Top 4 free musical holiday spots
Plus where to have fun with photos!
I wrote the complete drafts of this week’s newsletter and the OC Tiny Hikes Trail Guide #52 from jury duty. No joke! I called in last Friday and this Monday without being called in to serve. But when I called in on Tuesday, I was unexpectedly ordered to report to the West Justice Center in Westminster (rather than the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana). There was an “emergency need for jurors.” I did my civic duty and was excused by noon along with everyone else who reported that day.
But then I still had to come home and put it into final form today!
In contrast to my “quiet” holiday spots, I thought I’d share some fun and festive musical spots which are never too crowded if you pick the right time.
Wishing you nights of singing and dancing,
Michele
As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.
4 FREE musical holiday spots
These are family favorite multi-night free light shows choreographed to music!
Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island in Newport Beach
Accidentally discovered this show last holiday season while shopping for my mom with my sis and dad! We loved the lights choreographed to the music while snow fell! I tried it again this year to see if it stood the test of time.
And it was still good. A bit more crowded, even on a weeknight. And the tree lights weren’t as impressive because the ambient white lighting wasn’t turned down like it was last year. I’m guessing it was a safety issue? (Both years, I saw kids and even an adult slip and fall or get knocked down with the soapy residue that’s on the turf or ground). But it was still worth visiting! Park near Bloomingdales & Anthropologie. I put a marker on this map for where the tree is located!
Irvine Spectrum Nightly Tree Lighting
(AND Palm Lights, Musical Delights!) Everyone loves the lights and music here. I’ve had so many people tell me about it. And you are probably already acquainted with the kid-friendly areas and restaurants from daylight visits? The tree lighting show is every half hour starting at 5pm.
Then, the Spectrum website says: “Join us outside Old Navy and Dave & Busters for a festive light & sound show that will take place every half hour starting at 5:15pm (subject to change). The palm trees are the canvas for this nightly event, so be sure to look up and enjoy the lights, set to a lively soundtrack of holiday pop music.” This way a show is happening every 15 minutes so you don’t have to wait around long!
Outside AMC Theaters at The District in Tustin
This has become an annual tradition for us! Bar Louie’s is a great spot if you want appetizers or cocktails with your Happy Hour viewing (M-F from 3pm-6pm). Or it’s also a great spot for Dolce Gelato dessert and viewing. All the details in this blog post under #9!
Outside the Laguna Hills Community Center
If you know where “Dinosaur Park” is then you know this area outside the Laguna Hills Community Center. It was almost empty when we visited on a Wednesday night, but the music was blasting and the lights were choregraphed, plus lots of photo ops! You could go play at the park close to sunset and then stroll over to the lights before you head home!
FREE Photo Spots at Great Park
Don’t sleep on this! My daughter and I had so much fun here last year! And it’s only open Fridays-Sundays. Outside lights on display each night. Holidayz Pop-Up photo ops open WEEKENDS only from 5pm-9pm on Fridays and 1pm to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
PLAY: Gifting
This is the section of the newsletter where we talk about PLAY or connecting to nature each week. I might share a video, an article, a book, or something inspiring. Just trying to help keep you empowered to prioritize play to benefit development and preserve childhood!
Somehow this is always the most stressful part of the holidays for me? I never wanted more STUFF that we didn’t need, but I also don’t want to take away the joy of gifting from those who love our kids and like to give gifts.
I used these 3 strategies and sent to family and friends over the years. You can share these blog posts with your friends and family (only if they ask what to get).
Gift of Experiences (Memberships)
Simple Gifts
Something they want,
Something they need,
Something to wear,
Something to read.
Benefit a Nonprofit with a Purchase - or Make a Donation on Our Behalf
Ask them to: “Take us on a trip to a nonprofit and let the kids pick something from the gift shop (something they normally don’t get to do).” My grandparents used to “adopt an animal” for us in the wild on behalf of a conservation organization or at a zoo. Oftentimes, kids get a stuffed animal or photo card and updates on the animal throughout the year. I loved it and I remember it almost more than any other childhood gift.
Here-Come-the-Holidays Timeline
This is the last weekend for lights in Lake Forest!
Tiny Hike Teaser: Mini Trail Guide #52 brings another beach hike this week — and it’s one that’s amazing for sunsets! I’ll be sending it out Friday morning.
OC Tiny Hikes subscriptions are changing for 2025!
I put a fun explainer at the start of Trail Guide #51, if you want to know all about the new downloadable, printable seasonal guidebooks coming to ANNUAL subscribers in 2025! Read ALL about it over on Substack!
Sneak peek! Coming to annual subscribers in 2025 . . .
I’m here if you have any questions, too!