Dana Point Tree Lighting
Dana Point, CA
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.
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.
The La Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting is Dana Point‘s official civic kickoff to the holiday season — a brief, warm community evening at La Plaza Park in the heart of the historic Lantern District. The ceremony anchors at 34111 La Plaza, just blocks from PCH and the bluff above Dana Point Harbor.
The program is built around an evening trolley arrival: Santa and his elves roll into La Plaza Park on the Jolly Trolley, hand out pre-packaged treats to children up to 12, and join the official lighting at 5:15 PM. The hour-long program includes carolers, hot chocolate, and cookies, with the community gathered around the lit tree as the centerpiece. The whole event runs 4:30 to 5:30 PM, which fits the small, neighborly character of the Lantern District.
For families in Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and across south OC, this is the community kickoff. Many pair the evening with a drive down to the Dana Point Harbor holiday light display, which runs through January with 700,000 LED lights, themed exhibits, and free harbor strolling.
At 34111 La Plaza in Dana Point’s historic Lantern District, a couple of blocks inland from PCH and just above the harbor.
From 4:30 to 5:30 PM, with the tree lighting at 5:15 PM. Santa arrives on the Jolly Trolley and hands out treats during the program.
No — the harbor display is separate. The Dana Point Harbor lights run mid-November through early January with over 700,000 LEDs, themed light exhibits, and free strolling around the harbor. Many families pair the two.
Yes — Santa arrives on the Jolly Trolley with his elves and hands out pre-packaged treats to children up to age 12.
Street parking around the Lantern District fills quickly; arrive early. The harbor parking structure is a backup option, with several hours of free parking at the start before paid rates kick in. Plan to walk in a few blocks from quieter side streets.
La Plaza Park is the small civic plaza in the heart of Dana Point’s historic Lantern District — the original downtown laid out in 1923 with streets named after the lanterns that once hung from harbor masts. The district sits a couple of blocks inland of PCH and just above Dana Point Harbor, with restaurants and boutiques lining the surrounding blocks. The Lantern District is the city’s pedestrian-scaled commercial core, and La Plaza Park is its civic gathering point.
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.