Events

Christmas Market Opens at the Biergarten at Old World HB

Now Open. The holiday spirit has been unleashed in style at Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach from now through December. Enjoy a holiday market with great shopping, decorations, and delicious German cuisine. Featuring a massive tap list and various events such as live music and arts and crafts on the weekends, this is the best way to ease into the holiday spirit. Hours and more information can be found on their website. 7561 Center Ave #49, Huntington Beach. oldworldhb.com

33rd Annual Winter Fantasy Begins

Nov. 17-Dec. 17. The 33rd Annual Winter Fantasy opens this weekend for five 3-day weekends of unique gift shopping and tons of festive, holiday fun. Highlights include hand crafted gifts, live music on stage, carolers, art classes and more. Friday-Sunday, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online or in person at the Box Office during festival hours. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. sawdustartfestival.org

Kickoff the Holiday Season at Fashion Island

Begins Nov. 17. Starting this Friday, bring the entire family and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. Take photos with Santa and see the beautifully decorated 90-foot tree come to life with magical snowfall, music, and a choreographed light display. Come share your holiday wishes and take a photo at his custom-designed house on the Atrium Lawn. Hours and additional information can be found here. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. fashionisland.com

F1 Experience at Bottega Angelina

Nov. 18. Calling all F1 enthusiasts and OC locals. Join Bottega Angelina for an unforgettable night, as you immerse yourself in the ultimate Formula 1 experience. It features live Entertainment, a casino salon, il Sigaro Cuban Cigar Roller, Unlimited tray pass hors d’oeuvres and much more. Bottle service is available when booking a table. Get your tickets now. Starts Saturday at 9 p.m. 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel. bottegaangelina.com

Food + Drink

Friendsgiving at Mayor’s Table

Nov. 17-19. Gather your friends at Mayor’s Table for the ultimate Friendsgiving experience, only available this weekend. Guests can choose from 3 different features such as their Cochinita Pibil (achiote-braised pork), Beef Wellington, which is served with mushroom duxelle, creamy potato puree, and black truffle jus, or a Salt-Baked Striped Bass. Friday-Sunday, hours vary. 3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach. lidohousehotel.com

Surf City Still Works Tasting Room Opens

Now Open. The pride of Huntington Beach’s spirits scene – Surf City Still Works – is ready to unveil its tasting room’s food options. Their food and beverages are carefully crafted and changing seasonally by their 2-star Michelin chef and Master mixologist both from Vegas. Starting this week, they will be open every Wednesday and Thursday for lunch, happy hour and dinner. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 16561 Gemini Ln, Huntington Beach. surfcitystillworks.com

Brunch at Hammer Burger

Now Available. Downtown Santa Ana’s favorite flatty patty spot now gives guests more opportunities to enjoy their beloved food, as Hammer Burger has introduced brunch services, featuring mimosas, micheladas and special brunch burgers. Come get your flatty patty on and start Sunday off the right way. Doors open at 11 a.m. 313 N. Bush St., Santa Ana. hammerburger.com

Your New Dining Destination Opens

Nov. 17. Orange County’s newest food and dining destination is set to open this Friday. Mercado González Northgate Market contains close to 20 various vendors featuring birria, tamales, tacos, cocteles, produce, and much more. The first 300 visitors with any purchase will receive a free tote/swag bag when the doors open at the corner of Wilson and Harbor in Costa Mesa. Opens Friday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa.
More Information

Arts + Culture

SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns! 

Tickets on Sale Now. American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker is one of the great joys of the holiday season. With ABT’s roster of superstar dancers along with a cast of over 100 performers, gorgeous sets and costumes, and Pacific Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this Nutcracker is truly a spectacle unlike any other!  Get your tickets now, Dec 8 – 17 only. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. www.scfta.org 

The Music of Harry Potter and LOTR

Nov. 18. Come to be swept away with one concert to rule them all, as a string quartet, surrounded by candlelight, transports you to the worlds of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. This is a breathtaking show that welcomes all to experience the magic and wonder of these astounding worlds. Saturday, two shows one at 6:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Irvine UC Church, 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine.
More Information

Dvořák & Chopin

Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The Pacific Symphony will perform Dvořák’s New World Symphony from November 30 to December 2 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. In this ever-popular Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” Dvořák skillfully interweaves Native American and African American themes with Bohemian folk tunes. The concert will also feature Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, with French pianist David Fray. Thursday-Saturday, at 8 p.m. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. pacificsymphony.org

Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.