What if your next Christmas adventure took you through a glowing farm filled with thousands of sparkling lights, festive wagon rides, and a brand-new Santa Village overlooking the holiday celebrations?
That’s exactly what visitors can look forward to at Hikari Festival of Lights 2026, returning to Tanaka Farms in Irvine, California, from November 27 through December 27.
This popular Orange County holiday experience combines dazzling Christmas light displays with tractor-pulled wagon rides, a holiday corn maze, barnyard animals, family activities, and Santa’s new Hilltop Village.
Whether you’re planning a family Christmas outing or a cozy holiday date night, here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
What Is Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms?
Hikari Festival of Lights is a seasonal Christmas celebration held at Tanaka Farms, a working farm in Irvine, California.
The word Hikari means “light” in Japanese, reflecting the glowing decorations and festive atmosphere that transform the farm during the holiday season.
Unlike traditional Christmas light displays that visitors experience from their cars, Hikari combines a tractor-pulled wagon ride with walk-through attractions, holiday activities, and family-friendly experiences.
Guests can explore illuminated pathways, visit the holiday corn maze, meet barnyard animals, and take Christmas photos throughout the property.
For 2026, Tanaka Farms is introducing a new attraction: Santa’s Hilltop Village, adding another festive experience to the event.
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Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 Dates, Hours and Location
Hikari Festival of Lights returns on November 27, 2026, and continues through December 27, 2026, on selected nights.
Official Event Details
| Event Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 |
| Dates | November 27–December 27, 2026 |
| Regular operating days | Wednesday through Sunday |
| Special opening dates | December 21–23 |
| Closed | December 24–25 |
| Hours | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM |
| Last admission | 7:30 PM |
| Location | Tanaka Farms |
| Address | 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 |
| Adult tickets | Starting at $28 |
| Official organizer | Tanaka Farms |
The event operates on select evenings, so visitors should check the official Hikari Festival of Lights calendar before choosing a date.
Important Attraction Hours
Although the festival closes at 9 PM, individual attractions have different operating hours.
| Attraction | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tractor-pulled wagon rides | 5:30 PM–8:00 PM |
| Santa’s Hilltop Village | 5:30 PM–8:30 PM |
| Barnyard Educational Exhibit | 5:00 PM–8:30 PM |
| Games Area | 5:00 PM–8:30 PM |
| Tanaka Grill | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM |
Arriving early gives visitors more time to enjoy the attractions before they close.
6 Magical Things to Experience at Hikari Festival of Lights 2026
The festival offers more than a typical neighborhood Christmas light display. Here are six experiences that make it a memorable Orange County holiday outing.
1. Ride Through a Christmas Wonderland on a Tractor-Pulled Wagon
One of the most popular attractions at Hikari is the tractor-pulled wagon ride.
Visitors climb aboard a farm wagon and travel toward the illuminated holiday light path.
The experience offers a unique way to begin the evening, surrounded by the atmosphere of a working farm transformed for Christmas.
Wagon rides are included with festival admission and are scheduled from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.
Because the ride is a central part of the experience, arriving well before the final departure is recommended.
2. See Thousands of Sparkling Christmas Lights
The heart of Hikari Festival of Lights is its colorful holiday illumination.
Thousands of twinkling lights decorate the farm, creating a festive environment for visitors to explore.
After the wagon ride, guests can enjoy the illuminated walking areas and discover Christmas decorations throughout the festival grounds.
The combination of open-air farm scenery and holiday lighting creates a different atmosphere from a shopping mall or indoor Christmas attraction.
It’s also an appealing destination for visitors who enjoy seasonal photography.
3. Visit the New Santa’s Hilltop Village for 2026
One of the biggest additions to Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 is Santa’s Hilltop Village.
This new attraction offers visitors the opportunity to take group photos with Santa in a festive hilltop setting.
Santa’s Hilltop Village is scheduled to operate from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Families planning Santa photos should allow enough time for their wagon ride, the village visit, and other activities.
For returning visitors, the new hilltop experience provides another reason to explore Hikari this Christmas season.
4. Explore the Holiday Corn Maze
The holiday corn maze adds a little adventure to the festive evening.
Instead of simply admiring Christmas lights, visitors can walk through a seasonal maze and enjoy an interactive farm experience.
The maze is included with admission, making it another activity families can enjoy without purchasing a separate Games Area ticket.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended because farm pathways can have uneven surfaces.
5. Meet Barnyard Animals and Explore the Farm
Hikari also offers an opportunity to experience part of Tanaka Farms’ agricultural setting.
The Barnyard Educational Exhibit gives visitors a chance to see farm animals and learn more about the farm environment.
Guests can also explore the pollinator garden, adding an educational element to the holiday outing.
The Barnyard Educational Exhibit is scheduled to operate from 5 PM to 8:30 PM.
This experience may be especially enjoyable for families with children who love animals.
6. Enjoy Christmas Photos, Games and Festive Activities
The farm offers holiday photo spots throughout the festival grounds.
Visitors can capture family portraits, festive group pictures, and memories surrounded by colorful Christmas decorations.
The Games Area also features optional activities, including:
- Arts and crafts
- Tree Chop
- Festive Fling
- Farmer Mini Golf
- Duck-a-palooza
- ATVs
- Bee Train rides
Games Area activities are not included with general admission.
Activity tickets cost $3 each, with different attractions requiring different numbers of tickets.
The final Games Area ticket sale is scheduled for 8 PM.
Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 Ticket Prices
Admission prices vary depending on the day of the week.
Official Admission Prices
| Ticket Type | Wednesday–Thursday | Friday–Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Adults, ages 13+ | $28 | $33 |
| Children, ages 3–12 | $18 | $23 |
| Military | $14 | $16.50 |
Visitors select their preferred date and entry time when purchasing admission tickets.
The special December 21–23 opening dates use weekend admission pricing.
What Is Included With Admission?
The regular admission ticket includes:
- Tractor-pulled wagon ride to the light path
- Holiday light displays
- Santa’s Hilltop Village
- Holiday corn maze
- Barnyard Educational Exhibit and pollinator garden
- Festive photo opportunities
Optional Games Area activities require additional tickets.
Visitors should review the official Tanaka Farms ticket page for current availability and any changes to prices or attraction policies.
Special Free and Discounted Admission Nights in 2026
Tanaka Farms has announced several special admission offers for eligible visitors.
Free Admission Nights
- Teachers: December 2 and 3
- Healthcare workers: December 9 and 10
- First responders: December 16 and 17
College Student Discount
College students can receive 50% off admission on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17.
These promotional admissions must be purchased on-site at check-in with valid identification or other accepted proof of eligibility.
They are not available through the regular online ticket checkout.
Parking at Tanaka Farms: What Does It Cost?
Tanaka Farms provides on-site parking for Hikari Festival of Lights visitors.
Parking costs $12 per vehicle on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The same parking charge applies to the special December 21–23 opening dates.
Visitors planning to attend on a Wednesday or Thursday may avoid the event’s paid parking requirement, making those evenings a more budget-friendly option.
Because parking arrangements can change, check the official event information before traveling.
Where Is Tanaka Farms in Irvine, California?
Tanaka Farms is located at:
5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
The farm is in Orange County, Southern California, making it a seasonal attraction for visitors from Irvine and nearby communities.
Its outdoor agricultural setting gives Hikari a different feel from urban Christmas festivals and traditional shopping-center holiday displays.
Visitors should use the farm’s designated parking areas and follow event staff instructions when arriving.
Is Hikari Festival of Lights Good for Families and Kids?
Yes. Hikari Festival of Lights offers several attractions designed for families.
Children can enjoy the wagon ride, explore the corn maze, visit the barnyard, see Christmas lights, and experience the new Santa’s Hilltop Village.
The farm also describes the festival as stroller-friendly.
However, parents should remember that the event takes place outdoors on farm pathways, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are important.
Some optional games and rides have additional charges or age requirements.
Best Tips for Visiting Hikari Festival of Lights 2026
A little preparation can make your evening more enjoyable.
- Book tickets in advance. Choose your date and entry time through the official website.
- Arrive before 7:30 PM. This is the published final admission time.
- Don’t miss the wagon ride. Rides are scheduled to end at 8 PM.
- Visit Santa’s Hilltop Village early. Santa photos are scheduled until 8:30 PM.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Farm pathways may be uneven or dusty.
- Bring a warm layer. Outdoor December evenings can feel chilly.
- Budget for optional games. Games Area tickets are sold separately.
- Check the calendar. The farm is closed December 24 and 25.
Local Money-Saving Tip
For visitors paying regular admission, Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer lower ticket prices than Friday through Sunday.
A family of four purchasing two adult tickets and two children’s tickets would pay $92 on a regular Wednesday or Thursday, compared with $112 on a regular weekend night, before optional activities and parking.
Choosing a midweek evening can therefore reduce the total cost of the outing.
Is Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 Worth Visiting?
For visitors who enjoy Christmas lights, outdoor holiday experiences, and family-friendly activities, Hikari offers something different from a traditional Christmas market.
The tractor-pulled wagon ride, illuminated farm pathways, holiday corn maze, barnyard animals, and Santa’s new Hilltop Village combine several activities in one location.
Families with young children may appreciate the variety of attractions, while couples can enjoy the festive nighttime setting and seasonal photo opportunities.
With tickets starting at $28 for adults, it’s worth comparing the available dates and planning which activities matter most to your group.
Conclusion
Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 at Tanaka Farms brings a glowing Christmas celebration to Irvine, California, from November 27 through December 27.
With thousands of sparkling lights, tractor-pulled wagon rides, a holiday corn maze, barnyard animals, and the brand-new Santa’s Hilltop Village, the festival offers a festive experience for families, couples, and holiday travelers.
Before visiting, confirm your selected date, ticket prices, parking requirements, and attraction hours through the official Tanaka Farms website.
If you’re planning Christmas activities in Orange County this year, Hikari Festival of Lights is worth considering for your holiday itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Hikari Festival of Lights 2026?
Hikari Festival of Lights takes place from November 27 through December 27, 2026, primarily Wednesday through Sunday, with special openings December 21–23. The event is closed December 24–25.
2. How much are Hikari Festival of Lights 2026 tickets?
Adult tickets start at $28 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and cost $33 on Fridays through Sundays. Children’s tickets for ages 3–12 are $18 midweek and $23 on weekends.
3. What is new at Hikari Festival of Lights 2026?
The major new attraction is Santa’s Hilltop Village, offering group photos with Santa from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
4. Is parking free at Tanaka Farms during Hikari?
Parking costs $12 per vehicle on Fridays through Sundays and December 21–23. The published paid parking requirement does not apply to regular Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
5. Are wagon rides included in Hikari admission?
Yes. Tractor-pulled wagon rides to the illuminated light path are included with general admission. Wagon rides are scheduled from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.
