Orange County

Weekend roundup

December 18-21

Events

Mission Bay Parade of Lights

117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Now-Dec. 21. Watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Parade participants will start from the east end of Lido Island following the celebrated route, with the first public viewing destination at the 10.5-acre Marina Park. The community park offers 177 parking spaces, nautical-themed playground, picnic area and sailing center, and is also the largest public viewing area along the parade route, creating an optimal location to gather and enjoy the festivities. More Information

Christmas ornaments on a tree

Holiday Festival at “The Muck”

Dec. 21. The Muckenthaler’s annual Holiday Festival returns with a whole range of festive activities. Celebrate the holiday season with free family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale. This event is free to enter and features free parking. Saturday, 12- 4 p.m. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton. More Information

Anaheim Hills Holiday Festival

Modern Makers Mart

Dec. 21. Sleigh bells + small businesses combine for a winter market. Whether you’re shopping gifts or just soaking in the season, come make holiday memories at Dana Point Harbor.⁠ Featuring over fifty vendors, Santa photos from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., live music, kids crafting stations, and more. This event is family and pet-friendly. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 24698 Dana Dr, Dana Point. More Information

Food + Drink

Holiday Pie Pick-Up Pre-Orders

Through Dec. 19. Bring home magic this Christmas with a selection of premium, chef-crafted holiday pies. Each dessert is made with seasonal ingredients from local producers, designed to be the centerpiece of your festive table. Offerings include an Heirloom Apple Pie, a bright Citrus Curd Torte, and an Ember-Baked Basque Cheesecake. Pies are available by pre-order only through Dec. 19, with pickup on Dec. 23 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at The Mayor’s Table inside Lido House Hotel. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. More Information

Topside Ski Lodge

Open Now. Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar is enjoying a winter makeover. Topside Roof Deck is celebrating the season with the Topside Ski Lodge, transforming the coastal rooftop into a chic alpine-inspired retreat—no snow gear required. Guests can cozy up with seasonal cocktails, enjoy the glow of firelight, and take in sweeping harbor views. It’s the perfect blend of mountainside charm and seaside sophistication—your ultimate winter hangout, right in the heart of Newport Beach. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. Reservations

santa and a boy

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 21. Santa is making a special appearance at Laguna Cliffs during this holiday season. Join others at Lantern’s Edge at Laguna Cliffs for a delectable breakfast and a visit with Santa himself. Write your very own letter at their Letters to Santa station and share with him all your holiday wishes. Reservations are recommended. Laguna Cliffs Marriott, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. More Information

Dizz’s As Is Enters Final Days

Closing Soon. A Laguna Beach institution for more than 40 years, Dizz’s As Is has cemented itself beyond just a local restaurant into a true icon. Sadly though, the time has come for the space to change as the building has been put up for lease. Now is your final chance to come see what kind of great food, cozy moments, and holiday memories have engulfed these walls all these years, as the restaurant is set to close imminently. Service remains ongoing at the moment, Wednesday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. 2794 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. More Information

Arts + Culture

Linda Eder – Christmas Stays the Same

Dec. 18. Showcasing one of the greatest voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country, and jazz. This holiday concert returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre featuring performances of beloved holiday melodies, including “Oh Holy Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” along with a mix of Broadway staples, and heartfelt love songs. Thursday at 8 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information

32nd Annual Winter Fantasy at Sawdust

Final Days of Sawdust Winter Festival

Ends Dec. 21. Experience the final days of the magic of the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy, where creativity illuminates a wonderland of cheer. The village becomes a festive gathering filled with music, performers, and surprises around every corner. Stroll the paths and shop from local artists who’ve transformed joy into treasures, giving you the chance to gift something extraordinary. Hours vary. Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. More Information

Photo credits: The Mayor’s Table and Topside Roof Deck courtesy of Outshine PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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