Events
Dana Point Harbor’s Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 12-14. Celebrate 50 Years on the water as The 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights sets sail this holiday season, celebrating a landmark milestone. The harbor will sparkle with the theme Golden Jubilee – Carol of the Boats. Local boaters will transform their vessels into dazzling displays, looking to claim awards, including Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more. From December 12-14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point. More Information
Holey Moley Golf Club Swings Open
Opens Dec. 12. Holey Moley features 27 outrageously themed holes mixing equal parts nostalgia and madness, surrounded by immersive, neon-lit spaces. Forget traditional norms of yesteryear and putt through zany obstacles with eccentric surprises at every hole. Holey Moley additionally offers a full-service bar and restaurant, perfect for pregaming or a round after your “round.” Hours vary. Irvine Spectrum, 517 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 517, Irvine. More Information
Surfing Santa Competition
Dec. 13. The annual Surfing Santa & Stand Up Paddle Board Contest was developed in 2010 to benefit Surfers Healing, the original surf camp for children with autism. Honoring the resort’s commitment to support local worthy causes, while embracing Dana Point’s surf culture – both events not only highlight the resort’s world-class location overlooking a famous surf break but also their mission to give back to the local community by connecting in a meaningful way. Saturday at 7 a.m. Salt Creek Beach, Dana, Point. More Information
Hijinx Hotel Welcomes Guests
Opens Dec. 12. Inspired by a hotel – yet, disclosure: not a functioning hotel itself – Hijinx welcomes guests with bellhops at your service, and features 15 unique challenge rooms, each offering a scored interactive game within and Instagram-worthy setting filled with eye-catching activations that are truly a content-creator’s dream. 517 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine. More Information
Food + Drink
Butcher’s House Celebrates 4-Year Anniversary with Fromage Menu
Now Available. Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer continues to evolve his award-winning modern bistro with the debut of an all-new Fromage Menu. Designed to honor France’s celebrated regional cheeses, the menu highlights terroir, craftsmanship, and simplicity — a reflection of Offer’s Toulouse roots and his dedication to sharing the authentic flavors of France with Southern California diners. 3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. D., Costa Mesa. More Information
Class of ’47 Goes Full Nutcracker
Now Open. Newport Beach’s local favorite dive bar, Class of 47, has gone full Christmas takeover as it has transformed into The Nutcracker Bar for the holidays. it’s decorated everywhere you look making this one of the holiday bars you have to stop by. Featuring festive drinks, themed bartenders, and a cozy, vintage Christmas vibe all around. Hours vary. 209 Palm St, Newport Beach. More Information
SantaCon Bar Crawl at the Triangle
Dec. 13. Grab your Santa hats, buckle those boots, and join the jolliest crew in town for the Costa Mesa SantaCon Pub Crawl—a festive, fuzzy, full-of-cheer adventure through ve fabulously fun bars all within one merry little block. Participating bars include Black Knight, Boulevard, Casa De Onda, Goat Hill Tavern, and Westwood. Saturday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Check-in Location: Casa de Onda Restaurant. Tickets and More Information
Arts + Culture
Your Holiday will SLEIGH!
Dec. 17. Broadway sensation Jessica Vosk arrives for an exclusive SoCal appearance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Dec 17. Her powerhouse vocals and incredible stage presence earned her the nickname “the people’s Elphaba,” and this holiday concert is sure to be the ultimate festive extravaganza. Don’t miss her warmth, wit, and Wicked talent! Wednesday at 8 p.m. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Eco-Home Workshop with Child Creativity Lab
Dec. 13. The Eco-Home challenge invites children and families to learn about sustainability and protecting the environment, as they imagine, design, and build an eco-home inspired by works in the Laguna Art Museum collection. Presented in collaboration with Child Creativity lab. Advance registration recommended. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
Kings Return Presents: We Four Kings Holiday Show
Dec. 11. Dallas vocal group Kings Return have earned a loyal following for their diverse, dynamic, and utterly smooth a cappella sound. Discovered after a series of bare-bones stairwell performances went viral, the four-piece has earned comparisons to iconic acts Take 6 and Boyz II Men. Since 2020, their gospel style has evolved to incorporate elements of R&B, jazz, gospel, soul, and radio pop – all built on solid, classical foundations. Thursday at 8 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information
Photo credits: Santa Surfing courtesy of Surfing Santa Competition. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
