Candlelight (Luminaria) Walk at Heritage Hill

Lake Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 14, 2024, 3-6 p.m.

100 Civic Center Drive
Lake Forest, CA
Free, lakeforestca.gov

Come join in the fun at the Annual City of Lake Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony complete with Santa Claus, cocoa, a fire engine and the beautiful, decorated holiday tree. Music and good cheer all included free. There's games, crafts, entertainment and shopping.

Heritage Hill, Lake Forest Christmas

Candlelight Walk December 6-8, 2024, 5-9 p.m.
Holiday Lights December 13-15, 2024, 5-9 p.m.

Heritage Hill
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA
Free, ocparks.com/historic/heritage/

The park and historical buildings are aglow with Christmas lights and holiday decoration. Docents share each building's history, and Victorian carolers and musical performers filling the night air with seasonal songs. Listen to winter tales via storytelling, and have a chance to meet Santa! Light refreshments are available for purchase.

• Live musical performances
• Holiday crafts for kids
• Visit with Santa Claus
• Refreshments will be available for cash purchase

 Inclement weather may cancel the events.

Luminaria is Spanish for festival of light, a tradition of Spanish origins. In the U.S. the holiday candlelight walks may have begun in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Candles placed in a paper bags with sand to weigh them down become beacons or pathways for travelers, and help Santa Claus find his way. Southern California communities began adopting the practice of decorating public spaces and private homes with luminaria in the early 1970s, a practice adopted by Heritage Hill and named Candlelight Walk. Established as an evening holiday stroll through the park grounds past the historic buildings, over the years there have been many versions of Candlelight Walk, but the tradition of holiday lighting has always remained.

Heritage Hill Holiday Lights

The fun continues with Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill

 December 13-15, 2024, 5-9 p.m.

Heritage Hill
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA
Free, ocparks.com/historic/heritage/

Wander through twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of various holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join the fun on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be provided.

Inclement weather may cancel the events.

Buildings at Heritage Hill Historic Park Serrano Adobe, circa 1863 El Toro Grammar School, 1890 St. George's Episcopal Mission, 1891 Harvey Bennett Ranch House, 1908

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.