Aliso Viejo’s annual tree-lighting celebration at Town Center features Santa, train rides, music, crafts, and a community toy drive — free for the whole family. Confirm this season’s date and details at avcity.org.
Aliso Viejo’s signature holiday tree-lighting celebration kicks off the season at Town Center each early December (recent seasons have branded the event “All Is Bright”). The celebration centers on the lighting of a large community Christmas tree at the Aliso Viejo Town Center fountain and amphitheater, with Santa typically arriving (often escorted by elves and sirens) to do the honors.
Around the tree, families enjoy mini train rides, photo opportunities with Santa, ornament making, kids’ crafts, community and aerial performers, holiday music, and a vendor showcase.
The celebration has supported the Spark of Love Toy Drive — attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or new sports equipment. The whole event is free and open to everyone in the South Orange County community. Confirm the season’s confirmed date, time, and program at avcity.org.
Yes — admission is free, parking is free, and most activities (train rides, photos with Santa, crafts, performances) are complimentary.
One Thursday evening in early December. The tree-lighting itself happens when Santa arrives. The City of Aliso Viejo announces the exact date each fall.
The celebration is centered at the Town Center fountain and amphitheater. The big tree is visible from the surrounding plaza; activities radiate around it.
Yes if you can — the city collects unwrapped toys and new sports equipment for the Spark of Love Toy Drive at the event. Drop-off bins are stationed at the entrances.
Excellent — mini train rides, ornament crafting, Santa photos, and an open plaza make it a top stop for families with young children in South OC.
Aliso Viejo Town Center sits at the heart of Aliso Viejo, a master-planned south Orange County community first envisioned in 1976 when the Mission Viejo Company purchased 6,600 acres for what would become a city of roughly 50,000 residents. The 25-acre commercial district, anchored by The Commons retail center west of Aliso Creek Road, was designed as the gathering core where dining, shopping, and open space converge — reflecting the original master plan’s intent for residents to live, work, and play in the same place.
Aliso Viejo Ice Palace runs daily holiday public skating sessions through December — themed sessions, the annual A Holiday Celebration on Ice skating show, and a warm covered-rink atmosphere a short drive from Aliso Viejo Town Center.
Brian J. Cook
Approaching its sixtieth year — the Sawdust Art Festival’s holiday edition turns the canyon grounds into a handcrafted gift village, with artisan booths, carolers, puppet shows, a petting zoo, and twinkling pine-lined pathways every weekend through December.
Brian J. Cook
Mission Viejo’s city-built Whoville-themed holiday evening — a Night Market with the Grinch, Santa’s Workshop with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow play, crafts, food trucks, and a golf-cart shuttle between two venues.
Brian J. Cook
Kaleidoscope’s annual Christmas tree lighting in Mission Viejo — a free family evening at the open-air center with complimentary hot cocoa, crafts, cookie baking, petting zoo, and snow.
Brian J. Cook
Southern California’s holiday lights and festive outings are pure magic — but nothing compares to Santa Claus himself stepping through your own front door. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa to homes and gatherings across SoCal for an intimate live visit your family will treasure for years.
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Have a date in mind? Tell us when and where, and we’ll let you know whether Santa is open. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded Santa Claus to Live Visits and Group Experiences across Southern California, and December fills quickly, so the sooner you check, the better your odds of locking in your first choice.
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