Events
Christmas Pop-Up Store
Dec. 22. Renowned Orange County baker Dean Kim is once again hosting an annual holiday pop-up store featuring various offerings from some of the area’s best producers. You can stock up on delicious holiday treats from groups like Crema Artisan Bakery, Pascal Coffee and more. Cash is preferred as not all merchants can process credit cards. Friday, starts at 8 a.m. until the items sell out. 1960 N Glassell St. Orange. ocbakingco.com
Christmas Countdown
Dec. 22-23. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Stop by Pretend City to engage in fun holiday traditions from around the world, meet Santa, and warm your heart with a Christmas adventure story. With two outstanding authors – Kim An, and Natalie Salvatierra – the holidays will come alive for the little ones. Cost is included with museum admission. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 29 Hubble, Irvine. pretendcity.org
Cruise of Lights
Dec. 21-23. The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights® offers narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour in Huntington Beach, California. Locals and visitors share the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats. Tickets can be found here. Parking and more information can be found here. Huntington Beach. cruiseoflights.org
Food + Drink
Christmas Eve Dinner
Dec. 24. Enjoy a special three-course menu amidst Pacific Ocean views. Menu highlights include hamachi crudo, grilled baby lamb chops, butternut squash soup, grapefruit salad, tiger prawns, 6 oz prime petite filet, 6 oz elk loin; followed by six degrees of chocolate (the resort’s signature dessert) and ricotta cheesecake. Sunday, from 5-9:30 p.m. 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach. watertablehb.com
Humanity Coffee Soft Opens
Now Open. A new coffee spot that will become your next go-to – Humanity Coffee has entered its soft opening. Women and minority-owned, serving organic, coffee, tea, toasts and sandwiches, Humanity Coffee aims to better the world around them through the art of coffee in their stunning cafe. Open daily from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Online orders can be placed here. 3305 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach. 949.612.8408.
Celebrate Shabe Yalda at Aria Kitchen
Dec. 21. Aria Kitchen will be kicking off Shabe Yalda, with riveting live music and an incredible meal. For only $40, guests can enjoy an appetizer of Ash Reshteh soup, a main course of pomegranate braised lamb shank served with persimmon pomegranate couscous and for dessert, fresh pomegranate and hot tea. Thursday, at 6:30 p.m. A Persian guitarist and singer will be serenating the night away. 2636 Dupont Dr, Irvine.
Sushi Ii Is Now Serving Lunch
Now Serving. Sushi Ii is now serving lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a Sushi Set, or a Chirashi, a deconstructed sushi served above and beyond aesthetically pleasing. Its stunning location in Newport Beach is ideal for guests to pop in during lunch, and reservations can be made here. Reservations can be made here. 100 West Coast Hwy Suite 202, Newport Beach. sushi-ii.com
Arts + Culture
The Perfect Gift: Segerstrom Center Gift Cards
Now Available. Give the magic and joy of live entertainment! Available at any amount over $10, Segerstrom Center Gift Certificates are easy to purchase, affordable for every budget, and sure to delight everyone on your list. Give a present they’ll love – and a memory they’ll always cherish! Your one-stop shopping destination. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. www.scfta.org
The Nutcracker presented by Festival Ballet Theatre
Through Dec. 24. A cherished holiday classic perfect for all ages, “The Nutcracker” is a beloved tradition at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Festival Ballet Theatre’s breathtaking production features superb, colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine, Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. thebarclay.org
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 24. Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues. From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic will rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle. 655 Town Center Drive, PO Box 2197, Costa Mesa. scr.org
A Cinderella Christmas
Now Playing. Put on your glass slippers this holiday season and join us for our annual Lythgoe Family Panto, A Cinderella Christmas. Based on the traditional British panto, where the audience’s participation is part of the show, expect a hilarious, heartwarming evening full of song, dance and holiday merriment. Hours vary. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. lagunaplayhouse.com
Photo credits: Jennifer Leigh Warren, Veronica Dunne, cast of A Cinderella Christmas. Photo by Jason Niedle. Aria Kitchen courtesy of Outshine PR. The Nutcracker presented by Festival Ballet Theatre courtesy Skye Schmidt. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
