Activities in South OC

Activities in South Orange County
By Shelley T. Hudson

Dana Point:
Harbor The Holidays
What’s better than a fruitcake? Dana Point’s jam-packed holiday calendar, starting with Holiday in the Harbor on December 3rd. This event has everything—photos with Frosty and Santa, holiday crafts, face painting, a puppet show, carolers, balloon artists, live music and comedy! The activities take place at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf beginning at 4:00 p.m. Visit www.danapoint.org for the full schedule of events.

If that’s not enough, hop on a Free Boat Ride with Mr. Bowl-full-o-jelly on December 4th and 5th. Cruises run every 20 minutes from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from Dana Wharf. Bundle up and don’t forget your camera! For more information, log on to www.danawharf.com

A Boatload Of Fun
Mark your calendar for the 36th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “Jingle Bell Rock,” so you can expect many creative musical tributes. You’ll get several chances to take in this local tradition: December 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Let It Snow!
Dana Point’s Winter Festival hits La Plaza Park again with merriment to spare. The fun starts on December 12th at noon with face painting, a crafts fair, carnival games, a petting zoo (with real reindeer!), cookie decorating, North Pole VIPs, a marionette show, balloon and caricature artists and a real snow play area! The Dana Point Police Departmentwill be onhand to fingerprint your child, and the Dana Point Fire Department will collect new, unwrapped toys for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. After the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m., enjoy cocoa and cookies and a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This extravaganza features live music throughout the day. Bring your camera, mittens, lawn chair and toy donation!

Deck Your Halls
If you like to keep up with the Joneses, then consider entering your home in the 11th Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest on Dec. 17th from 5 – 7 pm. The Dana Point Youth Board judges this fun event and awards prizes for “creativity, spirit and overall enthusiasm.” Call 949.248.3514 to enter.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Get Your Ducks In A Row
ZOOMARS Petting Zoo will also be a bevy of activity on Los Rios Street on December 4th. Admission is free until 9:00 p.m. and you won’t want to miss Pathway to Hope’s Live Nativity Performances at 6:15 and 7:00 p.m. near the petting zoo. To sweeten the deal, SJC’s Downtown Shops will stay open late and offer special discounts!

Merriment At The Mission
Mission San Juan Capistrano continues its tradition with Christmas at the Mission. For a $2.00 admission, guests enjoy carolers, Santa photo ops and mariachi and choir performances. A Santa’s Workshop studio for kids will keep little fingers busy while grownups sip on mugs of Mexican hot chocolate. Please bring a canned food donation for Serra’s Pantry. The event immediately follows the Tree Lighting Ceremony on
December 4th and runs until 8:00 p.m.

Smiles For Miles
Bring the little ones to Del Obispo Terrace in San Juan Capistrano on December 5th from 10:00 – 11:30 for a special Smiles for Seniors event. Pack your holiday cheer and a camera, because Santa will be in the house to share the moment! The fun takes place at 32200 Del Obispo Street. For more information, call 949.496.8802.

SAN CLEMENTE:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
The city’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2nd at the San Clemente Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Santa’s elves will serve cocoa and cookies (how do they find the time?) before a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by The Jolly One. The mayor will be on hand for the official tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Gifts That Keep Giving...
Family Assistance Ministries is sponsoring a Gift Exchange Program on December 11th at 11:00 a.m., also at the Community Center. Lunch will be served. What a great opportunity to demonstrate your holiday spirit by making a donation for children in need. For details, contact FamilyAssistance Ministries at 949.492.8477.

Feeling Nutty?
Pacific Coast Dance Academy’s Youth America Ballet will perform The Nutcracker locally this year. This magical holiday show is a must-see for all ages. Performances are December 4th at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. and December 5th at 2:30 p.m. at San Juan Hills High School’s Collaborative Arts Theatre. For the younger, attention span-challenged set, check out the Holiday Follies at the academy’s studio on December 15th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Students will sing and dance, and Santa and The Nutcracker’s Mother Ginger will be available for photographs. For information on either event, call 949.361.9277.

LAGUNA BEACH
When The Sawdust Settles
Laguna Beach’s premiere holiday event is the Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy—A Palette of Holiday Treasures. TheFestival is pulling out the stops for this 20th Annual celebration. Over 170 exhibitors will show and sell their creations on the grounds of this “winter wonderland.” Kids will enjoy craft projects and visits with Ole St. Nick. The Winter Fantasy is the perfect way to shop while enjoying live entertainment and food from four outdoor cafes. The event runs December 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids, but if you attend on a Sunday, bring a new, unwrapped toy for free admission!