Events
Hikari – A Festival of Lights
Starts Nov. 29. Tanaka Farms celebrates the season with Hikari, meaning “shine” in Japanese, featuring over a million holiday lights. Guests can enjoy a wagon ride through the illuminated farm, including the “land of a thousand lanterns,” followed by a visit to the festival grounds. Activities include meeting barnyard animals, dining at the Tanaka Grill, arts and crafts, games, photos with Santa and more. Each activity is priced separately. First day starts this Friday, 4:30-10 p.m. 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine. tanakafarms.com
Film Talk and Screening: The Dark Crystal
Nov. 30. Discover the magic behind The Dark Crystal with original costumes, props, and concept art on display in Fantasy: Realms of Imagination. Before the screening, join film expert Theo Siegel for fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this dark fantasy classic, directed by legendary creators Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Saturday, 1-3 p.m. 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Thanksgiving Dining & Specials
Thanksgiving at The Capital Grille
Nov. 28. Alongside the full dinner menu, The Capital Grille will serve a Thanksgiving entrée with all the holiday favorites. Savor slow-roasted turkey with brioche sage stuffing, French green beans with Marcona almonds, cranberry-pear chutney, and for the table, Sam’s mashed potatoes to share. $55 per adult for Thanksgiving entrée, $20 for children 12 and under (excluding tax and gratuity). Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa. 714.432.1140. More Information
Oceanfront Thanksgiving Feast
Nov. 28. The The Waterfront Beach Resort is the ideal location to indulge in a decadent brunch on the property’s Vista Lawn while sipping on endless French bubbly and mimosas and enjoying a premium cash bar. Enjoy festive live music and a beachside DJ while kids are entertained with fall balloon artistry, airbrush painting, and a captivating magician. Tickets may be found here. Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach. More Information
Benny & Mary’s Thanksgiving
Nov. 28. Benny & Mary’s offers a warm, welcoming space to share a comforting, classic Thanksgiving meal with White and Dark Turkey, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Country-Style Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and Classic Gravy. The meal ends with Pumpkin Pie topped with Whipped Cream and Nutmeg. The Thanksgiving Menu is priced at $70 per guest and is offered from Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 18420 Von Karmen Ave, Irvine. More Information
Pozole for a Cause
Starting Dec. 1. Descanso Restaurant is embracing the spirit of giving with its Pozole for a Cause initiative to support local underserved communities and families this holiday season. Through Dec. 31, a portion of the proceeds from every order of Descanso’s 32oz family-style Pozole, both take-home and dine-in, will benefit three local charities: Miracles for Kids, Trellis – Love Costa Mesa, and Share Ourselves. Hours vary. 1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa. More Information
Thanksgiving Chic at Bayside
Nov. 28. The Ghoukassian Family invites you to skip the hassle of hosting this year and come enjoy Thanksgiving in style. The classically chic fine dining restaurants will offer a chef’s prix-fixe menu, limited a la carte options (and a menu for kids) and, of course, live music in the evening. Enjoy art, music and beautiful food with wonderful family and friends. Thursday, noon-9 p.m. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. 949.721.1222. More Information
Arts + Culture
SoCal’s favorite Holiday Tradition Returns!
Begins Dec. 12. There is only one The Nutcracker, that features the superstar dancers of American Ballet Theatre, gorgeous sets and costumes by Tony winner Richard Hudson and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score played live by Pacific Symphony. Experience why The New York Times calls it “a visual feast like no other.” Dec 12 – 22, only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.8784. More Information
Christmas with The 5 Browns
Dec. 1. Celebrate the holidays with The 5 Browns as the acclaimed Juilliard-trained sibling piano quintet plays fresh, dynamic arrangements of both familiar and lesser-known holiday pieces. They have since performed at the greatest concert halls, from Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts and more. Sunday at 4 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 949.854.4646. More Information
Community Curation: Festival Acquisitions
Now Showing. This winter, the Festival of Arts invites art enthusiasts and the community to explore “Community Curation: Festival Acquisitions,” a compelling exhibit on display at Laguna Beach City Hall through early January. The exhibition highlights recent additions to the Festival of Arts Permanent Art Collection, offering a glimpse into Laguna Beach’s rich artistic history. Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Every other Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. More Information
Photo credits: Hikari event courtesy of Tanaka Farms. Descanso courtesy of ACE PR. Bayside courtesy of Shout PR. Waterfront Resort and Benny & Mary’s courtesy of Moxxe PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
