Celebrate the 2023 Holidays in Costa Mesa, CA!

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 for Kids: The Nutcracker is an amazing production that is a holiday staple for many. However, the length of the performance makes it difficult for children. The Nutcracker for Kids is an abridged version of the classic performance written specifically for children. The performance ends with a visit from Santa and an audience sing-along. The pre- and post-concert times also include coloring stations, crafting stations, and photo backgrounds. 

Silent Night, Silent Disco: This unique event will look fairly strange to those not participating. Hundreds of people will be dancing the night away to one of three Christmas channels playing classic and modern music through light-up wireless headphones. If you want to participate in this unique event, buy tickets for Friday, December 8, 2023, at 7 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be dancing the night away!



Holidays Around The World: Come celebrate holidays around the world at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. It’s been turned into a magnificent winter wonderland to help visitors enjoy the most delightful time of year! Take in a range of live performances by regional dance companies and musicians honoring international holiday customs. Children may make their own holiday crafts and enjoy a little bit of holiday magic as the Plaza sparkles with falling snow!

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.

South Coast Plaza: If you have tons of holiday shopping to do this year, stop by South Coast Plaza, a massive shopping center with all the stores you’d expect, like Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch, and a ton more. You’ll also find plenty of luxury brands to choose from. After shopping, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the great restaurants located in the plaza as well.  

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.

Operation Santa Claus & Senior Santa and Friends: Every year, Orange County hosts gift drives for the holidays under the auspices of Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends. Operation Santa Claus gathers and provides toys and gifts to underprivileged children who are homeless, physically or intellectually challenged, or victims of abuse or neglect. Elderly and dependent persons who may be neglected, displaced, or mentally or physically challenged are served by Senior Santa and Friends. You can make a donation to these organizations and help less-fortunate residents of our community accomplish their holiday desires by providing them with new, unwrapped toys, gifts, gift certificates, and cash donations.



Volunteer with The Salvation Army: There are plenty of ways to volunteer with The Salvation Army this holiday season. The Salvation Army needs volunteers for Christmas registration, where volunteers will help families register for Christmas assistance by welcoming them, getting the required information, and entering the data. You can also volunteer as a bell ringer at a Salvation Army Red Kettle stationed outside of grocery stores and businesses valley-wide. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community and help those in need experience the joy of the season.

Safe Celebration

Everyone loves a good pine-scented candle around December, but up to 7,400 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!