Knott’s Merry Farm, The Hall Global Eatery, Girls Night: The Musical and more…. Here are the top Orange County weekend events for January 2-5.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Jan. 4. The world’s premier off-road motorcycle championship series returns to Anaheim to kick off the 2020 season. Arrive early for the pre-race FanFest for an opportunity to get an autograph and see the riders, the teams and their bikes. See website for full event schedule. Doors open noon. $25+. Angel Stadium, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 800.352.0212. supercrosslive.com
Princess Tea and Story Time
Jan. 4. The Resort at Pelican Hill presents a magical afternoon tea in the Great Room Social Lounge with princess appearances and readings of classic children’s storybooks by the fireside. 2-4 p.m. $65 adults, $45 children under 12. (Parent supervision required for all children in attendance.) 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Knott’s Merry Farm
Through Jan. 5. Joy is in season at Knott’s Merry Farm. Take in the sights, sounds and scents of the holidays one last time, along with thrilling attractions, live entertainment and holiday decorations. See website for hours. $53+. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Skating Under the Stars
Through Jan. 5. Irvine Spectrum Center brings winter to Southern California with its ice rink. Like every year, guests can locate the ice rink in the Giant Wheel. Come to Themed Thursdays for entertainment, DJ tunes and prizes. See website for skate schedule and prices. 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.748.8280. irvinespectrumcenter.com
Capistrano Lights
Through Jan. 6. Mission San Juan Capistrano’s annual holiday event, Capistrano Lights, is an all-ages family event where guests can experience the festive spirit of the season. The event includes nightly musical tree lighting and decorative light displays. $10 adults, $9 seniors 60+, $7 children ages 4-11. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com
FOOD + DRINK
The Hall Global Eatery
Opens Jan. 2. The highly anticipated new dining concept from acclaimed chef Amar Santana and restaurateur Ahmed Labbate highlights Mediterranean flavors and imaginative seafood in a unique, contemporary setting. Designed as a food hall with an array of selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Hall offers the options of fast-casual, grab-and-go or leisurely dining. The first month, the Pâtisserie and Mediterranean Grill operate from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Crudo and the bar open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; breakfast at the Pâtisserie begins in February. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.515.5544. thehallge.com
Theorem Holiday Menu
Through Jan. 5. Portola Coffee Roasters’ new Theorem menu features barista-created beverages highlighting seasonal ingredients with a whimsical twist. The menu includes Starlight Mint Mocha, Party S’more, Chilled Bourbon Eggnog, Spiced Sidecar and Mulled Tea Toddy. See website for locations and hours. portolacoffee.com
Scarlett Kitchen & Lounge
Upcoming | Opens Jan. 6. Helmed by executive chef Paige Riordan, the 2,800-square-foot restaurant brings the allure of old Hollywood to Rancho Mission Viejo. The menu features family recipes and East Coast classics with the flair of West Coast farm-to-table cuisine. Stand out dishes include Liquid Gold, an over 100-year-old Riordan ragout recipe from Florence, Italy; New England classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls; and a vegan beet tartare (pictured). Entertainment and live music every Friday and Saturday; weekend brunch coming spring 2020. Su-Th 4-10 p.m., F-Sa 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 30865 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo, 949.503.3086. scarletkl.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Girls Night: The Musical
Jan. 2-5. Watch this touching and hilarious ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ musical about the lives of a group of female friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out … and you’ll recognize yourself in each of them. See website for showtimes and prices. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Author Kevin Kwan (DATE CORRECTION)
Feb. 6. Internationally acclaimed author Kevin Kwan—best known for his breakout debut novel Crazy Rich Asians that inspired a #1 movie—comes to Irvine Barclay Theatre to discuss creativity, the cultural impact of his novels and how diversity in many industries must continue to expand. 8 p.m. $48-$110. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
Photos: Supercross courtesy Supercross. Princess Tea and Story Time courtesy The Resort at Pelican-Hill. Knott’s Merry Farm courtesy Knott’s Berry Farm. Skating Under the Stars courtesy Irvine Company. Capistrano Lights courtesy Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Hall Global Eatery, Sarah King. Portola Coffee courtesy Moxxe PR. Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge courtesy Outshine PR. Girls Night: The Musical courtesy Laguna Playhouse. Kevin Kwan courtesy Irvine Barclay Theatre.
