DECEMBER 5-6
Holiday Light Cruise
DECEMBER 6
Santa’s Village by the Sea
Set sail into the season during Dana Point Harbor’s enchanting Holiday Light Cruise, where panoramic seaside views meet festive cheer. Guests board beautifully decorated boats for a one-hour journey through the harbor. Perfect for families, date nights and visiting guests, the Holiday Light Cruise is a beloved Southern California tradition that brings the spirit of the season alive in shimmering style. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, $6 to $30.74, 6 p.m., danawharf.com
The City of San Clemente and the Downtown Business Association are presenting Santa’s Village by the Sea, a one-day holiday event that brings the Holly Jolly Hoopla and the Glitz on Del Mar together for a night of music, games, cookie decorating and snow to San Clemente.
Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville & Del Mar Street, San Clemente, free, 4-9 p.m., sanclemente.gov/ events
Smile with Santa San Clemente Villas
San Clemente Villas is hosting “Smile with Santa,” encouraging families and friends to come together with holiday spirit for a day of pictures with Santa Claus, treats and cheerful music. RSVP or contact Esmeralda for any questions by calling 949489-3400 or by emailing esmeraldaarellano@mbk.com. San Clemente Villas, 660 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, free, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., sanclementavillas.com.
Tree Lighting Ceremony San Juan Capistrano
The City of San Juan Capistrano is celebrating the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with preshow entertainment, followed by a musical holiday production. The tree lighting will take place at 5:45 p.m. followed by a variety of holiday activities, including photos with Santa Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, a puppet show, a mechanical train ride, a business merchant open house and a s’mores station. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, free, 4 p.m., sanjuancapistrano.org
DECEMBER 6-7
Boat Rides with Santa Kick off the holiday season with one of Dana Point Harbor’s most charming traditions: Boat Rides with Santa. Families climb aboard a festively decorated boat for a brief cruise around the harbor, where kids can meet Santa, snap photos and share their wish lists while taking in sparkling waterfront views. The event is hosted by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and reservations are required.
Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, $6 donation benefiting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor
DECEMBER 7
Family Sundays:
Christmas Open House
Enjoy free admission to Casa Romantica and write letters to Santa for what you want for Christmas at its upcoming open house. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, free, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., casaromantica.org
Holiday Market
The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is hosting a free holiday market. It is an opportunity to shop with local vendors and hear live music with a chance to hit the dance floor for line dancing. Plus, Santa Claus will make an appearance.
Inn at the Mission SJC, 26907 Old
Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, free, 2-6 p.m., innatthemissionsjc.com
DECEMBER 8
Pines Park Tree Lighting
Pines Park will illuminate with a tree lighting on Dec. 6. 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 old. The event features carolers, hot chocolate and cookies. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m.
Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, free, 4:305:30 p.m., danapointchamber.com
DECEMBER
10
Holiday Open House w/ Chamber
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies is inviting her constituents to a Holiday Open House to spread cheer. Attendees can meet Davies and District 74 staff, discuss important issues and legislation, celebrate the individuals and organizations that make the holidays brighter in the district and enjoy light food and refreshments. RSVP is required. District Office - Orange County, 32332 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, free, 4-6 p.m., sanjuanchamber.com
DECEMBER 12
Palisades Elementary School Holiday Shoppe
Join the Palisades Elementary PTA for the Palisades Elementary’s Holiday Shoppe, an afternoon of creativity, community and holiday cheer. Vendors can showcase their handmade treasures and support local students and must register by Dec. 5.
Palisades Elementary School, 26462 Via Sacramento, Capistrano Beach, $80 vendor fee, 2-6 p.m., instagram.com/palisadespta
DECEMBER 12-13
Christmas Nights at the Casa
Step into a glowing seaside wonderland in San Clemente at Casa Romantica’s annual Christmas Nights event. The gardens and historic architecture shine with thousands of twinkling lights at the event. Enjoy live music, a drink bar serving High Tide Coffee and hot cocoa, freshly prepared s’mores and festive crafts for all ages. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, free, 5-7 p.m., casaromantica.org
DECEMBER 12-14
Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Dana Point Harbor bursts into festive brilliance during the Annual Boat Parade of Lights, a beloved coastal tradition that transforms the waterfront into a glowing holiday spectacle. Dozens of boats — decked out with dazzling lights, themed decorations, music and animated displays — glide through
