10 To-Dos in Orange County This Season
The beyond freezing weather in most of the country has us longing for Laguna. If you’re lucky enough to live there—or if you’ve decided (smartly) to skip the Christmas snow for warmer, West Coast pastures—here are ten things to do in Orange County this season. Pair this list with our to-do list for nearby Los Angeles, and you’ve got yourself a packed holiday calendar.
Orange County Market Place Orange County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 949-723-6616 ocmarketplace.com (above, left): Bargain shoppers and collectors alike will want to check out Orange County Market Place, a 40 year-old flea market that includes nearly 1,000 merchants, fresh produce, artisans and crafters. Bring an unwrapped toy and receive free admission and 4 x 6 photo with Santa. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuvalu Home 295 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach 949-497-3202 www.tuvaluhome.com (above, center): Shop for beachy-chic holiday home accents, like a driftwood peace sign wreath, at inspired home store Tuvalu. The shop’s “12 Days of Christmas” promotion (December 13th through 24th) features a new deal every day. If you have kids, they can hang with Santa at the Tuvalu-designed Santa’s Beach House, located just in front of the store. There, Santa’s workshop comes complete with a Hobie surfboard hung from the rafters, in case Santa needs a surf break.
Irvine Ice Rink Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine, 949-748-8220 skatespectrum.com (above, right): Conjure up a winter wonderland by taking a spin around the Irvine ice rink. Open 11 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. $11 plus $4.50 skate rental.
Pacific Chorale presents 'Tis The Season!' Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787 pacificchorale.org (above, left): Enjoy the melodies of your favorite carols, sung by a 140-voice chorale, Southern California Children’s Concert Chorus, the Pacific Symphony and the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ. December 20th and 21st.
Fashion Island 410 Newport Center Dr., Newport. (949) 721-0780, shopfashionisland.com (above, center): Tour Fashion Island’s new stores, including 7 For All Mankind, Alessi, Jonathan Adler and Michael Stars, and take advantage of special promotions and events, like a free concert by Eye Alaska at the PacSun store and complimentary gelato from Gelato Paradiso and pretzels from Auntie Anne’s.
A Christmas Carol South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555 scr.org (above, right): It’s not really Christmas without a little Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim. This year, skip the flick and see a live theater production of the Christmas classic at South Coast Repertory. The show runs through December 26th.
The Science of Gingerbread Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. 714-542-2823 discoverycube.org (above, left): Creative kids will love learning all there is to know about that delicious holiday treat at The Science of Gingerbread. Award-winning gingerbread houses designed by local kids and adults are on display, and decorating demonstrations offer ideas and techniques to take home and use on your own gingerbread masterpiece.
Henri Bendel South Coast Plaza, 650 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714-436-0263, henribendel.com (above, center): If brown and white stripes have any meaning to you, you’ll want to check out the recently opened Henri Bendel outpost at South Coast Plaza. The iconic store features everything from Bendel-branded accessories and handbags to blankets and dog sweaters. The store’s adorable candies, candles and hair accessories make great stocking stuffers.
Diane’s Beach Wear 379 South Coast Highway. 949-376-9194 dianesbeachwear.com (above, right): The California chain-let has a well-edited selection of swimwear from Trina Turk, Vitamin A, Vix, and more. If a tropical New Year’s getaway is in your future, stop in to pick up a 2010-worthy bikini and cover-up combo.
South Coast Plaza’s Access Suite South Coast Plaza, 650 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa 714-436-0263: Do you have the endurance of a marathoner when it comes to shopping, but have a tag-along (boyfriend? husband? financially responsible friend?) who sits despondently on the couch in every boutique and ruins your fun? Send your companion to South Coast Plaza’s VIP Access Suite while you do some damage at Orange County’s uber-mall. Hidden in the Saks Fifth Avenue Wing on Level 2, the VIP Access Suite provides guests with a tricked-out lounge area, replete with flat screen TVs, complementary snacks and champagne, wi-fi access and, ironically, a meditation room.