Celebrate the 2022 Holidays in Costa Mesa, CA!
Did you know that one of the best performing arts centers in Southern California is located in Costa Mesa? It’s true! Residents and visitors alike enjoy quick and easy access to the truly magnificent performances taking place at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
But don’t think holiday shows and performances are the only things going on in Costa Mesa, CA, this time of year. Fun holiday activities, great shopping, and opportunities to volunteer abound during this time of year! Here’s what’s going on in and around Costa Mesa, CA, this year.
Activities
Shows and Performances
Shopping
Opportunities to Share
Safe Celebration
Activities
This holiday season, those in and around Costa Mesa, CA, are in for a treat. There are some seriously exciting holiday activities happening in the area this year. Here are some of the best holiday activities to check out!
Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights Cruise: Newport Beach residents have a wonderful holiday tradition of decorating their bayside homes and yards with bright strings of light, animatronic holiday figures, and all sorts of other decorations. Even the boats get decorated during the holidays! There’s no better way to enjoy the sight of the lights than by taking a trip on the Ring of Lights Cruise, a cruise that takes passengers right along the shoreline of the bay. The cruise boats are fully decked out with lights, and the cruise offers a unique holiday activity for the whole family! This activity takes place December 14–18.
Long Beach International Tamales Festival: Are you ready to start a new holiday tradition? The annual International Tamales Festival is coming back to Long Beach! Visitors can sample tamales from all over South America at this all-day holiday-inspired fair. In addition to tamales, you can find Latin-inspired dishes, drinks, tequila tastings, live music, art workshops for kids, performances, shopping, and more! This festival takes place on December 4, so come hungry!
SOCO Farmers Market: This year-round activity occurs each Saturday in Costa Mesa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmers and vendors showcase and sell their fresh local produce, meats, and other goods. Food vendors are also present, selling homemade fast food and artisanal products for your enjoyment. Around the holidays, vendors sell handmade decor and items perfect for a unique gift or special occasion. This festive time of year means you’ll find some truly magical items and foods for sale at the SOCO Farmers Market, so don’t miss out!
Shows and Performances
Costa Mesa may be known for its proximity to the beach, but there’s a whole lot more going on during the holidays. Singing, ballet, and even circus performances are coming to the area this year! Make sure you set aside some time for family and friends this holiday and check out one or all of the amazing performances in the area.
The Nutcracker: The star-studded cast and performers of the American Theatre’s The Nutcracker are coming to Costa Mesa this December, featuring over 100 performers and costumes designed by Tony-Award-winner Richard Hudson. Follow Clara’s dreamy journey as you experience Christmas through the eyes of a child. This performance in particular is widely celebrated as a “colorful, cinematic creation filled with spectacle, humor and eye-popping costumes.” Performances of The Nutcracker in Costa Mesa, CA, take place December 9–18, so schedule your tickets early!
Handell’s Messiah: The greatest story ever told. The most majestic music ever conceived. Experience music’s most inspiring message of faith. This is the “Messiah” of the season—and Orange County’s favorite holiday musical tradition. Join this incredible choir directed by Robert Istad, the Pacific Symphony, and incredible vocalists. This is a one-night event, held on December 4, and tickets sell out quickly.
The Thrill of Hope Concert: Celebrate the Christmas season with the voices and instruments of Concordia University Irvine. On December 5, Concordia’s annual Christmas Concert tradition makes a debut appearance at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Concordia’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, and orchestra share glad tidings of great joy! This year’s theme, “The Thrill of Hope,” showcases more than 200 performers from eight vocal and instrumental performing ensembles under the masterful direction of Dr. Michael Busch and Dr. Jeff Held. Enjoy festive carols and Christmas favorites, old and new. A highlight of the holiday season, Concordia’s Christmas Concerts sell out every year, so get your tickets today!
Shopping
Does holiday shopping feel like a chore? Maybe you’re shopping in the wrong places. There are tons of unique holiday boutiques and fairs to find handmade holiday gifts, decor, and even Christmas trees. Here are a few of the top shopping attractions in the area this year.
The Wrapper: This holiday shop opens in October each year and sells hard-to-find holiday decor and items. Whether you’re looking for show-stopping decor pieces to impress your relatives or a special ornament to give to a friend, you’ll find multiple great options at The Wrapper. The Wrapper is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. If for no other reason than to look at the beautifully decorated store, check out The Wrapper this holiday season.
Christmas Tree House: The Christmas trees sold at Christmas Tree House are family grown and have been for over 80 years. The purveyors of these Christmas trees strike a great balance between service and cost. The Christmas trees are freshly cut and sent directly to Southern California to maintain their freshness. The trees for sale include Douglas fir, Grand fir, Noble fir, Nordmann fir, Turkish Fir, and Silver Tips and range in size from a foot or two to over 13 feet. If you’re wondering if a real Christmas tree is for you, stop by the Christmas Tree House and see how beautiful they are for yourself.
Calvary Chapel Christmas Boutique: Join Calvary Chapel for their Christmas Boutique on Saturday, December 3, and Sunday, December 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors include small businesses and local makers by showcasing them at our annual Christmas Boutique. If you are a local maker, crafter, or artisan, apply to join the boutique! Limited spots are still available if you would like to have a booth!
Opportunities to Share
Sometimes you have to give to get. Volunteer some of your time and energy this holiday season and you’ll find your holidays will be happier than ever! There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time, energy, or money in and around Costa Mesa, CA. Here are a few of the noble causes you could consider contributing to nearby.
Christmas Together 2022: This wonderful way to give back to the community includes games, rides, performances, food, and a special appearance from Santa Claus. With the support of local organizations, volunteers, and donations, Families Together is able to serve thousands of families each holiday season. You can help by attending the event, donating a toy, or making a monetary donation. Christmas Together 2022 will take place on Sunday, December 18. Mark your calendars now! Families Together is proud to host the annual toy giveaway event, in which thousands of toys are given away to underprivileged children in the community.
Family Day of Service: Sweet Dreams and Cozy Nights: Help Assistance League® of Los Angeles collect pajamas and create no-sew blankets for low-income, homeless, and foster children! Join the event on Saturday, November 19. You can drop off NEW children’s pajama sets in person at 6640 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Items most needed include kid-size pajamas 5–16 or toddler-size pajamas 3T–5T. Or you can sign up to volunteer through Eventbrite. Their goal is to make 150 blankets this year. Sign up now to help!
Safe Celebration
Everyone loves a good pine-scented candle around December, but up to 7,500 fires are started each year because of household candles. Be extra careful when lighting candles in your apartment and place them in safe locations, especially if you have candles in your bedroom. Battery-powered candles are safe options without the added danger of real fire. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended or go to bed without blowing them out!
Christmas trees can be another fire hazard you need to be aware of. They are festive and smell great, but if you’ve brought a real Christmas tree into your apartment during this holiday season, make sure you keep it watered so it isn’t quite as dangerous. Keep all open flames, especially candles, away from the branches and needles, and make sure you turn all holiday lights and strands off when you’re not at home. You never know when electrical issues might cause fires. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
If you want to take advantage of all the great holiday activities this year, you’d better be prepared: You’ll be running around all season having tons of fun! Holiday activities, performances, and shopping opportunities are plentiful, but don’t forget to give a bit of your time and money this holiday season to someone who wouldn’t have a very happy holiday without your help.
We’d love to see your holiday fun! If you decorate for the holidays or try out one of the activities above, post a photo on social media, tag us, and use #TisTheSeasonAtAMC.
From all of us at Eastside Apartments in Costa Mesa,
Happy Holidays!
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