This Weekend in OC

I realize it's only Tuesday, and this post is coming a little earlier in the week than most of our "Things To Do This Weekend in OC" posts, but I also know that with December comes a flurry of holiday parties, prep, shopping, wrapping, etc etc etc, so I want to give you as much time as possible to make room in your schedule for these cool upcoming events.

The first weekend in December promises to be a good one: we've got boat parades, tree lightings, concerts, Santa, candle dipping, pier lighting, and more! Check it out, in date order:

Friday, 12/3, from 4-8 pm: Holiday in the Harbor at Dana Point Harbor. Frosty the Sno-Man, Heebie & Jeebie, Holiday crafts tables, "people painting"- glittery paintings on hands, arms, and faces, Santa's workshop puppet show, and Jolly old Saint Nick will be in his sleigh out in front of Harpoon Henry's, ready for pictures and a visit with the kids. There will also be appearances by Dickens Carolers, Abbitt the Average, The Jack Straws, Zany Shoppers, and Balloon guy Andrew! Free admittance. Call (949)923-2255 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4, 10am-7pm: Tree Lighting & Holiday Village in Anaheim at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street. Free holiday crafts for kids, free train rides, holiday music, free picture with Santa, free snow play (bring mittens and boots), international food fair, and unique gift shopping!

Saturday, 12/4, 4:15-9pm: San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting at Historic Town Center Park. San Juan Hills & Capistrano Valley High School Orchestras and our City's very own Ballet Folklorico dance group will perform on stage.   Students from a local Conservatory of the Arts have designed a stage production filled with song and dance.  The official lighting of our Christmas Tree takes place at 5:45pm after which a candle light procession will lead guests out of the park and over to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and downtown area for more festivities.  Additional activities taking place throughout the downtown area will include a free mechanical "Holiday Train" ride for the kids, photos with Santa in Los Rios Park, activities at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, Live Nativity, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Hayrides at ZOOMARS on Los Rios & River Street.  For more information call (949) 493-5911.

Saturday, 12/4, from 11am-3pm: Victorian Christmas at Heritage Hill Historic Park in Lake Forest. the park’s historic buildings will be adorned in turn-of-the-century holiday finery with costumed docents hosting. The Bennett House and the Serrano Adobe will feature quilt displays and weaving and spinning demonstrations. There will be handicraft vendors, festive holiday entertainment, free children's crafts, living history demonstrations, historical exhibits, tours through the decorated, historic buildings and visits with Santa Claus. Children can participate in old-fashioned, hands-on activities, including churning butter, candle dipping, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and making ornaments and crafts. Children of all ages can visit with Santa in the arbor area. Call (949) 923-2230 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4 & Sunday 12/5: Feast of Lights. A festive program just in time for the holidays brings together the chorale ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Scott Farthing, and the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Carmen Dominquez, for a presentation of music of the season. Tickets are $20 general admission, or $18 for students and seniors. Call (949) 582-4656 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4 & Sunday 12/5, from 10am-2pm: Boat Rides with Santa at Dana Point Harbor. Free boat rides with Santa! Bring your camera and take a free picture with him. Call (949)923-2255 for more info.

Sunday, 12/5, from 4-7pm: Pier Lighting and Holiday Parade at Huntington Pier. Activities will include a children’s parade on Main Street, entertainment at Pier Plaza, Taste of Main Street and a snowflake lighting ceremony at the pier. The parade will start at Orange and Main St. and will end at the Pier Plaza. After the parade, the entertainment will begin at the Pier Plaza. While at the Plaza, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available for children to take pictures! Call 714-842-6600 for more info.

 

Sunday, 12/5, from 4:30-7:30pm: Winter Holiday Event in Aliso Viejo at Grand Park. Celebrate the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus, the official Lighting of the Tree, live entertainment, complimentary cookies & hot chocolate, and visits with Santa after the formal program. Bring your camera to capture your child's special moment with Santa!Call 949-243-7750 for more info.

 

 

Sunday, 12/5, from 3:30-7pm: Orange Tree Lighting at Old Towne Orange Plaza. Festivities begin with Orange non-profit food booths and childlren's activities at 3:30 p.m. Then, the official musical program, inclduing a 350-voice choir and 60-piece orchesra led by Music Director Michael Short, begins promptly at  5;15 p.m. This year's program narrator is Dr. William Hall, Dean of Performing Arts at Chapman University. Please contact the Community Services Department's Special Event Hotline at 714-744-7278 for more information.

Sunday, 12/5, from 3pm: Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island in Newport. Celebrate Hanukkah with singing and festive traditions at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, to be held at 3pm in the Atrium Garden Court near the lower level of Barnes & Noble. For more information, please call the Chabad Jewish Center Newport Beach at (949) 721-9800.

What did I tell you? So many great events! Happy planning! :)

-Blythe
on my blip.fm: Camera Obscura's "If Looks Could Kill"