Events
Dana Point Turkey Trot
Nov. 27. Celebrate the 48th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving Day – one of the nation’s largest and most scenic turkey trots. Held in the picturesque Dana Point Harbor, this USA Track & Field-certified event offers a 5K, 10K, Combo 15K, and Kids’ 1-Mile Gobble Wobble. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a costume contest, health & fitness expo, and more. Best of all, your participation supports local charities – helping to give back to the community. Full event schedule and location details. turkeytrot.com
Winterfest OC Returns
Opens Nov. 28. Ice skate, enjoy holiday lights, hit the slopes, and more at Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa. Enjoy fun events with the family in the snow, where they will have a variety of activities such as ice tubing and more. Plus you will get the chance to meet Santa, enjoy nightly tree lightings, play in the snow, enjoy live bands, holiday food and drinks, and much, much more. Get your Winter Fest tickets for endless holiday fun. Opening day is this Friday, 5-10 p.m. At OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets and More Information
Food + Drink + Thanksgiving
Give Thanks at Water Grill
Nov. 27. A three-course holiday prix fixe offering will be available all day, in addition to the full menu. Starter is a choice of classic clam chowder or mixed organic greens; the holiday entrée is roasted Diestel Family Ranch turkey, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, traditional cranberry sauce, homemade sourdough apple-celery stuffing and turkey gravy. Dessert is either pumpkin cheesecake topped with homemade whipped cream or caramel bread pudding. Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa. More Information
Pier Summit Ski Lodge Returns
Now Open. What do neon-colored ski outfits, a life–size yeti and thematic food, drinks, and décor all have in common? Each of these will be heavily on display at Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort’s new winter pop-up bar, Pier Summit Ski Lodge. The beverage menu is the real star of the show with a selection of affectionately named craft cocktails served up in experiential ways. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 5-10 p.m. 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. More Information
Poppy Serves Thanksgiving Buffet
Nov. 27. The newly renovated restaurant, led by Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan, is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet with a carving station, seasonal sides and house made holiday desserts. Highlights include thyme brined turkey breast, Dijon and sage rubbed ribeye, butternut squash ravioli and a full dessert spread with traditional favorites. The buffet is priced at $59 per adult and $20 per child, with an optional bottomless wine add-on for $10. Thursday, from 2 p.m.- 8 p.m. 777 W Convention Way, Anaheim. More Information
Coastal Thanksgiving
Nov. 27. Celebrate Thanksgiving by the sea at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. The resort’s annual Thanksgiving buffet in the Huntington Ballroom, features roasted turkey, prime rib, honey-glazed ham, pumpkin maple bisque, roasted root vegetables, and more. Desserts include seasonal favorites, with Champagne, coffee, tea and soft drinks included. With ocean views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, the resort offers a festive and effortless holiday experience. Thursday, from noon to 4 p.m., 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. More Information
Thanksgiving at Morton’s The Steakhouse
Nov. 27. Start with butternut squash bisque with cinnamon crème fraîche. Next, a fall harvest salad with arugula, fennel, Honeycrisp apple, pomegranate, spiced walnut, goat cheese and maple vinaigrette. The entrée is oven-roasted turkey roulade with savory sage & cranberry stuffing, turkey gravy, sour cream mashed potatoes, Morton’s green bean casserole and fresh cranberry sauce. End the feast with pecan streusel cheesecake with salted caramel and bourbon cream. Thursday, noon-8 p.m. 1641 W Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. More Information
Arts + Culture
SoCal’s Favorite Holiday Tradition Returns!
Coming Soon. ABT’s The Nutcracker is more than a performance – it’s a memory you will share forever! There’s only one The Nutcracker that features American Ballet Theatre’s roster of superstar dancers and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score played live by the incredible Pacific Symphony. Experience the magic, Dec 11 – 21, only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Festival of Arts Presents “Light and Shadow: Value in Laguna”
Now Showing. This winter, the Festival of Arts presents Light and Shadow: Value in Laguna, an exhibition at Laguna Beach City Hall. Featuring paintings and photographs spanning more than a century of Laguna Beach artistry, the show examines how local artists — from early California Impressionists to contemporary creators — have used light and shadow to reveal what they value most. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours vary. Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. More Information
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party
Nov. 30. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event throughout the country. Drawing on a rich catalogue of holiday classics and Christmas originals from the band’s two full-length holiday albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre with its fun and quirky take on the holidays includes the classic holiday songs. Sunday at 5 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
