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Where to See Santa

In and About Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Placentia & Anaheim Hills

By Dana Reich, Publisher and Editor, Macaroni KID Yorba Linda, Placentia, Fullerton & Anaheim Hills November 27, 2024

As the winter chill settles in and the festive spirit takes over, our community is gearing up for a season of joy, wonder, and, of course, visits from the one and only Santa Claus! In this bustling time of year, local events take center stage, offering families and friends the perfect opportunity to embrace the magic of the season.  From twinkling tree-lighting ceremonies to cozy winter markets, our town is alive with the spirit of the holidays, and Santa is at the heart of it all.

Discover where you can catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit as he spreads cheer, hands out candy canes, and listens to the wishes of children both young and old. Whether you're looking for a photo opportunity with Santa, or a chance to participate in holiday crafts, we've rounded up the best local events that are sure to make your season merry and bright.

So, grab your mittens, bundle up, and join us as we unwrap the magic of local Santa events, creating memories that will warm your heart long after the snow has melted away. 

Santa In the Hills @ Anaheim Festival
Address: 8020 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92808

The Anaheim Firefighters Association invites you to visit Santa Claus at Anaheim Hills Festival for photos on select dates and times from November 24th through December 23rd. The North Pole set up will be located at 8156 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808, near Panera Bread. Capture the joy of the season with a photo with Santa, for memories that will last forever. Photo packages start at $35. No pre-registration required.

November 29th-December 1: Noon – 6 p.m.
December 7th: 1:30pm – 6 p.m.
December 8th: Noon - 6 p.m.
December 9th-December 10th: Noon – 6 p.m.
December 14th – December 23rd: Noon – 6 p.m.

Prices start at $35; USB (all photos) included for additional $20 add on. Largest package is $65 which includes 25 b7x8 wallets printed and the USB. Our other option is the Anaheim Firefighters' Donation package, which is package A + AFF donation ranges $80. Our Santa spends time with each child-we don't rush their time with him.

The experience and all purchases made during this time go towards one of the nonprofits that the Firefighters Association helps throughout the year: The Eli Home,  OC Family Justice Center, Anaheim Community Foundation, and countless others.

Holiday Tree Lighting Event @ Placentia Civic Center Plaza
Address: 401 E. Chapman Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870
December 5, 2024, 6-8pm

The City of Placentia will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event at the Civic Center Plaza. The event will feature performances by the Musical Theatre University and the Freckled Frog Dance Group, the lighting of the Menorah by the Chabad Beth Meir Hacohen, holiday crafts, and the lighting of the Holiday Tree! Kala Truck will have Latin cuisine, and Sweets Stop will have treats available for purchase. Photos with Santa Claus will be available between 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Please bring your own camera for photos. The Holiday Tree will be lit every evening throughout the Holiday Season. For more information on City events, contact Community Services at (714) 993-8232.




Festival of Trees @ Senior Living Community
Address: 16960 Bastanchury Rd., Suite C, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
December 6, 2024, 1pm-5pm
December 7, 2024, 10am-5pm

There's something for everyone in the family!  Photos with Santa, Kid Zone - Arts & Crafts, beautifully decorated trees to view and purchase, an open house, vendors, and holiday shopping!




Winter Market @ Downtown Fullerton Plaza
Address: 125 E. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
December 7, 2024, 2-6pm

Visit Downtown Fullerton for lots of family fun!  This event will include photographs with Santa, adult and kids' activities, holiday performances, food trucks, music, a beer and wine garden inside the Plaza, artisan craft and unique vendors, and more!

Annual Holiday on Main Street @ Main Street Yorba Linda
Address: Main Street, Yorba Linda, 92886
December 7, 2024, 4-9pm

Hosted by the Main Street Merchants Association, we are excited to bring back this event in 2024! Free to attend, open to the public!

This event is held on historic Main Street in Yorba Linda, California and features family friendly activities.

This annual tradition is community inspired and community driven and will feature a petting zoo, a slime make and take, tree lighting ceremony, balloon artist, face painting, ornament making, live music, drinks, Santa, & more!

Come out for a fun and festive night while also supporting your community with all sorts of holiday family fun.




Placentia "Shop Small" Winter Boutique @ Placentia Round Table Women's Club
Address: 901 Bradford Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870
December 15, 2024, 11am-4pm

Support your local small businesses this holiday season and come visit Santa for FREE!  Explore a wide range of handmade items, unique presents, trendy apparel, and more at the Placentia Round Table Women's Club.  Take a photo with Santa while you are there.  Admission is FREE, and you even have a chance to win an amazing prize.  See you there!

Holiday Spectacular @ Anaheim Festival
Address: 8156 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, CA 92808
December 7, 2024, 11am-1pm

We will be spreading holiday cheer with photo opportunities with Santa, crafts for children, face painting, balloon art, and train rides!  Don’t forget to bring your camera and your best “ugly” sweater!  The event festivities will take place in the parking lot near Hobby Lobby.

Holiday Carnival @ Anaheim Town Square
Address: 2180 East Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806
December 1, 2024, 12pm-3pm

Santa, Snow, Mrs. Claus, Magician, Cookie Decorating and More at Anaheim Town Square's Holiday Carnival! Step right up and get ready for a jolly good time at Anaheim Town Square's Holiday Carnival! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿคถ It's the season to be merry, and we're bringing you the BIGGEST, most SPECTACULAR Holiday Carnival. Join us on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 from 12-3PM as we transform Anaheim Town Square into a winter wonderland filled with festive fun for the whole family. ๐ŸŽ… Santa's Arrival: The festivities kick off with a spectacular entrance! Santa arrives in style by red convertible, and he's bringing Mrs. Claus along for the ride. It's a magical moment you won't want to miss. Every child will have the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap, share their Christmas wishes, and capture a memory with a cherished photo. ๐Ÿคถ Mrs. Claus: The holiday magic doesn't stop with Santa. Mrs. Claus will weave enchanting tales of the North Pole, sharing stories of its wonders and the secrets of the season. Her stories will leave you spellbound and in the holiday spirit. โ„๏ธ Snow: And what's a winter carnival without SNOW? We're bringing the North Pole to you with real snow. Enjoy snow sledding and snowman play! ๐ŸŽช๐ŸŽฏ Get in on the fun with our Stilt Walker, Bubble Elf, Face Painters and Balloon Twisters. ๐Ÿช Cookie Decorating: Enter the enchanting world of North Pole Cookie Decorating. Kids of all ages get the opportunity to decorate their very own sweet holiday masterpiece. It's a tasty and artistic adventure that's as sweet as can be.๐ŸŽˆ Bounce Houses: Let the kids bounce, jump, and play to their heart's content in our lively bounce houses. The kids will be entertained for hours!๐ŸŽจ Holiday Crafts: Young artists can also dive into holiday crafts, creating their very own ornaments and decorations to add that extra touch of magic to your holiday season.

The Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival is a celebration of joy, laughter, and togetherness. We invite one and all to join us in making cherished memories and celebrating the spirit of the season. Mark your calendars and don't miss this unforgettable holiday extravaganza!

Festival of Trees @ Senior Living Community
Address: 16850 Bastanchury Rd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
December 6, 2024 1-5pm

Photos with Santa, Kid Zone, Arts & Crafts, Beautifully Decorated Trees to view & purchase, Open House, and vendors for holiday shopping!

The Polar Express @ East Lake Village
Address: 5325 Village Center Drive, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
December 6, 2024, 6-9pm

๐ŸŽ‰ Fun for the Whole Family๐Ÿš‚ Train Rides & Holiday Boat Toursโ„๏ธ Real Snow Slides

โ›„๏ธ Snowman Snow Bubble Play Area๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿผ Meet Santa & Take Photos (Includes a keepsake!)๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Bounce Houses, Rock Climbing, and Pony Rides๐ŸŽฅ Polar Express Movie Screening๐ŸŽ Letters to Santa & Festive Tattoos๐Ÿช Hot Cocoa, Cookies, Cotton Candy & More!๐ŸŽต Enjoy food trucks, holiday cheer, and magical photo ops throughout the lake!

2024 Christmas Tree Lighting @ Buena Park City Hall
Address: 6650 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90621
December 6, 2024, 6pm

Tree lighting, musical performances, food trucks, activities for kids, train rides, and Santa Claus!

Breakfast with Santa @ YL Community Center
Address: 4501 Casa Loma Avenue, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
December 7, 2024, 9-11:30am

Savor the magic of the holiday season at Breakfast with Santa!  This holly jolly event will include breakfast, crafts, live entertainment, and activities with Santa.  Not to mention every family will have a special one-on-one visit with Santa! Register at www.ylreconline.com, course #24668

Anaheim Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Village @ Anaheim City Hall
Address: 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
December 8, 2024, 12-7pm

Come by for Children's Holiday Entertainment (12-5pm), Visit with Santa (3-5pm), Vendors and crafters (12-7pm), Santa and Mrs. Claus Processional (5:45pm), Candy Canine Costume Contest (1pm), and Christmas Tree Lighting (6pm)

City of Placentia 30th Annual Tamale Festival @ Old Town Placentia
Address: 100-200 Santa Fe Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870
December 12, 2024, 4-10pm

Tamales, live entertainment, inflatables, event shuttle, Santa pictures, food vendors, non-profit booths, and beer and wine garden!

Breakfast for Dinner with Santa @ Romporama, Corona
Address: 4300 Green River Road, Suite 109B, Corona, CA 92878
December 13, 2024, 5:30pm-8pm

Meet and greet with Santa, photo booth, mini pancake bar and breakfast buffet, and hot cocoa bar!  There will be themed games, ornament making, elf workshop, activity stations, and raffle prizes!

Cocoa and Concertos @ Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana
Address: 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana, CA 92704
December 8, 2024, 11am-3pm

Free entry with cocoa, musical performances, and arts and crafts!  Photos with Santa, decorated Kellogg House tours and food available for purchase.

Santa @ the Fullerton Train Museum
Address: 200 E. Santa Fe Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832
December 14, 2024, 9am-12pm

Come on down and visit Santa and have your picture taken!  This is a free event but donations are encouraged.