Consider attending a number of holiday-themed events happening this Saturday, including a chime instrument concert in Fullerton, Winter Wonderland’ celebration in Huntington Beach or holiday lights at Heritage Hill Historic Park.
On Sunday, attend a Celtic Christmas celebration at the Donald Dungan Library or consider listening to a talk on car customization at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County – funded by public tax dollars.
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That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
North Orange County
Holiday Chime Instrument Concert
Listen to carols including Jingle Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, Winter Wonderland, Joy to the World and Silent Night during a chime instrument concert at the Fullerton Public Library’s main branch.
When: December 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Adult Holiday Craft
Adults are welcome to build a winter cookie house using graham crackers, icing and candy provided by the Brea Library. No crafting experience necessary.
Registration required. To register, attendees are asked to email ocpl.brea@occr.ocgov.com or call us at (714) 671-1722.
When: December 13, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Civic Center Cr., Brea, CA 92821
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 671-1722
Cruising with Science
Visit the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim for a talk on car customization, including the science behind hydraulics and the artistry behind pinstriping.
When: December 14, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Muzeo at info@muzeo.org or call (714) 765-6450
Central Orange County
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers and OC Parks staff walk the North Loop trail in Peters Canyon on Aug. 9. 2025. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC
Spend the morning volunteering at restoration sites inside Peters Canyon Regional Park.
Registration is required.
When: December 13, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com
Winter Baking Demo
Learn how to use the letters and numbers cake pan available for checkout at the Fountain Valley Library by following a cranberry cake-baking demo.
Supplies are limited, but no registration is required.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Fitness Hike on Paved Road
Hicks Haul Road on April 10, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a morning fitness hike on Hicks Haul Road. The hike will travel 8.5 miles out and back, walking along the Loma and Shoestring trails.
Registration is required.
When: December 14, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 11911 Hicks Haul Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Coastal Orange County
Winter Celebration
Families are invited to a ‘Winter Wonderland’ celebration at Huntington Beach’s Main Street Branch Library.
The event will have crafts, games and prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees can pick up a ticket for this event at the front desk.
When: December 13, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 525 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5071
Ornament Painting
Asher Mefferd is curious to learn more about owls after being taught through the event.
Spend the morning painting holiday ornaments at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and learning about the local estuary.
Minors under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All materials will be provided. Attendees may show up anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
When: December 13, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.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
Celtic Christmas Concert
Celebrate the holidays with a Celtic Christmas celebration at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library. Attendees will hear music, poetry, songs and a dramatic reading of Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.”
When: December 14, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
South Orange County
Holiday Lights
The Harvey Bennett Ranch House at Heritage Hill Historic Park on Jan. 3, 2024. The home was decorated for special holiday events held at the park during December. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC.
Enjoy walking through Heritage Hill Historic Park during their annual holiday lights display on historic buildings in Lake Forest. Make sure to bring a camera and take your picture at a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities.
The park will have holiday lights on display Dec. 12, 13 and 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wander through twinkling light displays during special park hours.
Pets are welcome to the park on leashes 6 feet long or shorter. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
When: December 12, December 12 and December 14, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact (949) 923-2230 or email heritagehill@ocparks.com
Distance Hike
Hikers travel the Coal Mine trail to the Fremont Canyon Weather Station on Oct. 27, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC
Embark on a 16-mile hike through the Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. The hike will travel past an abandoned coal mine and the Fremont Weather Station.
Registration is required.
When: December 13, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Fremont Staging Area, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Holiday Cookie Decorating
Decorate cookies at the El Toro Library while supplies last. All materials will be provided, and no registration is required.
When: December 13, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact the library at (949) 855-8173
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.
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