2023 Holiday Events Happening in Anaheim, California

Winter Activities

Warmer winter weather is sure to bring some visitors to Anaheim, California, from out of state. If you’re looking for some localized events to take your friends and family to, these options are geared toward locals and visitors alike.



Nutcracker Holiday Village and Lighting: Take a trip to Feldhaus Circle at the corner of Clementine and Center Street Promenade in downtown Anaheim on Sunday, December 3, to experience a wide variety of holiday happenings, including one-of-a-kind shopping, photos with Santa Claus, and even a dog costume contest! This annual event is capped with the lighting of the tree at 6:00 p.m. This event is scheduled to begin at noon and is free and open to the public.

Tyler Henry: An Evening of Hope and Healing: Renowned Hollywood medium Tyler Henry, star of his own Netflix series, is coming to City National Grove of Anaheim for two nights of live readings and discussion of his unique gift. He will be appearing on November 30 and December 1. Learn more about Henry at his website. You may not know if you’re going to attend this show yet, but rest assured, Mr. Henry likely already does.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: The “happiest place on Earth” has its own unique blend of foods, festivals, and fun during the holiday season. Whether it’s the lighting of the 50-foot Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree or paying tribute to multicultural traditions, music, and cuisine at the Festival of Holidays, there’s something for everyone during the Magic Kingdom’s annual holiday celebration, taking place November 10 through January 7.

Holiday Shows and Performances

You may already be hearing holiday music in your day-to-day activities, but if not, these shows and performances in and around Anaheim, California, will spotlight the seasonal songs in both interactive and traditional methods for you and the whole family.

Whose Live Anyway?: The side-splitting improv troupe rolls into City National Grove of  Anaheim for a 90-minute performance on Saturday, November 18, at 8:00 p.m. The four-man cast regularly leaves audience members gasping with laughter. Since this is an improvisational performance, audience participation is encouraged. Patrons are advised to come with situations rife with comedic appeal to share with the cast. All ages are welcome, but some PG-13 language is likely.

Dickens Christmas Carol Singalong: If you have a love for the music of the season, the Charles Dickens Carolers would like to invite you to join them at the Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church in nearby Alhambra on Sunday, December 17, for a night of traditional carols, other popular holiday songs, and even some children’s favorites. The singing group has performed since 1987 in costumes reminiscent of Charles Dickens in four-part harmony that could warm the heart of even Ebeneezer Scrooge. This event is free and open to the public with an RSVP or $20 at the door on the day of the event.



Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker: Little Clara is ready for a night of fanciful dreaming in the seasonal classic The Nutcracker. The Anaheim Ballet production is enhanced by accompaniment from Symphony Irvine, sweetening the experience. Performances are scheduled for November 24 and November 25 (including a matinee) at City National Grove of Anaheim.

Holiday Shopping

Anaheim, California, features a wide variety of local shops, and checking off your holiday list by shopping at them is a great way to support local businesses. Many pop-up shops will be providing unique holiday gifts this year, so be sure to check out these options if you want to give something one-of-a-kind this year.

Candy Caneland and Craft Fair: Considering this is the 52nd annual Candy Caneland and Craft Fair, you know this is a huge tradition for many Orange County families and visitors. So pack everyone up and check out this popular event in nearby Buena Park on Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. There’s a lot to do to keep everyone entertained. The kids can play on the snow slide and visit the petting zoo, and the adults can shop. There’s also general entertainment, food, and a raffle in store. It all goes down at the Ehlers Event Center on Knott Avenue. Entry is free, but please use the shuttle from Peak Park Pool (7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park).



Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market & Craft Fair: This year-round event provides shoppers the opportunity to support local businesses, restaurants, and vendors in their hunt for the perfect present. Taking place every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting) at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street in downtown Anaheim, the farmers market and craft fair is free and open to the public.

Safely Celebrate the Holidays at Home

Anaheim, California, is hardly a “winter wonderland,” so a great way to get into the spirit of the season is to decorate your home. When decorating, it’s important to do so in a way that keeps you, your loved ones, and your neighbors safe.

Christmas trees can cause a lot of damage if they fall or catch fire. Keep your tree and its branches clear of any major walkways to prevent it from falling, and always make sure that any lights you’re using on a tree—whether it’s real or fake—don’t have damaged or frayed wires. This is especially true if you have curious pets at home. Also, if you’re celebrating with a real tree, keep it properly watered to prevent it from drying out.



Candles can also pose a threat, according to the American Red Cross. They report that candles cause up to four times as many fires during the winter, so it’s important to never leave a burning candle unattended. One safe alternative is to use battery-powered candles to achieve the same effect. Check out these downloads from the National Fire Protection Association for more information on winter holiday safety and Christmas tree safety.

While this list is just a taste of what Anaheim, California, is offering this holiday season, we hope it’s given you some ideas when it comes to spending time with loved ones, giving back to your community, and celebrating safely. From all of us at Stonybrook Apartments in Anaheim, California, Happy Holidays!