Events
Aliso Viejo Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 30. Come to the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater this Thursday for the city’s annual All Is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Fmilies can come visit Santa in his sleigh, while enjoying festivities including ornament making, glitter tattoos, train rides, and snow much more. Thursday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., 26901 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo. avcity.org
Holiday Pop-up Market
Dec. 1. Come for a festive pop-up event at One Uptown Newport, bringing you the ultimate holiday festivity. Experience an evening of local shopping, all while dancing and sipping on fun holiday cocktails from Sip Sip Mobile Bar, and experience Laotian cuisine from Nok’s Kitchen. Mark your calendar, dress in your finest holiday glam, and more. Friday, 4-8 p.m. 4201 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach. dreamersmarkets.com
Crystal Cove’s Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 2. The holiday season at Crystal Cove State Park Historic District kicks off with a festive event, offering a range of activities such as shopping opportunities from local artisans, beachside photo session with Santa, cookies and cocoa courtesy of The Beachcomber, engage in holiday craft-making and listen to seasonal tunes performed by the Corona del Mar High School Madrigal Singers. The event culminates in the lighting of the iconic Crystal Cove beach tree. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Los Trancos, Newport Coast. crystalcove.org
Holidays at Casa Romantica
Dec. 3. Bring your little ones down to the stunning grounds of Casa Romantica and kick off the holiday season. Enjoy free admission to Casa Romantica and see how amazingly decorated it is for the holidays. Let the children write their letters to Santa, and enjoy a festive family day to start to the holidays. Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. casaromantica.org
Food + Drink
Sinatra Nights
Nov. 30. Aria Kitchen in Irvine is set to host ‘Sinatra Night,’ an evening filled with entertainment and culinary delights. Featuring music by Tony Minnelli and Leslie Dawn, the night will be complemented by Aria Kitchen’s unique Mexican Persian cuisine, a selection of delicious cocktails and their vibrant atmosphere. ‘Sinatra Night’ offers the perfect way to welcome December and get into the festive spirit. Thursday, 7-10 p.m. 2636 Dupont Dr, Irvine. ariakitchen.co
Mr. J’s Burger Pop-up
Nov. 30. Focusing on American street-style burgers Mr. J’s Burger offers guests a selection of burgers ground in-house and crafted with simple, quality ingredients. Served on the Butcher’s House patio, the pop-up is available for walk-up and outdoor seating only. The menu consists of six items total, including three burgers, and is the perfect lunch to keep you satisfied. Available from noon to 2 p.m. 3321 Hyland Ave, Suite D, Costa Mesa. butchershouse.com
A Tasty Trip to Egypt
Dec. 1. Feteer Misr – where Egyptian flavors unite – is setting up shop at Maison Fox – a beloved local wine shop – for an evening pop-up of flavor and fun. Until they sell out, guests are invited to come and have traditional Egyptian Feteer with some wine, friends and culture. Be sure to take the opportunity to stock up on great wine for the holidays as well. Friday, starting at 5 p.m. 532 W Commonwealth Ave suite b, Fullerton. maisonfoxco.com
Holiday Hideout Pop-up
Begins Nov. 30. Starting Thursday, raise your glass to the season at the Holiday Hideout as you enjoy festive cocktails and capture magical moments amidst the winter wonderland ambiance. No reservations are needed – this cozy retreat welcomes both resort guests and the public. Every Thursday-Saturday from 5 p.m.-12 a.m. 900 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach. marriott.com
Arts + Culture
The One and Only, ABT’s The Nutcracker
Coming Soon. American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker has been called “a Christmas miracle” by the Los Angeles Times, “jaw-droppingly beautiful” by the Orange County Register, and “a production like no other” by the New York Times. Share the joy, wonder, and holiday cheer with those you love! Dec 8 – 17, only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787.
www.scfta.org
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood – Scared Scriptless
Dec. 1. Armed with nothing but their sharp wit, comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take to the Barclay stage to create hilarious and original scenes in their two-man show. Known by TV audiences for their work on Whose Line is it Anyway? Colin & Brad improvise new material every night from audience suggestions and participation. Friday at 8 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. thebarclay.org
Holiday Glow (feat. Pacific Vocal Series)
Dec. 2. Step into the holiday season with an enchanting evening of live music, presented in collaboration with Pacific Vocal Series. This event will feature Laguna Beach’s own internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Kayleigh Decker, alongside pianist Cheryl Lin Fielding, performing a selection of recognizable holiday classics. Guests can indulge in sparkling signature cocktails, light bites, and more, making for a memorable musical experience. Saturday at 6 p.m. 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org
Photo credits: Aria and Mr. J’s courtesy of Outshine Public Relations. Holiday Hideout courtesy of The Best Ceats. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
