Check Out The Best Orange County Things To Do In December

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Newport Beach Boat Parade

From art exhibits and wine dinners, to holiday festivities, musicals, boat parades and more, find the best Orange County things to do in December 2014 in our events roundup.

Life Candy Exhibit at JoAnne Artman Gallery
Opens Dec. 1. From pop art to abstraction to stunning hyperrealism, Life Candy features artists who delight the senses with their playful themes, glossy finishes and bold hues. Artists Marjorie Strider, Pedro Bonnin, Anthony Hunter, America Martin, Shinji Murakami and James Verbicky tantalize viewers into sumptuous escapism with their energetic embrace of life. Through Jan. 31, 2015. 326 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.510.5481. joanneartmangallery.com

IlluminOcean
Through Jan. 4, 2015. Dana Point is creating waves of excitement this holiday season showcasing 40 nights of holiday lights. With more than one mile of larger-than-life sea sculptures and moving light tunnels dotting the coastline, every step is sure to enchant, excite and electrify your night. Free. Su-Th 5-10 p.m.; F-Sa until 11 p.m. Parking $2/hour at Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive lot. 24650 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.923.2255. mydanapoint.com

L’Opera Schramsberg Wines Event
Dec. 3. Chef Walter Cotta has created an exquisite menu that is sure to please and complement each wine course. Menu items include sliced diver scallops prepared three ways; half-shell Kumamoto oysters topped with shallots and green apple vinaigrette; asparagus, prosciutto, tomato petals on top of cheese fondue; ahi tuna and salmon tartare with cucumber caper aioli with daikon radishes and micro rainbow arugula; mini pork shank set over a porcini mushroom risotto and imported cheeses. 6:30 p.m. 101 Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.491.0066. lopera.com

Pinot Provence
Wait out the holiday traffic and linger over cocktails and bites in the longer fall nights with the restaurant’s Trios Petites Bouchees during happy hour. A host of new fall libations that capture the seasonal spirit include highlights such as the Juliette with Knob Creek bourbon, apricot brandy, apricot and mint and the Esteban with Avion Silver tequila, Chambord, agave nectar, grapefruit, lime and Sprite. Small bites include favorite plates like the Mediterranean mussels with white wine herb broth, red chile and crème fraîche and truffle mac ‘n’ cheese with orecchiette, mornay blend and parmesan cheese. Pinot Provence at The Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. pinotprovence.com

Christmas at the Beach at Balboa Village
Dec. 6. Visit charming Balboa Village for a merry holiday event for the entire family featuring a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, cookie decorating, wooden boat building, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, Christmas carolers, visits with Santa, holiday movies and more. 2-6 p.m. Balboa Blvd. and Palm St. balboavillage.com

Dixie’s Tupperware Party
Dec. 9-Jan. 4. See this hilarious show starring Dixie Longate that turned Off-Broadway into a Tupperware-mania celebration and garnered the prestigious Drama Desk Award Nomination. The Los Angeles Times says, “I was laughing too hard to breathe.” Follow Dixie as she recants her outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways and shares her discoveries on the many alternative uses for her plastic products. $49-$. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121. scfta.org

Crafting & Cocktails at The Soul Project
Dec. 11-12. Join the boutique for an fun evening as your learn to create your own holiday wreath while sipping cocktails and noshing on light bites. Receive 10% off all purchases that night. Advance tickets required. 6-9 p.m. $50; includes all materials. 1516 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach,  949.494.0489. eventbrite.com

Gingerbread House Building Workshop at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Dec 13-14, 20-21. Enjoy a fun afternoon with Executive Chef Darrin Finkel to create your very own gingerbread house. $48 includes house, candy, one chef’s hat, two jingle bells, unlimited soda and two seats; additional seats available for $12. 12-2 p.m. 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200. rbjazzkitchen.com

Veuve Clicquot and Newton Vineyard Wine Dinner at 21 Oceanfront
Dec. 16. Indulge in Executive Chef Miroslav Rusev’s menu including Scottish salmon tartare with ginger seaweed salad; duck confit with risottino Milanese; center cut filet mignon served with roasted green apple, port reduction and sautéed red cabbage and chocolate lava cake. Each course will be paired with one of the featured wines. $110. 6:30 p.m. 21 Oceanfront, 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com

Disney On Ice
Dec. 16-21. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. 7:30 p.m. $15-$75. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com

106th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 17-21. Join Parade Grand Marshals (and Newport Beach natives) actress Leslie Mann and actor/singer Mark McGrath for opening night (Dec. 17) of the holiday spectacular that Conde Nast Traveler hails as one of the “World’s Best Christmas Parades” as Newport Harbor transforms into an illuminated wonderland. More than 100 vessels of all sizes are adorned from top to bottom with lights, decorations, moving displays, dancers, music and more. In tandem with the Newport Beach Boat Parade, view the Ring of Lights, beautifully decorated bayside homes and businesses surrounding the harbor with their own holiday spirit, featuring everything from rooftop-animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Check website for parade route and parking information. 949.729.4400. christmasboatparade.com

Holiday Celebrations at SOCO and the OC Mix
Dec. 19-21. Take a break from the hustle-and-bustle and enjoy holiday activities like photos with Santa, sweet treats and wines, complimentary gift wrapping, and of course shopping. On Dec. 19 from 1-5 p.m., enjoy live piano playing’s by Trevor Wesley, visits with Santa, pictures at the SOCO photobooth and a real snow fall provided by 24 Carrots. Various merchants will be offering samples ranging from sips of wine to sweet treats. On Dec. 20-21, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa returns to hear your holiday wishes. Pose for pics in the photo booth while listening to live music and relishing the holiday spirit. Free. 3301 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, southcoastcollection.com

Kinky Boots at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Opens Dec. 30. See the smash-hit musical that brings together four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein and Grammy Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper. Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Charlie finds inspiration from Lola, a fabulous entertainer who is in need of some sturdy stilettos and helps him turn the factory around to save the family business. Through Jan.11, 2015. $29-$109. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

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