Wander into Wonder: Holiday Magic

Wander into Wonder: Holiday Magic

The holiday season has arrived and this year Irvine Company Retail Properties invites everyone to Wander into Wonder. From an outdoor ice rink and a palm tree light show synched to holiday favorites, to cozy caroling evenings and artisan markets close to home, each center has been transformed into a festive destination for families and friends. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or simply soaking in the season, Irvine Spectrum Center Fashion Island, The Market Place and our Neighborhood Centers offer something special for everyone.

Irvine Spectrum Center: A Full Spectrum of Cheer

Irvine Spectrum Center puts a playful twist on classic traditions this season. The beloved outdoor ice rink is open daily through January 3, with Skating Under the Stars by day or night and live DJ sets during Glide & Groove sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings. Themed Thursdays return with $5 off admission for guests who dress the part, including Jersey Night (November 12), Holiday Hat Night (November 19), Anaheim Ducks Night (December 3), UC Irvine Night (December 10) and Ugly Sweater Night (December 17). Families can also lace up for Skate with Santa on the morning of December 5.

After dark, the center comes alive with light and music. The Palm Lights, Musical Delights show begins nightly at 5:15 p.m., and the Nightly Tree Lighting of the 75-foot holiday tree starts November 27, with shows every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. For the best view of the tree, take a ride on the new SunWheel. Local musicians perform Friday and Saturday evenings during Sounds of the Season, and the Silent Night Disco invites guests to dance under the stars on November 28 and December 12.

The festivities continue with Black Friday Frenzy on November 27, Selfies with Santa in SunWheel Court on weekends through December 24, and the 12 Days of Giveaways from December 1 through 12 on @IrvineSpectrumCenter. Guests can also give back on December 16 by donating a new, unwrapped toy to the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive.

Fashion Island: Nights of Coastal Lights

At Fashion Island in Newport Beach, coastal charm meets timeless holiday tradition. The season begins with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 20, featuring snowfall, music and a special performance by the Sugarplums. Through December 27, Nights of Coastal Lights brings the 90-foot live Christmas tree to life nightly from 5:30 to 8 p.m., while Dazzling Displays create star-lit paths and photo spots throughout the center's courtyards and the Koi Pond.

Families can visit Santa at his coastal cottage for Photos with Santa through December 24, and the Menorah Lighting on December 8 celebrates the Festival of Lights. On December 12 and 19, Starry Night Social Hour welcomes guests to Iris Courtyard for silent screenings of “Elf” and “Home Alone” with refreshments from THE LOT. Shoppers can also enjoy Black Friday offers on November 27, enter The Holiday Edit Giveaways each Monday from December 7 through 28 on @FashionIsland, and give back through the CASA Toy Drive, which collects new, unwrapped toys for children in Orange County's foster care system through December 18.

The Market Place: Where Joy Goes Big

The Market Place in Tustin pairs holiday essentials with family-friendly celebrations all season long. The Home Depot Holiday Tree Lot opens November 26 with a wide selection of trees, wreaths and décor, and young builders can join free Home Depot Kids Workshops on November 21 and December 5 to create their own holiday car ornament and holiday train.

On December 6, the Winter Workshop brings a festive afternoon of craftmaking, entertainment and music for the whole family. Evening strolls beneath the twinkling palms are even merrier with Holiday Harmonies, a live music series on select Friday and Saturday evenings through December 19, while Merry Moments sprinkles sweet surprises throughout select weekend afternoons. The center also hosts Black Friday Weekend deals November 27 through 29 and the 12 Days of Giveaways on @TheMarketPlaceOC from December 1 through 12.

Neighborhood Centers: West Coast Wonder, Close to Home

Some of the season's most charming moments happen right around the corner at our Neighborhood & Community Centers. Carols & Cocoa evenings offer sweet sips and sounds of the season from 5 to 7 p.m. at Orchard Hills Shopping Center (November 12), Woodbury Town Center (December 3) and Los Olivos Marketplace (December 10). On December 11, Woodbridge Winter Fest at Woodbridge Village Center celebrates old-time holiday charm with retro caroling, cocoa bars, candy canes and ornament decoupage.

For one-of-a-kind gifts, the Holiday Artisan Markets feature local makers, live music and festive fun at Woodbridge Village Center (December 5–6), Westpark Plaza (December 6) and Woodbury Town Center (December 12–13), with additional markets at Newport Coast Shopping Center and Westcliff Plaza. Families can also visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Alton Marketplace through December 24 for games, crafts, giveaways and photos with Santa.

Curated Gifting, Made Easy

Check off every name on your list with the Holiday Gift Guide, featuring more than 80 gifts and experiences from across the centers. For tailored recommendations, book time with a Personal Shopper, or give the gift of choice with an Irvine Company Retail gift card.

From beachside to hillside, the season's wonder is never far from home in the Villages of Irvine®. Whether you're gliding across the ice at Irvine Spectrum Center, taking in the coastal lights at Fashion Island, choosing the perfect tree at The Market Place or sipping cocoa at your neighborhood center, you'll find joyful moments and cherished memories for the whole family. Visit holiday.irvinecompanyretail.com to explore the complete calendar of events and plan your holiday outings.