Brimmin' w/ holiday events in Laguna Beach
Mark your calendars …
Grab that Wassail drink and yank on your custom-knitted Santa stocking cap (from our resident Sawdust “Winter Fantasy” Artist Suzi White) and get yourself rockin’ along that holiday trail. Here’s a starter list of fun activities starting TODAY.
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival
Nov 22nd-Dec. 22nd, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 10 am - 7 pm
935 Laguna Canyon Rd (in the Canyon), Laguna Beach
Doors open today! See my details in my stories here:
Ruben Flores’ Annual “Holiday Decor Done Naturally: Wreaths and More
TODAY, Nov 22nd, 3:00 p.m.
Laguna Nursery, 481 N. Coast Highway, $30 entry fee, CALL to reserve: (949) 494-5200
You can still call in to reserve. Bring your pruners! See my details in my stories here:
Montage Laguna Beach Afternoon Tea
Saturdays and Sundays, every weekend in Nov. and Dec.
Available daily between Nov. 30th and Dec. 22.
If you’re looking for something to do with those visiting guests, reserve a “date” at the luxe Montage Afternoon Tea Service. $135 per adult and $80 per child, ages 4-12. Reserve: (949) 715-6420.
Annual Hospitality Night
Fri, Dec. 6th
Laguna’s Downtown
Santa’s Coming! Santa’s Coming! Our annual hospitality night is a great, family-like gathering of Laguna locals streaming into the downtown streets. Along with Santa’s arrival, we applaud the lighting of the City’s holiday tree, dance to plenty of live music and chorale stages, and watch tons of kids line up for their first official Santa chat with the Jolly Elf in Red! Every shop and restaurant is open with lots of holiday cheer (and pricing).
And, by the way, don’t miss the KXFM Radio booth with live play-by-play and a significant silent auction that’s raising funds for our only Laguna Beach-based radio station. (You’ll find something from me there in that silent auction, too!)
“Rapunzel” at Laguna Playhouse
Fri, Dec. 7th - 29th
Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
“Rapunzel: A Hair-… Tangled Tale” is a kid-friendly rollicky play at our renowned Playhouse. Matinees and evening shows available. Check out the “Golden Ticket” special experience as an option, too!
“Sister’s Christmas Catechism” at Laguna Playhouse
Tuesdays, Dec. 10th and 17th
Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
Referred to as the “CSI: Bethlehem” is a super-funny holiday mystery extravaganza as a Sister takes on the mystery of the ages - where is the Magi’s gold? At our renowned Playhouse, matinees and evening shows available.
“Handel’s Messiah” with Laguna Opera & South Chicago Dance Theater
Fri, Dec. 20th, 7 p.m.
Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Dr, Laguna Beach
Laguna’s new “Opera Laguna” is offering a great twist on the classic “The Messiah” with full orchestra, dancers and a choir of operatic soloists. How’s that? Tickets range from $80 - $161 at OperaLaguna.com
Surfboard Menorah Lighting at Main Beach
Sundown on Dec. 25th is the first lighting
Sun, Dec 29th at 2 p.m. is the celebration
Sponsored by Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach
This annual event draws quite a crowd as the Menorah Celebration begins with a lighting of our very distinct Menorah Surfboards on the 25th. A celebration follows on Sunday the 29th with DJ, dancing, crafts for the kids and more.
DANA POINT HOLIDAY EVENTS
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the most popular annual holiday events in our neighboring Dana Point.
Festival of Lights 2024
Already begun at the Dana Point Harbor through Jan 12th. Lights kick on at 5 p.m. nightly
34571 Golden Lantern Drive
This free annual event is quite the stunner. Stroll through the entire Dana Point Harbor, stem to stern, as you enjoy thousands of lights and lit holiday figurines, including a giant whale sculpture and the famous “Merry Kiss Me” bridge of lights.
47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Morning, Nov. 28th, 7 am - 11 am
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Drive
One of the largest Turkey Trots in the country with more than 10,000 of your soon-to-be-closest friends. Run/walk a 5K, 10K, Combo 10K/5K, or Kids' 1-Mile Gobble Wobble. Register at TurkeyTrot.com
Boat Rides with Santa
Sat & Sun, Dec 7th and 8th, 10 am - 2 pm
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Drive
Take photos with Santa for a $5 contribution to the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required at danawharf.com
49th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Fri, Dec. 13th - Sunday, Dec. 15th
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Drive
Come early and stay late for this fun, hometown kinda’ boat parade. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Seaside Carnival” with the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. for an average of about 80 boats of all sizes. For best viewing, buddy up to friends who own boats along the parade route … reserve “seats” on some of the commercial boats (Dana Wharf, Captain’ Dave’s Dolphin Safari), grab a rare seat in a harborside restaurant, or simply stroll and stop whenever you please.