I see you there mama, ready to tear down the Halloween decorations as soon as the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, and itching to put up your Christmas lights. Not so fast! We still have a whole month of fall festivities to enjoy before the holiday season is in full swing. There’s planes, trains, and…barnyard animals? Also, Dia De Los Muertos, Hikari, and of course Thanksgiving still to come. So why not enjoy some of the Orange County events November has to offer first?
Here are our top picks for fun and family-friendly local events this November!
Dia De Los Muertos Storytime – Mission Viejo
November 1
Celebrate and/or educate your children about this Latinx cultural tradition with a fun, kid-friendly storytime at the Mission Viejo Library! From their website: “Join us for an evening of stories and activities to honor Día de los Muertos. Learn about this remarkable holiday and its traditions through this special program in our Storytime Room.”
Free.
Viva La Vida De Los Muertos Festival – Santa Ana
November 4
From their website: “The streets will be alive with culture, tradition, and beautiful tributes to loved ones. Join us and celebrate Die de Muertos in our hometown of Santa Ana. The festival features traditional Altares built by community members and organizations, Artisan vendors, music & entertainment, and food trucks. This year’s festival will take place on 4th Street, between Ross and Broadway street.”
Free admission.
Native Art Festival – Anaheim
November 4
Hosted by the Anaheim Public Library, this celebration of local Native arts, culture, music, and food, will also features kid-friendly crafts, open mic performances, and free workshops including poetry reflecting on the American Indian experience and one on zines by Miquela Davis focusing on introspection and healing from our collective struggle. Come partake in a modern version of the Thanksgiving tradition by celebrating and learning more about Native American life in Orange County.
Free.
Mexican Day Of The Dead Festival at Bowers Museum – Santa Ana
November 5
From their website: “Enjoy a full day of creativity and culture celebrating Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Explore a lineup of activities and live performances the whole family will enjoy. Stop by our special community ofrenda (memorial altar) in honor and remembrance of your loved ones with a photo or trinket held in the Bowers Museum Historic Courtyard Annex.”
Festival is free to enter. General admission to Bowers Museum is free for Members and Santa Ana residents only. Last year they charged for some additional activities like face painting and food such as tamales. THis year, the website lists all the activities as “free family-friendly art activities” including face painting, art projects, and treats.
Day Out With Thomas – Perris
November 4, 5, 10, 11, 12
We had so much fun at this train-lover’s dream some years ago! This November event is an absolute must for any train loving kiddo and their families! From their website: “A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes admission to the museum, the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, give-a-ways, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor. For an additional amount, train rides with Percy will be available on a first-come first-served basis (Percy’s train is smaller than Thomas’s). Each gated event ticket also includes admission to the museum to explore the West’s largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars, interurban electric cars, buildings and other artifacts dating from the 1870’s.“
For more details on this event, check out my review (though please note this was before the pandemic so some features may be different now): Our Day Out With Thomas The Train.
Tickets range from $19-$25 and are required for guests ages 1 and up. Free parking, and a variety of food options are available for purchase on site.
Veteran’s Day Commemoration At Heroes Hall – Santa Ana
November 11
Salute to Veterans at the OC Fair’s free community celebration. From their website: “Please join us for a ceremony and the unveiling of a new plaque honoring our fallen heroes and veterans who served post-9/11. The event will include a performance by All-American Boys Chorus, veteran service organization booths, kids’ activities and food.”
Free admission and parking. This is a daytime event.
Holidays At The Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
November 10 – January 7, 2023
It goes without saying that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. Starting in November through the December holiday season, the entire resort is transformed into a winter wonderland, full of magical experiences and seasonal treats that will entertain even the Scrooge McDuck-iest member of your party! Read all about the holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort in our post here.
Cost: Free to enter Downtown Disney District. Parking is at the Simba Lot and first hour is $10. Validations apply after that initial fee. 3 additional hours validated parking with a $20 minimum purchase from any Downtown Disney location, or up to 5 additional hours of parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant. One day one park tickets start at $104 adults, and children ages 3-9. Park reservations are required in addition to valid park ticket and should be made online in advance.
Autumn Festival At Aquarium Of The Pacific – Long Beach
November 11+12
From their website: “The Autumn Festival highlights the traditions and cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines through a weekend of learning opportunities and family entertainment celebrating the rich diversity of Asian and Asian-American cultures. The festival will feature traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, cultural arts exhibits, and storytelling.”
Festival activities are FREE with general admission to the aquarium. FREE for members. Plus, guests of members receive 20% off their admission.
Tot Walk – Laguna Niguel
November 17
From their website: “Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! OC Parks staff may even lead a game or introduce a local resident to the children. Come join the fun! This program begins at the Aliso and Wood Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller friendly.”
Free but registration required. For ages 0-3. There is a Park Entrance Fee of $3 per entry vehicle.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow – Los Angeles
November 17 – January 7
From their website: “Explore an immersive landscape filled with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more, for a nature-focused holiday celebration that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking. This year’s experience features all-new seasonal wonders, including a magical Winter Wildlands with majestic pine trees, glowing ice crystals, snow-loving animals, views of the “northern lights,” and spectacular photo spots for the ultimate holiday snaps. VIP experiences and a sensory-inclusive evening are available. Celebrate the season with L.A.’s not-to-be-missed holiday adventure in the heart of the city.”
Tickets start at $18 for children ages 2-12 and $29 for adults. Special VIP experiences include themed Happy Hours, Family New Year’s Eve, and a sensory-inclusive evening.
Winter Fest OC – Santa Ana
November 24 – January 7
From their website: “Winter Fest OC is a celebration that brings the magic of winter to Southern California, creating an immersive experience that will leave you captivated and filled with wonder. Embrace the spirit of the season as you create unforgettable memories with loved ones, surrounded by the enchanting sights, sounds, and tastes of winter. Over a million lights, massive holiday decor, and thrilling activities await. From our North Pole Journey immersive experience to our enchanting Ice Trail, a new Snow Play area, a thrilling 150-foot ice tubing slide, carnival fun, festive food, a holiday market, and more – it’s all here!“
This year’s prices were not released before this post went live. In the past, tickets start at $12 for ages 10+, $6 for children under 10 years old. Parking is $8 per vehicle. Carnival ride tickets each cost $1. Special discount days for Community Heroes (teachers, military/vets, first responders). Check their website for this year’s pricing!
Hikari – A Festival Of Lights – Irvine
November 24 – December 30
The Japanese word Hikari loosely translates to “shine,” and this holiday season Tanaka Farms, a 3rd generation Japanese American family-owned local institution, will be making the farm shine with over one million twinkling lights! This family-friendly evening event features a wagon ride through the “land of a thousand lanterns.” There’s also a Gingerbread Forest with live music, food, barnyard animals, photo ops, and the chance to meet Santa! Plus live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. It should be a real Orange County Events November highlight!
Holiday Wagon Ride starts at $25. Children 2 and under are free. Also free for active military, veterans, and retirees with ID. Parking passes are required and can be purchased online for $10 per vehicle.
So as you can see, there’s a great selection of Orange County Events November has to offer. We wish you a safe, fun-filled November and a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you very much for all of this information. I had absolutely NO CLUE about any of these events/offerings.
You’re so welcome! I write a post like this every month with the top events in our area, so be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter for future posts like this one! : )
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