Dana Point Thanksgiving ‘Turkey Trot’
Burn off your pre-Thanksgiving meal calories by walking or running in Dana Point’s 5K, 10K, or even 15K combination races. Kids can also participate in the one-mile “Gobble Wobble,” all taking place at the scenic Dana Point Harbor. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, medal, and personal race bib with timed results. Proceeds from the event will go to local charities including South County Outreach, which feeds the homeless, as well as outreach to veterans and families of fallen soldiers in the community through the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group.Dana Point Harbor Dr. and Golden Lantern at 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629. Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration $25–$65. To register.
A sign directs participants in the annual Turkey Trot to pick up their runner packets at a drive-thru location in Dana Point, Calif., on Nov. 21, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Costa Mesa ‘Winter Fest’ OC
Southern California’s “largest winter festival” will be making its way to the OC Fair and Event Center this week. Winterfest will transform the fairgrounds into a winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and much more. Activities include “North Pole Journey ice skating under the stars, a 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, a snowboard simulator, carnival thrills, tasty treats, a holiday market, photo opportunities with festive backdrops, and others. There will also be special visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause and other beloved children’s characters including Paw Patrol, and PJ Mask. All are welcome.OC Fair & Event Center at 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. Friday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Passes from $14.95 to $72.95. For passes.
Evening visitors stroll the grounds at Winterfest in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Dec. 19, 2016. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
‘Lighting of the Bay’ at Newport Beach
Kick off the holiday festivities at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, where the venue will host an opening night celebration featuring live musical performances, stocking decorating, holiday photo booths, a holiday movie on the beach, festive food and beverages, and more. Santa will take center stage at dusk as he flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than fifty floating holiday decorations and Christmas trees. Live entertainment will include the OC Song & Dance and the Southern California Holiday Brass, and children can also get their picture taken with Santa at the venue’s Grand Gazebo.Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort at 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach. Friday 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event continues nightly until January 1, 2023. Parking $10. For more information.
Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Courtesy of Newport Dunes
Anaheim Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Ballet and live performance lovers will enjoy this colorful performance featuring some of Tchaikovsky’s greatest compositions. Start or continue a holiday tradition and come by the City National Grove in Anaheim to watch seasoned ballet dancers perform this holiday classic. Parties interested are encouraged to check show times early.City National Grove of Anaheim at 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim. Friday 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on date of purchase. Average prices $25 to $45. For tickets.
‘A Christmas Carol’ Live in Costa Mesa
The Charles Dickens classic play is starting this Saturday at the South Coast Repertory Theatre, featuring “Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition!” From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” organizers say this timeless classic is “sure to rekindle your holiday spirit.” Join all your favorite Dickens characters including Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and everyone’s favorite character, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by South Coast Repertory founding member Richard Doyle. This show is known to have repeat castings of the audience’s favorite actors year after year.South Coast Repertory Theatre at 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Saturday 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets $65 and up. For tickets.
Richard Doyle (L) plays Ebenezer Scrooge with his wife Jennifer Parsons as the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens adapted by Jerry Patch and directed by Hisa Takakuwa, at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, Calif., from Nov. 27 to Dec. 26, 2021. Nicholas Pilapil/SCR
We Give Thanks With Anaheim Ducks
Orange County families are struggling in record numbers with inflation this year, compounding stress for many this holiday season to put food on the table. Those in need can head over to the Honda Center for a free meal, where the Anaheim Ducks will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Thursday. Meals for up to 20,000 people will be provided, with free parking and transportation available as well. Free transportation to and from the venue will be provided by La Casa Garcia Restaurant in Anaheim.Honda Center at 2695 East Katella Ave., Anaheim. Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free. For more information.
Placentia Thanksgiving Food Drive
Help families in need by donating non-perishable food items to the Neighborhood Services Office. The city will then hold a Turkey Basket Drive while supplies last, wherein the donated baskets will be distributed to the families at the annual Turkey Basket Distribution. Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off until the day of the event.Whitten Community Center at 900 S. Melrose St., Placentia. Tuesday 2:00 p.m. until supplies last. For more information.
Fountain Valley ‘Spark of Love’ Toy Drive
The Fountain Valley Fire Department will be supporting the 30th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, benefitting local charities and non-profit groups that provide toys to kids who may otherwise not fully enjoy the magic of the holiday season.Community members may drop off new and unwrapped toys to Fountain Valley City Hall, Fountain Valley Recreation Center, Fountain Valley Senior Center or Fountain Valley Fire Stations 1 and 2 from November 11 to December 24. Toys will be distributed to nonprofit organizations and community groups in the city.
Fountain Valley City Hall at 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley, among other locations listed here. Wednesday to December 24. For more information.
Tanaka Farms Story Time in the Barnyard
For children one to five years old, the farm will be hosting a 30-minute story time featuring farm-themed stories right next to the barnyard animals. This program is part of the farm’s educational exhibit. Those wanting a more interactive experience can also pet and interact with the animals on the farm, which includes goats, chickens, sheep, cows, pigs, and more!Tanaka Farms at 5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine. Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets $5. For more information.
Dreamers Market Irvine
Peruse locally curated goods and treats at the Irvine Dreamers Market, where local vendors will showcase their original arts and crafts, delicious treats, supplies, and more. Activities also include face painting, balloon twisting, and music. Furry friends are also welcome!Trade Marketplace at 2222 Michelson Dr. Suite 212, Irvine. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. For more information.
Santa Ana Kids Fun Zone
Featuring kids’ art projects designed to “educate and have fun,” organizers will teach participants how to decorate their own Native American flutes using bamboo. Known to be one of the first musical instruments, kids will learn how the instrument was used by tribal people for communicating with others, ceremonies, and creating music. Participants then get to customize their creations with beads and feathers. All wishing to attend must register prior to the event.Bristol Warner Village at 2407 South Bristol St., Santa Ana. Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free. To register.
Action Chess Tournament in Anaheim
Watch chess prodigies play at warp speed at The Action Tournament. This event is ideal for those interested in watching quicker games to be completed in just a day, where there will be five rounds with 30 minutes for each player allocated for each round.DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Anaheim at 100 The City Dr., South Orange. Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets $60. For tickets.
Irvine Yoga at The Park
Unwind from holiday stress while stretching your body at this group yoga session in the tranquil outdoors. Not only will participants get to unplug, but they will also have the chance to meet like-minded people seeking to relax and care for their physical and mental health. No registration necessary.San Paulo Park at 600 San Marino, Irvine. Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Free. For more information.
