South Coast Plaza Ushers in the Holiday Season with Spectacular Tree Lighting and Festive Experiences
Costa Mesa, Calif. — The holiday magic returns to South Coast Plaza this year with an expanded lineup of festive attractions, dazzling décor, and exclusive shopping rewards. The celebration kicks off on Thursday, November 20, with the 44th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by the Segerstrom family at Town Center Park, marking the start of the season’s festivities running through January 4, 2026.
The evening event begins at 7 p.m. and features live performances by the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, South Coast Repertory, American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School, Southern California Children’s Chorus, and the Orange County School of the Arts. Special guests, including Santa Claus, will join the celebration, culminating in the illumination of the spectacular Christmas tree. The event is free and open to the public.
A Season of Dazzling Displays and Family Fun
Throughout the holidays, visitors can enjoy three elaborately decorated Christmas trees, each offering a unique experience. The Jewel Court tree provides the perfect photo backdrop, while the Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wing tree features Santa figures from around the world and a miniature train. A grand fir tree adorned with thousands of lights shines brightly in Town Center Park.
Beginning November 21, Santa will welcome families at two festive locations: Santa’s Village in Carousel Court and The North Pole in the Macy’s Home Store wing. Children can also ride the Reindeer Carousel and Santa’s Express Train, exclusive attractions available only at South Coast Plaza. Train rides are complimentary with any Santa photo purchase.
The shopping center’s popular holiday boutique, The Wrapper, returns with an assortment of one-of-a-kind wreaths, festive décor, and custom gift wrapping services—perfect for those looking to “wrap up” their holiday shopping in style.
New Luxury Boutiques and Exclusive Promotions
This holiday season also marks the debut or reimagining of several high-end boutiques, including Mango, Alo, Manolo Blahnik, Bottega Veneta, Skims, Zara Man, Ugg, Piaget, Fueguia 1833 Patagonia, Harry Winston, Stone Island, and Tory Burch.
Shoppers using UnionPay or Alipay can enjoy exclusive gift card promotions and discounts. UnionPay cardholders spending $2,000 or more in a single day can receive a $100 South Coast Plaza gift card, with additional rewards for higher purchases. Alipay users can earn up to CNY 2,000 (USD $280) in instant savings and vouchers through the Alipay Holiday Campaign.
About South Coast Plaza
Located in Costa Mesa, South Coast Plaza is one of the world’s premier luxury shopping destinations, home to over 250 renowned brands including Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and Cartier, along with acclaimed restaurants and cultural neighbors such as the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Orange County Museum of Art.
For more information about holiday events and promotions, visit southcoastplaza.com.
