Wander Into Wonder: Irvine Company Retail Centers Transform into Southern California’s Most Magical Holiday Destinations

Wander Into Wonder: Irvine Company Retail Centers Transform into Southern California’s Most Magical Holiday Destinations

From beautifully transformed open-air settings and festive seasonal experiences, to exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment — explore the ultimate Gift Guide, enter the holiday sweepstakes, and discover new ways to make the season memorable across Orange County. 

IRVINE, CA (November 6, 2026) — This holiday season, discover a little more magic around every corner. With its Wander Into Wonder holiday campaign, Irvine Company Retail invites shoppers to experience joy at Orange County’s most enchanting open-air shopping destinations. From festive holiday décor and sparkling lights, to memorable events and extraordinary shopping, dining, and entertainment — each destination offers a special backdrop for celebrating the holidays with family and friends.

The campaign brings to life the ultimate Holiday Gift Guide, featuring more than 80 inspired finds from Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center, The Market Place, and neighborhood shopping centers throughout Orange County. Designed to spark a little holiday wonder, the guide offers something for everyone, from sparkling jewelry and designer fashion, to thoughtful gifts for the host, self-care favorites, delicious treats, and memorable experiences to enjoy together. Whether shopping for a little luxury, the latest technology, or something unexpected, shoppers will find plenty of inspiration for everyone on their list.

The magic continues with the Holiday Gift Guide Sweepstakes, running November 9 - 30, 2026. One lucky winner will receive Irvine Company Retail’s top picks of the guide's most-wanted gifts, including selections from gorjana, Voluspa, Levain Bakery, Telefèric Barcelona, Holey Moley Golf Club, and more. The winner will be announced December 2.

To explore the gift guide and enter the sweepstakes, please visit LetsHolidayOC.com.

In addition to the Holiday Gift Guide, each premier shopping center delivers a signature holiday experience, offering shoppers an immersive wonderland to explore and make cherished holiday memories together with family and friends. From ice skating, to spectacular coastal light shows, selfies with Santa, Black Friday exclusives, and more — there is truly something for everyone to celebrate across The Irvine Ranch. 

Fashion Island 
401 Newport Center Drive 
Newport Beach, CA 92660

• Tree Lighting Ceremony — November 20 beginning at 5 p.m.
  Kick off the season with the illuminated 90-foot live Christmas tree, accompanied by a special performance with The Sugarplums, magical snowfall, festive music, and a live countdown with Santa.
• Visits with Santa — November 20 - December 24, hours vary 
  Meet Santa Claus in his Coastal Cottage for holiday photo opportunities.
• Nights of Coastal Lights — November 20 - December 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
  The 90-foot live Christmas tree sparkles nightly with dazzling lights, while a magical snowfall and festive holiday music brings an extra touch of holiday wonder every 30 minutes. 
• CASA Toy Drive — November 20 - December 18
  Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at Fashion Island's Concierge Suite, located in Atrium Building, to brighten the holidays for children in the Orange County foster care system in partnership with CASA OC.
• Menorah Lighting — December 8 from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Celebrate Hanukkah with live music and cherished traditions.
• Starry Night Social Hour  — December 12 and December 19 from 5 to 9 p.m.  
  A silent showing of beloved holiday movies, Elf & Home Alone, will be a festive backdrop for an evening of fun in the Iris Courtyard. 

Irvine Spectrum Center 
670 Spectrum Center Drive 
Irvine, CA 92618

• Ice Skating — Offered daily beginning November 6 from 2 to 10 p.m.
  In partnership with Anaheim Ducks and University of California, Irvine. 
  • Themed Thursdays — Beginning November 12 - December 17; 6 and 8 p.m. sessions.
    Including Jersey Night, Holiday Hats Night, Ducks Night, UCI Night, and Ugly Sweaters.
  • Glide & Groove — Fridays and Saturdays beginning November 6; 6 and 8 p.m. sessions.
    Skate under the stars accompanied by a live DJ.
  • Skate with Santa — December 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
    Ice skate your way into a morning of merry memories with the one-and-only Santa Claus.
• Selfies with Santa — Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 28, from Noon – 4 p.m., plus special appearances on Black Friday, November 27, and December 21 - 24.
  Snap a selfie with Santa Claus within the SunWheel Court.
• Silent Night Disco — November 28 and December 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  Enjoy a festive dance party! Choose from three headphone channels and move to the Spectrum holiday rhythm.
• CHiPs for KIDS Toy Drive — December 16 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  In partnership with California Highway Patrol and KCAL News, donate a new, unwrapped toy to bring joy to a kid or teen in need this holiday season.

The Market Place 
2961 El Camino Real 
Tustin, CA 92782

• Holiday Harmonies — November 27, December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Add a little merry during your visits with live music on select Fridays and Saturdays.
• Merry Moments — November 28, December 5, 12, 13 from Noon to 2 p.m.
  Discover seasonal sweet treats, holiday crafting, and more sprinkled throughout select Saturdays and Sundays.
• Winter Workshop — December 6 from Noon to 2 p.m.
  Celebrate the season with a festive day of craft making, lively entertainment, music and more.

Neighborhood and Community Centers 
Throughout Irvine and Newport Beach, CA

• Holiday Artisan Markets
  Shop handmade treasures made by local artisans, enjoy live music, and more.
  • Woodbridge Village Center — December 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Newport Coast Shopping Center — December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Westpark Plaza — December 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Westcliff Plaza — December 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Woodbury Town Center — December 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to  4 p.m.
• Winter Fest at Woodbridge Village Center — December 11 from 5  to 7 p.m.
  Step into a world of pure holiday nostalgia featuring live entertainment, hot cocoa bar, sweet treats, and family fun.
• Carols & Cocoa
  Savor the sips and sounds of the season with hot cocoa and live music.
  • Orchard Hills Shopping Center — November 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Crystal Cove Shopping Center — November 19 from 5 to7 p.m.
  • Woodbury Town Center — December 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Los Olivos Marketplace — December 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information on the Holiday Gift Guide and festive celebrations, as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment across Irvine Company Retail, please visit LetsHolidayOC.com.

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About Irvine Company Retail 
Since opening its first neighborhood retail center in 1963, Irvine Company Retail has created a renowned portfolio of retail destinations throughout coastal California, featuring three distinguished regional centers – Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center, and The Market Place – and a diverse collection of more than 40 neighborhood and community centers. Irvine Company’s retail destinations are noted for their exceptional locations, open-air ambiance and trend-forward collection of retailers and dining experiences. For additional information, please visit IrvineCompanyRetail.com.