FRIDAY, NOV. 25
HOLIDAY HARBOR LIGHTS & SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST
5-10 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Partners is spreading seasonal cheer with the annual holiday light display that will illuminate the Harbor through Dec. 31. The Dana Point Harbor Partners also invites visitors to participate in the Holidays at the Harbor social media contest on Instagram through Dec. 22. Take a photo in front of one of the many light installations throughout the Harbor, tag @danapoint_Harbor on Instagram and use the hashtag #HolidaysattheHarbor. At the end of the campaign, one lucky winner will be chosen at random and awarded a special Dana Point Harbor package. Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. danapointharbor.com.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE OUTLETS
Noon-6 p.m. Get photos with Santa Claus this holiday season. Santa will first be available for pictures starting on Friday, as well as Saturday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 27. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30
TREE LIGHTING AT INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
5-6 p.m. The downtown boutique hotel Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is helping bring the holiday spirit to town with a tree lighting. Santa Claus will be there to celebrate, and there will also be hot chocolate and seasonal treats. The San Juan Capistrano Elementary School Choir will perform. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26907 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.503.5700. innatthemissionsjc.com.
THURSDAY, DEC. 1
CASA LUMINA HOLIDAY WALK
5-7 p.m. Casa Romantica invites the community to check out its magical garden walk with creative activities and more than 1,000 twinkling lights. Explore Casa Romantica’s historic seaside home and gardens, transformed into an illuminated and festively decorated winter wonderland at night. A fun, family-friendly experience for all, each night
of the Casa Lumina Holiday Walk will include an illuminated walk through Casa Romantica, live entertainment from local artists, crafts including Letters to Santa, and hot cocoa. Tickets are $15. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. casaromantica.org.
FRIDAY, DEC. 2
HARBOR LIGHTS CRUISE
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf invites visitors to take a 60-minute boat ride around the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy holiday music and the light displays from both land and the sea. These family-friendly cruises are available on select weekend nights, including Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 1618. Tickets for adults are $25 per person, children ages 3-12 are $15 per person, and toddlers ages 2 and under are $5 each. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. danawharf.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
9-11 a.m. Enjoy a catered breakfast along with a meet-and-greet with Santa and children’s activities. $15 per person. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.
BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host the annual Boat Rides with Santa on Dec. 3-4. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation, with proceeds supporting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. danawharf.com.
SANTA’S JOLLY TROLLEY
1:30-5:30 p.m. Santa and his elves from the City of Dana Point’s Recreation Division will ride the Jolly Trolley and stop at park locations and hand out pre-packaged treats for kids up to 12 years of age. Santa’s elves will also collect letters for Santa. The trolley will stop at Sunset Park from 1:30-2 p.m.; at Dana Woods Park from 2:30-3 p.m.; Sea Canyon Park from 3:30-4 p.m.; and La Plaza Park from 4:30-5:30 p.m. recreation@danapoint.org. 949.248.3536. danapoint.org.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE
2 p.m. Watch a live performance of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Another showing will be held later in the day at 7 p.m. Performances will run through Dec. 18. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.
CAPISTRANO LIGHTS
4-6 p.m. The annual holiday program will return with festive lights, music and audio tours. There will also be Christmas trees, a Nativity scene, carolers, photo opportunities and nightly tree lightings. Capistrano Lights will be open on select dates through Dec. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.
SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA AND PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ
4-8 p.m. The City of San Clemente and the San Clemente Downtown Business Association present this festive downtown holiday tradition along Avenida Del Mar. Music, food, hot chocolate, popcorn and other refreshments will be available. Other activities include unlimited games and Snow Hill access, cookie decorating, and crafts with a wristband. Enjoy late-hours shopping among the twinkling lights, carolers, street musicians, sweet treats and an artisans market. The city will also hold its big tree lighting at the Community Center, and don’t miss Santa’s arrival to Downtown San Clemente, starting at the top of Del Mar, at around 4 p.m. san-clemente.org. scdba.org.
LA PLAZA TREE LIGHTING
4:30-5:30 p.m. This tree-lighting event will feature carolers, hot chocolate and cookies. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. The countdown to light the tree will begin at 5:15. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St, Dana Point. recreation@danapoint.org. 949.248.3536.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE COTTAGE GALLERY
5-8 p.m. Los Rios Street art gallery The Cottage House invites the public to come celebrate the holidays, in conjunction with the City of San Juan Capistrano’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Expect cookies, music and fun. The
Cottage Gallery, 31701 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.340.6693. cottagegalleryonlosrios.com.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
5:45 p.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano’s annual tradition will light up downtown. There will be entertainment held before the lighting, including a holiday musical show. Other holiday activities will follow the lighting. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.
THE NORTH POLE AT LOS RIOS STREET
4:30-8:30 p.m. Venture down to one of California’s oldest streets after the City of San Juan Capistrano’s tree lighting ceremony for more seasonal festivities. Enjoy shopping for gifts at local businesses, photos with Santa Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting and other activities. The event is free to attend. Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.
HOLIDAY MUSIC THROUGH THE DECADES
7:30 p.m. Longtime San Clemente resident Mike Chamberlin will present holiday music from the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s with numerous sing-alongs. The event also may feature an appearance from Frosty the Snowman. $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. cabrilloplayhouse.org.
SUNDAY, DEC. 4
‘SLEIGH THE HOLIDAYS’ MARKET & FESTIVAL 11 a.m.-6 p.m. This curated holiday market on Del Prado will showcase local artisans and small businesses, as well as gourmet street food, specialty cocktail bars, live music, carolers, and a kids’ zone with activities for families. Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point. thepopupshoppesoc@gmail.com.
MONDAY, DEC. 5
PINES PARK TREE LIGHTING
4:30-5:30 p.m. Santa and his elves will be arriving at Pines Park on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for children up to 12 years of age. The event features carolers, hot chocolate and cookies. The tree lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano. recreation@ danapoint.org. 949.248.3536.
