Although the holiday season may be a little different this year, there are still plenty of fun, holiday activities happening in Irvine. In addition to all the great shopping and dining around the city, the holidays will bring some familiar sights, sounds and smells to residents.

From nightly tree lightings, to virtual visits with Santa Claus, here is a round up of what to expect around Irvine this holiday season.

The Irvine Spectrum

Holiday Drive-In Movies

Of the many holiday activities in Irvine, The Irvine Spectrum is continuing the success of the rooftop drive-in movie program with a few holiday-themed classics.

As part of the Irvine Spectrum’s #OhWhatFun holiday celebration, rooftop drive-in movies will be held on Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights.

Thursday, December 3: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Purchase The Nightmare Before Christmas Drive-In Tickets

Friday, December 4: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Purchase How the Grinch Stole Christmas Drive-In Tickets

Sunday, December 6: The Polar Express
Purchase The Polar Express Drive-In Tickets

COST

Thursday: Admission is $40 per car. Venue opens at 5:00 p.m., movie begins at 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Admission is $60 per car and includes a $20 Irvine Spectrum Center gift card to use toward dinner or snacks from restaurants before the film.

Sunday: Admission is $40 per car. Venue opens at 4:00 p.m., movie begins at 6:00 p.m.

Candy Cane Challenge

Fri., Nov. 27 – Thurs., Dec. 24

Beginning Friday, Nov. 27, scavenger hunt enthusiasts should check out the Candy Cane Challenge at the Irvine Spectrum. The goal is to find all the candy canes at Irvine Spectrum Center!

Just grab a participation card from Spectrum Guest Services and complete the quest. Once returned, guests will be entered for a chance to win a prize.

Virtual Santa Experience

Fri., Nov. 27 – Thurs., Dec. 24

While Santa will stay safe this holiday season, families will have an opportunity to visit Santa virtually! This year, the Irvine Spectrum and Fashion Island are taking reservations for video calls with Santa.

Cost: $25 

More information on the Virtual Santa Experience can be found here.

More Holiday Fun Around Irvine

Holiday Photo Stations

Friday Nov. 27 – Sunday Dec. 20

Hours

Friday & Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
December 21 – 24, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Need a family photo? There are several holiday-themed photo stations located around Irvine. Holiday Photo Stations can currently be found at Fashion Island, the Market Place and Irvine Spectrum.

Guests can opt to have photos sent via email for non-contact collection.

Nightly Tree Lightings

Fashion Island
Sat., Nov. 21 – Fri., Jan. 1

Fashion Island’s 90-foot Christmas tree will be standing from Saturday, Nov. 21 through New Year’s Day.

The Irvine Spectrum Center
Nov. 27 –  Jan. 3

The Irvine Spectrum will be lighting the 75-foot-tall Christmas tree nightly inside the Giant Wheel Courtyard. This year, the tree will feature a choreographed light show from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

The Market Place
Now Open

The Market Place in Irvine is hosting three separately decorated Christmas trees. Guests can find the trees inside the Mathis Brothers Courtyard, Edwards Courtyard, and California Pizza Kitchen Courtyard inside the Market Place.

Menorah Lighting Display
Dec. 10 – Friday, Dec. 18

In addition to the 90-foot fir tree, Fashion Island will also be celebrating Hanukkah with a daily lighting of the menorah.

The lighting will begin on Thursday, Dec. 10, and will be located in the Atrium Garden Courtyard.

Santa & Friends – Augmented Reality Experience
Nov. 21 – Jan. 1

Santa & Friends is a new photo experience that allows to interact and take photos with your favorite holiday characters in augmented reality, activated by QR codes.

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