Boat Rides with Santa
Holiday Happenings THURSDAY, NOV. 22 - FRIDAY, NOV. 23
Moonlight Madness Late Night Shopping Party 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. The San Clemente Outlets has turned the Black Friday shopping experience into a full-fledged party. Shoppers will be able to dance beneath the stars to DJs, sip holiday spirits at a late night happy hour and hop in a prize machine for the chance to win hotel getaways and more. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com FRIDAY, NOV. 23
A Charlie Brown ChristmaS 8 p.m. Catch opening night of this classic at Camino Real Playhouse that has Charlie Brown and his pals Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and other members of the Peanuts gang do a play, save a tree and find out what the true meaning of Christmas is. The play will run through Dec. 22 and tickets are $27. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org SATURDAY, NOV. 24
Small Business Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Take a stroll along Avenida Del Mar and get some holiday shopping done while supporting Downtown San Clemente’s businesses for Small Business Saturday. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. www.villagesanclemente.org. TUESDAY, NOV. 27
2018 Marbella Country Club Annual Holiday Boutique 12-8 p.m. Spend a day shopping for unique items from small business owners, then sit down for a lunch buffet. A fashion show will commence at 1 p.m. Prizes throughout the day. Tickets for the lunch buffet are $35 and support Saddleback Valley Christian School. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. 949.248.3700. www.marbellacc.net. SATURDAY, DEC. 1
‘Santa Paws’ Photos 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bring your four-legged companion with you to get some pictures with Santa Claus. Pictures will be taken in the El Torito Courtyard. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.
10 a.m.–2 p.m. Head down to the Dana Wharf Docks for a free boat ride with Santa. No reservation is necessary. Boat rides will happen at the same time on Dec. 2 as well. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com
City of San Juan Capistrano Christmas Celebration 4-5:45 p.m. Head to the Historic Town Center Park for an evening of entertainment and a Christmas tree lighting. Free parking and event shuttle service is available. 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.
A Christmas Concert 4 p.m. Enjoy music of the Christmas season at San Clemente Presbyterian Church with a concert featuring a chamber orchestra, Christmas choir, children’s choir, hand bells and a worship band. Shop a gift fair afterward. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. 949.492.6158. www.scpres.org.
Christmas at The Mission 5:30-8 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano for its first-ever Christmas tree lighting. Las Golondrinas restaurant will be serving savory tamales and 3:16 Bakery will be serving hot cocoa and sweet treats. Tickets are $7. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com
Winter Festival and Tree Lighting 12-5:30 p.m. Head to La Plaza Park in Dana Point for holiday activities including carnival games, a craft fair, face painting, a petting zoo, a Lego Santa’s Village Workshop and more. The annual tree lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m. Free cookies and hot chocolate will be served. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.248.3536. www.danapoint.org.
Christmas at The Casa 5-7:30 p.m. See Casa Romantica decorated for the holidays during this free open house event, which will feature live music, choral groups, kids’ crafts, refreshments, a talking tree and the jolly man himself – Santa Claus. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org
Puttin’ on the Glitz 5-8 p.m. Head to downtown San Clemente for an evening of shopping, dining and visit with Santa Claus and holiday carolers. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. www.villagesanclemente.org. SUNDAY, DEC. 2
Merry Monarch – A Festive Tree Lighting 3-5:45 p.m. Enjoy musical performances put on by students, cocoa and cookies and visits with Santa Claus at this Monarch Beach Resort event. The evening will conclude with the official lighting of a holiday tree presented by Ellen K of radio station KOST. Proceeds from the event go to support The Care Foundation, which raises funds for local schools. Ticket options begin at $10. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. www.monarchbeachresort.com
Holiday Lights Viewing Party
Holiday Happenings continued
SUNDAY, DEC. 2
Yappy Howl-iday Celebration 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Canines will have a great time at this holiday-themed “yappy hour” at The Ritz Carlton, which will have them lapping up meat or vegan-flavored libations while their human companions enjoy wine, beer or a cocktail. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.
Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano 5 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano will be having a nightly tree lighting each night from Dec. 2 through Jan. 6, 2019. Visitors must be on the grounds before 5 p.m. to enjoy the lighting experience. Tree lighting will not take place Dec. 24, 25 and 31. $7 for children and $10 for adults. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5
Tree Lighting at Pines Park 4-6 p.m. Head to Pines Park at Capistrano Beach for free family activities, hot chocolate, cookies and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point. 949.248.3502. www.danapoint.org. FRIDAY, DEC. 7
The Nutcracker at Casa Romantica 7-8 p.m. See the holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Orange County Ballet Theater in the cozy Main Salon of the Casa. Tickets are $40. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights 7:30 p.m. Boaters will decorate their boats to vie for awards and light up the harbor with a parade. Event also happens at the same time on the Dec. 8, 14 and 15. People can watch the parade for free anywhere in the harbor or make reservations to view it from one of the nearby restaurants. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com
Take a Santa Selfie 4:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your your cameras to the Dana Point Harbor to get a selfie with Santa. The event will also take place on Dec. 8, 14 and 15. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com
6:30-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for hot cocoa (bring your own mug), gold panning, country line dancing and other activities as part of their annual viewing party for the Dana Point Harbor Drive Boat Parade of Lights. Tickets for the party are $15. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org FRIDAY, DEC. 14
2nd Annual Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m. The Dana Pointy Symphony will be having its second annual Holiday Concert. Guests will be able to hear a number of classic holiday hits during the concert, not only from the symphony itself, but also from the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church Choir. Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for seniors, students younger than 18 and active military. www. danapointsymphony. com. 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. SATURDAY, DEC. 15
Gingerbread House Making 10-11 a.m. Have your kiddos experience some old-timey holiday magic at Casa Romantica by having them make ginger bread houses using gingerbread, frosting and candy. Event is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org. SUNDAY, DEC. 16
Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie Decorating 2-4 p.m. Get your family together at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel to make gingerbread houses and holiday cookies. Children can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate. Other drinks are available for purchase. The cost is $175 per Gingerbread House. Call to reserve your space. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com THURSDAY, DEC. 20
Christmas Bird Counting at The Reserve 8 -11 a.m. Head to The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and participate in the annual Audubon Christmas bird count. More than 80 species of birds have been seen at The Reserve in previous years. Participants are encouraged to visit Audubon’s website to learn more about the event, one of the oldest “citizen science” events in the country. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org MONDAY, DEC. 31. – JAN. 1
New Year’s at San Juan Hills Golf Club 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Ring in the New Year at San Juan Hills Golf Club with a DJ and a special guest band. The event will feature tapas, appetizer stations and a Champagne toast. Guests will be able to take home a souvenir photo from a New Year’s-themed photo experience. Tickets are $100. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1167. www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.
Cool PIcks: gift ideas for everyone on your list
AT-LP60 turntable
$99.99
Holiday Offer $9 a unit for Xeomin ® or $10 a unit for Botox ®
Moldy Toes Records 217 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.444.8275 facebook.com/moldytoesrecords
Riviera Laser Studios 34189 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 201 Dana Point • 949.370.3177 rivieralaser.com
Stone Skulls – Sold Separately
Malachite – 1 ¾” x 1 1/8” • Pyrite – 2” x 7/8” Chevron Amethyst – 2” x 1 ¼” • Sodalite – 3” x 5 ¾”
Wine Tasting Gift Certificates & Bottles 10% off wine bottles to go
Designs By Nature 400 South El Camino Real, A San Clemente • 949.498.8358 designsbynature.com
Five Vines Wine Bar 31761 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 11 San Juan Capistrano • 949.800.9145 fivevineswinebar.com
Audio-Technica Turntable
$40.00-$1250.00
Also Offering Craft Beer and food