Looking for Christmas events in San Clemente this year? We found 2 for kids and families in 2026, including Puttin' on the Glitz and Santa's Village by the Sea. 1 of them is free. We check every date on the host’s own website, and each listing links straight there. For the rest of the state, see our California Christmas events for kids guide.
The short version
- 2 Christmas events for kids in San Clemente
- The season runs from Puttin' on the Glitz (San Clemente, December 5) to Santa's Village by the Sea (through December 5)
- Free: Puttin' on the Glitz
- Every date checked on the host’s own site on Nov 4
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Christmas events for kids in San Clemente
2 events in San Clemente itself, soonest first.
Holiday paradeFree
Puttin' on the Glitz
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 9 pm
- Where: Avenida Del Mar, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The San Clemente Downtown Business Association hosts Puttin' on the Glitz on Saturday, December 5, from 4 to 9 pm along Avenida Del Mar. Santa arrives by driving down the avenue between 4 and 4:30 pm, and the street fills with live music, carolers, street musicians, sweet treats and a Silent Disco.
At the city's event at the Community Center, families can find a sledding hill, holiday crafts and visits with St. Nick. A free SC Trolley special route runs from 10 am to 10 pm about every 15 minutes, with free parking at The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 Avenida Vista Hermosa.
Parent tip: Avenida Del Mar is closed to cars, so take the free trolley from The Outlets, boarding in front of Starbucks.
- Host
- San Clemente Downtown Business Association (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Avenida Del Mar, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New San Clemente events every week
Rally researches Christmas events in San Clemente daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in San Clemente.
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 1 more San Clemente event researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in San Clemente.
- Exclusive access to free events Find the free Christmas events in San Clemente before they fill up.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 2 Santa
- 2 Crafts
- 1 Lights
- 1 Parades
- 1 Free
Enter your email to get new Christmas events in San Clemente every week.
Tree lighting
Santa's Village by the Sea
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 to 9 pm
- Where: San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672 (opens in maps)
- Cost: See the city page for pricing
Expand to see the parent tip
The City of San Clemente lists Santa's Village by the Sea for the evening of Saturday, December 5, 2026, with the Community Center as the listed venue and Downtown San Clemente as the setting. The city page says more details will be posted soon.
The city has not yet published the full schedule or prices for this year, so check the city calendar page closer to the date for activity times, any wristbands and Santa visit hours. Downtown parking tends to fill up on busy nights, so plan a little extra time to find a spot.
Parent tip: Check the city calendar page before you go, since the schedule and pricing were still to be announced.
- Host
- City of San Clemente (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New San Clemente events every week
Rally researches Christmas events in San Clemente daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in San Clemente.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in San Clemente? Bring Rally home.
A five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, painted in real watercolor. Turn a few pages now, then save it for bedtime after a big day with Santa.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
We check every event above on the host’s own page for the date, time and cost, plus the things parents ask about, like sign-ups and ages. Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
San Clemente Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- San Clemente
- Season
- December 5 to December 5, 2026
- Free events
- 1
- Kinds of events
- Holiday parades and tree lightings
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each San Clemente Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Puttin' on the Glitz in San Clemente on December 5; the last runs to December 5. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Puttin' on the GlitzSan Clemente · Dec 5
- Santa's Village by the SeaSan Clemente · Dec 5
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, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Santa Rosa, Palm Springs, Fontana, Simi Valley, Victorville, Indio, Chico, Santa Clarita, Escondido, Temecula, Visalia, Thousand Oaks, Santa Cruz, Madera, Gilroy, Hanford, Delano, Oceanside, Salinas, Murrieta, Santa Maria, Vacaville, Hesperia, Redding, Hemet, Merced, Yuba City, Porterville and Watsonville. 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 ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in San Clemente
In San Clemente, Santa comes to a beach town and brings a snow hill with him. Each December the city and downtown shops turn Avenida Del Mar into Santa's Village by the Sea.
How San Clemente celebrates
San Clemente rolls its Christmas traditions into one big night called Santa's Village by the Sea. The City of San Clemente and the Downtown Business Association combine the Holly Jolly Hoopla at the Community Center with Puttin' on the Glitz on Avenida Del Mar. Santa arrives down the street, the tree lights up, and a snow hill gives a beach town a bit of winter. Local shops stay open late, and carolers and street musicians fill the sidewalks. A free trolley carries families between parking and downtown.
Christmas last year in San Clemente
The 2025 celebration took place on Saturday, December 6, from 4 to 9 pm. Santa's procession came at 4:30, and the tree lighting and Snow Hill festivities began at 5 at the Community Center. Wristbands for activities such as unlimited Snow Hill rides, cookie decorating, ornament making, mini golf and reindeer toss cost $12 in advance or $15 on the day, with 25 percent off for residents. The city's Gingerbread House Contest was in its sixth year, with a youth division for ages 15 and under, and entries stayed on display at the San Clemente Art Gallery through December 11.
Fun facts about Christmas in San Clemente
Santa has arrived in a vintage convertible escorted by a fire engine, according to a report on the 2024 night. The Glitz even includes a Silent Disco, where dancers wear headphones, and a Grinch booth for photos. Local reporting described thousands of residents and visitors coming downtown. Avenida Del Mar closes to traffic for the evening, so kids can walk the middle of the street. The free SC Trolley runs from 10 am to 10 pm, with free parking at The Outlets at San Clemente.
Trains and Christmas near San Clemente
San Clemente's holiday night has no train, but railroad fans have good choices within a drive. The Fullerton Train Museum sits beside a busy station and has six vintage railcars, including three cabooses, with free admission on set Saturdays. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park has big indoor layouts and a Toy Train Gallery where kids push a button to run a train. The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris has the West's largest collection of locomotives.
- Fullerton Train Museum: Six vintage railcars beside a working station, free to visit when volunteers open them.
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum: A Toy Train Gallery lets kids push a button to run a train, with huge California layouts.
- Southern California Railway Museum: The West's largest collection of locomotives and streetcars, with free admission Tuesday to Sunday.
Traditions today
- Santa's Village by the Sea: The city's big family night with Santa, a tree lighting and a snow hill at the Community Center.
- Puttin' on the Glitz: Avenida Del Mar closes to cars for late shopping, carolers, music and a Silent Disco.
- Santa's Arrival: Santa rides down Avenida Del Mar around 4:30 pm to start the evening.
- Gingerbread House Contest: A free contest with youth, adult and family divisions, displayed at the San Clemente Art Gallery.
- Snow Hill and crafts: Kids sled, decorate cookies, make ornaments and play holiday games at the Community Center.
A fact for kids
In San Clemente, Santa arrives in a beach town, and the city builds a snow hill just for the night so kids can go sledding near the ocean.
Questions about Christmas in San Clemente
What is Santa's Village by the Sea?
Santa's Village by the Sea is San Clemente's big family holiday night. The City of San Clemente and the Downtown Business Association combine the Holly Jolly Hoopla at the Community Center with Puttin' on the Glitz on Avenida Del Mar. It brings together Santa, a tree lighting, a snow hill, crafts and late-night downtown shopping.
What is Puttin' on the Glitz?
Puttin' on the Glitz, often called the Glitz, is the downtown half of San Clemente's holiday night. Avenida Del Mar closes to traffic while shops stay open late and carolers, live music and street musicians fill the street. Santa rides down the avenue to start the evening, and there is also a Silent Disco.
When does Santa arrive in San Clemente?
Santa arrives by driving down Avenida Del Mar between 4 and 4:30 pm on the night of the celebration. In 2024 he came in a vintage convertible escorted by a fire engine. After the procession kids can visit him at the Community Center. For this year's schedule, see our San Clemente Christmas events guide on this page.
When is the San Clemente tree lighting?
The tree lighting happens at the Community Center on the same night as Santa's Village by the Sea. In 2025 it began at 5 pm on Saturday, December 6, right after Santa's procession. The Snow Hill and other family activities there ran until 8 pm. Our San Clemente Christmas events guide on this page has this year's confirmed times.
Is there snow in San Clemente at Christmas?
Not real snow, since December days on the Orange County coast are mild. The city brings a Snow Hill to the Community Center during Santa's Village by the Sea, where kids can sled. In 2025 wristbands included unlimited Snow Hill rides. It is a fun way to give a beach town a winter moment.
What is the Gingerbread House Contest in San Clemente?
It is a free contest held during Santa's Village by the Sea at the Community Center. In 2025 it was in its sixth year and had Youth (15 and under), Adult (16 and over) and Family or Group divisions. Entries needed pre-registration, winners were announced that evening, and entries stayed on display at the San Clemente Art Gallery until December 11.
What can kids do at the Community Center during the celebration?
At the Community Center, kids can visit Santa, make holiday crafts, ride the Snow Hill and play games. In 2025 the games included mini golf, pop-shot and reindeer toss, and the crafts included cookie decorating and ornament making. Hot cocoa and kettle corn came with each wristband while supplies lasted.
How much did the activities cost last year?
Entry, the tree lighting, Santa visits and the gingerbread contest were free in 2025. Wristbands for the Snow Hill, games, crafts and treats cost $12 in advance or $15 on the day, and San Clemente residents received 25 percent off. Check our San Clemente Christmas events guide on this page for this year's details.
Is there a Grinch at the Glitz?
Yes, a report on the 2024 Glitz described a Grinch booth where families could take photos. The street also had a Silent Disco, vendor booths with handmade gifts and nonprofits, and live music by a local band. Families can pose for photos at the booth.
What is the Silent Disco?
The Silent Disco is part of Puttin' on the Glitz. Instead of speakers, dancers wear headphones and move to the same music. It was reported at the 2024 Glitz and listed again on the 2025 and 2026 event pages.
How do families get to downtown San Clemente on celebration night?
The city runs a free SC Trolley special route from 10 am to 10 pm, about every 15 minutes. Families can park free at The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 Avenida Vista Hermosa, and board in front of Starbucks. Downtown parking is limited, and Avenida Del Mar is closed to traffic, so the route runs along Cabrillo, the Pier and Victoria.
How many people come to the Glitz?
A local report on the 2024 Glitz said thousands of residents and visitors came downtown. No exact attendance figure was published in the sources we read. With Avenida Del Mar closed to cars, the street fills with strollers, shoppers and carolers, so arriving earlier in the afternoon is a good way to keep little ones comfortable.
What is the Hops & Holly Lounge?
The Hops & Holly Lounge is the grown-up corner of the 2025 celebration. It offered craft beer from Artifex Brewery, with proceeds going to the Friends of San Clemente Foundation, plus live music and food for purchase. Entry was free. It is separate from the kids' activities at the Community Center.
Does San Clemente have a Christmas parade?
San Clemente's main holiday moment is a procession rather than a long parade. Santa travels down Avenida Del Mar at the start of the evening, followed by caroling, music and shopping. See our San Clemente Christmas events guide on this page for this year's times.
Are the Christmas celebrations in San Clemente free?
Much of it is free. Watching Santa arrive, the tree lighting, Santa visits, the gingerbread contest and downtown strolling were free in 2025. Only the wristband activities such as the Snow Hill, games and crafts cost money. The 2026 city page does not yet list prices, so check our San Clemente Christmas events guide on this page.
How can I explain Santa's Village by the Sea to a toddler?
Tell your toddler that Santa's helpers set up a little holiday village by the ocean for one night. Santa rides down the street, a big tree lights up, and there is a snow hill and cookies to decorate. It helps to mention the crowds and lights ahead of time so the evening feels exciting rather than overwhelming.
What time should we arrive for the evening?
Plan to arrive by about 4 pm, because Santa's arrival happens between 4 and 4:30 pm and downtown draws a crowd. In 2025 the tree lighting followed at 5 pm and the Snow Hill stayed open until 8 pm. Shops and vendors stay open until 9 pm, so you can wander afterward.
Are there train museums near San Clemente?
The nearest ones are a drive away. The Fullerton Train Museum has six vintage railcars next to a working station, and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park has a Toy Train Gallery where kids run a train with a button. The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris is the largest, with free admission Tuesday to Sunday.
Is there a model train display near San Clemente?
Yes. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park is a huge indoor museum with O, HO and N scale layouts of California railroads. Its Toy Train Gallery lets kids push a button to run a train. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, so check before you go.
Why is Christmas in San Clemente different from other cities?
San Clemente blends a beach-town setting with a winter celebration. Santa drives down Avenida Del Mar, a snow hill appears at the Community Center, and the downtown business owners join the city to run it. Local reporting describes thousands of residents and visitors coming downtown.
Sources
- Puttin' on the Glitz, San Clemente Downtown Business Association
- Santa's Village by the Sea, City of San Clemente
- The Glitz Returns Saturday with Santa, Gingerbread Contest, Holiday Fun, San Clemente Times
- San Clemente Lights Up the Holidays During The Glitz at Santa's Village by the Sea, San Clemente Times
- Santa's Village by the Sea 2026, City of San Clemente
- Fullerton Train Museum, Rally Takes the Train
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train
- Southern California Railway Museum, Rally Takes the Train
Keep the Christmas magic going: follow Rally's Christmas Eve Express, print printable Rally coloring pages, learn Merry Christmas in 100+ languages, find train museums near you, or browse Christmas events in every California city.
San Clemente Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in San Clemente this year?
Rally Takes the Train has confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in San Clemente for the 2026 season, and 1 of them are free. Good places to start: Puttin' on the Glitz (Dec 5) and Santa's Village by the Sea (Dec 5). Each one is listed with its dates, times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in San Clemente?
Yes. 1 of the 2 Christmas events for kids in San Clemente confirmed for 2026 are free. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the host’s page before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in San Clemente?
2 Christmas events in San Clemente this season include a visit with Santa. Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 1 of the 2 Christmas events for kids in San Clemente, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in San Clemente?
Yes. Santa trains and holiday train rides have their own guide: Rally Takes the Train’s California Christmas train rides guide. This San Clemente guide covers story times, Santa visits, light shows 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 4, 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.