Events
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
Dec. 14. The parade will include beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, and much more. Come enjoy this free event with the whole family and settle into the holiday spirit. Crown Valley Parkway, from Nueva Vista to Central Park. Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Laguna Niguel. More Information
49th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 13-15. The highly anticipated annual Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season for its 49th celebration. The parade features the theme “Santa’s Seaside Carnival.” Boaters will deck out their vessels in theme for a chance to win prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Nightly at 6:30 p.m. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point. More Information
Tamale Festival
Dec. 12. Held in Old Town Placentia on the 100 and 200 blocks of Santa Fe Ave and the 200 block of Bradford Ave is the 30th annual Tamale Festival.The event will feature live entertainment, food and tamale vendors, non-profit booths, business booths, a beer garden, pictures with Santa Claus and more. Thursday,4-10 p.m. Placentia. More Information
Magic On Main
Dec. 12. The Huntington Beach community fills the first three blocks of Main Street with live entertainment, holiday craft vendors, photos with Santa and his friends, and more. Magic on Main has all the right holiday ingredients: a bustling holiday market, holiday light displays, and delicious local seasonal delicacies for a fun-filled holiday celebration. Downtown Main St, Huntington Beach. More Information
Food + Drink
Nom OC Soft Opening
Soft Open Now. Revolutionizing Fast-Casual – Nom is a chef-curated, clean-eating fast casual now soft open at the recently opened River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano. Featuring bowls and rolls, made with no seed oils, gluten-friendly, and more. Current hours of operation can be found here. Paseo Adelanto Suite 109, San Juan Capistrano. More Information
NEP Café Gets a Refresh
Now Open. Originally established in 2020 to bring the spirit of Vietnam to those grounded by the pandemic, NEP Cafe now presents a contemporary take on Vietnam as it is today — vibrant, evolving, and deeply connected to its roots. With this refresh, NEP invites guests to explore “Vietnam as it is now.” 14346 Culver Dr., Irvine & 10826 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley. More Information
“Elfing Around” at Olea
Now Available. Inspired by the iconic holiday movie, Elf, award-winning OC mixologist Inga Tantisalidchai (renowned for her monthly specialty cocktails) has created a unique drink for the holiday season – “Elfing Around.” This special, rum-based cocktail is presented in a glass ornament, perched above a frosty snowball, then, ceremoniously poured on top of the icy orb. 2001 Westcliff Drive, Suite 100, Newport Beach. More Information
Industry Nights at The Mayor’s Table
Now Serving. Members of the hospitality industry rejoice as The Mayor’s Table has introduced one of the best industry nights around. Enjoy 50% off food and drinks, featuring inventive cocktails and seasonal dishes by Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston – don’t miss out and make your reservations for Social Sunday now to elevate & extend your weekend. Every Sunday night from 5:30 p.m.- close. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. More Information
Arts + Culture
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
Now Showing. SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition begins tonight! This dazzling treat for the whole family features ABT’s roster of superstar dancers and a cast of 100 performers, all accompanied by Pacific Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Experience the winter wonderland now – Dec 22, only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.8784. scfta.org
The Holidays with Canadian Brass
Dec. 12. The King’s Singers, six Englishmen renowned as the world’s most sought-after a cappella ensemble, perform festive music from their recent travels around the globe. The program will include a selection of seasonal songs celebrating the magic of 100 years of Disney, holiday favorites, and more. Thursday at 8 pm. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information
Photo credits: The Mayor’s Table, and NEP Café courtesy of Outshine PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
