The Best Holiday Activities in Ontario, California, 2023

Events

While there are tons of holiday events going on all over Southern California this holiday season, there are a few local activities in the Ontario area to highlight:



Christmas on Euclid: This free multiday event has been a yearly tradition in Ontario, California, since 1922! On the first Saturday of December, there will be a holiday light parade and tree-lighting ceremony at Ontario Town Square. The event will include cookie decorating and a visit from Santa Claus.

On the second Saturday in December, stop by the Ontario Town Square again. It will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with shops, carolers, snow play, carnival rides, and music. This is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a magical holiday experience.

5K Reindeer Run and Rudolph’s Dash: Grab your 80s gear and prepare to dash to the finish line! On Saturday, December 16, the City of Ontario is hosting a festive 5K. All proceeds from the race will be donated to the city’s Empowerment Scholarship and Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars, a program to help youth advance toward a college education.

Frozen and Encanto by Disney on Ice: Nothing says winter is arriving like a spectacular figure-skating show. From December 21 through 24 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, Disney on Ice will be presenting Frozen and Encanto, which highlights the magical and adventurous tales of Elsa and Mirabel. This exciting experience will transport you and your family to the magical world of Disney for the holidays!

From holiday parades to enchanting shows, Ontario has it all. No matter your age or interests, there is a holiday activity for you this season.

Shopping

Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts, decorations, or Christmas trees, Ontario, California, will surely have something for you. Here are a few of the best places to shop for the holidays in Ontario:

Sip n’ Shop Winter Wonderland: T Marie Boutique and JCSD are once again hosting their Sip n’ Shop Winter Wonderland! This year’s event will feature over 50 vendors selling crafts, gifts, food, and more, as well as real snow, musical entertainment, a tree-lighting ceremony, and a visit from Santa Claus! This will be a two-day event starting on Friday, December 1, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and continuing on Saturday, December 2, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free, so come for a weekend full of family fun!

Ontario Mills Shopping Mall: If you are looking for the best place in Ontario to tackle your holiday gift shopping list, Ontario Mills Shopping Mall is the place to go. There are tons of options of popular stores and outlets, so you will definitely find special gifts for your friends and family. Check out the daily Deals and Steals to see what holiday sales are going on in the stores when you go!



Christmas Trees: Are you wondering where you can get Christmas trees this year? Here are the best places that sell Christmas trees in or near Ontario, California:

• Frosty’s Forest
• Seasonal Adventures
• The Garden Center at Home Depot
• Lowe’s Garden Center

Don’t waste any time! Get your trees, decorations, and gifts early this year so you can spend more time enjoying the festive ambiance and not worry about last-minute shopping.

Giving and Service

Part of what makes the holidays such a special time is the spirit of giving. This holiday season, there are plenty of ways to give and serve in Ontario, California.

The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is a well-established organization that makes it easy and fun to participate in service activities in your local community. Lucky for us, they have a location right here in Ontario. Visit the link to find various ways you can help out in Ontario this season, such as donating to a red kettle or toy drive, sorting and distributing toys, and adopting a day of bell ringing.

Can Tree Wonderland: On Saturday, December 2, the Feeding America Food Bank is putting on a canned food drive—with a holiday twist! Bring your canned food items to the food bank to help build and decorate “can-structed” trees! This event will be the perfect combination of giving and holiday fun that will leave you smiling throughout the holiday season.



So, amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take some time out of your schedule to give and serve with these local opportunities.

Holiday Safety

When it comes to shopping and decorating for your apartment home, a word of caution: Be extra careful with candles and Christmas trees. 

Up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles, so consider using alternatives, such as battery-powered candles, to add a holiday aroma to your home. If you stick with regular candles, be sure to never leave them unattended.



Christmas trees can be another fire hazard if you are not careful. Make sure to water your Christmas tree regularly so it doesn’t dry out. Furthermore, keep open flames away from the branches and always turn off your tree lights when you are away or sleeping. If you’ve brought a real Christmas tree into your apartment for the holidays, make sure you keep it watered so it doesn’t dry out. Staying safe is an important part of enjoying the holiday season!

There you have it: all you need to enjoy the holidays in Ontario, California, from holiday events and service opportunities to shopping and safety. After participating in these fun holiday events and activities in Ontario, you are sure to “ho ho ho” all the way into the new year. And if you want to live jolly all year round, West Fifth provides quality apartment homes that will make every day feel like a holiday! Contact us today for a tour, and have a happy holiday season!