Events
Winter Cocktail Tour Continues
Open Now. There’s an abundance of festivities, with eight participating restaurants creating fun and festive beverages to get you into the Holiday spirit. Enjoy a winter wonderland of decorations around every corner, creating perfect moments for festive holiday photos and a new nightly light show set to everyone’s favorite holiday music in the AMC Courtyard every hour on the hour from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin. wintercocktailtour.com
King Tides Arrive
Dec. 22-25. An astronomical event that brings wonder to the coasts of Orange County – king tides return to the region just in time for the holidays. Respectfully explore the tide pools in areas like Laguna Beach as the sun and moon’s gravity work together to create extremely high tides, which are followed by very low tides. Check website for best times to see the tides. 381 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. lagunaoceanfoundation.org.
Miami Nights Christmas Party
Dec. 22. Jack Frost won’t be nipping at your nose at this party, but he may be opening champagne bottles as he bumps along to Latin House and Reggaeton all night long. Enjoy a holiday party unlike any other – for guest list and table reservations, please call 714.365.1094. Tickets cost $9. Doors open at 10 p.m. 1870 Harbor, Costa Mesa. sevillanightclub.com
Food + Drink
The Sneaky Hare Blind Tasting
Now Available. One of the area’s best wine programs – Fable & Spirit – invite you to test your senses with their new blind-tasting menus – but no clues, and only one guess. Order from the respective menus, and if you guess the wine correctly from the list provided, your glass is free. Act quickly, though, because as soon as one wine is guessed, a new one is chosen. Times vary. 3441 Via Lido, Suite A, Newport Beach. fableandspirit.com
Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinner at The Mayor’s Table
Dec. 24-25. Enjoy Christmas with a divine dinner at The Mayor’s Table. Offered on Christmas Eve and Christmas night, Executive Chef Riley Huddleston has prepared an astounding, seasonal four-course menu complete with hand-selected wine pairings, live music, and a special takeaway from the Lido House family. Reservations are recommended for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Times vary. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. 949.662.6160. lidohousehotel.com
Christmas Eve at Tavern House
Dec. 24. Spend Christmas Eve overlooking the sparkling Newport Beach Marina. The popular waterfront restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for brunch and dinner. Guests can look forward to a menu of Chef David Wilhelm’s signature comfort cuisine complemented with a selection of seasonal specials, including Christmas Prime Rib, Crispy Roast Peking Duck, and more. Times vary. 333 Bayside Dr., Newport Beach. tavernhousekb.com
Christmas Day Brunch Buffet at The Waterfront Beach Resort
Dec. 25. Enjoy a lavish Christmas Day brunch, complete with photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the handmade Resort Gingerbread House. Enjoy live Christmas music, a roaming magic show, and more. Adults will receive a complimentary holiday cocktail upon arrival. Reservations can be made here. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach. waterfrontresort.com
Arts + Culture
Waltz into 2023! Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
Coming Soon. On January 1st, the spirited romance of operetta, the glamour of ballroom dance, and the delicate beauty of ballet will waltz you into a triumphant New Year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This celebration showcases acclaimed European singers and dancers and a full symphony orchestra for a cultural experience to start your year with joy. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 scfta.org
The Nutcracker presented by Festival Ballet Theatre
Ends Dec. 24. A cherished holiday classic perfect for all ages, “The Nutcracker” is a beloved holiday 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. Tickets and more information can be found here. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.845.4646. thebarclay.org
Selections From the Permanent Art Collection
Now Open. Comprising pieces from the Festival of Arts Permanent Art Collection, this exhibit features Laguna Beach paintings from the early 1900s and recent acquisitions by the Festival of Arts. The curated display of 20 art pieces acquired throughout the Festival’s history is located at Laguna Beach City Hall during its public operating hours. Admission is free. Times vary per day. 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. foapom.com
Photo credits: Festival of the Arts courtesy of Victori Solutions – photography courtesy of Pat Sparkuhl. The Waterfront Beach Resort courtesy of Moxxe Public Relations. The Mayor’s Table and Tavern House courtesy of Outshine Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
