From tree lighting ceremonies to gourmet cooking classes, check out the top Orange County weekend events for November 16-19.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Reel Rock 12
Nov. 16. Grab your camp chair or crash pad for Reel Rock 12 at Gear Coop. This year’s lineup includes four highly-acclaimed climbing films: Break on Through, Above the Sea, Safety Third and Stumped. Purchase beer from Ritual Brewing, pizza from Olive Wood and sandwiches from Greenleaf ChopShop while perusing the vendor village to scope out new gear and pick up cool swag. 5-11 p.m. $10 advance, $15 at the door. SOCO and The OC Mix, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.928.7389. gearcoop.com
Imagine Dragons – Evolve World Tour
Nov. 16. Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning band Imagine Dragons brings their electrifying live show to Anaheim this fall. Imagine Dragons will be joined by Grouplove and K.Flay. 7:30 p.m. $29.50+. Honda Center, 2695 East Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com
Little Lido Kids Club – Turkey Trouble!
Nov. 16. Bring your children to enjoy a reading of Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper. Kids will create a special turkey of their own and moms will love the raffles and specials from participating Lido Marina Village retailers. Each person who RSVPs will receive one entry for a drawing for a copy of the book, a free week at Curl Fitness, a gift certificate to Sweaty Betty, a $10 gift card to YOLK and free juices from Juice Served Here. 10-11 a.m. Free, RSVP required. 3424 Via Oporto Suite 102, Newport Beach. RSVP
Local Band Hangout with DJ Flaca Lee
Nov. 16. With six years of DJ experience, DJ Flaca Lee is best known for her “Bump N’ Grind Dance Party” in Long Beach. DJ Eusebio Asaka will also spin his best mixes at the November showcase. 7:30 p.m. Free. The Observation Bar & Art Deco Lounge on The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752. queenmary.com
Tree Lighting Event at South Coast Plaza & Dinner at Vaca
Nov. 16. Come for a night of delicious food and the annual lighting of the South Coast Plaza Christmas tree. Enjoy a three-course meal featuring two specialty cocktails created specifically for the event. See website for full menu. 6-9 p.m. $150/pp, including gratuity. Vaca in South Coast Plaza, 695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.463.6060. vaca.mybigcommerce.com
Surfing Santa Competition
Nov. 17-18. Get into the Southern California holiday spirit by coming down to Laguna Niguel to watch Santas ride the Pacific waves. This yearly staple at the Ritz-Carlton is a two-day competition that also includes stand-up paddleboarding. Prizes are awarded in seven divisions for first through fifth place. $60 entry fee. The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Laguna Niguel. surfingsantacontest.org
Fashion Island’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 17-18. The annual tree lighting ceremony returns with holiday surprises and delights in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. Join celebrity host Mario Lopez and KOST 103.5 FM’s Ellen K in welcoming the season with Santa and “snowfall,” as well as a live performance by The Young Americans. 6 p.m. Free. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.721.2000. visitnewportbeach.com
‘Muzeo Express’: Holiday Model Trains
Opening Nov. 18. Celebrate the holiday season with model trains, miniature scenes and kids activities at the Muzeo Museum. Complete with historical relics showcasing the history of trains in Southern California, Muzeo Express is sure to be a holiday favorite for children and enthusiasts alike. $8 GA; $7 students/seniors/military; $5 ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and under. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936. muzeo.org
Santa’s Official Arrival at Pacific City
Nov. 18. Ring in the holiday season as Santa and two of his elves appear in the sky and land on the beach in front of Pacific City. Afternoon entertainment includes Santa photos, holiday songs performed by The Company Kids from Orange County Song and Dance Company, Santa hats, candy canes and more. Noon-2 p.m. Free. 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.930.2345. gopacificcity.com
Third Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Nov. 18. Families are invited to create holiday memories during this tree lighting event. There will be a live reindeer meet-and-greet, complimentary photos with Santa, free hot cocoa, Christmas carolers, live music by J. Liberio, a holiday-themed photo booth, face painting, balloon animals and the lighting of a 40-foot tall tree covered in more than 6,000 twinkling, multi-colored lights as “snow” falls. 4-6:30 p.m. Free. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com
SWEA of Orange County Christmas Fair
Nov. 19. Visitors can experience the Christmas markets of Europe without leaving Orange County at the SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational Association) of Orange County Christmas Fair. There will be a collection of handmade gifts, clothing, crafts, baked goods, unique Christmas decorations, Swedish themed artwork, food and festivities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 adults; $2 children ages 5-15; free for ages 4 and under. 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.895.8020. oldworld.ws
FOOD + DRINK
Beer & Chocolate Pairing
Nov. 15. Join Valenza Chocolatiera for a decadent night of chocolate and beer in the Bruery Terreux Tasting Room. The evening will include a specially-curated flight of Bruery Terreux and The Bruery beers paired with five authentic Italian inspired artisan chocolates. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Bruery Terreux Tasting Room, 1174 N. Grove St., Anaheim, 714.996.6258. valenzachocolatier.com
The Queen Mary Barrel Series: Jack Daniel’s Dinner
Nov. 16. Come aboard the world famous Queen Mary for a Jack Daniel’s tasting dinner. This five-course meal is exquisitely prepared and features the finest ingredients available, resulting in an indelible expression of culinary creativity. Enjoy each course with a different liquor designed to match the meal’s flavor profile, delivering maximum taste. 6 p.m. $130+. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752. queenmary.com
Wine Tasting at Pascal
Nov. 16. Grab your friends and spend the evening at Pascal for wine tasting. Try the Beaujolais Nouveau and other holiday wines while munching on their new holiday appetizers. 5-7 p.m. $28/pp. Call 949.488.0031 for reservations. 31451 Rancho Viejo Road #103, San Juan Capistrano. pascalrestaurants.com
Antonello Ristorante’s Cooking Class
Nov. 17. Join Antonello Ristorante owners Antonio and Fiorella Cagnolo for their last cooking class of the year. Watch and learn how to make some of Antonello Ristorante’s most delicious plates including crostino, risotto, grilled scallops and bomboloni. The evening includes a delicious four-course meal. 6:30 p.m. $130/pp. 3800 South Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153. antonello.com
Beaujolais Nouveau
Nov. 17. Join Moulin in celebrating the release of the highly anticipated red wine, Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine is made entirely from Gamay grapes hand-picked in the Beaujolais province of France, bottled just weeks after harvest. Guests can enjoy live music and all-you-can-drink Beaujolais Nouveau with Moulin’s classic Entrecôtes Frite dinner. 6:30-9 p.m. $39. 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.474.0920. moulinbistro.com
Holiday Entertaining Cooking Class at ADYA
Nov. 17. The holidays are right around the corner, and chef Shachi is here to spice up your next party. This event includes culinary demos, easy-to-follow take-home recipes, culinary secrets from chef Shachi and lunch served with wine/beer or chai. 11 a.m. $35. Call 714.533.2392 to RSVP. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite #201, Anaheim. adyaoc.com
ARTS + CULTURE
‘Journey to Oz’
Nov. 18-19. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original stories, this clever adaptation of the classic American tale allows children in the audience to take on key roles, including Munchkins, Winkies and even Dorothy. Watch this fun, experiential show as Dorothy and her friends battle the Wicked Witch to find the brains, the heart and the courage they never knew they had. Sa 1 p.m., Su 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. $20+. Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
‘The Spirit of Argentina’
Nov. 18-19. Take a journey to this South American country through the passionate dance and music that embody The Spirit of Argentina. The dancers dazzle with sensual moves and playful drama, while the musicians entice with melodies of romance and nostalgia. Sa 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Su 2 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. $39+. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Fashion Island’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony photo provided by Katherine Odom. Outlets at San Clemente Tree Lighting Ceremony photo by Kait McKay. ‘Journey to Oz’ photo by John Merrick.
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