Events
Fire and Ice Festival
Nov. 24. Marvel as a bayside oasis is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with one of the most scenic outdoor ice skating rinks in Orange County, festive lights and heartwarming holiday moments. Relish sweeping views of the 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay where over fifty lighted holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay. 1131 Backbay Drive, Newport Beach. newportdunes.com
Winter Fest OC
Nov. 24. Get your tickets now for Orange County’s largest winter festival as Winter Fest OC is set to open this Friday. Over a million lights, massive holiday decor, and thrilling activities await for you and your loved ones to make spectacular holiday memories with. From snow play, ice tubing, festive food, and more, the time is now to come to enjoy. Tickets and more information can be found here. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. winterfestoc.com
Heirloom Potager and Culinary Gardening
Nov. 25. Come experience the wonders of your garden’s potential as one of Orange County’s best culinary gardening experts opens her shop to the public this weekend. Having worked with some of the best restaurants around, Ashley’s expertise will be on full display for those interested. The Garden Shop is located in the rear parking lot at Orange County Farm Supply, 1826 W Chapman Ave, Orange. heirloompotager.com
46th Annual Turkey Trot
Nov. 23. Celebrate the 46th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving Day. Come cheer on participants and enjoy the atmosphere as folks burn off their pre-Thanksgiving meal calories with a run/walk of a 5K, 10K, 15K Combo, or Kids 1-Mile Gobble Wobble in the beautiful Dana Point Harbor. Course map, start times, and more information can be found here. 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. turkeytrot.com
Food + Drink
Coastal Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov. 23. Give thanks for a picturesque Coastal Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet. The oceanfront setting is the ideal location to indulge in a decadent brunch on the property’s Vista Lawns while sipping on endless French bubbly and more. Enjoy festive live music and a beachside DJ while kids are entertained with fall balloon artistry, airbrush painting, and a captivating magician. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach. waterfrontresort.com
Hendrix Bar and Grill Buffet
Nov. 23. Hendrix will be offering a Thanksgiving Buffet that features carving stations with traditional whole roasted Turkey with all the fixings, Roasted Greater Omaha Prime Rib, and Scottish Salmon Filet. Price for adults is $85 per guest and kids 12 & younger will be $19 (a kids station will be offered). The buffet will be served Thursday, 2-7 p.m. Reservations can be made here. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel. hendrixoc.com
Turkey Day in Laguna Beach
Nov. 23. Dine at Driftwood Kitchen as Chef Rainer Schwarz’s offerings begin with chilled seafood, charcuterie and artisanal cheeses, roasted autumn California vegetable salad, butternut squash soup, and more. Carving stations will feature traditional whole-roasted Thanksgiving Diestel Turkey with all the fixings, prime rib, seafood stations, and more. The buffet will be offered Thursday, 1-7 p.m. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach. driftwoodkitchen.com
Great Maple Thanksgiving
Nov. 23. Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with the entire family at the newly opened Great Maple Anaheim at the future Pixar Place Hotel at the Disneyland Resort (currently Paradise Pier Hotel). The restaurant will serve its Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu, in addition to its regular menu, for $55 per guest from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made here. 1717 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. thegreatmaple.com
Arts + Culture
The Grinch Steals Christmas at Segerstrom
Coming Soon. Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale as it comes to life on stage in a heart-warming holiday musical! Get your tickets now to the show the New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!” 10 shows only, Dec. 19 – 24. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Bowers’ Books for Kids
Nov. 25. Bring the little ones to come enjoy Storytime in the Galleries this weekend with Tongva author Cindi M. Alvitre for “Waa’aka’,” a tale of a bird enamored with the sun. Dive into one of California’s oldest stories and explore Southern California’s Indigenous history during Native American Heritage Month. More information can be found here. 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. bowers.org
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
