Looking for ways to get in the holiday spirit? Whether you want to celebrate by building your own gingerbread house, watching a holiday boat parade or Christmas performance, or savoring a Christmas dinner or brunch from your favorite restaurants, our Orange County Christmas roundup will guide you where and how to celebrate.CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Gingerbread House Building Workshop at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Dec 13-14 and 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
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 “Worlds 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 roof-top 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 Dinner Cruises with Hornblower Cruises
Dec. 3, 5, 10, 26 & 27. Join Hornblower for a festive holiday dinner cruise including glimmering views of Newport Beach, DJ entertainment, boarding glass of champagne and a delicious four-course meal. Enjoy dancing under the stars as you glide around the harbor. 7:30 p.m. $84.95-$89.95 adults; $76.46 senior and active military; $50.97 children 4-12. 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.0155. hornblower.com
Dana Wharf Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Cruise
Dec. 5, 6, 12 & 13. Boats of all shapes and sizes dress up and parade the harbor with music and decorations of all kinds. Led by the Dana Pride, the Boat Parade of Lights was started by Dana Wharf back in 1974. 7:30-9 p.m. $29 adults; $15 children 14 and under. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794. danawharf.com
Nutcracker for Kids
Dec. 13. Pacific Symphony and Festival Ballet Theatre entice audiences of all ages with the sweet melodies, magical celebration and excitement of one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballets. Created especially for children ages 5-11, this 45-minute version of the ballet features narrator Charlotte Rubino, age 11. Sing-alongs include “Jingle Bells,” “The Dreidel Song” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $35-$60. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating at Island Hotel Newport Beach
Dec. 13. Join Pastry Chef Andy de la Cruz as he involves children in a favorite holiday tradition. Kids will enjoy holiday treats, take part in a culinary class and create their own gingerbread house to enjoy at home throughout the season. Parental supervision required. $75 per child. 11 a.m. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Breakfast with Santa at Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Dec. 14. Children will enjoy a fun-filled morning with breakfast, chocolate fountain station, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, face painting and a movie. Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities before he heads back to the North Pole. 8-11 a.m. $35 adults; $15 children 6-12. Reservations required. Laguna Cliffs Marriott, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. lagunacliffs.com
IlluminOcean
Through Jan. 4. 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
Brunch with Santa at Oak Grill
Dec. 14. Enjoy brunch with Santa at the Fireside Lounge. Brunch will include seasonal favorites and plated selections from the holiday brunch menu. $60 adults; $29 children. Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.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
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Dec. 10-14. Find your heart growing a few sizes along with Grinch’s when you experience the magic of the beloved tale on stage, which features the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small” decides to steal Christmas away from the loveable Whos. With magnificent sets and costumes, the music and book breathe new life into this timeless story that audiences of all ages will enjoy. $29-$99. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Chipotle
Opt to cater your holiday party of 20-200 with a taco or burrito bowl spread including Chipotle’s signature meats, sides, chips, guacamole and salsas. Burritos by the box are another option and your gourmet spread will be easy to set up as each comes with everything needed to serve hungry partygoers. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours ahead of pick-up time. See website for locations. chipotle.com
CHRISTMAS EVE
Stonehill Tavern
Indulge in an indelible five-course holiday tasting menu created and prepared by Executive Chef Raj Dixit. Dishes include $125; $195 with wine pairings. 5-8 p.m. St. Regis Monarch Beach, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200. stregismb.com
Oak Grill
Chef Marc Johnson will prepare a festive prix fixe meal including a shared course of a chilled frutti de mare platter with lobster, prawns, oysters and migonotte; choice of winter forest mushroom bisque and black forest truffles or roasted beet and grapefruit salad; choice of entrée including prime rib, pan seared salmon or Maine lobster linguini and warm pumpkin butter cake with cinnamon ice cream and cranberry confit, fried apple pie with egg nog ice cream or dark chocolate fudge cake with English toffee ice cream. 4-9 p.m. $95 adults; additional $25 with wine pairings; $25 for children’s menu; under 5 are free. Oak Grill at Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Spend Christmas Eve at Vue Restaurant with an a la carte menu including choices such as Kobe short ribs; Skuna Bay salmon; filet mignon; prawn linguini and saffron couscous. Children’s menu available. 5-10 p.m. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. lagunacliffs.com
Waterline Newport Beach
Enjoy a traditional and delicious four-course holiday dinner served in a relaxed ambiance along the waterfront. Christmas spirit will fill the air with lovely piano melodies played throughout your meal. Menu choices include crab and artichoke dip with nori bread; tuna trio with green pea ginger, tomato galangal, crème fraiche and shiso; sea bass en papillotte with clams, mussel, chorizo, tomato and grilled bread; seared duck breast with crispy ravioli of confit duck, balsamic roasted fig and long pepper duck jus; grilled prime rib eye with bone marrow and truffle condiment, cauliflower horseradish puree and red wine sauce and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. $80 adults; $40 children 4-12. 5-9 p.m. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
Pinot Provence
Celebrate with a seasonally inspired prix-fixe dining experience. Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez offers dishes including apple and fennel soup with anise-cinnamon cream; kurobuta pork belly with braised mustard greens, chestnut puree and honeycomb; petit filet with peppercorn sauce horseradish crème and duck fat fries and apple tart with pickled apples, apple cider gastrique, fromage frais and apple chip for dessert. 5-9 p.m. $55 for three-courses; $65 for four-courses; $19 children 10 and under. The Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. patinagroup.com
Fig & Olive
Spend Christmas Eve dining on French Riviera-inspired dishes such as roasted butternut squash cappuccino with Jamon Iberico 5J, ricotta, sage foam and fig jam crostini; grilled Maine lobster with artichoke tapenade, tomato confit, shaved wild mushroom and saffron aioli and roasted turkey breast served with sautéed wild mushrooms, butternut squash puree, toasted pumpkin seed, rosemary, thyme, l’orange spice, micro rainbow greens and Arbequina olive oil. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fashion Island, 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
Eats Kitchen & Bar
Executive Chef Jason Montelibano is serving up a remixed family-style menu featuring a playful combination of favorites you’d see on his table at home. Pair a demi-glaze rib roast with shepherd’s pie or whole snapper with purple potato puree. Standards like roasted chicken, mac and cheese, heirloom carrots and Brussels sprouts made the cut, but don’t expect desserts to be ordinary. Mini gingerbread cakes with nutmeg-infused butter cream and dark chocolate truffles with white chocolate peppermint will satisfy any holiday sweet tooth. Hotel Irvine Jamboree Center, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
CHRISTMAS
Waterline Newport Beach
Experience the rich tradition of Christmas as you delight in a fine meal with loved ones. Enjoy a five-course intimate dinner amidst the views of the beautiful Newport Bay with a live pianist playing in the background. $92 adults; $46 children ages 4-12. 2-7 p.m. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Celebrate with a special Christmas menu including roasted pumpkin and acorn squash soup; mixed greens with pomegranate, glazed pecans, Stilton blue cheese and apple vinaigrette; rack of lamb with roasted potatoes, mint infused green beans and red wine reduction and triple chocolate peppermint cake. Enjoy live entertainment while you dine. 2-6 p.m. $85. Children’s menu available. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. lagunacliffs.com
Island Hotel Newport Beach
Dine on a champagne buffet meal of classical favorites and seasonal items. Offerings include whole roasted tenderloins of beef, grilled salmon and duck confit risotto with farmer’s market salads made-to-order as well as globally inspired options like hand-made tamales. Choose from traditional holiday sides and an assortment of delectable desserts. Enjoy live music and a photo booth while a children’s craft corner will encourage budding holiday artists. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $79 adults; $19 for children’s menu; under 5 are free. Ballroom, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Pinot Provence
Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez is serving up a fine holiday meal including choices like Hamachi crudo with pineapple, espelette pepper, celery salad and bacon vinaigrette; asparagus gratin with brown butter, quail egg and shaved asparagus; crispy duck breast with braised napa cabbage, gooseberry tapenade and hunter sauce and chocolate Bûche de Nöel with chocolate sponge cake, chocolate caramel Chantilly and hazelnut crisp. 5-9 p.m. $55 for three-courses; $65 for four-courses; $19 children 10 and under. The Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. patinagroup.com
Oak Grill
Chef Marc Johnson will prepare a festive prix fixe meal including a shared course of a chilled frutti de mare platter with lobster, prawns, oysters and migonotte; choice of winter forest mushroom bisque and black forest truffles or roasted beet and grapefruit salad; choice of entrée including prime rib, pan seared salmon or Maine lobster linguini and warm pumpkin butter cake with cinnamon ice cream and cranberry confit, fried apple pie with egg nog ice cream or dark chocolate fudge cake with English toffee ice cream. 4-9 p.m. $95 adults; additional $25 with wine pairings; $25 for children’s menu; under 5 are free. Oak Grill at Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Queen Mary
Enjoy a world-class gourmet feast at Sir Winston’s with award-winning cuisine including traditional favorites. Scott MacDonald will be pumping out prodigious piano tunes for your musical entertainment. $75 adults; $19.95 children. 5:30-10 p.m. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Eats Kitchen & Bar
Executive Chef Jason Montelibano is serving up a remixed family-style menu featuring a playful combination of favorites you’d see on his table at home. Pair a demi-glaze rib roast with shepherd’s pie or whole snapper with purple potato puree. Standards like roasted chicken, mac and cheese, heirloom carrots and Brussels sprouts made the cut, but don’t expect desserts to be ordinary. Mini gingerbread cakes with nutmeg-infused butter cream and dark chocolate truffles with white chocolate peppermint will satisfy any holiday sweet tooth. Hotel Irvine Jamboree Center, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Hornblower Crusies
Take the stress out of the holidays this year by eliminating the work and just enjoying the company of friends and family Hop on board a Hornblower yacht for a delicious buffet cruise complete with all the trimmings, live entertainment and breathtaking views. 3 p.m. $86. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.2412. hornblower.com
St. Regis Monarch Beach
Delight in a Christmas buffet at Motif with holiday favorites, delectable desserts and international culinary creations. $115 adults; $35 children 5-12. !0 a.m.-7 p.m. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200. stregismonarchbeach
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Celebrate Christmas overlooking the Pacific Ocean with an unforgettable feast of traditional cuisine, accompanied by a classical harpist. Children’s activities include Santa Claus photos, cupcake decorating and a children’s entertainment show at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. $115 adults; $60 children. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Clancy’s American Grill
Enjoy the everyday menu as well as holiday specials including fresh oven roasted turkey breast with herbed stuffing, cider glazed sweet potatoes, seasonal vegetables and cranberry; filet mignon sliders with crispy onion straws and clubhouse bread pudding with bourbon vanilla bean sauce. 4 p.m.-close. 2191 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.7500. clancysamericangrill.com
Watertable
Celebrate Christmas with a family-style experience with a holiday twist. Select individual plated entrees and sides for the table to share and complement your meal with a shared appetizer and family style salad. Enjoy an elegant display of traditional holiday desserts and beverages in the restaurant’s Family Kitchen area. Menu highlights include creamy Camembert and pear with a warm honey-balsamic glaze and winter walnuts; Christmas goose; salt crusted prime rib; brown bag baked ham and cedar plank Skuna Bay salmon. Desserts include bourbon-praline crème brûlée, eggnog spice mini cupcakes and chocolate peppermint bark. 2-9 p.m. $54. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4776. hyatt.com