Things to do in Orange County - Thanksgiving Weekend Round Up

Thanksgiving Weekend Featured Events Round Up - Things to do in Orange County 

There's lots of things going on this weekend to celebrate the holiday. Thanksgiving the time for family, friends, food, giving thanks and more...

Looking for something to do or somewhere to just go and walk around, there's plenty of that going on, here's a list!

November 28 - Dana Point Turkey Trot

7:00 am - 11:00 pm | Dana Point Harbor 

Start your Thanksgiving at the 47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot! Enjoy a scenic 5K, 10K, 15K Combo, or the Kids Gobble Wobble in Dana Point Harbor, and celebrate with a commemorative T-shirt, finisher medal, and more. Come for the fun, and make it a holiday tradition! Register today! 

November 28 - Thanksgiving Day Hike

7:00 am - 11:00 pm | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

This Thanksgiving, take in the stunning views of Limestone Canyon on a guided hike with Irvine Ranch Conservancy-certified volunteers through the beautiful wilderness. Enjoy breathtaking sights at The Sinks and celebrate the season with friends and family for a memorable outdoor adventure! Reservations are required. 

November 29 - Turkey Burner Fitness Hike

8:00 am - 10:30 am | Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 

Burn off those Thanksgiving calories with Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Turkey Burner Fitness Hike in Gypsum Canyon! This 6.5-mile hike takes you through scenic oak canopies and beautiful rock formations, offering the perfect way to stay active and enjoy nature this holiday season. Reservations are required.

November 29 - Thankfulness Journaling and Meditations 

9:30 am - 11:30 am | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 

This Thanksgiving, join OC Parks’ Naturalists for a peaceful nature journaling walk at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Participants will stroll to Barbara’s Lake, reflecting on thankfulness prompts along the way, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Reservations are required. 

November 29 - Sunset Wine Cruise

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Dana Point Harbor 

Celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family on a cozy evening cruise aboard the Ocean Adventure catamaran. Enjoy a 90-minute wine-tasting with organic wines and delicious snacks. Whether it's the warmth of winter lights or a beautiful sunset, this cruise offers the perfect way to unwind and take in the stunning views of Dana Point Harbor. Reservations are required, book now! 

November 29 & 30 - Yoga in the Park

8:30 am - 11:00 am | Bump Out Park

This Thanksgiving, join the most popular yoga class in Dana Point. Whether you're new to yoga or experienced, the instructor will guide you through a relaxing session while you take in the beautiful views of Dana Point Harbor. It’s the perfect way to stretch, unwind, and enjoy the holiday season. Sign up now!

November 30 - Portola to The Sinks

7:00 am - 9:30 am| Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

This Thanksgiving, take a hike to the West Sinks in Limestone Canyon, known as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon.” Enjoy a scenic 6-mile trail with some climbing and stunning views of the unique rock formations. It’s a great way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Reservations are required. 

November 30 - Holiday Market: Shop Small Saturday

10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Paseo 17 

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Paseo 17 Holiday Market in partnership with Modern Makers Mart. With over 40 artisan vendors, live music, and a kids' craft station, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop unique gifts, support local businesses, and create holiday memories with family and friends.

November 30 & December 1 - Paint and Sip

11:30 am & 1:00 pm | Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Relax and recharge after the holidays at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Enjoy heated pools, saunas, and steam rooms, plus book a 50-minute massage or facial and a visit to the Grotto for the ultimate relaxation day. Add a creative touch to your experience with Paint & Sip, where you’ll enjoy wine and create a masterpiece in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Book your experience with admission!

December 1 - Sunday Run Club

8:00 am - 9:00 pm | Milligram Coffee + Kitchen at Paseo 17

Join the Sunday Run Club at Paseo 17 and kick off your weekend with a fun 3-mile run through Costa Mesa, open to all paces. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary drip coffee bar and breakfast with friends at Milligram Coffee and Kitchen—perfect for an exciting and active morning while supporting small businesses!

December 1 - Harbor Dog Stroll

8:30 am - 10:00 am | The Doggie Bakery at Dana Point Harbor 

Join The Doggie Barkery this Small Business Saturday for a festive walk with your furry friends through Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy complimentary coffee and dog treats before a relaxing stroll through the neighborhood—perfect for kicking off the holiday season and supporting local businesses.

So.much.fun!

Experience some of the most festive and community-focused Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday events happening in Orange County this season!

CELEBRATE THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAYS AT OC PARKS' HERITAGE HILL HISTORICAL PARK

Ring in the holiday season at OC Parks' Heritage Hill Historical Park this December with two festive weekends of family-friendly fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights.

Experience the decorated grounds during special park hours and explore the historical buildings decked out with holiday lights and décor at the 38th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 6-8 from 5 to 9 p.m. 

Celebrate the joy of the holidays with live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday crafts for kids, puppet show productions of “Thumbelina” and an opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

The joy continues the following weekend with the return of OC Parks' Holiday Lights Dec. 13-15 from 5 to 9 p.m. Delight in twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join of the merry festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.

"We are excited to show our holiday spirit and gather for another year of family-friendly activities at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park," said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. "Attendees can visit an incredible historic site in Orange County while experiencing the enchantment of the holiday season."

Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park are free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events.

 

Heritage Hill Historical Park

25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

ocparks.com/heritagehill

(949) 923-2230 

38th Annual Candlelight Walk

Date: December 6, 7 and 8

Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Cost & Parking: Free

Holiday Lights

Date: December 13, 14 and 15

Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Cost & Parking: Free

SeaWorld San Diego Launches Holiday Deals for Black Friday 2024

SeaWorld San Diego Holiday Deals for Black Friday 2024

SeaWorld San Diego is spreading holiday cheer with the launch of its Black Friday sale now through November 29th. 

Starting today and ending on Black Friday, guests can save up to 55% on tickets, Fun Cards and Passes. 

With a thrilling lineup of new events and entertainment planned for the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025, guests won’t want to miss these exceptional savings.

Guests who take advantage of this offer will have the opportunity to enjoy all the exciting events the park offers throughout the year, including the annual Christmas Celebration happening now. During Christmas Celebration the park transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland filled with more magical moments than ever, including new Christmas shows, Santa’s live reindeer and picture-perfect moments amidst acres of beautiful decorations.

A 2025 Fun Card allows unlimited visits to experience award-winning attractions and captivating animal presentations throughout 2025 with the rest of 2024 FREE. For park access with even more benefits, Annual Pass Members receive unlimited visits, access to exclusive events and no blockout dates. 

Pass Members are first for everything, first to experience new attractions, first to view new animal exhibits and first to know about major park announcements. In 2025, Pass Members will be the first to experience SeaWorld’s newest immersive and interactive aquarium, Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience, as well as the reinvented Journey to Atlantis.

Prepping for holiday fun with a pass as a gift is a fun idea too!

Dana Point Harbor is Decking the Halls with the Annual Festival of Lights!

Dana Point Harbor is Decking the Halls with the Annual Festival of Lights!

The annual harbor holiday light display featuring over 700,000 LED lights is back!

From November 13 through January 12, Festival of Lights will transform the Harbor into a winter wonderland with themed light exhibits including a giant whale, illuminated palms, #happyharbordays, and, of course, the beloved Merry Kiss Me™ arch. Throughout the season, visitors and locals can enjoy festive caroling, visits with Santa, waterfront dining, boutique holiday shopping and more. 

The highly anticipated Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season for its 49th celebration from December 13 - 15. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and features the theme Santa’s Seaside Carnival for 2024. Boaters will deck out their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more.

Santa Claus will visit the Harbor on December 5 & 6 from 4 - 6 p.m., stationed in front of the iconic Dana Point Harbor VW bus in the Clock Courtyard. The festive display will remain throughout the month of December for all to enjoy. 

New this year, on December 21, the Modern Makers Mart will bring a festive Holiday Market to the Harbor’s Island near the Richard Henry Dana Jr statue, and holiday display. Browse unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, perfect for last-minute holiday gifts. Shoppers can enjoy live holiday music, an appearance by Santa, and other special performances throughout the day. 

To help visitors navigate the Harbor easily during the busy holiday season, Dana Point Harbor's FREE shuttle service will be available daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering convenient park-and-ride options. The shuttle picks up at the East Island Lot and makes stops at key locations, including Mariner’s Village, Wind & Sea, and Dana Wharf, ensuring seamless access to all the festivities without the hassle. 

Additional Harbor Holiday Happenings:

This year, the Giving Machine will return to Dana Point Harbor on Tuesday, November 26, featuring donations to local charities Ocean Institute and Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay, to be matched as part of the #LightTheWorld initiative. Giving Tuesday, December 3, marks the official holiday launch of the Giving Machine with an appearance by Santa, The Kyle Fisher Band, and the In N Out truck. 

The Pet Project Foundation will host its annual Santa Paws event on December 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos with Santa will be offered for a donation with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation. 

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will also host annual Boat Rides with Santa on December 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation with proceeds supporting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required. Visit danawharf.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Before or after the December 7 boat rides, kids crafts by Dot Dot Play will be available at the Hansen Plaza, adding to the family-friendly festivities with a choice of DIY Holiday Slime.

Little Folk Club also returns December 13 from 10 - 11 a.m. with a new location on the Island, inviting children of all ages to bring their favorite instruments for a special Christmas sing-along and plenty of photo ops in the holiday setting.

To round out December’s festivities, the Menorah will be lit for Hanukkah from December 25 through January 1 at the Hansen Plaza, brightening the Wharf.

WHEN

Holiday display lights up the Harbor November 13 - January 12

49th annual Boat Parade of Lights takes place December 13 - 15 nightly at 6:30 p.m.

Visit the live Harbor events calendar for additional holiday happenings.

WHERE

Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629 

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on Holidays at the Harbor visit danapointharbor.com/events/.