2025 Holiday Events to Get You in the Festive Spirit
By: Holly Owen, FestForums | December 9th, 2025
Image: Exron Music
December brings magical festivals, concerts, and celebrations across the country. Whether you love winter wonderlands, wine tastings, or spectacular shows, these events offer unforgettable ways to celebrate the season.
WinterfestOC (Costa Mesa, CA) | November 28 - January 4
Southern California's largest winter festival turns the OC into a winter wonderland. The festival has over a million twinkling lights, fresh snow daily, and ice tubing and skating. You can enjoy carnival rides, live music and entertainment throughout the season. The New Year's Eve celebration features live performances, countdowns with confetti and fireworks. The festival stays open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's.
Tahoe Live (Olympic Valley, CA) | December 14-15
Tahoe Live brings music to the slopes at Palisades Tahoe for two days of festival fun. Headliners include Lil Wayne, Diplo, Loud Luxury, and RL Grime, with 15,000 people expected. You can ski or snowboard in the morning, then dance on the snow in the afternoon. This is the only electronic music festival held right on a U.S. ski resort.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra | November 14 - December 30
Trans-Siberian Orchestra tours over 60 cities with two bands performing across the country at the same time. This year celebrates 20 years of their show "The Lost Christmas Eve" and raising $20 million for charity. The performances feature pyrotechnics, lasers, and a full orchestra that turns holiday carols into rock spectacles.
Wine Country Holiday Celebrations | Throughout December
The best way to warm up this winter is at California wine regions, which celebrate the holidays with special events throughout December. Carmel Valley wineries offer tastings, holiday food, live music, and wreath-making workshops. Napa Valley features seasonal menus paired with special wines, and Sonoma County hosts cozy fireside tastings and festive dinners. These events bring together great wine, seasonal food, and holiday cheer.
Want to learn and connect with more festivals? FestForums is the leading B2B live conference gathering for festival organizers and industry leaders. The 9th iteration will be held February 11-13, 2026 in Santa Barbara, CA.
REGISTER NOW - you don’t want to miss it!