Evan J. LancasterTanaka Farms: Hikari – A Festival of Lights
Friday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tanaka Farms has installed more than 1 million lightbulbs of colorful Christmas lights for the 2023 season. Chinese lanterns and other festive installations will light up the 30-acre farm. Hikari is open every day from 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. The first Holiday Wagon Ride departs at 5:30 p.m. and runs every 10 minutes. The last ride will leave at 8:30 p.m. Entry gates will close at 8 p.m., and Hikari will close at 10 p.m. each night.
This year, Tanaka Farms will host live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. They will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Tanaka Farms is located at 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine
Newport Dunes 33rd Lighting of the Bay Celebration & Inaugural Fire and Ice Festival
Friday, Nov. 24 – Friday, Jan. 1, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
With a pair of waterfront ice rinks and a Christmas tree lot, Newport Dunes is inviting guests to celebrate the holidays with the 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay, which will feature more than 50 floating holiday light displays. The Lighting of the Bay will take place on Friday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., and will run nightly through New Year’s Day.
In addition to the Lighting of the Bay celebration, Newport Dunes will host its inaugural Fire & Ice Festival, featuring the largest ice skating rinks in Orange County. Advance reservations for the ice rink are strongly recommended.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Irvine 2/11 Marine Holiday Toy Drive
Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Friday, Dec. 11
The donation of unwrapped gifts for children the age of 12 and under is recommended. Donations can be dropped off at locations at Irvine City Hall and the Great Park Visitors Center.
Irvine City Hall is located at Irvine City Hall & Irvine Police Department, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Great Park Visitors Center is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd.
Hours: Daily. 11 a.m.– 8 p.m.
Holidayz in the Park
Friday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Jan. 7
The Great Park will transform into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed crafts, treats, and the annual tree lighting ceremony. The Palm Court Light Display and the Holidayz Pop-up at the Artist studio will feature holiday decorations and festive family photo opportunities.
The Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd.
https://www.cityofirvine.org/great-park/holidayz-park
Illuminate Irvine
Saturday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Great Park Palm Courts Complex will host winter-inspired activities and feature classic holiday music. The event will culminate with the annual Lighting of the Tree.
The Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd.
https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/2023-illuminate-irvine
Irvine Fine Arts Center Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located inside the Great Park Hangar 244, Irvine’s annual holiday market will feature more than two dozen vendors that will have custom goods available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to stop in and check out custom jewelry, ceramics and handmade fashion.
The Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd.
Home for the Holidays — Holiday Pet Adoption Fundraiser
Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Irvine Animal Care Center will be celebrating the holidays with its 17th Annual Holiday Pet Adoption event. Aptly named ‘Home for the Holidays’ the event will feature hundreds of adoptable pets, gourmet food trucks and a bake sale. Participating shelters include the Newport Beach Animal Shelter and the OC Animal Care Center.
The Irvine Animal Care Center is located at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine
Letters to Santa
Monday, Nov. 13 – Monday, Dec. 11
The City of Irvine is inviting all residents to send in their holiday wish list directly to Santa this year. The city’s magic online mailbox will ensure all letters are rushed to Santa’s office. All senders will also get a reply from Santa within a week!
https://irvineca.seamlessdocs.com/f/2023LettersToSanta
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.