Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide 2022

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2022

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FRIDAY, NOV. 25 HOLIDAY HARBOR LIGHTS

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE COTTAGE GALLERY

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

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.

TREE LIGHTING AT INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

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.

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.

5-10 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Partners is spreading seasonal cheer with a holiday display that will illuminate the Harbor through Dec. 31. Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. danapointharbor.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3 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.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ 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 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.

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 holiday 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.

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.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8 CASA ‘NUTCRACKER’ 7-8 p.m. Performed by the Orange County Ballet Theater, the abridged version of the holiday classic The Nutcracker features choreography tailored to Casa Romantica’s Main Salon theater.

The runtime is one hour and 20 minutes.

Tickets are $40. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2022

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FRIDAY, DEC. 9 SURFIN’ USA DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Partners invites visitors to gather to view all the boats participating in the parade, as well as the beautiful harbor scenery.

The 47th annual boat parade will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, and at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11. The harbor’s fleet will join private boaters from all over Orange County as they decorate their boats, and everyone will vie for awards from Judges’ Choice to Best Use of Lights. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794.

DANA POINT BOAT PARADE CRUISE 6:30-8 p.m. Join Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari aboard one of their catamarans to be a part of

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2022

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the Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights and enjoy the sights of decorated boats and holiday music filling the air. Tickets for the 90-minute cruise are $39 per person for all ages. Capt. Dave’s, 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. dolphinsafari.com. 949.488.2828.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 SANTA PAWS Noon-6 p.m. Bring your favorite furry friend to the Outlets at San Clemente to have their picture taken with Santa.

The cost is $15 for one picture, and additional photos can be purchased for $10. Pictures will take place at Center Court under the “World’s Tallest Tree.”

All proceeds benefit the animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. petprojectfoundation.org.

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2022

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