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Apr 01, 2022

Things to Do around Norwalk, California, This Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching fast, and you want to make sure that there is enough time to fit in all the fun traditions. Maybe you always go see the lights, never miss a performance of The Nutcracker, or strategically plan out your map of gift shopping. Perhaps you are looking to try something new. Whatever your traditions are, we at Porto Bella Apartments want to make sure you know where to find exactly what you are looking for this year. 



Read through this article to find some of the most popular things to do close by Norwalk, California. We outline activities, shows, shopping, opportunities to give back, and more.


Activities

Nutcracker Holiday Village and Lighting: The first Saturday of December will be pretty special in Anaheim this year. The Nutcracker Holiday Committee is teaming up with the City of Anaheim to bring you holiday fun for the whole family. Enjoy festive holiday music, crafts, food, and fun. Even bring your dog with you to participate in the costume contest. End the night with the perfect holiday activity and watch as they light the tree at Feldhaus Circle.


Winter Fest OC: Just because you live in sunny Southern California doesn’t mean your family should be deprived of a super fun winter experience. If you feel the same way, then Orange County has just the extravaganza you’re looking for. This year’s Winter Fest runs from November 24 through January 7 and features over 1 million glorious lights, enough holiday decor to drive one giddy, a cornucopia of thrilling activities, a snow play area, a 150-foot tubing slide, a carnival, a holiday market, and plenty of food. New this year is the North Pole Journey, a one-of-a-kind winterland experience where wide-eyed participants learn exactly how to become an elf. Winter Fest OC will be chilling at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Tickets can be purchased here.


Pomona Christmas Parade: Gather your family, your friends, or even your work colleagues and sign up for this year’s Pomona Christmas Parade. The parade will be in full swing and take place on December 9 in Downtown Pomona. This “Homerun Holiday” needs volunteers like you to make it a spectacular event. Register today to help with the parade route, staging, judging, and more.

holiday gifts and ornament decorations
christmas tree and music ornament

Shows and Performances

Segerstrom Center for the Arts: With a variety of arts-related performances, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts never disappoints. This is true, especially around the holiday season. There are many shows to choose from this year if you are looking to attend a show in Costa Mesa. Check out this schedule of events and find something for the whole family to enjoy. 


La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts: Another great place to go see a show is La Mirada Theatre, only 15 minutes from Norwalk. This year, the theatre has an array of holiday events to choose from—simply find which works best for you. When choosing from Navidad en Mexico, Christmas with C.S. Lewis, or The Nutcracker, you can’t make a wrong choice. Enjoy a night at the theater and get into the holiday spirit.


Dickens Christmas Carol Singalong: If you have a love for the music of the season, the Charles Dickens Carolers would like to invite you to join them at the Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church in nearby Alhambra on Sunday, December 17, for a night of traditional carols, other popular holiday songs, and even some children’s favorites. The singing group has performed since 1987 in costumes reminiscent of Charles Dickens in four-part harmony that could warm the heart of even Ebeneezer Scrooge. This event is free and open to the public with an RSVP or $20 at the door on the day of the event.

Shopping

Candy Caneland and Craft Fair: Considering this is the 52nd annual Candy Caneland and Craft Fair, you know this is a huge tradition for many Orange County families and visitors. So pack everyone up and check out this popular event in nearby Buena Park on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a lot to do to keep everyone entertained. The kids can play on the snow slide and visit the petting zoo, and the adults can shop. There’s also general entertainment, food, and a raffle in store. It all goes down at the Ehlers Event Center on Knott Avenue. Entry is free, but please use the shuttle from Peak Park Pool (7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park).


The Wonder Emporium: This toy store is the perfect place to shop for your kids this holiday season! Located in La Habra, this store sells toys for everyone from infants on up! Here, you can find things like board games, stuffed animals, arts and crafts, educational toys, and more. The extensive collection is sure to have something to make every kid happy!


Swedish Christmas Fair: Switch up your regular holiday routines and experience Christmas from a different culture’s perspective this year at the Swedish Christmas Fair! This fair is put on by the Swedish Women’s Education Association and is a unique and memorable holiday activity! Come and experience this cultural holiday event on Sunday, November 19, in Huntington Beach. The event features two sessions with separate starting times of 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

couple holiday shopping
young man ringing bell for charity

Opportunities to Serve

Christmas Together 2023: This annual event hosted by Families Together of Orange County serves thousands of families in and around Anaheim by providing toys to underprivileged children in the community. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, December 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center and is gearing up to give away 30,000 toys along with other entertainment. Christmas Together is a free event, but preregistration is required for admission and to receive a gift. 


Winter Wonderland: Toy Drive: This important event is about so much more than toys! It’s about helping the children and families in the community to get the help they need this holiday season. In addition to a free toy, children will get health screenings, haircuts, and snacks to make sure they’re healthy and happy this holiday season. Consider donating your time or money to this great cause! The toy drive takes place on Saturday, December 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park (3401 E. Florence).


Heart of Christmas: Considering making monetary donations this year? There are plenty of great local organizations to donate to. Aaron Community Cultural Center in Gardena is looking for sponsors for its upcoming Heart of Christmas event on December 16. Visit this link to learn more about volunteering for great causes. Any donations will help as the ACCC hosts this event to give children the holidays they deserve. With live music, storytime, and a food giveaway, this festive holiday event is sure to bring a hopeful spirit to families all over Orange County.

Safe Celebration

There are so many ways to decorate for the holidays: lights, trees, candles, and more. As you decorate, though, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that all your celebrations are safe. For example, as you pick out the best holiday scented candle, remember to always light candles safely within your apartment, and never leave the open flame unattended. 



Also, be aware of the type of tree you are decorating with. If you have chosen a live tree for your apartment this year, make sure you keep it hydrated all season long. A dry Christmas tree is a target for starting a house fire.


candle lit decorations

With activities, shows, shopping destinations, and opportunities to serve, Norwalk, California, is ready and eager for the holidays to begin. Our friendly staff here at Porto Bella Apartments hope you have a wonderful time remembering old traditions and making new ones.

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