A Christmas Carol
November - December

Orange County's happiest family tradition is 27 years old! Once again, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge himself will bring 19th-century London to life in Orange County's favorite Christmas tradition.

LOCATION:
South Coast Repertory

INFORMATION:
(714) 708-5555

Santa's Arrival at South Coast Plaza
November

Enjoy song and dance performances by students from the Orange County High School of the Arts as they celebrate Santa's Arrival. Children will be able to take part in this interactive production and magical parade to Santa's Village led by Santa Claus himself.

LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza

INFORMATION:
714-435-2000

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
November

One of Orange County's oldest and best loved holiday traditions. Witness Santa's spirited arrival during the lighting of a live 90-foot Christmas tree. Free to the public.

LOCATION:
Town Center Park, beside The Westin South Coast Plaza

INFORMATION:
714-435-2000

Swedish Christmas Fair
November

A traditional and authentic Swedish Christmas, complete with a St. Lucia procession brought to you by the SWEA of Orange County. Wonderfully decorated exhibits, food, arts and crafts, traditional music, dancing and activities for children will be available as well as visits from both St. Lucia and the Swedish Santa Claus or "Jultomten".

LOCATION:
Costa Mesa Community Center
1845 Park Ave

Nutcracker for Kids
December

A condensed version of Tchaikovsky's delightful Christmas ballet, designed specifically for kids. Performance also includes a visit from Santa and a sing-a-long

LOCATION:
Orange County Performing Arts Center - Segerstrom Hall

INFORMATION:
714-556-ARTS

Annual Fascination of Orchids International Show

One of the largest orchid shows in the world, in addition to many orchid lectures, there will be over 100 orchid exhibits and thousands of orchids available for purchase from world wide growers. Admission is $3 and parking is free.

LOCATION:
Orange County Fairgrounds

TET FESTIVAL
February

Helping preserve Vietnamese culture, the Tet Festival boasts about the attraction of over 100,000+ audiences and hundreds of booths in a span of a three day weekend event. Visitors are immersed with a vibrant array of traditional foods, live entertainment, festive games, and customs celebrating the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa

Pet Expo
April

It's the largest pet and pet product expo in the world. Over 1,000 animals will entertain you in stage shows, competitions and demonstrations including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, rodents, goats, pigs, llamas, alpaca, rabbits, miniature horses and more. Also, pet adoptions, pet products for sale, petting zoo, how-to workshops and advice from animal experts. Presented by a nonprofit organization to promote responsible pet care. Lots of free parking. Please do not bring your pets.

LOCATION:
Orange County Fairgrounds
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa

South Coast Plaza Summer Food & Wine Festival
June

Guests enjoy premium wines, live music and culinary specialties from South Coast Plaza restaurants. The festival benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Someone Cares Soup Kitchen.

LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza

INFORMATION:
714-435-2171

Lions Club Fish Fry
June

Held since 1945, the event features a parade, carnival, food and rides in Lions Park

The Orange County Fair
July - August 2
The Orange County Fair is the premier family attraction in Southern California offering a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides and hands-on activities. There is something for everybody at the Fair including the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests, and games.

LOCATION:
Orange County Fairgrounds

INFORMATION:
714-708-FAIR

OC Brew Hee Haw
July

The Brew Hee Haw will feature more than 60 craft beer selections from regional breweries with a primary showcase of local Orange County breweries. Attendees can expect various styles of beers such as Pale Ales, IPA's, Stouts, Saisons, Hefeweizens and more!

LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

Pumpkins & Pancakes - A Children's Halloween Extravaganza
October

South Coast Plaza and The Friends of CASA present a Halloween Extravaganza that includes a scrumptious pancake breakfast, trick or treating, arts & crafts, animal shows, opportunity prizes and more. Children come in costume. The event benefits abused and neglected children who are served by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs of Orange County.

LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa

INFORMATION:
714-435-2171

Project Cuddle's Annual Costume Ball
October

Project Cuddle, whose goal is to eradicate the growing epidemic of baby abandonment and neonaticide, has an annual Costume Gala and Fundraiser Ball.

TIckets and info may be obtained by calling the Project Cuddle office at (714) 432-9681

Cruisin' For A Cure Car Show
September

The world's largest one day car show dedicated to helping find a cure for Prostate Cancer.

LOCATION:
Orange County Fairgrounds
Costa Mesa