Ice skating under the evening sky. A miniature city made for imaginative play. A farm outing filled with holiday lights.
Bring the family to Irvine for three days of seasonal celebrations, shopping and time together. This flexible itinerary pairs holiday outings with opportunities to play, recharge and settle into an Irvine hotel for a two-night stay.
Use it as a starting point, then adjust the activities to your children’s ages and the events happening during your visit.
Check into your Irvine hotel – or ask about storing your bags if you arrive early – then head to Irvine Spectrum Center for an afternoon of shopping, dining and family fun.
Browse for gifts, let the kids choose a treat and take a spin on the Spectrum SunWheel. Stay for dinner before the evening’s main event: ice skating.
Snow? Optional. Ice skating? Absolutely.
As evening arrives, lace up your skates and take a few laps around the outdoor rink. There’s something wonderfully unexpected about enjoying a favorite winter tradition beneath the Southern California sky with a giant holiday tree and Sun Wheel in the backdrop.
Afterward, warm up with a sweet treat and take in the holiday lights before heading back to your hotel.
Planning Tip: The rink is scheduled to open November 6, 2026, with sessions throughout the holiday season. Check current hours and ticket information, including age and equipment guidelines, before your visit.
Start your morning with breakfast at your hotel or a local Irvine café. You’ve got a full day of family fun ahead!
Depending on when you visit, you might catch a seasonal celebration at Great Park. Browse handcrafted gifts and enjoy festive entertainment at the Great Park Holiday Faire, or swap an afternoon or evening activity for celebrations like Illuminate Irvine.
For more holiday fun throughout the season, explore the dazzling light displays at Dream Glow Festival at Wild Rivers, with select evening sessions available during November and December.
Planning Tip: Check the Destination Irvine events calendar before your trip for holiday event dates and details.
Perfect for families with children under the age of 10, after lunch, it’s time to let the kids call the shots at Pretend City Children’s Museum.
Here, big imaginations can run wild in a miniature city built just for them. Kids can play grown-up, explore different jobs and discover the world around them through hands-on activities. Who knows? You might have a future firefighter, doctor or entrepreneur on your hands.
And if everyone’s ready for a break, there’s no shame in heading back to the hotel for a little downtime. After all, you’ve got a bright evening ahead.
The sun may be setting, but the fun is just getting started. From dazzling light displays to classic holiday performances, choose the evening experience that brings a little extra magic to your family’s getaway.
A favorite Irvine farm gets a holiday makeover at Hikari — A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms.
Climb aboard a wagon ride through twinkling lights and festive displays, then enjoy seasonal activities and holiday treats back at the farm. It’s a charming way to experience a local favorite, with plenty of opportunities for family photos along the way.
Ready to see the holidays in a whole new light? Discover Dream Glow Festival at Wild Rivers.
Step into a colorful world of illuminated displays and glowing installations that transform the night into something extraordinary. Wander through the lights, snap a few family photos and let the kids lead the way as you explore this after-dark adventure.
For a little holiday magic on stage, make an evening of a seasonal performance. Enjoy The Nutcracker by Festival Ballet Theatre at Irvine Barclay Theatre, or catch American Ballet Theatre’s production at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in nearby Costa Mesa.
For another holiday classic, experience A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory, also in Costa Mesa. From dazzling ballet to timeless storytelling, these performances offer another memorable way to celebrate the season together.
Planning Tip: Holiday light displays and performances are seasonal, with dates and availability that vary. Check event schedules and reserve tickets in advance when required.
Your last morning in Irvine is looking up. Literally.
Start with breakfast at your hotel or a nearby Irvine restaurant, then head to Great Park for one more family outing before heading home.
Take a spin on the Great Park Carousel or see Irvine from a whole new perspective aboard the Great Park Balloon. With plenty of open space to explore, it’s an easy way to squeeze a little more fun into your getaway.
Planning Tip: Balloon rides and carousel hours may vary, and balloon rides are weather-dependent. Check operating schedules before your visit.
After one last adventure, head back to your hotel to gather your bags and check out.
The decorations may eventually come down, but the stories from your family’s Irvine getaway will give you something to smile about long after the holidays are over.
And who knows? You might have just started a new family tradition.
After a full day of family fun, there’s nothing better than having a comfortable place to call your own.
With a variety of hotels throughout Irvine, finding the right fit for your family is easy. Stay near Irvine Spectrum Center to keep shopping, dining and entertainment close by, or find a hotel that puts your favorite attractions within easy reach.
And with some of Orange County’s most popular holiday destinations nearby, Irvine makes a convenient home base for all your adventures, both in the city and beyond.
Three days of holiday fun? That’s just the beginning.
Beyond the holiday festivities, Irvine has plenty of ways to keep the whole family entertained. Explore interactive attractions, discover new places to play or switch things up with themed challenge rooms at Hijinx Hotel (ages 6 and up) or a round of mini golf at Holey Moley.
And if you’re looking for even more seasonal celebrations, check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your stay.
One of the perks of staying in Irvine? Some of Orange County’s most beloved holiday traditions are just a drive away.
If your family wants to mix things up, swap a day of local activities for one of these nearby adventures. Then head back to your Irvine hotel to relax, recharge and get ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
There’s something extra special about the holidays at Disneyland in nearby Anaheim.
With festive decorations, seasonal entertainment and attractions the whole family can enjoy, it’s an easy way to add a little Disney magic to your getaway.
Make this a full-day outing so you have plenty of time to explore before returning to Irvine for the night.
For a holiday outing with a little old-fashioned charm, head to Irvine Park Railroad in the nearby city of Orange.
When the Christmas Train is running, families can climb aboard for a festive ride and enjoy a holiday tradition that’s especially fun for younger children. Check seasonal dates and reservation details before planning your visit.
Forget floats. This parade has boats. At the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, decorated vessels light up the harbor for a holiday celebration that’s distinctly Southern California.
Make an evening of it, allowing extra time for parking, finding a viewing spot and enjoying the waterfront festivities.
Planning Tip: These regional experiences work best as alternatives to your Day 2 itinerary rather than extra stops. That way, your family has time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
A little planning goes a long way toward making your family holiday adventure even more enjoyable.
Three days of festive lights, family adventures and a little Southern California sunshine. Sounds like the start of a wonderful holiday tradition.
Find your home away from home in Irvine and get ready for a getaway filled with plenty of reasons to smile.
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