The Anaheim area has 17 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park on November 20 to Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley, on December 22. 11 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 17 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Anaheim for 2026, in Anaheim, Stanton, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Villa Park, Brea, Fullerton and Garden Grove
- First: Knott's Merry Farm, Buena Park, November 20. Runs latest: Knott's Merry Farm, Buena Park, through January 3
- Free: Holiday Crafternoon, Carolers & Crafts, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Family Fun: Holiday Card Making, Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament, Mini Canvas Ornaments, Candy Caneland and Craft Fair, Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash, Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler, Carolers & Crafts and Holiday Cookie Decorating
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
Anaheim Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 17 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Anaheim, Stanton, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Villa Park, Brea, Fullerton and Garden Grove
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 11
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday lights
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Anaheim Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park on November 20; the last runs to December 22. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Knott's Merry FarmBuena Park · Nov 20 to Jan 3
- Holiday CrafternoonFountain Valley · Nov 25
- Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in AnaheimAnaheim · Nov 27 to Nov 29
- Carolers & CraftsVilla Park · Dec 2
- Tree Lighting CeremonyBrea · Dec 3
- Buena Park Christmas Tree LightingBuena Park · Dec 4
- Family Fun: Holiday Card MakingStanton · Dec 5
- Winter in the GroveGarden Grove · Dec 5
- Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown AnaheimAnaheim · Dec 6
- Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree LightingAnaheim · Dec 6
- Crafty Hands: Gumball OrnamentVilla Park · Dec 9
- Mini Canvas OrnamentsStanton · Dec 10
- Candy Caneland and Craft FairBuena Park · Dec 12
- Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball BashStanton · Dec 12
- Holiday Festival at The MuckenthalerFullerton · Dec 13
- Carolers & CraftsStanton · Dec 15
- Holiday Cookie DecoratingFountain Valley · Dec 22
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Anaheim? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Anaheim
3 confirmed events for kids in Anaheim, soonest first.
Anaheim: Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim
Holiday showAnaheim Ballet · Anaheim
- Host
- Anaheim Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
- When
- Fri November 27 (7 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun November 29 (2 to 7 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required, price not shown on the calendar
- Ages
- Family show
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Anaheim Ballet dances the complete Nutcracker over the weekend after Thanksgiving, at the Grove of Anaheim. Its calendar shows one show on Friday, November 27 at 7 pm, and two shows each on both Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29 (2 pm and 7 pm each day).
Anaheim Ballet tells the tale of Clara and her Nutcracker doll, whose gloomy winter turns into a whimsical feast in Candyland. Expect a tall Christmas tree, dancing flowers, toy soldiers in battle and spooky mice. That mix suits children who can sit through a ballet. The venue is Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806. Cost: Tickets required, price not shown on the calendar. Ages: Family show.
Parent tip: For little ones, the early afternoon shows at 2 pm are the gentlest choice. Purchase tickets from the Anaheim Ballet site ahead of time.
See dates and details from Anaheim Ballet (opens in a new tab)Anaheim: Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim
Tree lightingAnaheim Ballet · Anaheim
- Host
- Anaheim Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Anaheim City Hall, 200 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 6 to 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Anaheim Ballet events calendar lists the Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony for Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 6 pm in front of Anaheim City Hall. Holiday entertainment, food and fun in Downtown Anaheim start earlier in the day, so families can arrive well before the lights go on.
The page describes a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping and pictures with Santa leading up to the ceremony. Characters from the Anaheim Ballet Nutcracker give a brief performance during the tree lighting, which is a fun treat for kids who love dance or the Nutcracker story. The event is at Anaheim City Hall, 200 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805. Cost: Not stated on the page. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Plan to arrive in the afternoon for crafts and Santa pictures, then stay for the 6 pm lighting. Check the event listing for exact activity times.
See dates and details from Anaheim Ballet (opens in a new tab)Anaheim: Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting
Santa and Mrs. ClausCity of Anaheim · Anaheim
- Host
- City of Anaheim (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Center Street Promenade and Anaheim City Hall, Center Street Promenade at Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92805
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 6 pm
- Cost
- No admission price listed
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Sunday, December 6, 2026, downtown Anaheim hosts the Nutcracker Holiday Village around the Center Street Promenade. A Tuba Christmas concert starts the day at 1 pm at Center Street Promenade and Clementine Street.
Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for photos from 3 to 5 pm, and the village includes booths where children make holiday crafts. The Nutcracker Holiday Tree Lighting follows at 6 pm on the steps of City Hall, with entertainment and a few surprises. Photos on the city page also show Anaheim Ballet dancers, though no performance time is given.
Parent tip: The city page does not name the exact spot for Santa photos, so look for signs near the promenade when you arrive.
See dates and details from City of Anaheim (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Stanton
4 confirmed events for kids in Stanton, soonest first.
Stanton: Family Fun: Holiday Card Making
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Stanton
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Stanton Library offers a weekly Family Fun program for kids and families, and the December 5, 2026 session is Holiday Card Making. It runs from 3 to 4 pm and is listed as free with no registration required.
The library describes the series as a way to bring the whole crew in for a new activity each week, giving families a way to play, create and explore together. Later sessions include a Hot Cocoa and Snowball Bash on December 12, so families can come back for more seasonal fun. The event is at Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Kids and families.
Parent tip: No registration is needed. Check the library page if you plan to attend a later Family Fun session.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Stanton: Mini Canvas Ornaments
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Stanton
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Stanton Library hosts Mini Canvas Ornaments on Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 4 to 5 pm. Children and families paint small canvases and transform them into unique ornaments, a nice keepsake for the tree.
The library says all supplies will be provided, and the program is listed as free for kids and families. It is a relaxed after-school craft that works well for a range of ages, and the finished ornament makes a simple handmade gift. The event is at Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Kids and families.
Parent tip: All supplies are provided. Dress kids in clothes that can handle a little paint.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Stanton: Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash
Holiday eventFreeOC Public Libraries · Stanton
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, Stanton Library's weekly Family Fun program is a Hot Cocoa and Snowball Bash. It runs from 3 to 4 pm and is listed as free for kids and families, with no registration.
The library describes Family Fun as a weekly chance to bring the whole crew in for a different activity each time. Other December sessions include Holiday Card Making on December 5 and a Popcorn and Movie afternoon on December 26, so there are several ways to spend a Saturday at the library. The event is at Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Kids and families.
Parent tip: The listing does not give details of the snowball games, so call the library at the number on the OC Public Libraries page if you need specifics.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Stanton: Carolers & Crafts
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Stanton
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Stanton Library hosts Carolers and Crafts on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, from 5 to 6 pm. The Lil' Dickens Carolers perform festive holiday tunes live while families take part in hands-on holiday crafts.
The library calls it a joyful gathering that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit, whether you sing along, create something special or simply soak in the atmosphere. All ages are welcome, and the program is free with no registration required. The event is at Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Kids and families.
Parent tip: Come ready to sing along. All ages are welcome and no sign-up is needed.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Buena Park
3 confirmed events for kids in Buena Park, soonest first.
Buena Park: Knott's Merry Farm
Holiday lightsKnott's Berry Farm · Buena Park
- Host
- Knott's Berry Farm (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates, see park calendar)
- Cost
- Park tickets from $65
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Knott's Merry Farm runs from November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027, at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. The park is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, garland and jumbo snowflakes, and it offers a nightly parkwide holiday lighting moment.
Families can see Christmas shows such as Home for the Holidays, a musical revue, and an ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. Santa's Christmas Cabin, a Christmas Crafts Village and a Snow and Glow experience are also listed. Live shows, light displays and most rides come with park admission, while food, drink and merchandise cost extra. The event is at Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620. Cost: Park tickets from $65. Advance booking is recommended. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold online for select dates, with prices starting at $65. Check the Knott's app for daily showtimes, which vary by day.
See dates and details from Knott's Berry Farm (opens in a new tab)Buena Park: Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Tree lightingCity of Buena Park · Buena Park
- Host
- City of Buena Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Buena Park City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Buena Park lists its Christmas Tree Lighting for Friday, December 4, 2026, at Buena Park City Hall. Attractions and food and dessert vendors open at 5 pm, the tree lighting program begins at 6 pm, and the evening concludes at 8 pm.
The city promises photo opportunities, pictures with Mr. and Ms. Claus and a letters-to-Santa activity. The 2026 performance lineup has not been announced yet. Guests are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Community Services booth, with donations going to families served by the Friendly Center. The event is at Buena Park City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621. Cost: Not stated on the page. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Arrive at 5 pm when attractions open to avoid lines. Bring a new, unwrapped toy if you would like to donate.
See dates and details from City of Buena Park (opens in a new tab)Buena Park: Candy Caneland and Craft Fair
Santa visitFreeCity of Buena Park · Buena Park
- Host
- City of Buena Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Buena Park hosts its 55th annual Candy Caneland and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Ehlers Event Center. Admission is free, and the event includes entertainment, food, games, free raffles and a snow slide that kids look forward to.
Santa Claus will be on hand to delight the children. A craft fair with more than 100 artisans gives parents a chance to browse handmade gifts while the kids play. Parking at Ehlers is limited, so the city runs a shuttle from Peak Park Pool at 7225 El Dorado Drive from 9 am to 5 pm. The event is at Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Use the free shuttle from Peak Park Pool, which runs 9 am to 5 pm, because parking at Ehlers is limited.
See dates and details from City of Buena Park (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Fountain Valley
2 confirmed events for kids in Fountain Valley, soonest first.
Fountain Valley: Holiday Crafternoon
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Fountain Valley
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fountain Valley Library, 17635 Los Alamos St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Fountain Valley Library hosts Holiday Crafternoon on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 11 am to noon. Families can make turkey decor or jump ahead of the holidays by creating a holiday card from recycled old cards.
All supplies are provided while supplies last. The library notes that children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is listed for all ages and families, and it is free with no registration required, which makes it a handy activity during the school break. The event is at Fountain Valley Library, 17635 Los Alamos St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages, families.
Parent tip: Children under 5 need a parent or guardian with them. Supplies are limited.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Fountain Valley: Holiday Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Fountain Valley
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fountain Valley Library, 17635 Los Alamos St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Fountain Valley Library hosts Holiday Cookie Decorating on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, from 11 am to noon. Families can decorate sugar or ginger cookies for the holiday season, and all supplies are provided while supplies last.
The program is listed for all ages and families, and the library asks that children ages 5 and younger be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is free and no registration is listed, which makes it a simple outing during winter break. The event is at Fountain Valley Library, 17635 Los Alamos St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages, families.
Parent tip: Supplies are limited, so arrive on time. Children 5 and younger need a parent or guardian with them.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Villa Park
2 confirmed events for kids in Villa Park, soonest first.
Villa Park: Carolers & Crafts
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Villa Park
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA 92861 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Villa Park Library hosts Carolers and Crafts on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 5 to 6 pm. The Lil' Dickens Carolers perform festive holiday tunes live while families enjoy hands-on holiday crafts.
The library describes the gathering as a cheerful community event that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. All ages are welcome, so toddlers, school-age children and grandparents can all join in. The program is free and does not require registration. The event is at Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA 92861. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Villa Park is just northeast of Orange, a short drive from Anaheim. No registration is needed.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Villa Park: Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament
Holiday craftsFreeOC Public Libraries · Villa Park
- Host
- OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA 92861 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Villa Park Library holds Crafty Hands on the second Wednesday of every month, and the December 9, 2026 session runs from 4 to 5 pm. Families are invited to create a delightful seasonal craft, and this month it is a mini gumball machine decoration.
All ages are welcome, so younger children can join with a grown-up and older kids can work on their own. The program is free and the library lists no registration requirement. It is an easy way to add a handmade piece to the holiday decorations at home. The event is at Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA 92861. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages, families.
Parent tip: Crafty Hands meets on the second Wednesday of each month. No registration is listed.
See dates and details from OC Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Brea
1 confirmed event for kids in Brea, soonest first.
Brea: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingFreeCity of Brea · Brea
- Host
- City of Brea (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Brea calendar shows the yearly Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 6:30 to 9 pm at the Civic & Cultural Center. Music and live acts warm up the crowd as everyone waits for the tree to glow.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop by, and the city says the little ones light up when they show. Once the ceremony wraps, you can take a selfie with Santa in the Curtis Theatre at no cost. Admission is free, though seating is limited, so a blanket or an early arrival helps you get a good spot. The venue is Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821. Cost: Free. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Seating is limited, so show up early. After the ceremony, head to the Curtis Theatre for Santa selfies.
See dates and details from City of Brea (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Fullerton
1 confirmed event for kids in Fullerton, soonest first.
Fullerton: Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler
Holiday craftsFreeThe Muckenthaler Cultural Center · Fullerton
- Host
- The Muckenthaler Cultural Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free entry and free parking
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton holds its Holiday Festival on Sunday, December 13, 2026, from noon to 4 pm. You pay nothing to get in or to park, so it is a budget-friendly family outing.
The celebration offers no-cost activities for the whole family, live music, food and drink, kids' art workshops and a sale of handmade arts and crafts. Children have plenty of space to wander around the historic mansion grounds, and the workshops send them home with something they made. The venue is The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833. Cost: Free entry and free parking. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Parking costs nothing. The Muckenthaler sits in Fullerton, just a brief drive north of Anaheim.
See dates and details from The Muckenthaler Cultural Center (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Garden Grove
1 confirmed event for kids in Garden Grove, soonest first.
Garden Grove: Winter in the Grove
Santa and Mrs. ClausCity of Garden Grove · Garden Grove
- Host
- City of Garden Grove (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Village Green Park, 12732 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840 (near Anaheim)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Garden Grove hosts Winter in the Grove on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 3 to 7 pm at Village Green Park. Local schools and performers present singing and dancing, and kids of every age can enjoy seasonal crafts and inflatable play.
Snowtopia steals the show, with nine slides and 50 tons of snow for the entire family to enjoy. Santa and Mrs. Claus drop in through the afternoon, while a holiday craft boutique sells handmade gifts from local vendors, handy for grownups who want to browse between turns on the slides. The venue is Village Green Park, 12732 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840. Cost: Not stated on the page. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Pack warm, waterproof clothes for the kids, since 50 tons of snow will be on site. For questions, call the city on 714-741-5360.
See dates and details from City of Garden Grove (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Santa Rosa and Palm Springs. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonAnaheim Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Anaheim in 2026?
We confirmed 17 Christmas events for kids in Anaheim for 2026 on each host’s own page: Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park (November 20), Holiday Crafternoon in Fountain Valley (November 25), Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim in Anaheim (November 27), Carolers & Crafts in Villa Park (December 2), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea (December 3), Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting in Buena Park (December 4), Family Fun: Holiday Card Making in Stanton (December 5), Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove (December 5), Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim in Anaheim (December 6), Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim (December 6), Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament in Villa Park (December 9), Mini Canvas Ornaments in Stanton (December 10), Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park (December 12), Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash in Stanton (December 12), Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler in Fullerton (December 13), Carolers & Crafts in Stanton (December 15) and Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Anaheim, California?
For families in and around Anaheim, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim (Fri, Nov 27 at 7 pm; Sat, Nov 28 at 2 and 7 pm; Sun, Nov 29 at 2 and 7 pm, tickets required, price not shown on the calendar); Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim (Sun, Dec 6, 6 pm tree lighting, with downtown activities earlier in the day, not stated on the page); Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting (Sun, Dec 6, Tuba Christmas 1 pm, Santa 3 to 5 pm, tree lighting 6 pm, no admission price listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Anaheim section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Stanton, California?
For families in and around Stanton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Fun: Holiday Card Making (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 4 pm, free); Mini Canvas Ornaments (Thu, Dec 10, 4 to 5 pm, free); Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash (Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 4 pm, free); Carolers & Crafts (Tue, Dec 15, 5 to 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Stanton section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Buena Park, California?
For families in and around Buena Park, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Knott's Merry Farm (Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, on select dates, park tickets from $65); Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting (Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 8 pm, tree lighting at 6 pm, not stated on the page); Candy Caneland and Craft Fair (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Buena Park section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Fountain Valley, California?
For families in and around Fountain Valley, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Crafternoon (Wed, Nov 25, 11 am to 12 pm, free); Holiday Cookie Decorating (Tue, Dec 22, 11 am to 12 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fountain Valley section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Villa Park, California?
For families in and around Villa Park, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Carolers & Crafts (Wed, Dec 2, 5 to 6 pm, free); Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament (Wed, Dec 9, 4 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Villa Park section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Brea, California?
For families in and around Brea, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Tree Lighting Ceremony (Thu, Dec 3, 6:30 to 9 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Brea section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Fullerton, California?
For families in and around Fullerton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler (Sun, Dec 13, 12 to 4 pm, free entry and free parking). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fullerton section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Garden Grove, California?
For families in and around Garden Grove, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter in the Grove (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 7 pm, not stated on the page). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Garden Grove section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Anaheim?
Yes. 11 of the 17 events here are free: Holiday Crafternoon in Fountain Valley, Carolers & Crafts in Villa Park, Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea, Family Fun: Holiday Card Making in Stanton, Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament in Villa Park, Mini Canvas Ornaments in Stanton, Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park, Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash in Stanton, Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler in Fullerton, Carolers & Crafts in Stanton and Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Anaheim this December?
Santa appears at Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park (November 20), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea (December 3), Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting in Buena Park (December 4), Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove (December 5), Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim in Anaheim (December 6), Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim (December 6) and Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Anaheim on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park (through January 3).
How much is Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park?
Park tickets from $65. Knott's Merry Farm is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates, see park calendar) at Knott's Berry Farm. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Crafternoon in Fountain Valley?
Free. Holiday Crafternoon is on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 11 am to noon at Fountain Valley Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim in Anaheim?
Tickets required, price not shown on the calendar. Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim is on Fri November 27 (7 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun November 29 (2 to 7 pm), 2026 at Grove of Anaheim. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Carolers & Crafts in Villa Park?
Free. Carolers & Crafts is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Villa Park Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea?
Free. Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 9 pm at Brea Civic & Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting in Buena Park?
Not stated on the page. Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Buena Park City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Fun: Holiday Card Making in Stanton?
Free. Family Fun: Holiday Card Making is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove?
Not stated on the page. Winter in the Grove is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 7 pm at Village Green Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim in Anaheim?
Not stated on the page. Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 6 to 6:30 pm at Anaheim City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim?
No admission price listed. Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 6 pm at Center Street Promenade and Anaheim City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament in Villa Park?
Free. Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Villa Park Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Mini Canvas Ornaments in Stanton?
Free. Mini Canvas Ornaments is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park?
Free. Candy Caneland and Craft Fair is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Ehlers Event Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash in Stanton?
Free. Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler in Fullerton?
Free entry and free parking. Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4 pm at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Carolers & Crafts in Stanton?
Free. Carolers & Crafts is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley?
Free. Holiday Cookie Decorating is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 11 am to noon at Fountain Valley Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Anaheim?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Anaheim Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
