The holidays are in full swing in Orange County.
Public libraries across the county and OC Parks are hosting free seasonal holiday celebrations throughout the month of December.
These celebrations include family-friendly movie screenings, cookie decorating, ornament making, storytimes and other outdoor events.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County on a weekly basis – funded by public tax dollars.
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Here are some noteworthy free, festive events happening this month.
North
‘Magical’ Holiday Ball
Enjoy games, face-painting, movies and other festivities at a family-friendly holiday ball at the main branch of the Fullerton Public Library.
Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite family-friendly literary character. No registration required.
When: December 7, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Snowflake Ornament Craft
Handcraft snowflake ornaments in the Placentia Library District’s community meeting room.
The event is open to adults and teens on a first-come, first-serve basis, as space is limited.
When: December 7, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave, Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 526-7728 or email ocpl.lahabra@occr.ocgov.com
Adult Ornament Craft
Create wooden ornaments at the La Habra Library.
When: December 12, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 221 East La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 526-7728 or email ocpl.lahabra@occr.ocgov.com
Holiday Nail Designs
Learn how to do a holiday-themed nail design at the Ponderosa Joint-Use Branch Library in Anaheim.
When: December 17, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: 240 E Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Branch Manager Guadalupe Gomez at (714) 740-0202 or email ponderosaprograms@anaheim.net
No-Sew Blankets Adult Craft
Adults are welcome to make no-sew blankets at the Haskett Branch Library in Anaheim.
All supplies and materials will be provided, but registration is required. Email or call the branch to register.
When: December 19, 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 240 E Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Branch Manager Guadalupe Gomez at (714) 740-0202 or the library at haskettprograms@anaheim.net
Central
Movie Matinee: The Grinch
Enjoy a screening of “The Grinch” at the Newhope Library. Light snacks will be provided while supplies last.
When: December 5, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1122 N. Newhope St., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-6992
Teen Ornament Decorating
Teens are welcome to decorate an ornament at the El Salvador Community Center.
When: December 5, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1825 W Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the community center at (714) 647-6534
Adult Gingerbread House Craft
Enjoy building mini gingerbread houses with graham crackers at the Cypress Branch Library.
When: December 10, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-0350 or email ocpl.cypress@occr.ocgov.com
Korean Holiday Storytime
Take the kids to listen to holiday songs and stories in Korean and English at the Buena Park Library. Afterwards, make an ornament while supplies last.
When: December 12, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100
Teen Gift Wrapping
Teens are welcome to work on wrapping their holiday gifts and learn new techniques at the El Salvador Community Center.
When: December 12, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1825 W Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the community center at (714) 647-6534
‘Cookies with Cops’ Story Hour
Families with children up to age 12 are welcome to a holiday storytime and cookie decorating with the Orange Police Department at the Orange Public Library.
When: December 16, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, California 92865
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 288-2400
Decorate Holiday Cards for Seniors
Children ages 5-12 are welcome to the Kids Zone at the Taft Branch Library to decorate holiday cards that will be given to seniors at the Orange Senior Center.
When: December 16-21 during library open hours, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 740 E. Taft Ave., Orange, CA 92865
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 288-2430
Spanish Holiday Storytime
Enjoy a holiday storytime in Spanish and English as a family at the Buena Park Library. Afterwards, make a themed ornament while supplies last.
When: December 16, 6:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100
Coastal
Ornament Painting
Paint ornaments at the Laguna Beach Library in celebration of the holidays and the branch’s Winter Reading Program kickoff.
When: December 9, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733 or email ocpl.lagunabeach@occr.ocgov.com
Winter Wonderland Craft
Children ages 3-11 are welcome to work on a winter-themed craft at the Newport Beach Public Library’s Balboa Branch.
When: December 11, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, California 92661
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 644-3076
Ornament Craft
Explore the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and paint ornaments as a family.
All materials will be provided.
When: December 11, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
‘Winter Wonderland’ Spectacular
Families can enjoy a Winter Wonderland Spectacular with crafts, refreshments and a live harpist at the San Clemente Library.
When: December 17, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493 or email cocpl.sanclemente@occr.ocgov.com
Teen Gingerbread Decorating
Families can enjoy a Winter Wonderland Spectacular with crafts, refreshments and a live harpist at the San Clemente Library.
When: December 17, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493 or email ocpl.sanclemente@occr.ocgov.com
South
Candlelight Walk
Attend the 38th annual Candlelight Walk evenings at Heritage Hill Historic Park. Families are welcome to stroll through decorated grounds, crafts for kids, live music performances and other entertainment.
When: December 6, 7 & 8, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 923-2230 or email heritagehill@ocparks.com
[Read: Heritage Hill: A Walk Through South OC History]
Victorian Era Crafts
Enjoy making Victorian-era Christmas crafts with volunteers from the Helena Modjeska Foundation.
Reservations are required due to limited space. Please call or email to reserve a space.
When: December 14, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 29042 Modjeska Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact (949) 923-2230 or email or heritagehill@ocparks.com
Winter Concert
Enjoy a winter concert at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library. The program, which features classical guitarists, is geared towards adults.
When: December 14, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094 or email ocpl.rsm@occr.ocgov.com
Winter Solstice Hike
Enjoy this advanced hike through Fremont Canyon to a landmark known as ‘Mini Moab’ in celebration of the Winter Solstice.
Registration is required, and opens on Dec. 5 at 8:00 a.m..
When: December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at
Family Candy House Craft
Families are welcome to build a candy holiday house together at the Mission Viejo Library.
When: December 21, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.
