Holiday Events
PINES PARK TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 4-6 p.m. The city of Dana Point and Capo Cares hosts a tree lighting ceremony at Pines Park. There will be crafts for kids, caroling, handmade wooden ornaments and more. There will also be hot cocoa and homemade cookies. Pines Park. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.
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CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA
5-7:30 p.m. Christmas at the Casa is a public holiday celebration featuring festive decorations, live music, carolers, a bell choir, a talking Christmas tree, crafts for children, cookies and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. The bell choir will walk with guests from Casa Romantica to the San Clemente Community Center at approximately 7:30 p.m. for the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 8 p.m. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.
SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA
5-10:30 p.m. Avenida Del Mar and the Community Center turn into a holiday village. There will be the local favorite snow hill, Santa meetings and other activities, all leading up to a tree lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. on the corner of Del Mar and Calle Seville. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. www.san-clemente.org.
CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION
5:30-8 p.m. The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano turns into a winter wonderland with carolers, school choirs, real snow sledding and play area, “merry-achi” music, visits with Father Christmas and more. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.
YAPPY HOWLIDAYS
11 a.m.-2 p.m. This gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself, Santa Claus. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local pets in need. Proceeds from food and beverage purchases benefit The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.visitdanapoint.org
CASA NUTCRACKER
7-8:30 p.m. The Orange County Ballet Theatre performs the holiday classic production. The Casa Nutcracker features choreography tailored to Casa Romantica’s intimate Main Salon. Tickets are $40. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.
LIL ELVES WORKSHOP
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement. Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from tiny tots putting crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies and more. Tickets are $20 per child, and registration at www.san-clemente.org is required. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.
DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS
7:30 p.m. The 42nd annual edition of the boat parade kicks off on Friday night. You can join in on the parade by watching from the shore or hopping on a boat with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or The Ocean Institute. The parade also runs on Dec. 10, 16 and 17. www.danapointharbor.com.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
9 a.m.-noon. Enjoy breakfast, movies, arts and crafts, and a photo op with Santa himself as he visits Dana Point from the North Pole. Adults are $30, kids are $15. Laguna Cliffs Marriott. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.visitdanapoint.org.