A Lake Forest Tradition: Victorian Christmas and Candlelight Tours

For many of us, December can be one of the most challenging months of the year. But here’s a way to relax, unwind, and segue into a holiday mood: Stop by between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday for the 40^th annual Victorian Christmas.

Then the following weekend, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., return for the gloriously beautiful Candlelight Tours event on Saturday, Dec. 10, or Sunday, Dec. 11.

For weeks, the park’s staff members have been working to “deck the halls” for both events, with lights and other Christmas decorations, and to provide a variety of festive holiday entertainment, exhibits, family fun, and, of course, delicious things to eat!

How Did It All Get Started?

Pat Eby, a former president of the Saddleback Area Historical Society, can tell you: “The first Victorian Christmas was the culmination of year-long planning by the County and the Coordinating Council. The council was a group of local organizations who helped fund [Heritage] Hill. The Serrano Adobe had not been open to the public for several years so we felt a special event would bring the public to the Hill. It worked!”

That first year, Eby says, a film crew from a local television station arrived, attracting more visitors, and somehow the fledgling event came together.

Unlike today’s Victorian Christmas, which, over the years, has evolved into a polished event, “We borrowed items for displays," Eby recalls. "My son created a coloring sheet for the children's activity and I brought a 100 or so pine cones from Lake Tahoe for the children to decorate. We had no money, so we begged beads, glue, etc., for the crafts and brought two tins of crayons from home to use.”

Those who attended, however, quickly got into the spirit of things, Eby said. "It was exciting to see the plans come to life," she said.

Victorian Christmas

Now celebrating its 40^th anniversary, Victorian Christmas will feature a wide spectrum of activities, beginning with the Pacific Coast Horns and the South Orange County School of Arts Carolers at the Pepper Tree Stage from 11:10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and Puppets and Players Little Theatre at the and Lawn beginning at 12:30 p.m. 

Later the Players Little Theatre will present a repeat performance at 2 p.m.  In the meantime, over at the beautiful century-old , which in modern times is the site of choice for many beautiful weddings, Celtic music from the musical quartet When Pigs Fly will be performed from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., and later in the day from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Or visit the century-old one-room , where the South Coast Storytellers will regale you and yours with holiday tales!

As the day progresses, the Pepper Tree Stage will present a repeat performance from Pacific Coast Horns, as well as two performances from Shadybrook Music trio (at 1 p.m. and 2:35 p.m) and appearances by Canyon Dance and Gymnastics (1:40 to 1:55 p.m.) and the Mission Viejo Chorus (2 to 2:25 p.m.).

Also look for strolling performances throughout the park by the South Orange County School of the Arts Carolers, the Girl Scout Carolers, and Boy School Troop 720 Carolers.

Refreshments & Activities

Providing some energy for those other strollers—you, your family, and friends—will be a variety of food choices, all at a nominal charge, at booths staffed by folks from , Olamendi’s Mexican Grill, Grupo Folklorico Los Sonadores, and Lake Forest Lion’s Club.

And this being a Victorian Christmas, you’ll get a chance to churn butter, dip candles and crank ice cream near the Bennett House; watch weaving and spinning demonstrations inside the ; visit the Orange County chapter of the California Carvers Guild by the picnic tables and the Western Antique Power Association at the Wagon Corral; check out
Victorian-inspired holiday crafts throughout the park, including Christmas
crackers, cinnamon dough ornaments, pine cone decorations, beeswax candles, and greeting cards.

Santa will be spending his time in the arbor, so be sure to bring along your camera for a picture with him!

Evening Wonderland

The following weekend, return for one or both evenings when Heritage Hill presents the enchantingly beautiful Candlelight Tours on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Hill’s trails will be illuminated by more than 1,000 luminaries and you’ll find music at every venue, from Spanish guitar and flamenco dancing at the Serrano Adobe, to harp music in the Bennett house and a brass quartet and Victorian carolers at the schoolhouse and St. George’s Mission. 

You’ll also be able to walk inside the historic buildings, each decorated for the season, and docents will be present at the schoolhouse, mission and Bennett House to answer your questions and tell you a bit about each location’s history. Tasty refreshments such as cookies, hot cocoa, and warm apple cider will be available at a nominal charge. 

Admission to each event is $4 for adults and $3 for children.