Thousands of twinkling lights wrap the 1927 Spanish Colonial Casa Romantica gardens, with hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts, holiday movies, and live entertainment across four December evenings of the city’s most atmospheric tradition.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival mansion owned by the City of San Clemente, perched above the Pacific with gardens that flow over the bluff and views that catch the sunset. Each December, the property opens for Christmas Nights at the Casa — four evenings over two weekends when the gardens fill with thousands of twinkling holiday lights and the festively decorated property becomes one of South OC’s most atmospheric holiday experiences.
Each evening includes hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts, holiday movies, and live entertainment by young artists from Community Outreach Alliance (COA). The drink bar features local High Tide Coffee and hot cocoa; the gift shop sells unique items from local artists, including artisan candles made specifically for Casa Romantica.
For families in San Clemente looking for the quietest, most atmospheric December evening in town — or anyone in south OC who appreciates a historic-property setting over a closed-street festival — this is the choice. It pairs naturally with Santa’s Village by the Sea: the Village handles the public street energy; Casa Romantica handles the quiet bluff-top evening.
415 Avenida Granada in San Clemente, perched above the Pacific with bluff-top gardens. The Casa is a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival mansion owned by the City of San Clemente.
Four December evenings, typically two adjacent weekends (Friday and Saturday on each). Check the Casa Romantica events page for the current year’s exact dates and times.
Hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts, holiday movies, live entertainment from Community Outreach Alliance young artists, and access to the lit gardens. The gift shop offers local artisan items including candles made for the Casa.
Yes — the early-evening hours, the s’mores and crafts, the movie corner, and the calm atmosphere all work well for younger kids. Bring layers; the bluff catches the marine layer fast after sundown.
Different vibe entirely. Santa’s Village by the Sea is the city’s big street kickoff with closure, snow play, and Santa’s procession. Christmas Nights at Casa Romantica is the quiet, atmospheric, garden-and-Spanish-mansion alternative — they complement each other beautifully.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens occupies a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival mansion built by Ole Hanson — the founder of San Clemente — on a bluff above the Pacific at the southern end of Avenida Granada. The 2.5-acre property includes the original mansion, formal Spanish-style gardens, and bluff-top viewing terraces that look directly out over the San Clemente Pier and Catalina beyond. Owned by the City of San Clemente since 1989, it now operates as a cultural center with year-round arts, gardens, and historic-mansion programming.
San Clemente’s official holiday kickoff — Santa’s procession down Avenida Del Mar, the community center tree lighting, games, snow play, cookie decorating, food, drink, holiday market, and live children’s performances along a closed-to-cars village center.
Brian J. Cook
Decorated yachts, sailboats, and kayaks glide through Dana Point Harbor over three nights in mid-December — one of Orange County’s longest-running holiday traditions, free for families along the waterfront. Confirm this season’s dates at danapointharbor.com.
Brian J. Cook
Happy Harbor Days transforms Dana Point Harbor into a free walk-through holiday lights display from mid-November through early January — 700,000+ LEDs, a giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, the Merry Kiss Me arch, and a tunnel of lights along the harbor walkways.
Brian J. Cook
Dana Point’s official civic tree lighting at La Plaza Park — Santa arrives by Jolly Trolley, carolers, hot chocolate, and the lighting of the community tree in the heart of the Lantern District.
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.
Check Availability
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.
This is a quick availability check, not a booking. Nothing is reserved and nothing is owed until we’ve confirmed your date and you’ve placed your retainer.
