OC Parks December Events Around Seal Beach

SEAL BEACH, CA —Now that the Thanksgiving leftovers have been stowed in the freezer, it's time to think about getting out in Seal Beach.

OC Parks announced a whole slew of scheduled events for the month of December designed to get Orange County residents out and engaged with all of the natural beauty the county's parks, beaches and trails have to offer.

This month, residents can appreciate themed Holiday Lights tours, nighttime wilderness walks and Christmas events for all.

Here's a rundown on the schedule of OC Parks events for December across Orange County:

• Dec. 1, 8 & 15 — Wild Tales, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Newport Beach.
  • 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Registration.

Residents participating in each session of Wild Tales will experience a kid-friendly hike, story time and craft project. Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome. Clothes and shoes fit for hiking on dirt trails are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited so registration is suggested. If the session fills up, priority will be given to those who signed up in advance.

• Dec. 1 — Holiday Animal Art Preschool Program, OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park, Irvine.
  • 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. For registration, call 714-973-6846.

"This program is for ages 3-4 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking is $3 per vehicle on weekdays."

• Dec. 2 — Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon, Silverado.
  • 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration.

"Start your weekend off by exploring numerous opportunities found throughout magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio treks. Whether traveling by foot or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike."

• Dec. 2 — Fall Bird Walk, Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley.
  • 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration.

"Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County. This gentle-paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available. Advance registration required."

• Dec. 8, 9 & 10 — Candlelight Walk, Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest.
  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information.

"The 37th annual Candlelight Walk will take place over three festive evenings December 8, 9 and 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening stroll through the decorated grounds as well as live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase. Event and parking are free."

• Dec. 9 & 23 — Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, Anaheim.
  • 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration.

"Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity. Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features 6 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations, while seven new trails provide multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home. Advance registration required."

• Dec. 9 — Backyard Bugs, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Aliso Viejo.
  • 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Registration.

"Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined! Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Minors age 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Advance registration required."

• Dec. 9 — Christmas at the OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park, Irvine.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration.

"Join us for holiday fun at the OC Zoo! Activities include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday crafts for kids. Come see zoo animals receive treat-filled "gifts" and treats hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day! Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 and under free)."

• Dec. 15 — Tot Walk, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Aliso Viejo.
  • 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Registration.

"Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring. OC Parks staff may even lead a game or introduce a local resident to the children. Come join the fun! This program begins at the Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller friendly. Advance registration required."

• Dec. 15, 16 & 17 — Holiday Lights, Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest.
  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information.

"Spend the holiday season with OC Parks at Heritage Hill Historical Park this December! Holiday Lights will take place December 15, 16 and 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Wander through twinkling light displays during special park hours. Pets are welcome outdoors only on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note no additional entertainment or refreshments will be provided at Holiday Lights. Make sure to bring a camera and take your picture at a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities! Event and parking are free."

• Dec. 16 — Holiday Animal Art Program, OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park, Irvine.
  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To register, call (714) 973-6846.

"This program is for ages 7-10 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Phone registration is required. Parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends."

• Dec. 20 — Nature Journaling at Clark Park, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, Buena Park.
  • 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration.

"Discover the joys of nature journaling with a short, guided hike on a Clark Regional Park trail. Nature journaling can be practiced in almost any space and combines observations with insights, questions and connections with the environment around us. This program will cover the basic techniques for beginning and maintaining your own nature journal. Bring a sketch pad or journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. Advance registration required."