During the holidays it can be difficult to find events and activities that are affordable, nearby and fun. Thankfully, there are several festive opportunities close to campus that Concordia students recommend.

First, the historic holiday boat parade in Newport Beach is a great way to spark the Christmas spirit. This free event is hosted at Newport Harbor, a twenty minute drive from campus, and will run from Dec. 18-22 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For over a hundred years, local boat owners have draped their boats with lights to celebrate Christmas. Bring some friends, blankets, and hot chocolate to enjoy the show!

“My favorite thing to do during the holiday season is to see the holiday boat parade,” said Lexi Miner, junior, who grew up living in Newport Beach. Her advice was to go to the Lighthouse Cafe (lighthousenb.com) on Balboa Peninsula to enjoy dinner while watching the parade. 

Another great way to see cool local lights is by taking a walk or drive through the Woodbury neighborhood in Irvine. These expertly decorated houses have a reputation for the most impressive holiday light displays. You can find Woodbury off Jeffrey Rd. and Bryan Ave. Take a drive with station 103.5 on the radio playing holiday music and check out some lights! 

Another hidden gem during the Christmas season is Santa's Railroad Village in Irvine (irvineparkrailroad.com/events/santas-village). Stop by anytime between Nov. 24 and Dec. 30 to buy treats and look at unique train cars or vintage trolleys that are only showcased during the holidays. You can also view the historical museums and exhibits that they have to offer while drinking spiced cider and eating some homemade tamales, seasonal pastries. Admission is free to enjoy all of the games, photo booths, cookie and ornament decorations, and other activities!

If you want a more relaxed night outside of campus, the Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa is an often overlooked peaceful sculpture garden that is a quiet spot for reflection amidst the holiday busyness. It's also known as the “California Scenario” because the garden is a symbolic representation of California's diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Where each element in the garden represents a unique aspect of the state's natural environment, agricultural heritage, and industrial history. Walking through the gardens is a great way to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next!

Life can get very busy during the holidays, so make sure that you also prioritize mental health in the midst of all the chaos. Take advantage of these close Christmas activities to take a break from the stress of finals! Concordia is located in a beautiful location, and students are encouraged to explore and interact with their environment and to get involved in the community off and on campus. 

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About Savannah Smith

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