15 Fantastic Things to do in Dana Point at Christmas (2023)

The holidays are here and with it a whole lot of things to do in Dana Point at Christmas. From Santa Paddles and Santa Surfing competitions to tree lightings and holiday boat lights parade, plus spectacular Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches, you will be spoiled for choice when you head to Southern California this year.

Christmas in Dana Point

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into our favorite Christmas events in Dana Point, and where you can find all of the Christmas trees and Christmas lights this year.

Surfing Santa Competition is one of the best Things to do in Dana Point at Christmas in California — *credit Dana Point Harbor*

Annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest

Address: Salt Creek Beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Dates: mid-November
Website

Join your fellow surfers and SUPers to help raise money for Surfers Healing, as you partake in this healthy competition that kicks off the holiday season.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Tree Lighting

Address: The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel 1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA, United States
Date: mid- November, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Website

After the Surfing Santa competition, head over to the Ritz-Carlton for their annual tree lighting with live entertainment for the whole family.

Things to do in Dana Point at Christmas in California during Holidays at the Harbor — credit Dana Point Harbor

Christmas with Little Folk Club

Address: Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point CA
Date: Early December, 3 pm to 5 pm
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The Little Folk Club will have a memorable musical from 3 pm to 5 pm at Dana Point Harbor. Santa will make an appearance, and all are welcome to join in this fun holiday event.

Christmas Party and President’s Car Show

Address: Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Dr, Dana Point CA
Date: Early December, 9 am to 1:30 pm
Website

Celebrate the season and a car show at the Dana Point Yacht Club. There will be special guests, coffee and pastries, then brunch inside of the club. They encourage all to wear an ugly Christmas sweater to join in the fun.

La Plaza Park Tree Lighting

Address: 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629
Dates: First Saturday in December, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Website

Watch Santa arrive on his Jolly Trolley with pre-packaged treats for kids up to 12 years old. Everyone can enjoy singing carols, sipping hot cocoa and munching on cookies before the tree is lit.

Boat Rides with Santa

Address: Dock # 1, Dana POint Harbor
Dates: First weekend in December, 10am-2pm
Website

Join the Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching for an exciting time on the water with Santa this season. For a nominal fee, you and your friends and family can tour around Dana Point Harbor for 20 minutes with Santa this Christmas.

All proceeds go to Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay, part of an international nonprofit for women who work to improve the lives of women and girls throughout the world.

Santa’s Jolly Trolley

Address: Stops around Dana Point
Dates: First Saturday in December, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Website

Schedule of Events and locations:

1:30pm–2:00pm Sunset Park, 34345 Calle Naranja
2:30pm-3:00pm Dana Woods Park, 24900 Dana Woods
3:30pm-4:00pm Sea Canyon Park, 33093 Santiago Drive
4:30pm-5:30pm La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St (Tree lighting at 5:15pm)

Dana Point oat Parade of Lights in California at Christmas — *credit Dana Point Harbor*

Annual Boat Parade of Lights

Address: Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point CA
Date: Early December, 7 pm to 10 pm
Website

Celebrate Dana Point’s annual boat parade. Each year features a theme, like Surfin USA, and you’ll see stunning boats decorated and attempting to win a $10,000 prize.

The fun begins at 7 pm, but make sure you arrive early to snag a great viewing spot.

Santa Paddle

Address: Baby Beach, 34551 Puerto Pl, Dana Point CA
Date: Mid-December, 9 am to 11 am
Website

A family-friendly Santa paddle happens at Baby Beach every year. There will be holiday fun and cheer while participants try their hand at paddling around the island from the boat dock.

Dress in festive gear, and if you can, donate to that year’s cause.

Pet photos with Santa in Santa Monica California

Santa Paws

Address: Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point CA
Date: Mid-December, 10 am to 3 pm
Website

Your favorite furry pal is welcomed down to Dana Point Harbor to have their photo taken with Santa Claus. Pictures cost about $15, and your pet is encouraged to dress up.

Holiday Light Cruise

Address: 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point CA
Date: Mid-December, 3 pm
Website

Take a 60-minute holiday cruise around Dana Point to ring in the holidays. Beautifully decorated boats, harbor scenery, and a cash bar will be there.

Tickets range from $15 to $25, and you can purchase them online.

Prado Square Winter Market

Address: Prado Square, 34201 Amber Lantern, Dana Point, CA, United States
Dates: Mid-December, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Head to Prado Square in the Lantern District for a Winter Market on the second Saturday in December. Not only can you shop this local Christmas Market in California, but there will be kids’ crafts, holiday treats and even carolers performing for all to enjoy.

Breakfast with Santa

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Address: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point, CA 92629
Date: Christmas Eve, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Website

Breakfast with Santa at Laguna Cliffs Marriott

Address: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA
Dates: Saturday in mid-December, 10am-3pm
Website

Menorah Gathering

Address: Dana Point Harbor
Dates: 8 nights of Hanukkah

Dana Point Harbor and Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point place a 12-foot Menorah in the Harbor every year throughout the eight nights of Hanukkah.