Holiday Events In South OC

Your Guide to South OC’s Holiday Happenings
by Monique Reilly

Dana Point
Snow Way!
Spread cheer and merriment this holiday season by dashing over to one or more local festivities guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of the young and young at heart. South OC is bursting with activities sure to kindle the spirit of joy, peace, and goodwill!

See The Light
In celebration of 40 years of lighting up the holiday season, the annual Dana Point Boat Parade goes big with this year’s theme: “Fantasea Holiday.” Showcasing the rich maritime history, sea life and activities found in Dana Point, the harbor will be lit up like never before. The Boat Parade will run on consecutive Friday and Saturday nights on December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th. Make reservations early at your favorite waterside eatery for a great view. The parade begins nightly at 7:30 p.m.

Seaing Is Believing
Catch a ride with Santa and his helpers as they hit the high seas, or at least cruise slowly around the harbor. Boat Rides With Santa offers a unique opportunity for children (and adults) to share their wish list with Mr. Claus. The El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will be on hand to capture the moment with a photo for a $3 donation. This is a unique and fun way for kids of all ages to visit with Santa, so dress warm and festive. Santa’s sleigh, (I mean boat), will launch from Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s docks on December 6th and 7th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Get The LED Out
Dana Point’s Inaugural IlluminOcean will electrify the world famous Dana Point Harbor with 40 nights of holiday lights this December. Thiswonderland by the sea features a brilliant spectacle of 18 oversized lighting sculptures with over 225,000 LED lights, and is free to the public nightly from sundown til 10 p.m. See octopus and sharks, frolicking fish and leaping dolphins, starfish, surfers, enchanted mermaids, a towering glow-motion tree and light tunnels. Stroll through the colorful collection of immersive attractions, every step filled with vibrant sights and sounds. On weekends, roaming street performers entertain the crowd, glow merchandise shines and “Whale Eyes” 3D glasses give a must-see holographic look at this holiday spectacle.

Going To The Dogs
The Dana Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel will host Yappy Howl-iday on Sunday, December 7th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A festive gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself – Santa Paws. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to a local animal shelter.

That’s Another Story
The Eco-Adventure Center will present Holiday Storytelling at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in December at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Classic tales will be read on December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th. Guests are asked to bring a new children’s book to be donated to Miracles for Kids.

San Clemente
Angels Straight From Heaven
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 Community Center on Monday, December 1st.

Claus On The Coast
Join in the holiday fun on Saturday, December 6th, in downtown San Clemente. Santa’s Village by the Sea kicks off at the Community Center at 2 p.m. with cookie decorating in Mrs. Claus’ Bakery. Snack on popcorn while watching Happy Feet and sled down the snow hill, sponsored by the Friends of San Clemente. Visit with Santa, and then at 5:15 p.m. help light the Community Tree with the Mayor.

Immediately following the lighting, stroll down the lane to Casa Romantica to celebrate the spirit of the season. The Casa is even more magical when adorned for the holidays with splendid decorations that sparkle and glow. Enjoy music that will warm your heart, a visit with Santa, crafts for kids, hot cocoa, cookies and much more.

All In A Day’s Work
You better watch out, you better not pout…San Clemente Playschool is decking its halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement on Friday, December 12th for the Lil’ Elves Workshop. The workshop will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tierra Grande Park in San Clemente, and is open to children between 3 and 5 years old. Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from your tiny tots to put crafts and 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 many more marvelous activities.

We Salute You
The Watershed Task Force, Carbonara Trattoria and The Holiday Inn Express are joining forces with The Funniest Housewives of Orange County to host the 6th Annual Adopt-A-Marine Holiday Dinner for service members stationed at Camp Pendleton. Most of our military personnel are away from their families for the holidays. Show your appreciation this year by donating $25 which will cover a Marine’s dinner, drinks and a Christmas gift. For more information, email info@SCwatersheds.com for donation details or visit SCwatersheds.com.

San Juan Capistrano
Holiday Round Up
The holidays will be in full swing as the City of San Juan Capistrano hosts its Tree Lighting Celebration and Downtown Festivities on Saturday, December 6th. This annual tradition will take place at Historic Town Center Park and begins at 4:00 p.m. There will be a live stage show and official lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. The fun continues throughout the evening at Mission San Juan Capistrano, in the Los Rios Historic District and at Zoomars Petting Zoo. Downtown stores will be hosting “Open Houses” with special sales and complimentary refreshments.

Ring My Bell
Celebrate the holidays at Mission San Juan Capistrano on Saturday evening, December 6th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Christmas at the Mission features the ringing of the historic bells, an exhibition of local music performance groups throughout the Mission 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. The beautiful historic Mission 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 family and enjoy this festive night at the old Mission.

Laguna Niguel
Deck The Hall
Laguna Niguel’s City Hall will brighten the sky starting Saturday, December 6th, with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday festivities. Munch on yummy cookies and keep warm with hot chocolate (the forecast says it may drop down to the low 60’s that evening). Kids can burn energy in a bounce house, as well as make crafts and more. Enjoy the songs of the season and don’t miss the annual countdown to the lighting of the tree. Spend a little time and snap a quick pic with the most treasured celebrity of the season — Santa. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m.

A Latke Fun
A blizzard of holiday fun awaits the whole family as Chabad Laguna Niguel and the City host the Chanukah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 21st at 3:30 p.m. The Wonderland will be happening at City Hall, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and traditional Chanukah treats. Bring your family, friends, and lots of holiday spirit. Shalom!

Everyone Loves A Parade!
Another picture-perfect December morning will likely usher in the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. This annual procession will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 13th. 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 down Crown Valley Parkway. No hometown holiday parade is complete without a dazzling entrance by Santa Claus! Arrive early to stake out the best seat for this South Orange County tradition.