Celebrate the Holidays Near Buena Park, CA!

Activities

Below are a few of our favorite holiday activities near Buena Park that are perfect for all ages. Whether you’re going solo or with a group, these activities will be well worth it. 

Candy Caneland & Craft Faire

Get some holiday shopping done and enjoy a winter wonderland all at once at the annual Candy Caneland & Craft Faire on December 9. This artisan fair held at the Ehlers Event Center features more than 100 local vendors selling homemade items. There’s a whole lot more for visitors to do than shopping, too. Take a spin on the “infamous” snow slide and enjoy entertainment, raffles, food, games, and more. A petting zoo, ice rink, and visit from Santa Claus himself will make this an event to remember.

Visits from Santa

Santa Claus is coming to town, and your little kiddos won’t want to miss him. In fact, he can even come right to your house this year! Families can sign up for Santa to visit their home for 20 minutes when he is in town on December 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16. Registration is first-come, first-serve, beginning on November 20. If Santa books up too fast, don’t worry: The Community Services Department is also accepting letters to Santa from November 20 through December 11 in a special “Letters to Santa” mailbox, so your kids will have an excellent opportunity to get their wish lists to him.

Tree Lighting

Christmas trees with bright bulbs, custom-painted ornaments, and holiday decor are a sight worth seeing. Embrace the holidays in Buena Park by attending the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting on December 1 at City Hall Plaza. Enjoy entertainment, festivities, a visit from Saint Nicholas himself, and stunning Christmas trees. You don’t want to miss this event! 

Knott’s Merry Farm

From November 17 to January 7, walk through a winter wonderland this holiday season in Buena Park by visiting Knott’s Merry Farm. Park-goers will have the opportunity to see winter-themed decor, including twinkling lights, jumbo snowflakes, seasonal settings, and garlands. Additionally, park-goers can watch Christmas movies, check out the Peanuts gang on ice, and see a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Performances

There are a variety of live performances near Buena Park that can help you celebrate the holidays; however, there is one, in particular, that is a holiday favorite for everyone: The Nutcracker. Thanks to the American Ballet Theatre, you can see this performance live starting on December 8. 

The winter-themed costumes, live symphony, and choreography will surely blow you away. Take a step back from reality for a night and follow Clara as she befriends a live nutcracker who wages war against the evil Mouse King. Travel to the Land of Sweets and sit in awe as the sugar plum fairy puts on a regional dance for the audience. Full of grace, beauty, and magic, this ballet is a must-see during the holiday season!



If ballet isn’t your favorite, there are other types of performances that will help you celebrate the holidays. Here are a few options near Buena Park:

• Handel’s Messiah: Enjoy this live performance on December 3.
• Concordia Christmas “Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem”: Celebrate the Christmas season at Concordia University Irvine’s annual Christmas concert.
• Celtic Woman Christmas: Enjoy the amazing vocals of the Irish singers, Celtic Woman, along with the Pacific Symphony.

Whether you opt for a night at the ballet, an orchestra performance, or a Christmas concert, the events above will help you and your loved ones feel the holiday spirit this season.

Shopping and Classes

Ready to shop until you drop this holiday season? There are a few shopping events near Buena Park that will help you celebrate the season. Here are a few of our favorites!

Holiday on Main Street

If shopping locally is your cup of tea, then Yorba Linda’s Holiday on Main Street event is for you. Head to Main Street in Yorba Linda on December 2 from 4 to 9 p.m. for shopping at tons of local vendors and much, much more. There will also be crafts for kids, a youth talent show, pictures with Santa, and live music. You can also pair up your shopping trip with a bit of giving, so don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive. 



Parent & Me Ice Skating

Do your kids ever beg you to go ice skating, but you don’t know how to skate? You’re in luck with the Parent & Me ice skating classes offered at Westminster Ice. Learn to ice skate alongside your youngster in these weekly ice skating lessons. December’s lessons will be held each Saturday from December 2 through December 16.

Service

A great way to celebrate the holidays is through the gift of giving. There are many individuals, families, and children living in our community that need help. Community Action Partnership of Orange County is a trusted resource for finding and helping people in need. Some of their volunteer opportunities near Buena Park this holiday season include the following:

• Start a Food Drive: Start a physical food drive in your community or even hold a virtual drive.
• Drop Off Food: Drop off food at the Community Action location in Garden Grove.



Volunteer: The food bank can always use help from community members. Volunteer at the food bank or ask about internship opportunities.

Safety

Did you know that up to 7,400 fires are started because of household candles? Before you light your Christmas-scented candle this holiday season, commit to following safety protocols. This includes never leaving a candle unattended while at home and always blowing out candles before leaving your apartment. 

Another fire hazard is live Christmas trees. Make sure to water your tree regularly to prevent it from drying out, keep all open flames away from the branches, and turn off any decorative lights when you leave home. These protocols will ensure that you have a safe and happy holiday celebration!

Refer to this holiday guide for activities, performances, shopping events, and service opportunities near Buena Park that will help you celebrate the holidays. We hope you have a great festive season. Happy holidays to you from all of us at the Cantabria Apartments!