From holiday decorating and parades to sweets, eats and more, check out the top Orange County weekend events for November 29-December 2.

Edited by Laura Okey.

EVENTS

22nd Annual Crystal Cove Tree Lighting 
Dec. 1. Bring the family to the annual tree-lighting ceremony on the beach at Crystal Cove. Discover handcrafted treasures and jewelry made by local residents and artists and take part in various free activities. Take family photos with Santa and watch the tree-lighting ceremony at dusk while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and home-baked goodies provided by The Beachcomber Café. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free; parking $5. Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. crystalcove.org

 

Run for a Claus
Dec. 1. Join more than 2,500 participants in a variety of fun, colorful and crazy holiday-themed costumes for the 5th Annual Run for a Claus 5k and 1-Mile Kids’ Run/Walk. The event features a Holiday Expo with family-fun entertainment and free photos with Santa Claus. All runners receive a Santa hat and beard prior to the run and a medal and a mug for hot cocoa when they finish. 8:30 a.m. 1-mile Kids’ Run/Walk; 9 a.m. 5k. $10-$45. University of California, Irvine, Ring Road near Aldrich Hall and Student Center, Irvine, 949.222.0456. runforaclaus.com

 

Wreath-Decorating Class
Dec. 1. Join wreath-making experts as they guide you in the creation of your very own beautiful, fragrant wreath to adorn your home during the holiday season. Live greens, wreaths and decorations are provided; the creativity is up to you! Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne to enhance your holiday spirits. 11 a.m. $195. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953.  montagehotels.com

 

 

Gem Faire
Dec. 1-2. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world make the Gem Faire one of the largest gem, jewelry and bead shows in the United States. Discover fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and more. Free hourly door prizes. F noon-6 p.m.; Sa 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m-5 p.m. $7 GA; free for children 11 and under; $8 parking. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 503.252.8300. gemfaire.com

 

 

Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy
Dec. 1-2. The Sawdust Art Festival grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Experience unique artworks by 175 artists, live holiday entertainment, outdoor cafés, art classes and demonstrations, Santa Claus and more. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $4-$8. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org

 

 

Huntington Beach Pier Snowflake-Lighting Ceremony + Holiday Parade
Dec. 2. Join the Light a Light of Love, a “snowflake lighting” along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier in honor of local at-risk-youth shelter Waymakers. Revel in seasonal bliss with fun festivities, carolers, performances, and more, including a special children’s parade and Surf City Santa Meet & Greet. 3:30-7 p.m. Holiday Parade 4-5:15 p.m.; Santa Meet-and-Greet 5 p.m.; Snowflake Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m. Free. Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, Main Street and Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. waymakersoc.org

 

The Yappy Howl-iday Celebration 
Dec. 2. This festive gathering gives canines and companions the opportunity to showcase their best holiday attire while gathering donations of dog food, treats, and toys to support animals in need. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, and the proceeds will entirely benefit the Canine Companions for Independence. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com

 

 

“Queen Mary Christmas: Where Holidays Set Sail”
Through December. Enjoy the holiday spirit aboard Queen Mary as it transforms into an epic adventure-filled wonderland. Enjoy live entertainment, festive libations, vintage-dressed carolers, sweet treats, light shows, ice-skating, eclectic shopping and more. Don’t miss the meet-and-greet with Santa in the Shipyard. See website for schedule and ticket prices. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

Pickled Monk
Now Open. Check out the latest addition to Orange County’s trendy dining scene at downtown Fullerton’s reimagined gastropub, Pickled Monk. From its curated selection of 30 notable craft beers and specialty wines, all offered on an interactive, self-pour wall, to its shareable California cuisine and friendly atmosphere, guests will be transported to a freshly interpreted, approachable and modern neighborhood gathering spot. Explore the flavors of a comforting yet playful menu by acclaimed chef David Fuñe. 101 N. Harbor Blvd., #100, Fullerton, 714.793.9100. pickledmonk.com

 

Sips & Sweets at Sugarfina
Nov. 29. Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings at Sugarfina as it celebrates its reopening at South Coast Plaza with candy tastings, cocktails and light bites. Check out its cutest new candy collection in partnership with Sanrio, featuring characters such as Hello Kitty. 5-7 p.m. Sugarfina South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Level 1, Carousel Court, Costa Mesa. Tickets

 

 

Tidbits Ice Cream Social
Dec. 1. Head to Tidbits, a brand new experimental sweet-treat destination, for a complimentary sampling of its one-of-a-kind desserts and unique beverage creations. In celebration of the grand opening, all guests who stop by from noon-4 p.m. receive a complimentary menu item of his/her choice! Savor treats such as egg-puff waffle cones, macaron ice cream sammies, wheel cakes, cheese teas and more. Drink creations include craveable flavors such as coffee and oreo, honey lavender and sea salt black tea. Free. 16051 Brookhurst St., Unit D, Fountain Valley, 866.210.0830. tidbitsoc.com

 

ARTS + CULTURE

Chicano Soul Legends
Dec. 1. Get down for some soul music at Chicano Soul Legends. Enjoy performances by Los Lonely Boys, Thee Midniters, El Chicano and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $33. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com

 

 

 

So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2018
Dec. 2. The top 10 finalists from the most recent season of So You Think You Can Dance hit the stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. They include Hannahlei Cabanilla, Jay Jay Dixonbey and Chelsea Hough. Also enjoy special appearances by Season 15 winner Jensen Arnold and all-star guests Lauren Froderman and Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $39. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

 

 

Pickled Monk photo courtesy Peacock PR. Montage wreath photo courtesy MClark PR. Huntington Beach Pier Snowflake Lighting photo courtesy Reveille, Inc. Sawdust Festival photo courtesy of DB&M Media. Queen Mary Christmas photo courtesy The ACE Agency. Sugarfina photo courtesy Sugarfina. Tidbits photo courtesy Powerhouse Communications.

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