Sun, Dec 8th Must See Holiday Events + More
(And a few around Laguna, too)
I was going to send this email on Sunday night, but there are a couple great events on Sunday (TOMORROW) that you don’t want to miss! These are all in neighboring Dana Point and Corona del Mar. (Laguna is still recovering from Friday night’s party.)
Surfing Santa Contest - to benefit SurfersHealing.org
ONLY Sunday, Dec. 8th, 7 am - 4 pm
Salt Creek Beach
Open to surfers age 11 and up. For pro surfers, pro-am and anyone else who loves to surf
A few more heats in Men’s longboard and Men’s shortboard have just been added + cash prizes for the Big Air contest. Click here to see if you can nab one of the last spots:
This is such a wonderful cause – and it’s so much fun to watch.
This annual Surfing Santa & Stand Up Paddle Board Contest was developed in 2010 to benefit Surfers Healing, the original surf camp for children with autism. The entity was originally created by pro surfer Izzy Paskowitz in honor of his son, Isaiah. Though he knew Isaiah would never be a surfer, Izzy discovered that the ocean had a particularly calming effect on Isaiah and other children struggling with autism. Surfershealing.org now has surf camps all over the United States and internationally, too.
Every participant, young and old – and even most of the onlookers – dress as a “holiday-inspired character.” The surfboards are decorated, too, some of them quite lavishly. Do whatever you can to get down there tomorrow to support this truly great cause.
45th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
ONLY Sunday, Dec. 8th, 11 am - 5 pm
Pretty much ALL of Corona del Mar. Find a place to park and start strolling
If you’re still looking for holiday spirit, this is where you’re going to be filled to the brim. Live entertainment with 17 local bands, Santa in the house, beer & wine gardens, vendor gifts, restaurants and merchants all in the game, and plenty of kids’ activities. You’ve also got strolling carolers, LIVE reindeer hanging out by Sherman Gardens, and event stilt walkers (I have no idea how they make their way through these crowds).
Last Day of Boat Rides with Santa
ONLY Sunday, Dec. 8th, 10 am - 2 pm
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Drive
Here’s your last chance to have a prolonged chat with Santa on a boat ride. Photos with Santa area also available for a $5 contribution to the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required at danawharf.com
Montage Laguna Beach Gingerbread House Decorating
Sun, Dec. 8th and Sun, Dec. 15th, 11 am - 2 pm
$250 for party of 4; $75 per additional gingerbread house and guest
The big gingerbread event is back at the Montage. Everything (and I mean everything) you could possibly need to decorate your own gingerbread house will be waiting for you - and hefty draughts of champagne for adults, too. Kids also get to participate in face painting, caricature drawings and family photos. (And you’ll be able to get plenty of hints from the giant Gingerbread Display, designed once again by the resort’s culinary team. It’s a holiday event all on its own!)
And here’s where I’ll be on Dec. 8th!
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival
Continuing through Dec. 22nd. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 10 am - 7 pm
935 Laguna Canyon Rd (in the Canyon), Laguna Beach
Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and up, $5 for kids ages 6-12. Ticket windows are always open at the grounds, but you can also purchase online for an emailed ticket at the Sawdust Festival website.
Yep, I’ll be back for the third time already, this time with a few girlfriends I always have a blast with and an intent to finish my holiday shopping. This really is my most favorite event in Laguna Beach all year long. See my details in my stories here:
More holiday events in Laguna Beach …
Montage Laguna Beach Afternoon Tea
Available daily between through 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.
“Rapunzel” at Laguna Playhouse
Begins 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
Begins 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.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party at Skyloft
Fri, Dec. 13th, 9:30 pm - 11 pm
Skyloft (Above Bodega)
Well it’s about time someone put on an ugly sweater party. Skyloft is going all out this holiday season with their extravagantly decorated “Jingle Bar” (you’ve got to see it to believe it!) So what better place to host an Ugly Holiday Sweater contest? You can actually compete for big prizes on this one. DJ Dlim Dee will host the contest with the crowd deciding winners.
“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.
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.
Breakfast With Santa - THREE LOCATIONS
Sat, Dec. 14th & Sun. Dec. 15th
Sat, Dec. 21st & Sun, Dec. 22
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort
Sun, Dec. 15th & Sun,Dec. 22nd
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Sat, Dec. 21st
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Santa is really making the rounds this year! (And he’s eating a lot of breakfasts!) Bring those last-minute requests and enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at any of these gorgeous resort locations. Reservations are required at all three resort locations; please visit their respective websites.
Santa Paddle (SUP) at Baby Beach
Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 am
Baby Beach, Dana Point Harbor
Join Stand Up To Trash for a family fun Santa Paddle. Cost of admission: Dress like a reindeer, snowman, elf, Santa or Mrs. Claus.
Bring your own equipment or Westwind Sailing will rent at a 20% discount, donating $5.00 for every piece of equipment rented to Stand Up for Trash.
CORONA DEL MAR - Can’t miss this one!
Sherman Gardens’ Night of 1000 Lights
December 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22
5 pm - 8 pm
Three entry times - 5pm, 6 pm, 7 pm
$30 for members, $50 non members, children under 3 are free
This is quite a dazzling and stunning holiday light display that’s well worth the admission fee. This year, the Gardens is celebrating 10 Years of Nights of 1000 Lights by bringing back the most popular displays of the decade. It’s the best maze of lights ever. But, you’ve got the added plus of The Wishing Tree, Santa in his adobe, a fire pit pre-stocked with s’more making love, and the Garden Shop stocked with plenty of unique gift items.