LocalHappenings
Your Guide to South OC’s Holiday Happenings
Want to hang out with Santa this holiday season? We’ve got the DISH on where you’ll find him in South Orange County.
Take a peek at these events for some face time with Mr. Claus and his South Pole posse!
Dana Point
Cold Chillin’
The City’s annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting returns to La Plaza Park on Saturday, December 5th. The afternoon’s events begin at noon and run until the Boat Parade at 7 p.m. This free day of fun kicks off with a white hill of the real deal – SNOW! Get there early so the little ones can slide down the hill and capture some winter magic. The festival includes a craft fair, face painting, reindeer, a petting zoo, pony rides, cookie decorating, storytelling, carolers, jazz musicians, dancers and delicious eats. The Santa Claus will be screened with complimentary popcorn immediately following the hot-chocolate-and-cookie-accompanied tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Please remember to bring an unwrapped, new toy for the OC Spark of Love Toy Drive.
Out Of Sight
A Galactic Holiday is the theme for the 41st annual Dana Point Boat Parade. This season’s event will take place on two consecutive weekends, December 11th and 12th and December 18th and 19th at 7:30 p.m. Whether you’re riding on a boat or viewing the festivities fromthe shore, the “Out of this World” light-filled extravaganza is a must-do holiday happening. Make reservations early at your favorite waterside eatery for a warm and comfy spot.
Have A Ball
Grab the pooch and ring in the holidays at two doggy events this season. The 3rd Annual Santa Paws event will take place at the El Torito Courtyard in Dana Point Harbor on Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a small donation, you’ll receive a photo of your four-legged friend with Santa himself. Hosted by the Pet Project Foundation, proceeds benefit the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.
On Sunday, December 6th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the furry fun continues at Yappy Howl-idays on the Dana Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to a local animal shelter.
Don’t Rock The Boat
Take a 20-minute cruise around the harbor on a Boat Ride with Santa and his helpers. On December 5th and 6th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saint Nick will be on board spreading holiday cheer and taking note of your little one’s holiday wishes. For a $3 donation, the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will happily capture the moment with a keepsake photo. Santa and crew will launch from the Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks. For more information, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.
A Storied Tradition
Holiday Storytelling returns to The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel this December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th. The Eco-Adventure Center will host classic tales to be read aloud at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Donations of a new children’s book, to benefit Miracles for Kids, are appreciated.
San Clemente
Baking Memories
On Saturday, December 5th, bring the family out to visit Santa’s Village by the Sea in downtown San Clemente. Starting at 2 p.m. at the Community Center, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery will host cookie decorating for the kids and a showing of Arthur Christmas with popcorn for all. The fun includes face painting, games, a snow hill and a chance to visit with the jolly old fellow. The afternoon culminates at 5:15 p.m. with the lighting of the community tree.
Mi Casa Es Santa’s Casa
Immediately following the Santa’s Village by the Sea event on December 5th, stroll down Avenida del Mar to Christmas at the Casa from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa, Dickens carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, kid’s crafts and holiday entertainment will make for a festive night at the beautifully decorated Casa Romantica. Admission is free. To learn more, visit CasaRomantica.org.
The Giving Tree
The Angel Tree Gift Exchange, sponsored by the San Clemente Jr. Women’s Club, benefits local children, adults and seniors in need this holiday season. Open your hearts and wallets and pick up an Angel Tree Tag at the San Clemente Community Center starting Monday, December 1st. Return your wrapped gift by December 11th to brighten someone’s holiday. 
Santa And His Lil’ Elves
The San Clemente Playschool is decking the halls with a morning of holiday cheer and excitement on Friday, December 11th at the San Clemente Community Center. Santa’s elves are looking for help from your little ones to create crafts and play games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies and much more. The workshop will be hopping from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and is open to children ages 3 to 5 years old. Pre-registration is recommended, as space is limited. Visit
San-Clemente.org/recreation to sign up today!
Food For Thought
The 7th Annual Adopt-A-Marine Holiday Dinner for service members stationed at Camp Pendleton takes place at 7 p.m. on December 13th. The Watershed Task Force is hosting an evening of merriment with our military personnel who are away from their families for the holidays. Show your appreciation this year by donating $25 to cover a Marine’s dinner, drinks and a Christmas gift. Email info@SCwatersheds.com for donation details or log on to SCwatersheds.com.
San Juan Capistrano
Making Spirits Bright
The City of San Juan Capistrano hosts its annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Downtown Festivities on Saturday, December 5th at 4 p.m. This seasonal tradition at Historic Town Center Park features a live stage show and the official lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa at nearby Los Rios Park. The fun continues throughout the evening in the downtown area, the Los Rios Historic District and at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Local retailers will be hosting open houses and will stay open late with special sales and complimentary refreshments for shoppers.
On A Mission
Father Christmas will be offering a unique “photo op” at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on Saturday evening, December 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Christmas at the Mission features the ringing of the Mission bells, an exhibition of local music performance groups and “Santa’s Workshop” with cookie and ornament decorating for kids. Food Vendors will be serving tamales, burgers, coffee, hot cider, hot cocoa, sweets and more. This treasured landmark will be festively lit up for this special after-hours event. Dickens Carolers, chamber singers, mariachis and orchestra musical performances will entertain you throughout the evening. Bring the entire family and enjoy a special night to remember.
Laguna Niguel
Lite Brite
Laguna Niguel’s City Hall will brighten up the sky at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 5th from 5 to 7 p.m. Join in the countdown to powering up the tree while you keep warm and happy with hot chocolate and cookies. Kids will have a blast making a craft presented by Home Depot. Songs of the season will be performed by Saddleback Valley Chorale and Laguna Niguel’s rising star, Sidney Bowen. Bring your camera and snap a quick pic with Saint Nick.
A Latke Fun
A blizzard of holiday fun awaits the whole family as Chabad Laguna Niguel and the City host its Chanukah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 6th at 3:30 p.m. The merriment will happen at City Hall, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and traditional Chanukah treats.
Walk This Way
The City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Parade takes place on Saturday, December 12th at 10 a.m. Another picture-perfect December morning will likely usher in this annual tradition, which matches perfectly with the parade’s theme: “California Dreamin.'” This year’s Grand Marshall is Kate Flannery, a comedic actress best known for her role as Meredith in the television show The Office. Over 100 exciting entries, including marching bands, floats, special guests, youth groups, equestrian units, exotic cars, military members and local heroes, will strut their stuff through the parade route. Get over to Crown Valley Parkway early to stake out the best seat for a view of Mr. Claus!
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