The Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest is an annual event that has been a community tradition since the mid-1980s. It will happen one weekend in December 2024 with entertainment, followed by a weekend of Holiday Lights (without entertainment).
I've written a full blog post about visiting Heritage Hill Historical Park throughout the rest of the year, but for on two December weekends you can visit at night!
What happens at the Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park?
We go to stroll around and see the lights. Even the cactus plants are draped with lights!
Hundreds of luminarias will light the park’s pathways. Strolling carolers and musicians will fill the night air with seasonal music.
The historical buildings will be aglow with Christmas lights and holiday decoration and will be staffed with docents to share each building’s history.
Stroll through the merry grounds and enjoy historical buildings ornamented with holiday lights and décor. Join in the joy of the evening with live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa Claus.
Refreshments will be available for cash purchase.
There are live musical performances planned for 2023.
When we were there in 2019, we enjoyed historic holiday radio shows as we toured the 1930s Bennett Ranch house and listened to a Spanish guitarist in the 1863 Serrano Adobe.
There was also musical entertainment in the 1891 St. George’s Episcopal Mission.
When is the Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park for 2024?
5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Friday, December 6
- Saturday, December 7
- Sunday, December 8
There is another event this year called Holiday Lights which is the same time as the Candlelight Walk, except there will be no entertainment for those nights:
- Friday, December 13
- Saturday, December 14
- Sunday, December 15
From OC Parks: "Wander through twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of various holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join the fun on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be provided."
And just note that inclement weather may cancel the events.
Where is the Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park?
The entrance to the park is actually in a shopping center (Heritage Hill Plaza) at the corner of Serrano Road and Lake Forest Drive -- near Bagels & Brew and the Orange County Credit Union. Parking is free. (Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest)
Is there food at the Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park?
Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase ONLY on the nights of Candlelight Walk (and I suspect that the proceeds will benefit the park). No refreshments on the Holiday Lights nights.
How much does it cost to visit the Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park?
Admission and parking for this 2024 event is FREE for both Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights.
How can I pair the Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park to make an evening out of it?
Serrano Creek Park in Lake Forest is one of the best parks around! And it happens to be right next door to Heritage Hill. So go to Serrano Creek Park around 3pm and have a good play before it gets dark.
Then grab dinner at a nearby restaurant and head to the Candlelight Walk.
Or go to the park, Candlelight Walk early, and grab dinner on your way back to the freeway (The Arbor - at El Toro Road - has a ton of restaurants including Lucille's Smokehouse, Brü, The Habit, Wahoo's, Jersey Mikes, Panda Express, and many more).
Restaurants near Heritage Hill Historical Park:
- Din Ho Chinese (Heritage Hill Plaza)
- Brizio's Pizza (Heritage Hill Plaza)
- TOGO's Sandwiches (Heritage Hill Plaza)
- Ameci Pizza & Pasta (across Trabuco)
- Unfortunately, Bagels & Brew doesn't serve dinner.
Other helpful links:
- Christmas in Orange County: Mostly Free Things to Do for Families (+ Gift Ideas)
- OFFICIAL web page for Heritage Hill Historical Park
- OFFICIAL OC Parks flyer for Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights 2024
- My blog post about visiting Heritage Hill Historical Park on a regular day
- Serrano Creek Park in Lake Forest
Note: My photos are from our visit in 2014 and 2019, so don't expect everything to look EXACTLY the same. They change it up a little each year.
