Events
Festival of Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 26 – Dec.31 Celebrate Kwanzaa at Pretend City. Join each day in the lighting of a candle on the Kinara, and celebrate a new principle through a variety of activities. There will be various activities offered throughout the celebration. If you don’t observe Kwanzaa in your home, take a trip to the Pretend City Library to learn about this beautiful event! No RSVP is required. Admission is free with museum admission. Pretend City, 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900. pretendcity.org
Continue to Keep the Season at The Mission San Juan Capistrano
Open Now. Enjoy a truly beautiful and unique chance to see history meets the holiday. A seasonal experience unlike any other, The Mission in San Juan Capistrano carries a tradition and elegance to it like no other space in Orange County. Feel the true power of the season by getting tickets for your visit during this most special time of year. Holiday programming is available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with dates and ticket information available here. Same-day tickets are not available for purchase online after 3 p.m. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com
OC Baking Company Christmas Eve Pop-Up
Dec. 23. Master Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Company is hosting a Christmas Eve pop-up featuring some of Orange County’s very best food vendors. Featuring Terrace Hill Oil & Jones Coffee, Cali Dumplings, Bracken’s Kitchen, Crema, DoValle Pasta, Adya, Kenchan Ramen, and Miss Mini Donuts, it truly is an all-star lineup. Please bring your own bags, cash, and masks for the event. Attendees are asked to please only park in OC Baking Company spaces, or on the street. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. or until items sell out. 1960 N. Glassell, Orange. ocbakingco.com
Food + Drink
A Christmas Eve Exclusive at Poppy & Seed
Dec. 24. Chef and Co-Owner Michael Reed has prepared an exclusive winter menu for this Christmas Eve. The greenhouse-inspired restaurant is a stunning space that has been bringing equal parts flavor and whimsy since opening. Additionally, the entire space is surrounded by a bespoke chef’s garden, where many of the products on the plate are picked directly from. To view the full Christmas Eve menu, click here. Poppy & Seed, Anaheim Packing District, 350 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, 714.603.7130. poppyandseedoc.com
Holiday Elegance at Bistango
Dec. 24. The Ghoukassian family invites yours to join them for Christmas Eve at Bistango in Irvine for a wonderful celebration of joy. With live music both inside, and out under the palms on the heated patio, there will be lots to make the season bright. Bistango will feature a special holiday prix-fixe menu alongside a limited a la carte menu. On an evening that brings warm smiles, let them be made even warmer by this ambiance and meal! $75 for prix-fixe. Limited a la carte menu available. Bistango, 19100 Von Karmen Avenue, Irvine, 949.752.5222. bistango.com
Festive and Fabulous at Fable and Spirit
Dec. 24. Spend Christmas Eve at Fable & Spirit for a progressive, modern dining experience in a truly unique and beautiful setting. Executive Chef David Shofner will be presenting an innovative and globally inspired menu that focuses on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Settle into the holidays in one of the most well-designed restaurant spaces around, with sublime details at every turn. Dinner reservations will be taken until 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Fable & Spirit, 3441 Via Lido, Suite A, 949.409.9913. fableandspirit.com
Deck the Halls at The Winery
Dec. 24. Eat, Drink & Be Merry at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. The restaurant’s Newport Beach and Tustin locations will be offering Christmas Eve dinner with its full menu, as well as specials for the evening. This time of year is all about enjoyment, and there are few around that know how to deliver that better than the team at The Winery. For the Newport Beach location – 3131 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, 949.999.6622. thewinerynewport.com For the Tustin location – 2647 Park Ave, Tustin, 714.258.7600. thewinerytustin.com
Old Brea Chop House is Christmas Eve Magic
Dec. 24. Welcome the thrills of Christmas Eve in the ethereal embrace that only a classic steakhouse can bring! The full dining menu, as well as two fantastic specials – only available on Christmas Eve – will be available to guests. The specials include Surf & Turf featuring 14oz Mishima Wagyu New York Steak and Shrimp Scampi with a pinot reduction, or a 32 oz Bourbon Dry-Aged Double Cut Ribeye topped with red wine butter. Reservations are strongly encouraged, which can be booked here. Old Brea Chop House, 180 S Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.592.3122. oldbreachophouse.com
Arts + Culture
Sponsored
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec. 26. The world’s greatest entertainers unite for this spell-binding and incredible holiday production! Experience dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. 2nd show added by popular demand! Showings at 5 and 8 p.m.. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Photo credits: The Winery and Fable Spirit courtesy of Moxxe Public Relations. Poppy & Seed courtesy of Bread & Butter Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
