Lights at Dana Point Harbor for the first time, said, “It was so beautiful during the night and whoever came up with this is a genius. It was truly magical.”
The Great Park in Irvine is also having a special Christmas scenery; Holidays at the Park. The cost is completely free including parking and is an outdoor light display with fun photo opportunities as well as a free carousel ride. On top of the Hangar roof people can witness a fantastic sight of a sleigh and reindeer.
There is a wonderful inside Pop-Up tent where incredibly friendly volunteers are there to help the little ones enjoy writing letters to Santa and mailing them out. These Holidayz Pop-Up photo ops are only open on weekends as well as many other beautiful lights to enjoy around the park.
Newport Beach is having a festive sighting; The Newport Dunes Christmas Lights. Families from all over drive up and witness a beautiful site of Christmas trees set up across the water, picturing an image of ‘dunes’. The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is featuring a Fire and Lights Festival, sadly without an ice rink this year.
This event runs Nov. 28 until Jan. 4 and for a free cost that is open to the public. Some concessions, activities and holiday trees will have an additional cost. The lightened trees floating on the bay are an absolute sight to see. The bay is lit up Mondays through Wednesdays but the festival does not happen during that time. Parking for under the amount of 30 minutes is free, from 30 minutes to two hours is a total of ten dollars.
In our local town of Aliso Viejo, the annual Town Center Christmas lighting was on Dec. 4. It was truly magical and an amazing event to experience. The tree is set in the center and is lit up by Santa Clause who rides in by a fire truck. The concessions offer free samples and some tables have fun activities for the children including stickers and homemade ornaments and more. The local choir group with participants from local middle schools and others were an honor to listen to as they had harmonized so perfectly to our favorite Christmas songs. There was free hot chocolate and popcorn from the Regale theatre to enjoy while walking around. The truly magical moment of the tree lighting touched so many hearts and warmed the little kids who are so excited for the holidays.
Catie Lacanienta (12) said, “It was amazing seeing all the kids running around with their Christmas hats and the choir group was truly magical to listen to.”
The Orange County festivities continue in many other areas across the county with other amazing and magical sights to see. This time of year is so magical to everyone and lighting it up brings joy and smiles to all.
