Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting

If you live near Anaheim, CA, then chances are you’re aware that the 21st Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village is coming to town. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this festive event so you and your family don’t miss a single second of the holiday action.

21st Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting

This year’s Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village will be jam-packed with seasonal fun. Running from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday, December 5, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, not to mention that admission and parking are both free. So mark your calendars and head to Downtown Anaheim at the Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street.

From 10 am to 7 pm, there will be a mouthwatering international food fair, where you can buy some delicious dishes from around the world. There will also be a variety of retailers providing visitors with a unique shopping experience. You’ll find special gifts for every person on your holiday shopping list.

From 10 am to 5:45 pm, the Holiday Village will be open for some snowy fun. Kids will be able to enjoy the crafty children’s activities as well as the family music show. After that, enjoy a free train ride or play in a real winter wonderland complete with snow.

From 3 until 5:45 pm, Santa himself will make a special appearance to help visitors get into the holiday spirit. He’ll also pose for photographs on the plaza next to MUZEO. Each family can get one free photo with Santa. The line will cut off after 5 pm, so get there early.

Finally, from 6 to 7 pm, gather with your family to watch the spectacular lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree plus holiday performances by the Loara Band, the Anaheim Ballet, Anaheim Union High School Combined Choirs, and more.

History of the Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting

Now in its 21st year, the Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting has become an Anaheim holiday tradition—but it wasn’t always that way. In 1995, it was decided that the city needed something to bring residents together, a holiday event that would spread good cheer and togetherness throughout the community.

That’s how the First Annual Nutcracker Holiday was born in Anaheim. At the old downtown on West Harbor Place, residents enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides, choirs, marching bands, and more. There was even the first annual tree lighting. Since that day in 1995, the Nutcracker Holiday has become one of the most highly anticipated Anaheim events.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Bring gloves and boots for the snow play area.
• Pack a camera or make sure that your phone is charged for taking pictures.
• Bring cash for shopping, face painting, and the international food fair.
• Head to the Christmas tree outside Anaheim Ice at 5:45 pm for the lighting ceremony.
• Parking is available at the Oaks Street parking structure as well as the Clementine and Center Street Promenade lot.
• There’s an ATM located on the southwest corner of CSP and Lemon.

We hope that you enjoy the 21st Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Village. For more fun events happening in your area, check out our Cerritos community page.