giftguide_DPT

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DECEMBER 5-6 Holiday Light Cruise

DECEMBER 6 Santa’s Village by the Sea

Smile with Santa San Clemente Villas

Tree Lighting Ceremony San Juan Capistrano

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

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.

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

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SHOP SMALL. STYLE BIG. Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Dana Point’s favorite home décor + furnishings shop.

24847 Del Prado • 949-503-1155 • ivoryolivedecor.com

FREE F REE

11.29.25

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

This Could Be You!

WHALE WATCHING MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

GRAY FRIDAY DEALS START 11/24

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

888.224.0603 danawharf.com 34675 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA 92629

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LEARN MORE

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

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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

Make Your Holiday Feasting Easy

Prime Rib, Smoked Turkey, Ham, Tamales, & All Your Holiday Favorites

Feasts Serves 6-8: Includes Sides & Dessert

Smoked Turkey Breast

4lbs $275

Smoked Pit Ham

4lbs $250

Pecan Roasted Prime Rib

4lbs $385

The BBQ FEAST Turkey 3 lbs · Ham 3 lbs · Brisket 3 lbs

$395

scan to order by 12/21

drive-thru pick-up 12/23 & 12/24

heat, serve & enjoy!

DECEMBER 12 DECEMBER 12-13 Palisades Elementary School Christmas Nights at the Casa Step into a glowing seaside wonHoliday 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

derland 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

RESERVE TODAY MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY BAD TO THE BONE!

Order Online at badtothebone-bbq.com

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DECEMBER 12-14 Annual Boat Parade of Lights

DECEMBER 13 Teddy Bear Christmas Tea

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 the harbor as crowds gather along the docks to cheer them on. Boaters will decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, “Carol of the Boats,” for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes across several award categories, courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, free, 6:30 p.m., danapointharbor. com/holidays-at-the-harbor

Casa Romantica’s Teddy Bear Christmas Tea is a heartwarming holiday tradition that invites families to step into a world of festive wonder. Gather in the Casa Romantica decorated Main Salon for a charming high tea designed especially for children and their favorite grown-ups. Savor a cozy cup of tea, hot cider or rich cocoa while enjoying dainty tea sandwiches and sweet seasonal treats.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, $65, 2 p.m., casaromantica.org

Private Fishing Charters and Fishing Captain Services

Gift Cards Available!

www.leftcoastsportfishing.com (949) 606-5935

Women’s Christmas Tea Ladies are invited to join Calvary Chapel San Clemente for a special event with guest speaker Betina Montano and Christian music artist, Kayla Bourne. Tea and snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

Calvary Chapel San Clemente,1031 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, $25, 9:30-11:30 a.m., christmas.calvarysanclemente.org

DECEMBER 13-14 Santa Paws The Pet Project Foundation is teaming up with the Dana Point Harbor to host its annual Santa Paws event near the Richard Henry Dana Jr. Statue. Holiday themed pet photos with Santa and the Dana Point Harbor VW Bus will be offered for a $15 donation with all proceeds directly benefiting the Pet Project Foundation.

Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, free, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor

DECEMBER 14-22 Menorah Lighting Display In collaboration with Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point, a 12-foot Menorah display will be lit for Hanukkah at the Dana Point Fishing Pier.

Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, free, danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-pier

DECEMBER 16 19th Annual Crazy Christmas House & Santa’s Toy Drive The Crazy Christmas House & Santa’s Toy Drive benefit the USMC Camp Pendleton 1st BN 11th Marines. All toys will be donated directly to the enlisted Marines, and their families. Come and donate a new toy, take a picture with Santa, enjoy cocoa and cookies served

by SJC Rotary and visit with some of the Marines. Those unable to attend can donate at gofund.me/ a4bf78049.

31192 Calle del Campo, San Juan Capistrano, donations vary, 6:308:30 p.m., facebook.com/CrazyChristmasHouse

34451 Ensenada Pl. Dana Point Harbor Page 7

WestwindSailing.com

DECEMBER 19 Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights Opening Night Experience the Mission San Juan Capistrano aglow with holiday magic during Capistrano Lights, running December 19–30. Explore the historic Mission grounds by day, then return in the evening for enchanting features like Dickens-era carolers, a full-scale nativity and glowing light installations. Admission includes same-day access to the Mission, light displays, live performances and seasonal refreshments. The opening ceremony includes a tree lighting at around 5:05 p.m. Holiday programming begins at 3:30 p.m. daily.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, $14 to $20 general public admission and free for children 4 and younger, 3:307 p.m., missionsjc.com/capistrano-lights

DECEMBER 19-20 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

Holiday Light Cruise 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 har-

bor. 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, 24698 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, $6 to $30.74, 6 p.m., danawharf.com

DECEMBER 20 Modern Makers Mart: Holiday Edition The Modern Makers Mart — an outdoor artisan market with crafters, small-batch food creators and artists — is coming to the Dana Point Harbor for the Holiday Market. It includes over 55 vendors, live music, a kid’s craft station and photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is pet-friendly.

Dana Point Harbor, 24440 Dana

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Point Harbor Drive, free, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., modernmakersmart.com/dana-point

DECEMBER 26 14th Annual Elf Crawl Slip on your pointy shoes and join fellow festive revelers for the 14th Annual Elf Crawl & Elf Ball, one of San Juan Capistrano’s most spirited holiday traditions. Participants — decked out in their best elf attire — enjoy cheerful stops at local pubs and eateries.

The celebration continues at the Elf Ball, a high-energy party featuring music, dancing and themed holiday photo ops. Gather friends and experience a night of playful camaraderie in the heart of San Juan Capistrano.

Location to come, free, 2-6 p.m., sanjuanchamber.com