Events
New Years Eve Celebration Party at Balboa Bay Resort
Dec. 31. The countdown to 2026 unfolds with an all-out New Year’s Eve celebration featuring an 11-piece live band, a DJ spinning crowd favorites, and lite bites served throughout the night. As midnight hits, guests toast with sparkling wine before a balloon drop, party favors, and an electric atmosphere carry the celebration into the early hours, offering a high-energy way to close out 2025 with friends, music, and lasting memories. Next Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Reserve Now
River’s Edge Welcomes Guests
Now Open. Guests at The Santa Ana Zoo have a brand new adventure now ready to enjoy as River’s Edge, Santa Ana Zoo’s most expansive and innovative habitat ever, is now open. Featuring an immersive habitat that is home to Asian small-clawed otters, black howler monkeys, golden lion tamarins and spider monkeys, this new exhibit is sure to delight animal lovers of all ages. Hours vary. Please note the zoo is closed for Christmas Day. 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana. More Information
Winterfest OC Countdown
Dec. 31. One of the largest winter festivals closes out the year with a double celebration as Winter Fest OC hosts two New Year’s Eve countdowns at the OC Fair & Event Center. Featuring winter-themed attractions, immersive experiences for all ages, and fireworks shows timed for both 6 p.m. and midnight. Guests can gather near the Holiday House Stage for special NYE entertainment, including the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Spectacular, then dance into the new year with fan-favorite tribute sets celebrating the music of Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, capped by a dazzling firework finale. Next Wednesday, from 2 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. winterfestoc.com
Lucky Strike Rolls Into Aliso Viejo
Now Open. Lucky Strike Aliso Viejo brings a brand-new entertainment experience to Orange County, California, offering an elevated bowling experience in a modern, energetic setting. Beyond the lanes, there’s plenty to enjoy. Explore the lively arcade filled with fan-favorite games, relax in the stylish lounge area designed for laid-back hangs and group outings, or order your favorite menu items at Cheeky Monkey Gastropub snack bar. 26503 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo. More Information
Food + Drink
Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Mastro’s way
Dec. 31. A polished evening of indulgence awaits with a four-course prix fixe dining experience designed around exceptional flavors, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. The celebratory menu highlights signature steaks and seafood, with entrée options including twin lobster tails, chilean sea bass, cold water norwegian salmon, a 12-ounce filet, a 16-ounce new york strip, or a 16-ounce double-cut pork chop, offering a refined way to welcome the new year in true Mastro’s style. Next Wednesday, 4 p.m.-midnight. 72 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. mastrosrestaurants.com
San Juan Capistrano’s Elf Crawl
Dec. 26. Who says Santa get all the fun bar crawls? Elves work for Santa all year long and deserve a day off. The Elf Crawl is for all elves to let down their hair and have some fun. Come to downtown San Juan Capistrano for this year’s annual Elf Crawl. With a ton of participating restaurants, and an “Elf Bawl” to cap off the day, this is set to be the biggest and best day off for Elves ever. Event runs this Friday, noon-9 p.m. Registration, Locations, and More Information
Comfort Food Christmas
Dec. 25. Open on Christmas Day, the family-owned Calaca Mamas Cantina brings a comfort-food twist to its organic Mexican-fusion menu. Guests can enjoy dishes like the Taco in a Bag, Birria Ramen, and Carne Asada. For dessert, their homemade churros are served tableside from a rolling dessert cart. Located directly across from Disneyland Resort, the restaurant offers both indoor seating and patio dining. Thursday starting at 12 p.m. 1550 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim. More Information
Christmas Dinner at Hilton Anaheim
Dec. 25. Hilton Anaheim is celebrating the season with a special holiday dinner featuring a rosemary scented American Wagyu filet. This dish will be available from December 24 through New Years Eve, with an optional upgrade of shaved Perigord truffle. The hotel is also offering a three course dinner for forty five dollars that includes starters, entrees, and desserts. On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy breakfast from 7-11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner from 2-10 p.m. 777 W Convention Way, Anaheim. More Information
Coastal Christmas Day Feast
Dec. 25. Join in for a joyful holiday feast where coastal charm meets festive elegance. The delightful Christmas Day buffet is thoughtfully prepared to delight every palate, offering seasonal favorites, elevated classics, and something special for every member of the family. Thursday, 1-7 p.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. More Information
Arts + Culture
Come Home to The Wiz!
Coming Soon. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm finally makes its OC debut in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. Entertainment Weekly raves, “Sensational with show-stopping numbers! Perhaps the best version of The Wiz to date!” Get your tickets before it sells out, Jan 13 – 25. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Bowers’ Books for Kids
Dec. 27. It’s time for Holiday Favorites with Bowers Docents. Join Bowers Docents as they read their favorite holiday stories including The Polar Express, The Gingerbread Man, Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present, and Santa is Coming to California. Participants will also enjoy a festive performance by musicians from the Orange County Youth Symphony. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information
OC’s Science of Gingerbread Display
Open Now. Southern California’s LARGEST gingerbread competition with over 200 entries is happening at Discovery Cube Orange County. From the apprentice builder to the professional and everything in between, this display is like no other. In the spirit of building, making and competition, this program features learning experiences designed with the engineer in mind. Hours vary. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
