Holiday happenings, La Habra Tamale Festival, Día de los Muertos exhibit and more…. Here are the top Orange County weekend events for November 28-December 1.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Coats for Kids
Nov. 29. Get into the spirit of giving by donating clothes at 5 Points Plaza’s annual Coats for Kids. Enjoy complimentary hot dogs and refreshments, live music, a photo opportunity with Santa, and holiday crafts for kids. Supplies for shelter animals are also welcome. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Five Points Plaza, 18597 Main St., 858.255.4914. 5pointsplaza.com
“Cool Yule” Tree Lighting Celebration
Nov. 29. A 30-foot Christmas tree lights up the night sky with the backdrop of Pacific Ocean views. Enjoy holiday goodies, a singing Santa, carolers, hot cocoa, cookies, craft artisans and more. Three-time Olympic gold medalist, Kerri Walsh Jennings is Master of Ceremonies. RSVP requested. 5-7 p.m. Free. Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 844.814.2483. meritagecollection.com
Queen Mary Christmas
Starts Nov. 29. Enjoy the holiday spirit aboard the historic Queen Mary as it transforms into an epic adventure-filled wonderland. Highlights include live entertainment, festive libations, strolling performers, sweet treats, light shows, gingerbread and stocking decorating, ice-skating, and shopping. There’s also a meet-and-greet with Ol’ Saint Nick in the Captain’s Quarters. See website for schedule and ticket prices. $20 on-site parking. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com
Rob Schneider at Irvine Improv
Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Three-time Emmy Award winner Rob Schneider takes center stage at the Irvine Improv at Irvine Spectrum Center. Well known for his blend of character and comedic acting, Schneider is one of the most popular touring acts in comedy. F 7:30 p.m., Sa 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Su 7 p.m. $30. Irvine Spectrum Center, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949-854-5455. improv.com
SeaLegs Greetings
Starts Nov. 29. The Prjkt Restaurant Group launches its first holiday beachfront experience, SeaLegs Greetings. The family-friendly venue features waterfront carnival rides, festive bounce houses, live music, crafts, a Christmas tree lot, holiday food and adult beverages. Open daily through January 5. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission; fees vary for activities, food and beverage. 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. sealegsgreetings.com
Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay
Nov. 30. Kick off the holiday season at Newport Dunes’ 29th annual Lighting of the Bay as Santa picks a lucky kid to help him flip the switch to illuminate the bay with more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Families enjoy live chorale performances by local school choirs, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, train rides and an outdoor holiday movie. The bay is illuminated each evening at dusk through New Year’s Day. 3-9:30 p.m. Free. Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
Santa’s Workshop and Family Fest
Nov. 30. Santa arrives at noon for fun photos with the family. This year, the District partners with non-profit organization Miracles for Kids to help families caring for critically ill children. Proceeds from Santa photos directly benefit the organization. Additionally, there will be lots of holiday crafts and activities for children, from kiddy train rides and games to face painting and balloon art. Noon-2 p.m. $8. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.9090. thedistricttl.com
THANKSGIVING
Dana Point Turkey Trot
Nov. 28. Kick-start your Thanksgiving Day with the 42nd annual morning Turkey Trot. Registered participants walk, jog or run a 5K or 10K through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Kids ages 4-12 can join the fun during the Kids’ Gobble Wobble race. Enjoy Thanksgiving menu items with special prices at select restaurants in the harbor. See website for details. Opens 6 a.m. $42+ for 5K race, $47 for 10K race, $22+ Kids’ Gobble Wobble. Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.1555. turkeytrot.com
Thanksgiving at Bayside
Nov. 28. Skip the hassle, stress and mess of hosting Thanksgiving and come celebrate the season with Bayside. With a full traditional Thanksgiving feast available, as well as a la carte options, there’s something for everyone. The Thanksgiving prix fixe menu includes a starter, main course and dessert. Reservations from 1 p.m.-8:30 p.m. $55 adults, $25 children 12 and under. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com
Thanksgiving Dinner at Five Crowns
Nov. 28. Celebrate Thanksgiving like royalty at Five Crowns with seasonal menu offerings courtesy of executive chef Alejandra Padilla, warm hospitality and an unforgettable atmosphere. The festive menu includes the classic oven-roasted free range turkey and prime rib of beef served in the traditional manner. Indulge with the “Best of Both” for a portion of prime rib and side of turkey with all the seasonal accompaniments. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $35-97. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. thefivecrowns.com
Thanksgiving Dinner at The Ranch Restaurant
Nov. 28. Satisfy your holiday cravings with a four-course Thanksgiving dinner at the Ranch. Menu highlights include housemade Laura Chenel goat cheese ravioli, Frog Hollow Warren pear and endive salad, Mary’s organic free-range turkey, Wyoming-raised-buffalo prime rib and harvest pumpkin cheesecake. 2-7 p.m. $85. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200. theranch.com
FOOD + DRINK
Nova Kitchen & Bar
Now Open. New dining destination Nova focuses on experiential dining that endeavor to nourish the body, mind and soul through innovative pan-Asian menus highlighting Japanese, Sichuan, Cantonese, Korean and Thai cuisines. Explore the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—in distinctive settings with element-specific menu options. Walk-ins welcome; accommodates larger parties for private events and buyouts. Su-Th 4-11 p.m., F-Sa 4 p.m.-midnight. 12361 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, 714.696.0888. novaoc.com
Tamale Festival
Dec. 1. Highlights at the largest tamale festival in Orange County include a tamale-pairing class and tamale-making lessons as well as dance and musical performances, free admission to the Children’s Museum at La Habra, a tree-lighting ceremony and photos with Santa. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Euclid St. between La Habra Boulevard and Lambert Road, La Habra, 562.383.4200. lahabratamalefestival.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Día de los Muertos Exhibit
Through Nov. 30. Cheat Day Land artists the Reyes Brothers present a new display honoring the Day of the Dead. The exhibit features more than 20 distinctive, colorful and interactive photo ops using artworks inspired by the traditional Mexican celebration. Guests can also enjoy samples of pan dulce and pan de muerto. M-F 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $10. 700 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. cheatdayland.com
Photos: Coats for Kids courtesy 5 Points Plaza. Paséa courtesy Paséa Hotel & Spa. Queen Mary, Mathew Martinez. Rob Schneider, Julia Kuzmenko. SeaLegs courtesy Reveille, Inc. Turkey Trot courtesy Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Bayside, Allen Taylor. Five Crowns, Anne Watson. The Ranch Restaurant courtesy the Ranch. Tamale Festival courtesy City of La Habra/Facebook. “Día de los Muertos” courtesy Cheat Day Land.
