Deck The Halls | Holiday Flicks | Christmas Tunes: OC Today

From some of the best Christmas lights around, to the Tallest Tree in town, we've rounded up some of our favorite holiday stories for you on Christmas day. Elsewhere around the Southland, music, masses and gatherings around the table bring family and friends together over this special time.

From all of us at Patch to all of you, here are some stories that touched us this holiday season, 2018.

Students Given $23K To Learn The Joy Of Giving
If you knew that you could change someone's life, would you? These Los Al students were granted $500 each to give to those who need it most.

Indie Rock Christmas Songs: Patch Holiday Playlist
There are favorites like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Ramones and The White Stripes, along with fresher faces and some remixes of the classics.

Innerstate Art Installation Sparks Conversation In Laguna Beach
This sign, photographed at Heisler Park with a Laguna Beach Police Officer, has been the source of ongoing conversation

Christmas Decorations Winners Announced
It's that time of year again! The residents who participated in the Los Alamitos holiday decorations contest are listed here. See pictures of these glorious lights.

Here's The Favorite Christmas Movie California Is Obsessing Over
From classics like "It's A Wonderful Life" to kid-friendly movies such as "The Polar Express," every state has a favorite Christmas movie.

Christmas Weather Forecast For Orange County
What will your weather look like Christmas morning and Boxing Day? Patch has your happy holiday forecast!

Here's California's Tallest Christmas Tree
Real trees. Fake trees Trees made of lights. 24/7 Wall St. found the tallest Christmas tree in every state. Here's California's tree.

Classic Christmas Songs: Patch Holiday Playlist
With crooners like Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, this playlist will transport you to a big comfy chair near a warm fire.

Pretend City Stocking Stuffer Winner Announced: Annual Pass Family 4-Pack For Christmas
Do you love taking your kids to this play place? Patch & Pretend City gave away the perfect experience stocking stuffer this holiday!

Southland Celebrates Christmas Eve With Masses And Music
As Santa gets ready to make his way around the world, Southern California will celebrate with church services and musical performances.

Bedtime Story Pajama Drive: Walnut Kids Donate 60 Pairs Of PJs
While shoppers are busy buying last-minute gifts, these students paused to remember those who are less fortunate with this pajama drive.

Santa Recovers From Disneyland Parade Float Tumble
It takes quite a lot for this jolly elf to topple! But Santa Claus caused a bit of a scare at Saturday's Disneyland Resort holiday parade.

Laguna Beach's Shelf Elf Up To New Tricks In 2018
Think you have trouble negotiating your shelf elf? Naughty or nice, this guy has been all across the city, land & sea this season.

Stolen Baby Jesus Returned To Mission Viejo Nativity Scene
Residents in this neighborhood were grateful the baby was returned to his mother, Mary, before his birthday next week.

Newport Beach Operation Christmas Donations Underway
Operation Christmas is collecting donations for military families in need over the 2018 holiday season. Here is how you can help.

Hospitality Night Met With Fun And Fanfare
In 2018, Santa arrived to share in the lighting of this Orange County Pepper Tree to music, folks, and fun!

Help The Homeless This Holiday Season
Here is how to help the Village of Hope residents in 2018. The group opened its first online Gift Catalog for donations to specific causes.

Boxing Day Explained; More Than Just Putting Gifts Away
No need to ask Alexa or Google, here are a some Boxing Day facts to help you understand this tradition celebrated the day after Christmas.

Photo: Ashley Ludwig, Patch editor