Discover a vibrant calendar of events in Irvine, where there’s always something exciting happening year-round! From lively music events at Great Park Live to beloved community gatherings like Illuminate Irvine, Irvine truly embraces a dynamic event scene. Experience the magic of winter with the ice rink at the Irvine Spectrum Center or soak up the winter nights with concerts at Tanaka Farms – Hikari Festival. To stay in the loop on all upcoming events and ensure you don’t miss a beat, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Featured Holiday Events
Hikari – Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms is a unique holiday experience that transforms a working family farm into a glowing wonderland. The festival features festive light displays on trees, cornfields, tractors, and farm structures, creating a charming, rustic holiday vibe.
Guests can enjoy a cozy tractor-pulled wagon ride leading to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns,” followed by walking paths among the lights. Once on the grounds, families can explore a petting zoo, holiday crafts, games, a festive market, and even visit Santa, making it a fun, family-friendly outing. Unlike large commercial light shows, Hikari offers a warm, homey experience with the local farm’s charm at its heart.
The 2025 festival runs from Wednesday, November 28 through Sunday, December 28, with evenings starting around 4:30 PM. Tanaka Farms is located at 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. Tickets generally cost between $28–33 for adults, with weekend parking passes typically $10–12 per vehicle. Tickets are available online in advance, and many dates, especially weekends and peak holiday nights, can sell out, so early booking is recommended to ensure a spot.
Ready to explore? Discover all the exciting things to do in Irvine today by checking out Destination Irvine’s comprehensive event calendar!
Irvine Spectrum Holiday Events
The Nightly Tree Lighting runs from November 28, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The show begins at 5:00 PM nightly, and repeats on a cycle — there’s a choreographed light show every 30 minutes from 5:00 PM through 11:00 PM. The tree is a 75-foot holiday tree, located in “Giant Wheel Court” (near the Giant Wheel attraction at Irvine Spectrum).
The light show is choreographed: every 30 minutes starting at 5:00 PM, the tree “comes alive” with lights — perfect for families, couples, or groups wanting to grab festive photos. Because the show repeats often, you don’t have to get there exactly at 5 — but arriving soon after dusk gives you more flexibility. The show is free to watch as part of the public display, no special ticket required just to view the tree lighting.
Catch the Palm Lights, Musical Delights show outside Old Navy and Dave and Buster’s. The show begins nightly at 5:15 PM and repeats every 30 minutes after 5:15 PM. It will run through January 4, 2026.
Irvine Spectrum Center’s address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
While you’re there, you’ll likely enjoy more than just the tree — the complex typically runs additional holiday‑themed activities: an outdoor ice rink (“Skating Under the Stars”), a “Palm Lights, Musical Delights” show on palm trees, holiday shopping, dining, and more. Because of all the attractions, evenings can get busy — going on a weekday or earlier in the evening tends to be less crowded if you want a more relaxed experience.
The tree‑lighting show is free to attend. You do not need tickets just to watch it. Shows begin at 5:00 PM and repeat every half hour — so you have flexibility in arrival time. If you want to avoid crowds (and potentially easier parking), consider visiting earlier in the week or before 7:00 PM. The festive environment is best enjoyed with other activities at Irvine Spectrum — ice skating, rides (Giant Wheel), dinner, shopping — so you can make a full evening of it.
You can find all this info on the official Irvine Spectrum Center event page: Nightly Tree Lighting – Irvine Spectrum Center
More Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
In nearby Orange, check out Irvine Park Railroad‘s festive events!
Christmas Train (November 28, 2025 – December 23rd, 2025)
What it is: A classic holiday‑themed train ride through the woods of Irvine Regional Park that takes you to the “North Pole” to visit Santa Claus. Kids meet Santa, share their wish lists, and get photos taken. After visiting Santa, the train returns through a festive “Tunnel of Lights” back to the station.
What it is: A classic holiday‑themed train ride through the woods of Irvine Regional Park that takes you to the “North Pole” to visit Santa Claus. Kids meet Santa, share their wish lists, and get photos taken. After visiting Santa, the train returns through a festive “Tunnel of Lights” back to the station.
Dates & times (2025): Runs from November 28 through December 23. Weekday hours are 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, and weekend hours are 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Cost / Tickets: Tickets must be purchased online only (sale opens November 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM, pre‑queue opens at 9:00 AM). Prices vary by time slot: early daytime rides ~ $22, evening rides range from ~$32–$37 per ticket; children under 24 months ride free. A professional Santa photo is extra ($15 for a 5 × 7 print or $20 for digital), though you can use your own camera for free.
Helpful tips: This event is very popular and tends to sell out quickly, especially evening slots. Be sure to book well in advance. Also — park entrance fees apply per vehicle, but parking is free after 6:00 PM.
Santa’s Village (November 28th through December 30th)
What it is: A festive holiday village at the train station with thousands of sparkling lights and a variety of family‑friendly activities — from cookie decorating, carnival games, ice fishing, moon bounces, giant diggers for kids, to holiday-themed crafts and more.
What makes it unique: Because the village is free to enter and doesn’t require reservations, it’s a great option for spontaneous visits. Even without a train ride, you can stroll through a holiday‑lit setting, enjoy free photo‑ops, kids’ activities, snacks and hot cocoa — making it more accessible than ticketed train rides.
Dates & times (2025): Open November 28 through December 30, except closed December 24 & 25. General hours: Weekdays typically 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, weekends 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; extended hours (December 15‑30) from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Cost / Tickets: Entry to the village is free. If you want to enjoy games/activities, those require “activity tickets” — $8 each, or a book of 15 for $100 (saving $20).
Helpful tips: Since no reservation is needed, it’s a nice plan-B — you can still enjoy the holiday lights and fun even if the train rides are sold out. If you go late evening, parking becomes free after 6:00 PM.
Train of Lights (December 26, 2025 – December 30, 2025)
What it is: A special post‑Christmas nighttime train ride through a mile-long loop in Irvine Regional Park lit up with thousands of holiday lights and festive scenes — a magical way to end the season after Christmas.
What makes it unique: Because it happens after Christmas (when many holiday attractions wind down), this ride offers a more relaxed, less-crowded opportunity for holiday‑light viewing. It’s a stand-alone evening event purely focused on lights and atmosphere.
Dates & times (2025): Scheduled for December 26–30, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily.
Cost / Tickets: Tickets go on sale online only on December 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Prices vary by hour: roughly $11–$17 per ticket (depending on time slot), and children under 24 months ride free. Entry into Santa’s Village remains free, and you can enjoy the lights there even if you don’t ride the train.
Helpful tips: The Train of Lights does not stop mid‑ride — it’s a continuous 1-mile loop ride through the lights. Because tickets are limited and sell out, it’s smart to book right when sales open. Also — plan to arrive early to park (or after 6:00 PM for free parking), and bring a camera: the light displays make for great photos.
Things To Do in Irvine This Weekend
This weekend, Illuminate Irvine takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Great park. During the event, the Palm Court Arts Complex is transformed into a festive winter wonderland featuring holiday lights, live music, family‑friendly games and crafts, and seasonal decorations. Highlights include the tree and light‑complex lighting with appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as a whimsical elves’ village called “Tinsel Town,” festive crafts and games, and a toy drive where guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for children 12 and under. Admission and parking are free, making it a fun and accessible holiday outing for families.
For more activities in the area, visit things to do in Irvine.
Things To Do in Orange County This Weekend
Across Orange County, there’s a wide variety of events to enjoy.
For more activities in the area, visit things to do.
Family Activities in Orange County This Weekend
Here’s a look at some of the notable happenings across Orange County the next couple of weeks.
December 4 marks the annual Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Brea: starting around 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, the city dims lights through arts, music, community holiday cheer, tree‑lighting, and photos with Santa.
On the evenings of December 5–7, the Heritage Hill Candlelight Walk in Lake Forest invites the public from 5:00–9:00 PM to stroll through historic buildings and grounds decked out in holiday lights, enjoy live music performances, kids’ crafts, and even a visit from Santa — all free with free parking.
Also on December 5 and 6, the Holiday Wassail Concert at Chapman University offers a festive evening of seasonal music from local choirs and orchestra, perfect for a cozy, musical start to the weekend.
On December 7, the historic Old Towne Orange Tree Lighting & Christmas Market and a holiday market transform the plaza into a festive gathering with vendors, music, lights, and classic holiday cheer — a fun daytime + evening outing.
For more family-friendly activities in the area, visit Destination Irvine’s kid-friendly guide.
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