Things to Do in Irvine This Winter

Duck Pond 2 by PJ Nelson (CC BY-SA 2.0)

With the holidays rolling in, everyone is looking for some ways to get out and bask in Irvine’s winter warmth. The winter season is filled with so many events for the entire family to enjoy. Below are seasonal events in Orange County that you can enjoy this time of the year. If you’re busy with too many holiday events be sure to check out some of the places that are available year round.

Holiday Ice Skating

Irvine Spectrum Center

Dates: October 27, 2017– January 7, 2018 (times vary)

ferris wheel - irvine spectrum by woolennium (CC BY 2.0)
ferris wheel – irvine spectrum by woolennium (CC BY 2.0)

Want something you can do throughout all of December? Don’t miss this year’s outdoor skating rink at the Spectrum. Thursday nights at the rink are have fun themes such as wearing ugly holiday sweaters or crazy Christmas hats. Get a discount on your tickets by dressing up to the theme of the night. Moving around gracefully like figure skater may take some practice, so why not get the kiddies started early! The Spectrum ice skating rink has toddler sizes starting from 8T! Find out more about this fun winter Irvine event here.

Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village

Downtown Anaheim

Date: December 2, 2017 from 10am to 7pm

Christmas reflections by Kirt Edblom (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Christmas reflections by Kirt Edblom (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Nothing says the holidays like a live winter performance of The Nutcracker. Anaheim is having its 23rd annual Nutcracker Tree Lighting and Holiday Village. On December 2, Anaheim will turn into a Holiday Village where they will be having performances from choirs Anaheim Union High School and appearances from Anaheim Ballet and Loara High School’s marching band. With food from around the globe at their international food fair and pop up shops to grab some unique gifts, Anaheim’s Holiday Village is sure to be a treat! More info is posted on their website here.

Winter Wonderland

Irvine Civic Center

Date: December 2, 2017 from 3p to 7p

Ready to celebrate winter as “snow” falls over the Irvine Civic Center? The ICC has transformed itself into the enchanting Winter Wonderland! Come and socialize as the community gathers for games, music, and entertainment. The City’s signature holiday event includes a Joyful Jingles holiday concert and visit from Santa Claus. Worked up a bit of an appetite having so much fun? Guests can also enjoy refreshments from mobile food trucks. At 5 p.m., there will be a festive tree-lighting that includes “snow” falling all around you. Admission is free and there’s no registration. For more information, call 949-724-6606 or visit their website.

As promised, here are a few things you can do in Irvine you don’t celebrate these holidays or you just want to have some year round fun with the family.

  1. Orange  County Great Park
  2. Pretend City Children’s Museum
  3. Boomer’s Park Irvine
  4. Fruit Picking at Tanaka Farms
  5. Irvine Improv Comedy Club
  6. Marconi Museum
  7. Irvine Outdoor Recreation
  8. Beall Center for Art + Technology Gallery
  9. Diamond Jamboree International Dining
  10. Musical Theatre Village

Do you have any other fun ideas in mind to enjoy sunny Irvine? Let me know in the comments section below!