Make the most of Holiday Happenings in Norwalk, CA!
One look at the calendar will tell you that the holiday season is fast approaching. There are also less subtle signs, such as your children suddenly all behaving, your significant other dropping hints about preferred presents everywhere and your wallet feeling noticeably lighter. These are all telltale signs that the holidays are just around the corner.
Norwalk, California, and the surrounding areas are gearing up for an exciting holiday season with plenty of opportunities for adventure, laughter, shopping, and volunteering to make others’ holidays bright. So take advantage of Southern California’s temperate weather and take part in those activities that put you in tune with your inner Christmas spirit.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of our favorite holiday celebrations taking place this year in Norwalk, California.
Activities
Norwalk Town Square Holiday Carnival: It's the season to be merry! Step right up and get ready for a jolly good time at Norwalk Town Square's Holiday Carnival. Join on Saturday, November 25 from noon to 3 p.m. as Norwalk Town Square is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with festive fun for the whole family. You won’t want to miss Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow sledding, pony rides, games, cookie decorating, and more!
Nutcracker Holiday Village and Lighting: Happening this year on Sunday, December 3, this annual tradition is hosted by the City of Anaheim, the Downtown Anaheim Association, the Anaheim Community Foundation, and the Nutcracker Holiday Committee. Events include a dog costume contest, pictures with Santa, and the lighting of the tree at Feldhaus Circle located at the corner of Clementine and Center Street Promenade. The event begins at 10 a.m. and continues through the tree-lighting ceremony, which will take place at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Long Beach Christmas Lights: Naples Island is often called one of the most beautiful Southern California holiday locations because of all the lights put up by the residents. Neighbors and neighborhoods compete against each other to create the most magical holiday displays that attract thousands of light gazers from all over the area. There are also light tours available for those who want to get the full experience and a waterfront tour option with an included Ferris wheel. The lights are put up at different times, but starting at the beginning of December through the rest of the month, visitors will find the dazzling displays are in full effect!
Winter Fest OC: Just because you live in sunny Southern California doesn’t mean your family should be deprived of a super fun winter experience. If you feel the same way, then Orange County has just the extravaganza you’re looking for. This year’s Winter Fest runs from November 24 through January 7 and features over 1 million glorious lights, enough holiday decor to drive one giddy, a cornucopia of thrilling activities, a snow play area, a 150-foot tubing slide, a carnival, a holiday market, and plenty of food. Whew! Any Grinch’s heart would grow three sizes just by typing that previous sentence!
New this year is the North Pole Journey, a one-of-a-kind Winterland experience where wide-eyed participants learn exactly how to become an elf. Winter Fest OC will be chilling at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Tickets can be purchased here.
Disney on Ice Presents Encanto and Frozen: Set the mood for the holidays by checking out the blades of glory on display in the annual Disney on Ice spectacular. This is a show for the whole family, and let’s not hear any talk about being too busy. Between matinees and even shows, there are nine different performances December 14–18 at the Honda Center in Anaheim (Motto: The city where the Disney dream became reality!). Kids will have a blast singing and dancing along with Mirabel and her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. Then they can join the race to find Elsa and end the eternal winter in this frigid holiday extravaganza.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. A Charlie Brown Christmas was first shown as an animated television special in 1965 and has been part of the holiday tradition ever since.
Shows and Performances
Whose Live Anyway?: The side-splitting improv troupe rolls into City National Grove of Anaheim for a 90-minute performance on Saturday, November 18, at 8 p.m. The four-man cast regularly leaves audience members gasping with laughter. Since this is an improvisational performance, audience participation is encouraged. Patrons are advised to come with situations rife with comedic appeal to share with the cast. Seems like a perfect opportunity for that one dazed dude from the back of the venue to yell out, “Free Bird!” All ages are welcome, but some PG-13 language is likely.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is part-extravagant rock show and part-Christmas storytelling experience. TSO embarks on its annual holiday trek across North America, which makes an Inland Empire stopover at Ontario’s Toyota Arena on Saturday, December 2. This year’s theme is “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More!” Prepare to have all your senses dazzled in two stunning shows at 3 and 7 p.m.
Tyler Henry: An Evening of Hope and Healing: Renowned Hollywood medium Tyler Henry, star of his own Netflix series, is coming to City National Grove of Anaheim for two nights of live readings and discussion of his unique gift. He will be appearing on November 30 and December 1. Learn more about Henry at his website. You may not know if you’re going to attend this show yet but rest assured, Mr. Henry likely already does.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2023: Dave Koz and Friends announce the 26th-anniversary edition of the longest-running Jazz-based Christmas tour. Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley – and hits from their respective catalogs. The tour also introduces musical prodigy Justin-Lee Schultz, a 16-year-old pianist-guitarist-vocalist and social media sensation.
Shopping
Candy Caneland and Craft Fair: Considering this is the 52nd annual Candy Caneland and Craft Fair, you know this is a huge tradition for many Orange County families and visitors. So pack everyone up and check out this popular event in nearby Buena Park on Saturday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a lot to do to keep everyone entertained. The kids can play on the snow slide and visit the petting zoo, and the adults can shop. There’s also general entertainment, food, and a raffle in store. It all goes down at the Ehlers Event Center on Knott Avenue. Entry is free but please use the shuttle from Peak Park Pool (7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park).
Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees: If you are one of the many people in America who love Christmas trees, then head on down to Pumpkin City! Pumpkin City has been providing a wide selection of fresh-cut trees as well as Christmas decorations and wreaths for over 40 years. These trees will be the perfect addition to your home this holiday season! Christmas trees will be available starting the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Old World Arts & Crafts Show: If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind product or item, look no further! The Old World Arts & Crafts Show features the crafts and goods from some of the region’s best craftsmen. Expect to find custom-made jewelry, hand soap, baskets, clothing, ceramics, holiday decor, hand-sewn blankets and clothing, and so much more. You’ll have to take a look for yourself! Stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on December 10 or 17.
The Wonder Emporium: This toy store is the perfect place to shop for your kids this holiday season! Located in La Habra, this store sells toys for everyone from infants on up! Here, you can find things like board games, stuffed animals, arts and crafts, educational toys, and more. The extensive collection is sure to have something to make every kid happy!
Opportunities to Share
It’s sad to think about, but not everyone has a family to come home to during the holidays, and even more people are struggling to provide for themselves and their families. You can help. Consider donating your time and money to these noble community causes. Let’s make this year better for as many people as we can! Here are some great community initiatives designed to help.
Winter Wonderland: Toy Drive: This important event is about so much more than toys! It’s about helping the children and families in the community get the help they need this holiday season. In addition to a free toy, children will get health screenings, haircuts, and snacks to make sure they’re healthy and happy this holiday season. Consider donating your time or money to this great cause! The toy drive takes place on Saturday, December 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park (3401 E. Florence).
OneOC: Did you know that the state of California alone has more than 161,000 homeless residents? That number isn’t pretty, but there’s still hope! By volunteering with OneOC, you can help those in need throughout Orange County. There are many opportunities available to help throughout the holidays and beyond. Click this link to find the right opportunity for you to help share the Christmas spirit with those in need this year.
Holidays from the Heart: Sickness doesn’t take a break during the holidays. Hundreds of sick children will spend the holiday season at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. Consider sponsoring a family of a sick child to ease the burden this holiday season. It’s the best gift you could give the family of a sick child.
Safe Celebration
Since Norwalk, California, doesn’t see the same winter weather as many other parts of the country, decorating your home is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but it’s important to make sure your decorations aren’t at risk of harming you, your loved ones, or your neighbors. The American Red Cross reports that fires caused by burning candles are four times more likely to happen during the winter, so always make sure you never leave a candle unattended once lit.
Christmas trees can also pose a threat if they get dried out or are not properly secured. If you are using a real Christmas tree, keep it properly watered, and make sure the cables for your lights aren’t damaged, especially if you have a curious pet. Keeping your tree safely positioned to prevent it from falling and causing additional damage is also important. You can find more information on winter holiday safety and Christmas tree safety from the National Fire Protection Association.
We hope this list of activities, events, shopping, and volunteer opportunities in and around Norwalk, California, has helped you start to plan for your holiday season. From all of us at The Courtyard, Happy Holidays!
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