From holiday concerts to movie night on the beach, check out the top Orange County weekend events for November 30-December 3.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Gem Faire
Dec. 1-3. With nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world, Gem Faire is 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 12 and under; $8 parking. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 503.252.8300. gemfaire.com
The WAVE Winter Jam
Dec. 1. The WAVE Winter Jam will feature performances by En Vogue, Blackstreet, Ginuwine, Midnight Star, Club Nouveau, Money B and Young Hump of Digital Underground, Whodini and J.J. Fad. 8 p.m. $31+. Honda Center, 2695 East Katella Ave., Anaheim, 800.745.3000. hondacenter.com
21st Annual Crystal Cove Tree Lighting
Dec. 2. Bring the family to the all-day annual tree lighting ceremony on the beach at Crystal Cove. Discover handcrafted treasures by local residents and artists as well as old-fashioned holiday decorations. Take family photos with Santa and watch the tree lighting ceremony at dusk with complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and home-baked goodies provided by The Beachcomber Café. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. crystalcove.org
Chicano Soul Legends
Dec. 2. Chicano Soul Legends is coming to The Theatre at Honda Center this December. Don’t miss The Midniters with Little Willie G, El Chicano, Malo, Joe Bataan, Tierra, Patti Drew, The Temprees and more. 7 p.m. $27+. Honda Center, 2695 East Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com
Merry Movie Night at Baby Beach
Dec. 2. Bring your beach chairs and blankets, sip hot cocoa and watch Buddy the elf in the classic holiday film, Elf. Jolly festivities include crafts, games, a visit from a live elf and the ceremonial lighting of the Ocean Institutes’ tall ship, the Pilgrim. Festivities 3:30 p.m., movie 5 p.m. Free. 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.923.2255. danapointharbor.com
Run for a Claus
Dec. 2. More than 2,500 participants donned in a variety of fun, colorful and crazy, holiday-themed costumes will descend upon the campus of the University of California, Irvine, for the 4th Annual “Run for a Claus” 5k and 1-Mile Kids’ Run/Walk. The event features a Holiday Expo with family-fun entertainment and free pictures 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. 6:30-10 a.m. $10-$40. University of California Irvine, Ring Road near Aldrich Hall and Student Center, Irvine, 949.222.0456. runforaclaus.com
Jack & Jack at The Observatory OC
Dec. 3. Pop duo Jack & Jack kick off their headlining US tour that will hit 31 cities. Singer Olivia O’Brien and boy band PRETTYMUCH are set to open on select dates. VIP Ticketless Upgrades are available that will include a meet-and-greet and photo with Jack & Jack, green screen music video experience, early entry, a signed lithograph and more. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m. $25. The Observatory OC, 3503 South Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. Tickets
FOOD + DRINK
Holiday Pepper Jelly
Dec. 2. OC Fair & Event Center’s culinary supervisor Pam Wnuck will demo how to make a holiday pepper jelly to enjoy later, give as a gift or to enter in the 2018 OC Fair competitions. Pre-registration is required. 9:30 a.m. $25 includes materials, participants must bring three 8-ounce canning jars with lids and bands. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocfair.com
Wine Pairing Dinner at Vue Restaurant
Dec. 2. Delight in premier Napa Valley wines from Duckhorn Winery. Enjoy a night hosted by executive chef Salvatore Giuliano and Duckhorn’s own Advanced Sommelier as they guide you through an expertly paired five-course meal. 6-9 p.m. $95/pp (tax and gratuity not included). Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. Reservation
House of Blues World Fabulous Drag Brunch: Holiday Blowout
Dec. 2. Get in the Christmas spirit with the House of Blues Holiday Blowout edition of Drag Brunch. Willam, actress, author, YouTuber and former RuPaul’s Drag Racer, will dazzle and entertain you with music, moves and comedy. Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet of Southern-inspired brunch favorites and access to post-show meet-and-greet opportunity with drag stars. 18+. 11 a.m. House of Blues Anaheirn, 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. livenation.com
Miguel’s Jr. Seasonal Tamales
Through Dec. 31. Miguel’s Jr. is rolling out its famous holiday tamales, the perfect gift to unwrap before Christmas. Handmade using 100 percent stone ground corn, the tamales are available in two varieties—California Chile or Chile Rojo Pork. Order them while you can, because they are only available while supplies last. All Miguel Jr. locations. miguelsjr.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 3. The spirit of the season comes alive in this joyous holiday show that includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Grammy award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. 7 p.m. $59. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556-2787. scfta.org
Sugar Plum Fairy
Dec. 3-24. With signature irreverence, NPR superstar Sandra Tsing Loh recounts her own childhood desire for a highly coveted role in the Beverly Rosann School of Dance’s production of The Nutcracker. Filled with ambition, rivalry and pre-teen angst, this hilarious tale of life’s crushing blows has been praised as “a comic assault on holiday sentiment.” $67+. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
STYLE + BEAUTY
Planet Beauty’s 25th Anniversary & CHOC Charity Bash
Nov. 30. Celebrate the season of giving at Planet Beauty’s annual charity event at the Dana Point location. There will be food, drinks, raffles and vendors performing various services for a night of perfect pampering. To commemorate this milestone, 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to CHOC along with all of the proceeds from raffle and fundraising items. 5-8 p.m. Free, RSVP to events@planetbeauty.com. Planet Beauty, 32525 Street of the Golden Lantern D, Dana Point, 949.752.1885. choc.org
OC Facial Care Center
Through Dec. 31. In need of some pampering this holiday season? OC Facial Care Center is offering their award-winning two for one super facial and massage package until the end of the year. See website to book online. $159. 26421 Crown Valley Parkway Suite 100, Mission Viejo, 949.750.5970. ocfacialcarecenter.com
21st Annual Crystal Cove Tree Lighting photo by Paul F. Gero. Run for a Claus photo by Paksit Photos. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas photo by Matt Christine.
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