*This program has been canceled due to anticipated rain and park closure.*

Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Santiago Oaks Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds!

This walk begins outside the nature center.  

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

(Orange County, Calif.) – The holiday season is here and so is OC Parks’ lineup of free, festive fun throughout Orange County. 

Wander through beautifully decorated historic buildings aglow with holiday lights and seasonal décor at the 39th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 5-7 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park. Enjoy live musical performances, festive crafts for kids and a visit from Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase. The event is free to attend with free parking.

The celebration continues the following weekend with the return of Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park, Dec. 12-14, from 5 to 9 p.m. Stroll through twinkling light displays and snap pictures at a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note this event does not include live entertainment.

Join the holiday fun at Christmas at the OC Zoo Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy holiday crafts for kids and see zoo animals receive treat-filled “gifts” and goodies hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day! Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free). 

Don’t forget to stop by the Old Orange County Courthouse and enjoy holiday decorations all month long. The exterior lights light up at sunset each night, offering a charming, historic backdrop for festive photos. The display will go on through the end of the year. 

Candlelight Walk 
Date: December 5-7 
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Art at the Oaks: Citrus Ornaments
Date: December 6
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park 
Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle

Seasons Series: Fall into Winter
Date: December 12
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park
Address: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

Holiday Lights
Date: December 12-14 
Time: 5 – 9 p.m. 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Holiday Ornament Painting
Date: December 13
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Christmas at the OC Zoo
Date: December 13
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under are free)
Parking: $5 per vehicle

Winter Birdwatching
Date: December 17
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

Critter Investigation: Merry Mule Deer
Date: December 17
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Little Explorers: Snow!
Date: December 18
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: William R. Mason Regional Park
Address: 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

Winter Solstice in Weir Canyon
Date: December 20
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

(Lake Forest, Calif.) – Get in the holiday spirit at OC Parks’ Heritage Hill Historical Park this December with two weekends of family-friendly fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights. 

Celebrate the joy of the season at the 39th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 5-7, from 5 to 9 p.m. and stroll through the decorated historical grounds during special park hours. Enjoy live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday-themed crafts for kids, enchanting puppet show productions of “The Wizard of Oz,” and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

The celebration continues with Holiday Lights Dec. 12-14, from 5 to 9 p.m. Explore the historical buildings decked out with dazzling light displays and seasonal décor. Snap festive pictures at holiday-themed photo opportunities throughout the park. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note that additional entertainment will not be available during Holiday Lights.

“We’re excited to celebrate the holiday season once again with the return of Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “These events offer families a wonderful opportunity to enjoy festive traditions while exploring one of Orange County’s treasured historic landmarks.”

Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park are free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events.

Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 923-2230 

39th Annual Candlelight Walk
Dates: December 5, 6 and 7
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Cost & Parking: Free

Holiday Lights
Dates: December 12, 13 and 14
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Cost & Parking: Free

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

(North Tustin, Calif.) – OC Parks is excited to announce the opening of Crawford Canyon Park, featuring new enhancements and amenities for the public of all ages to enjoy.

Surrounded by natural rolling landscapes and native plantings, the new 2.5-acre park includes two nature-themed playgrounds, exercise stations, picnic tables and more. Located at the corner of Newport Boulevard and Crawford Canyon Road in North Tustin, exterior sidewalk improvements allow for easy park access from nearby communities.

“Crawford Canyon Park is a beautiful new addition for the community, and I am thrilled to open it to the public,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This inviting, walkable space is perfect for enjoying time outside, while creating lasting memories with family and friends. I am looking forward to seeing this area utilized, especially with all the great features it has to offer.”

Crawford Canyon Park is a passive community park featuring low-impact amenities such as playgrounds, water fountains, picnic tables and benches, a quarter-mile paved walkway and ADA parking stalls. 

The park’s carefully planned landscape includes native and drought-tolerant trees including coast live oaks, western sycamores and California pepper trees which add to the natural park aesthetic. Development of the park and its features reflect thoughtful public feedback received throughout the planning and design process.

Crawford Canyon Park will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall and winter, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the spring and summer. Visit ocparks.com for more information. 

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park has reopened. The park initially closed out of an abundance of caution on Nov. 4 due to mountain lion activity and remained closed following heavy rains which caused wet and muddy trail conditions. 

Due to the confirmed mountain lion sightings at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, visitors are advised to always stay alert of your surroundings. Please keep in mind the following tips:  

• Do NOT hike, cycle or jog alone
• Stay in groups. Keep everyone together, especially children
• Make noise while hiking to alert lions to your presence
• Hike during daytime hours when lions are less active

If you do see a mountain lion, do not run. Hold your ground, make noise, wave your arms and make yourself appear larger. Throw items at it to scare it away. Do not crouch down or turn your back. Report any sightings to the park office at 949-923-2245. Be sure to include approximate time, location and contact information if park rangers have additional questions.  

For more information about mountain lion risks, please see our mountain lion flyer.

For more information regarding mountain lions in California, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. 

Monday, November 10, 2025: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park remains closed until further notice due to recent mountain lion activity and ongoing research being conducted in the park.

Due to recent mountain lion activity, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is closed until further notice.  

The park closed out of an abundance of caution on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, following two reported mountain lion sightings on Monday, Nov. 3. One sighting occurred at approximately 4 p.m. and the other around 5:30 p.m. In both instances, the reporting parties stated the mountain lion was following them but eventually ran off. Video of one incident was shared with OC Parks. It is unknown if the same mountain lion was involved in both sightings. 

Mountain lions are seen at OC Parks facilities, including Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and typically do not prompt park closures. However, given the behavior exhibited in these encounters, a closure was deemed necessary. 

OC Parks is working closely with wildlife researchers and biologists from UC Davis Wildlife Health Center to gather information about the animal and better understand its behavior, including deploying cameras to monitor activity and looking for evidence of the mountain lion within the park such as recent animal tracks and scat. The recent sightings have also been reported to California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  

Additional updates on the park status will be made as they become available. View our mountain lion flyer for more information about avoiding wildlife conflicts. 

For more information regarding mountain lions in California, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. 

*This program takes place at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. 

Participants will explore Laguna Niguel Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. 

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer at richard.schaffer@ocparks.com.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

*This program takes place at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

*This program takes place at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. 

Participants will explore Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. 

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather may cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Join OC Parks naturalists for story time and short hike with your little ones (ages 3 to 6) as we learn about snow!

Please park in parking lot C and we will meet by the restrooms next to the lake. 

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. 

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

*This program takes place at O'Neill Regional Park, 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore O’Neill Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please contact Interpretive Programs Curator Nathan Taxel at nathan.taxel@ocparks.com.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.