It’s a festive time of the year! Living in Southern CA, we’re fortunate to have great weather for outdoor adventures with our dogs. December is the perfect fun time to capture memorable Christmas dog photos. So grab your camera and explore Orange County’s best Christmas decorations for festive dog photos.
Here are our favorite spots and recommendations for dog-friendly places with the best Christmas decorations in Orange County and surrounding areas to visit with your dog and take festive dog photos.
Orange County Christmas Decorations To Take Your Dog For Festive Photos
1. The Outlets at San Clemente
A shopping center located in San Clemente, CA, and is the home of California’s Tallest Live-Cut Christmas Tree.
Also, they have a Santa Paws Day where your dogs can take a photo with Santa. Check their website at outletsatsanclemente.com for the days and times.
Location Address:
101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA
2. Fashion Island
A premier shopping center located in Newport Beach, CA. Their beautifully decorated 90-foot Christmas tree is at the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. Also, located on the Atrium Lawn is the Santa’s house. For Santa Paws photo, please check with the attendants or their website at fashionisland.com (they’ve changed their rules about dog photos with Santa).
Location Address:
401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA
3. Irvine Spectrum
A popular shopping center located in Irvine, CA. Their 75-foot Christmas tree is displayed by the Giant Wheel Court.
They also have a Santa Beach Chalet that is located at Carousel Court. Check their website at irvinespectrumcenter.com/events-promotions/santa-visits for Pet Nights – Santa Photos.
Location Address:
670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA
4. Dana Pont Harbor
Their Christmas Lights display is considered one of the best free Christmas light displays in Southern California. The Dana Point Harbor Lights include crowd-favorite light displays such as the giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, Christmas trees, a giant Adirondack chair, and the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch.
Location Address:
34571 Golden Lantern Street Dana Point, CA
5. Great Park
The Christmas tree is located at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. The Holidayz at the Park holiday decorations includes a larger-than-life airplane, paying tribute to the park’s military roots. Taking a stroll with your dog is particularly enjoyable at night when the holiday lights illuminate the area.
Location Address:
8000 Great Park Boulevard Irvine, CA
6. Huntington Beach
There are several Christmas Trees located in Huntington Beach for a fun holiday photo opportunity of your dog. One Christmas Tree is located at Main St.
Our favorite Christmas tree and Santa’s Airstream house is located in Pacific City. For Santa Paws photo days, check Pacific City’s event page.
Location Address:
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy. Huntington Beach, CA
7. Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
An iconic and luxury resort located at Dana Point, CA. The Ritz Carlton is known for its over-the-top holiday decorations.
They have a fun Yappy Howl-iday Celebration at the Dana Lawn featuring dog photos with Santa Claus.
Location Address:
One Ritz Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA
8. Westin South Coast Plaza
The 90-foot tall Christmas tree with over 94,000 lights is located outside (just in front of the hotel entrance).
Location Address:
686 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA
9. Snoopy House
A fun display of Snoopy and the Gang. Since they have a nightly event, bring your dog to take photos during the day.
Location Address:
Costa Mesa City Hall
77 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA
10. The Market Place
The beautifully decorated Christmas trees are located throughout the center: Jewel Tone Tree – located near California Pizza Kitchen, Icy Winter Snowflake Tree – located in the food court and Royal Ribbon Tree – located near Regal Edwards Cinema. Have a delightful time admiring these Christmas trees at night with your dog.
Location Address:
2961 El Camino Real Tustin, CA
Orange County Cities – Christmas Decorations To Take Your Dog For Festive Photos
Many Orange County cities have Christmas Tree lightning events and decorations where you can take your dog. Check the city’s website for more information. Take Note: most of the Christmas Tree lighting events are not dog-friendly. Plan your visit and dog photos during the day.
1. City of Irvine
Location Address:
Civic Center Plaza Irvine, CA
2. City of Orange
Location Address:
Circle of Orange Plaza Park – Old Town Orange, CA
3. City of Tustin
Location Address:
Old Town Tustin (El Camino Real & 3rd Street)
4. City of Mission Viejo
Location Address:
Civic Center Plaza 200 Civic Center Dr. Mission Viejo
5. Westminster
Location Address: Civic Center
8200 Westminster Blvd Westminster, CA
6. City of Long Beach
The city of Long Beach Christmas tree is dazzling and typically about 67-foot tall with more than 500,000 lights that illuminate the Terrace Plaza. Visit longbeach.com/events for more information.
Location Address:
Downtown Long Beach, CA
300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA
Other Southern California Cities – Christmas Decorations To Take Your Dog For Festive Photos
1. Grove
Location Address
189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036
2. Citadel Outlets
Location Address:
100 Citadel Drive Los Angeles, CA
3. Westfield Century City
Location Address:
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
4. The Village at Westfield Topanga
For Santa Paws photo days, check Westfield Topanga’s website.
Location Address:
6600 CA-27, Canoga Park, CA
5. Candy Cane Lane at Woodland Hills
Fun evening walk or drive-thru with your dog.
Every year, homeowners at Lubao & Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills put on an amazing holiday lights display. Candy Cane Lane is a must-see holiday attraction in Woodland Hills.
Location Address:
Oxnard St Los Angeles CA
Enjoy exploring these Christmas decoration spots with your dog. Stay safe and have a wonderful time capturing holiday photos of your dog.
To caption your festive dog photos, use these Adorable Christmas Captions for your Dog Photos.
To see more of Koru Bear & KENZO’s holiday dog photos, explore our Instagram and Pinterest.
