đŸđŸŽƒđŸ‘» Look no further if you’re planning a Halloween party or fall festival and in need of some hilarious Halloween games that are great for all ages?!

For detailed instructions on how to play the MYSTERY BOX GAME and a list of 30 awesome and creepy household items to use in your mystery box, go to https://www.thespruce.com/halloween-feel-box-game-1357636 

Pumpkin patches bring a touch of farm life to Southern California cities, but many have more to offer than supplying the raw materials for Halloween jack-o-lanterns.

They have carnival rides, activities for children, petting zoos and often live entertainment.

Here are some of the places at are opening between now and early October.


Los Angeles County

 

Cal Poly Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 1-30. Pumpkin patch with photo stops, hayrides, goat petting, corn maze, fair food and live entertainment. Tickets are only available online for reserved time slots. $6-$10 for general admission; $5-7 for ages 3-12. There will be a preview Sept. 30 with food and drink samples and entertainment; tickets are $70. AGRIscapes Center, Cal Poly Pomona, 4102 S. University Drive, Pomona. cpp.edu/~pumpkinfestival

Carved at Descanso Gardens: Oct. 7-31. Hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, hay maze, holiday foods. $20-$26 for members, $32-$38 for non-members.1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200, descansogardens.org

Forneris Farms: Oct. 8-31. Pumpkin patch and corn maze. Entry is $5, cash only, and there are additional charges for other attractions. 15200 Rinaldi St., Los Angeles. fornerisfarms.com

La Verne Heritage Foundation: Oct. 7-30. Pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled rides, petting farm. Heritage Park, 5001 Via De Mansions, La Verne. laverneheritage.org

Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 7-30. Pumpkin and teepee villages, bounce houses, straw maze, petting zoo, giant rocking horses. Admission $10-$30 depending on date and time, extra charges for activities. 10100 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. 310-276-9827, mrbonespumpkinpatch.com

Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Farmers Market: Oct. 15-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com

Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Torrance: Oct. 1-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 17520 Prairie Ave., Torrance. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com

Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Los Angeles: Oct. 1-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com

Pa’s Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Petting zoo, pony rides, corn stalks and fair foods. Advance reservations are required and can be booked online. 6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. paspumpkinpatch.com

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-31. Pumpkin bounce house, train rides, petting zoo, carnival games. No entrance fee, but activities cost $3.50-$7. 11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles. shawnspumpkinpatch.com

Toluca Lake Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 26-Oct. 31. Petting zoo and haunted maze. $10 for admission to both. 10601 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood. 818-505-8039


Orange County

 

Hana Field Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-29. U-pick pumpkins and sunflowers, corn maze and barnyard. $10 admission, $15 for flower-picking, activities extra. 427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa. 949-653-2100.

Irvine Park Railroad: Sept. 17-Oct. 31 Free haunted house, hay maze, hay pyramid, picture stands. Other activities cost extra, including train and hay rides, bounce houses, face painting and panning for gold. Great Pumpkin Weigh-off, Saturday, Sept. 24. Free admission, but parking is $3-$7. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-997-3968,  irvineparkrailroad.com

Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Sept. 17-Oct. 31. Giant slides and inflatables. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $17-$30. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. abctreefarms.net

Pumpkin City, Anaheim: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Carnival rides, games, petting zoo, entertainment. 2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. pumpkincity.com

Pumpkin City, Laguna Hills: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Carnival rides, games, petting zoo, entertainment, Oktoberfest beer garden. Laguna Hills Mall, 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills. pumpkincity.com

Pumpkin Factory: Oct. 1-31. Rides, bounce houses, paintball target shooting, petting zoo. 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster. thepumpkinfactory.com

Tanaka Farms: Open now through Oct. 31. U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, arts and crafts. $10 general admission; extra for activities. Parking passes are required, fee is $10 on weekends. 5380 University Drive, Irvine. 949-653-2100.

Zoomars at River Street Ranch: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct. 31. Petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs, pony, train and mini-tractor rides. Admission is $15, $12 for children12 years and younger, 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-831-6550, riverstreetranch.com


Riverside County

 

Big Horse Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-30. Giant maze at Big Horse Feed and Mercantile. Food vendors and beer garden on weekends. 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula. $15 admission, $10 parking on weekends. 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com

Hunter’s Pumpkin Patch: Open now through Oct. 30. Carnival games, rides, barrel train, food. 12125 Day St., Building Q, Moreno Valley. 951-440-2027, hunterspumpkinpatch.com

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct. 31. Petting zoo, games, mining, face painting, rides. $2 admission on weekdays, $3 on weekends, extra for attractions. Pumpkin painting classes for $20 Tuesdays and Thursdays in October. 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. peltzerfarms.com

Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct 31. Giant slides and inflatables. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $17-$30. 18614 Dexter Ave., Lake Elsinore. abctreefarms.net

Pumpkin Factory: Oct. 1-31. Rides, bounce houses, petting zoo. 1545 Circle City Drive, Corona. thepumpkinfactory.com


San Bernardino County

 

Frosty’s Forest: Sept. 30-Oct. 30. “Hocus Pocus”-themed corn maze, sunflower labyrinth, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games. $5-$10 admission. A scary corn maze called Haunted Harvest is on the property with $30 separate admission.14861 Ramona Ave., Chino. frostysforest.com, thehauntedharvest.com

Greenspot Farms: Opens Oct. 1. Rides, farm animals, duck races, crafts and hay maze. Free admission. Scary nighttime attractions will be offered Oct. 16-31, including Haunted Hayride and Haunted Trail. Tickets are $15-$30. 10133 Ward Way, Mentone. 909-794-7653, greenspotfarms.com

Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm: Open now through Oct. 31. U-pick pumpkins, more than 50 attractions including corn maze, petting zoo and rides. Live entertainment in October. $10-$25 admission for adults, $5-$20 for children; extra charge for some attractions. Live Oak Canyon Road at the 10 Freeway, Yucaipa. liveoakcanyon.com

SkyPark at Santa’s Village: Oct. 8-30. Pumpkin patch, activities, live entertainment and trick-or-treating on weekends. $59 for adults, $49 for children. 28950 Highway 18, Skyforest. skyparksantasvillage.com

 


Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/09/20/where-to-find-pumpkin-patches-for-halloween-2022/

Choose from over 20 festive and tasty 4th of July themed drinks to stay cool and refreshed this summer!

From Blogger onecrazymom.com

 


red white and blue drink in a glass.

1. Red White and Blue Drink

This layered drink is kid friendly and delicious. If you are looking for a festive drink with red, white and blue layers, this recipe is so fun.


Ocean water with a straw.

2. Easy Sonic Ocean Water Recipe

This copy cat Sonic Ocean water recipe is so easy to make at home and the blue is vibrant and patriotic.


Layered cocktail in glass.

3. Red White and Blue Cocktail

This is a chic modern twist on a Fourth of July drink. I love the layered look to this cocktail.


Layered punch in dispenser.

4. Layered Punch

This fourth of July layered punch uses Sobe Pina Colada, Hawaiian Punch Polar Blast and Powerade Zero Fruit Punch.


Red white and blue drink.

5. Red White and Blue Non Alcoholic Drinks

This is a fun non alcoholic drink that both kids and adults will enjoy at your 4th of July party.


Blueberry Mojito Punch

6. Sparkling Blueberry Mojito Punch

Just 5 easy ingredients in this drink recipe for an easy and festive drink. The blueberries make it look extra special and so fun.


Red, White and blue smoothie.

7. Red White and Blue Smoothie

Your kids will love the patriotic stripes in this delicious smoothie. Layers of almond milk, fruit and more come together for a great treat.


Layered punch in glasses.

8. Red White and Blue Punch

This is another fun layered red white and blue punch that’s perfect for the kids. This one uses Gatorade, Cranberry Juice and Mandarin Orange Sparkling water.


Blueberry mojito in glass.

9. Blueberry Mojito

This blueberry mojito is one way to use up all of those yummy blueberries.


Patriotic punch with twizzlers.

10. Kid Friendly Patriotic Punch

Try this kid friendly option for a fun drink with a Twizzler straw.


Strawberry lemonade in glass.

11. Strawberry Lemonade

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade is light and refreshing. It is the perfect drink for a patriotic cookout.


Red Wine and Blue Spritzer in glass.

12. Red Wine and Blue Spritzer

This surprisingly simple drink uses white wine, white soda. It gets its patriotic colors from frozen cherries and blueberries.


Red White and Blueberry Margaritas

13. Red White and Blueberry Margaritas

This festive margarita uses frozen strawberries, coconut milk and frozen blueberries. Just layer it in a fun glass.


Citrus splash in glasses.

14. Citrus Splash

This looks like an entertaining drink. How fun is it that they used pop rocks along the rim of the glass?


Patriotic Ice Cream Sodas

15. Patriotic Ice Cream Sodas

These ice cream sodas look phenomenal and I bet they taste as good as they look, too! To get the fun colors all you have to do is change up the variety of soda.


Fourth of July Milkshakes

16. Fourth of July Milkshakes

This recipe had my attention as soon as I read the word milkshake. Okay, the added whipped cream and sprinkles certainly makes it more appealing as well.


Raspberry Lemonade

17. Raspberry Lemonade

Just a few simple ingredients and you can make the delicious Raspberry Lemonade.


Red White and Blue Pina Colada

18. Red White and Blue Pina Colada

This drink has a blend of pineapple, coconut and strawberries. You can’t beat the combo of pineapple with coconut in this 4th of July drink.


Red White and Blue Sparkling Juice

19. Red White and Blue Sparkling Juice

This is like a 4th of July snack in a glass. Everyone will love downing the ginger ale and then eating all of the fruit.


Fourth of July Sparkler

20. Fourth of July Sparkler

The lovely drink uses Rosé Champagne, club soda and berries. The different colors and berries make the drink festive.


 Red White and Blue Daiquiris

21. Red White and Blue Daiquiris

The daiquiris use frozen lemonade and lime aid. A bonus is that you can make these ahead of time and freeze.


Fourth of July Layered Drink

22. Fourth of July Layered Drink

This layered drink uses white Powerade, Cran-Apple juice and Blue Gatorade. The colors magically stay separated in each drink.


Watermelon Lemonade in pitcher.

23. Watermelon Lemonade

Watermelon juice is so refreshing. Combine that with Lemonade and you have yourself a winning summery drink.


 

Source:  Enjoy Orange County

Are you looking for something spectacular to grace your Memorial Day/Start of Summer BBQ?  Hop on over to Instagram to browse through some amazing patriotic charcuterie boards that are truly easy enough for anyone to make and guaranteed to “Wow” your family and friends!  → www.instagram.com/explore/tags/memorialdaycharcuterie

Have a blessed Memorial Day and enjoy the holiday weekend!

 

Taste of Brea & Business Expo – Brea
Thursday, May 26, 2022, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Brea’s Annual Foodie Extravaganza is here! Enjoy a delicious mix of food, drinks, and fun in Brea Downtown at the 2022 Taste of BreaÂź.  Come and enjoy dancing to live music with family and friends. Spend this evening strolling the Brea Downton enjoying tasty samples from our local Brea restaurants and beer/wine providers while reveling in the beautiful domain that Brea has to offer.  Got Questions? Contact the Brea Chamber office at (714) 529-3660  www.tasteofbrea.com

LOCATION:
Downtown Brea on Birch Street

 

Pouring wine at the festival

Newport Beach Wine Festival – Newport Beach
May 27-29, 2022

Sip your way through Memorial Day weekend at the 13th annual Newport Beach Wine Festival. The festival will take place at Balboa Bay Resort with multiple events each day. This beautiful waterfront setting is ideal for sipping fine wines, savoring delicious entrees, tasting craft beers and more. Learn how to cook a wine-themed meal or take the opportunity to expand your knowledge on wine characteristics and blending. See website for complete schedule of events. $65-$150 per event.  949.630.4146.  www.balboabayresort.com/nbwinefestival

LOCATION:
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA

 

Strawberry Festival Logo

Strawberry Festival – Garden Grove
May 27-30, 2022

The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city’s strawberry-growing history.  Free admission!  INFORMATION:  714-638-0981  www.strawberryfestival.org

LOCATION:
Euclid St & Main St
Garden Grove, CA

 

40.jpg

Scottish Fest – Costa Mesa
May 28-29, 2022

The event features hundreds of bagpipers and drummers, Scottish and Irish food and vendors, Scottish clans, Highland dancing and traditional Scottish feats of strength like the hammer throw, putting the stone and caber toss. Part of the United Scottish Society, the festival was established in 1932 and was called a Highland Games in the tradition of Scottish heritage.  www.scottishfest.com

LOCATION:
OC Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

 

20 Most Unique Places to Spend New Year's In California – State Bliss

Knott’s Berry Farm Military Days and Memorial Sunday Fireworks – Buena Park
May 28-30, 2022

Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with family and friends at Knott’s Berry Farm. All active, veteran and retired US Military personnel will be honored and celebrated with complimentary admission. Up to six tickets may be purchased for family and friends at a discounted rate. End your day of fun with a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the night sky on Sunday at 9:45 p.m.  F-Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m. See website for ticket pricing.  714.220.5200.  knotts.com

LOCATION:
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA

 

Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run – Laguna Hills
May 30, 2022

Celebrate Memorial Day with the City of Laguna Hills 18th annual Memorial Day run, honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to come out and enjoy the Memorial Day festivities. After the race enjoy food from local food trucks, a beer garden and DJ tunes. 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Register online. 949.975.8506. lagunahillshalfmarathon.com

LOCATION:
El Toro Road & I-5 Freeway
24155 Laguna Hills Mall
Laguna Hills, CA

Basil Hayden's Holiday Spice Cocktail Recipe

A couple of years ago I went on a search for Basil Hayden’s Bourbon; it had been highly suggested as the bourbon of choice for this amazing stuffing. Sadly I was unsuccessful in my efforts to locate it in Denver and managed to make do with another brand but I will never forget that recommendation from a friend. When I was asked if I would like to recreate the Basil Hayden’s Holiday Spice Cocktail created for the brand by Joaquín Simó who was just named Bartender of the Year at the industry Tales of the Cocktail Convention held each year in New Orleans, how could I say no?

The recipe for this remarkable bourbon dates back to 1796, when Basil Hayden himself was a master distiller. Hayden was born and raised in Maryland, where he learned to make whiskey from rye. When he came to Kentucky, Hayden began making whiskey from a base of corn, but added a higher percentage of rye than other distillers, resulting in a smooth, mild bourbon that was distinctly his own. The abundance of rye gives it a slightly peppery taste and aroma, perfect for sipping on the rocks but also delicious in a well crafted cocktail.

Aged eight years at a relatively mild 80 proof, Basil Hayden’s has a very broad appeal. The Spirit Journal has said, ‘Basil Hayden’s is one of the best ultra-premium bourbons that you can find. It’s a good example of what a classic bourbon is like. It’s absolutely brilliant.” It’s all true; this is one fine bourbon. I couldn’t help but love the packaging too; check out that metal and copper stamped band that encircles the bottle. Very cool indeed.
Basil Hayden's Bourbon

Partnering with Basil Hayden’s, Joaquín has created the quintessential holiday cocktail. The Basil Hayden’s Holiday Spice combines the bourbon’s spicy finish with the winter flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon. Joaquín’s expert mixology skills make the cocktail the perfect addition to any holiday party, or a low-key fireside evening. For Mr. Simó, it’s been an unlikely journey from his native Ecuador to the accolades at the Tales of the Cocktail convention. After finishing his degree in English literature and comparative religion at Boston University he found himself working dive bars and rock ‘n’ roll joints before moving to New York eight years ago where he polished his craft.

Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Beach/Newport Bay
December 15 – 19, 2021

FREE to the public. The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights. The parade starts at Collins Island at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately three and a half hours over 250 ships participate in the parade along with hundreds of water front estates. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. FREE for spectators, entry fee for participating boats. Over million and half people view the parade each year.

For those of you that would like to be in parade both Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker will offer 3 general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.

LOCATIONS FOR CRUISES:
December 3, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Offered three times nightly (check websites for times)
Newport Landing
309 Palm – Suite A, Newport Beach Ca 92661
Davey’s Locker
400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661

INFORMATION:
949-675-0551


Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
November 27 – December 26, 2021

Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues! From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle.

LOCATION:
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

INFORMATION:
(714) 708-5555


Night of Lights OC
November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022

A spectacular drive-thru experience with over a million lights, holiday music, characters and real snow!

Guests will enjoy in the safety of their own vehicle a magical and interactive drive through a winter wonderland of lights. This one-mile drive-thru will include over one million lights. Limited tickets and time slots per day!

LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626


Winter Fest OC – Costa Mesa

18 Days of Snow!

Featuring ice tubing down an 8 lane, 150 foot mountain, massive snow play and slide area with separate areas for toddlers and kids with fresh snow blown in daily, ice skating on SoCal’s largest outdoor ice rink under the stars in the middle of Winter Fest OC, nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration with a parade of the Winter Fest OC characters.

There’s also fireworks and snow flurries, plus a not to be missed experience with Santa and his reindeer flying over the fairgrounds through Christmas Eve, an all new Alpine Village with a new light maze and new wintery attractions, over 20 carnival rides and attractions, festive entertainment, seasonal eateries, visits with Santa and so much more.

LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626


The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Holiday Festival
Sunday, December 19, 2021
12-4pm

The Muckenthaler’s annual Holiday Festival features various activities, including family-friendly activities, live music, free art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale. Featuring Performances by Noelle Lidyoff, The Sugar Daddies, The Kamaaina Glee Club, & Momentum Dance.

LOCATION:
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 West Malvern Avenue
Fullerton, California 92833


 

 

 

 

The Nutcracker by Ballet Repertory Theatre – Huntington Beach
December 11-24, 2021

Enjoy Ballet Repertory Theatre’s cherished 45-year-old tradition of bringing beloved holiday music to life with nearly 300 performers in dazzling costumes. Travel with young Clara through a magical world of life-size dolls, toy soldiers, colossal mice, and delicate snowflakes to the fabulous Land of Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Exuberant French, Spanish, Arabian, Russian, and Chinese dancers await you, along with twirling candy canes and waltzing flowers. Orange County’s longest-running Nutcracker is the ultimate feel-good family tradition.

LOCATION:
Golden West College Theater
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

INFORMATION:
714-895-8150


 

 

 

 

Christmas Countdown
December 12-23, 2021

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
holiday fun at Pretend City! Join us for our exciting 12 Days of Christmas Countdown! Each day leading up to Christmas, we will “unwrap” a new holiday activity at the museum! Get in the holiday spirit as we gear up for Christmas and countdown the days!

Cost is included with museum admission.

LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA


 

 

 

 

Festival of Kwanzaa
December 26-31, 2021

Join us as we celebrate Kwanzaa at Pretend City! Each day we will light a candle on the Kinara and celebrate a new principle through a variety of activities.

Cost is included with museum admission.

LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA


For Kids!
Annual Noon-Year’s Confetti Countdown

Friday, December 31, 2021

5..4..3..2..1..HAPPY NOON YEAR! Join us for our annual New Year’s Celebration in the middle of the day! We will celebrate the new year at different times throughout the day as the sun travels across the different time zones! There will be a confetti countdown at 4 different times to celebrate the new year in Bangladesh, Dubai, Athens, and London, as it turns to midnight in these different cities! We will also have New Year’s activities and art for our little ones to enjoy!

LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA

INFORMATION / TICKETS:
949.428.3900


Sawdust Winter Fantasy
November 20-21 & 26-28, 2021
December 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19, 2021

Weekends – 10am to 7pm

This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Includes live entertainment, hands-on art projects and picture-perfect moments, the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy will become your family’s holiday tradition.

LOCATION:
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd

INFORMATION:
949-494-3030 


 

 

 

 

Laguna Playhouse: Sister’s Christmas Catechism
December 20 & 21, 2021

It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” in this holiday mystery extravaganza from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages – whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? (“We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri – they were in a barn after all.”) Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production has been vaccinated, masked and ready to take on Christmas in a very Sister way.

LOCATION:
Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92652

INFORMATION:
Box Office (949) 497-ARTS (2787)



C
asa Lumina: Holiday Garden Walk – San Clemente
December 1-22, 2021

Experience the wonder of the holiday season during “Casa Lumina Holiday Walk” on select evenings from December 5 to 23 at Casa Romantica. Over 1,000 twinkling lights illuminate Casa Romantica’s exquisitely-decorated home and gardens with holiday themes.

$8-$12

LOCATION:
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672

INFORMATION:
(949) 498-2139


 

 

 

 

Camino Real Playhouse presents: A Christmas Story
November 26th – December 19th, 2021

Christmas is approaching and 9 year-old Ralphie wants only one thing: a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun. When he mentions it at the dinner table, his mother’s immediate reaction is that he’ll shoot his eye out. He then decides on a perfect theme for his teacher but her reaction is like his mother’s. He fantasizes about what it would be like to be Red Ryder and catch the bad guys. When the big day arrives, he gets lots of presents under the tree including a lovely gift from his aunt that his mother just adores. But what about the BB gun?

LOCATION:
Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 675

INFORMATION:
(949) 489-8082


 

 

 

Snow Day with the Critters
December 

All Zoo celebration featuring stations focusing on winter and snow. Watch animals receive icy treats, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, play educational games, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories.

General Public – free with price of admission; FOSAZ Members are FREE and Santa Ana Residents are FREE on December 15.

LOCATION:
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E Chestnut Ave
Santa Ana, CA


Kidseum New Years Eve Bash
December

New Year’s Eve isn’t just for adults- head to Kidseum for a kid-friendly countdown! Families will enjoy complimentary face painting and craft stations where they can make their own disco balls, confetti poppers, and even noise makers during this kid-centric celebration.

Ticketed Event: Member or with paid Bowers Museum admission $15 | General $20

LOCATION:
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana

INFORMATION:
(714) 567-3679


 

 

The Nixon Library presents “A Holiday of Hope” – Yorba Linda
November 18 through December 28, 2021

All Aboard! Trains are Back!

Every week, Nixon Library visitors will enjoy rotating sets of model trains chugging up mountains and rolling across the American plains. Visit the Nixon Library throughout the Holiday season to keep up with the latest rotating model! New trains every week!

LOCATION:
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

INFORMATION:
714-993-5075

By Sally Jones | Realtor.com | Dec 13, 2021

Freshly brewed java doesn’t have a season, as any coffee aficionado knows. But with holiday decorating upon us, caffeine lovers of Instagram are showing off their seasonal coffee stations and hot cocoa bars.

Why have these hot-beverage stations become a holiday trend? Because a cozy drink is like (getting or giving) a hug in a mug.

“Warm beverages not only warm the body, but they also warm the soul,” says Annemarie Schumacher, event planner and founder of Make Every Day an Event at Schumacher Creative. “People crave nostalgia during the holiday season, and things like hot cocoa bring us back to our childhood.”

Whether you confine your coffee station to a corner of your kitchen or go all out with a sideboard takeover, there are many ways to put your decor-style stamp on a beverage bar.

Ready to give the whole house a spike of holiday cheer? Here are Instagram’s best holiday drink stations to inspire you as well as tips on how to shop the look.

 

1. Ribbons and trim

Setting up a coffee station doesn’t mean you have to become a barista. Instead, let folks serve themselves.

“These days, there are a variety of warm beverage makers that make the logistics of a beverage bar super easy,” says Schumacher.

And to dress things up for the season, you can add some homespun charm to a white kitchen backdrop. Just tie some colorful ribbons and bows along a length of string to make a fun and easy garland. Red is the right pop of color for a holiday coffee bar.

Get the look: Glad tidings are here in this striped red and white ribbon ($3.99).

 

2. Wall art

A cocoa bar doesn’t have to be elaborate.

“Holiday-themed signs are a great way to add a festive look and feel to a beverage bar,” says Cate Griffing, who runs the painting-based website West Magnolia Charm, which also includes topics regarding decor and home improvement. “It’s a simple piece of decor that doesn’t take up a ton of space but can pack a lot of punch.”

Get the look: Look for your expressive wall art to find your perfect holiday message and build your tableau around it.

 

3. Santa mugs

Bring on the mugs!

“You can’t have a hot cocoa station for the holidays without some darling Christmas mugs,” says Schumacher. “Perhaps you have some coffee cups or mugs that have been passed down from generation to generation. I personally love the sentiment.”

You’ll find an assortment of Christmas ceramics at your favorite kitchen and home goods stores. And have some fun by mixing and matching styles.

Get the look: Sip from your very own Santa mug like this one from Sur La Table ($10).

 

4. Holiday bunting

Holiday bunting adds a festive touch to this coffee, tea, and cocoa station. Don’t be afraid to layer on several different strands—the more, the merrier. This bar features three: white “snow” balls, glittering confetti, and red felt.

“And trays are a useful tool in creating a coffee bar,” says Griffing. “If you aren’t lucky enough to have a separate coffee station in your home, a tray allows you to designate one by organizing all the coffee supplies in one place.”

Get the look: Nab your very own cheerful holiday bunting ($23), and check out which tiered tray suits your holiday style ($37).

 

5. Vintage thermos

This display of retro thermos bottles in red plaid brings to mind scenes of snowy days spent sledding and ice skating. It’s a unique way to summon both the spirit and nostalgia of the season to your beverage bar. And the idea is a practical one, too: Thermoses come in handy on days when you need to take your coffee on the go.

Get the look: Check out Etsy for a wide variety of vintage thermoses ($25 to $35).

 

6. Bar cart

If you can imagine your coffee station becoming a tradition, you may want to invest in a bar cart. With a cart, you not only get your hot-drinks station off the kitchen counter, you can also wheel it into the living room when you’re entertaining.

“Who can resist the coziness of sipping a delightful mug of hot chocolate in a darling mug while surrounded by the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree,” says Schumacher. Bonus: You can turn it back into a bar cart when the season ends.

Get the look: Check out this Falon modern glam bar cart to get rolling.

 

7. Upcycled sideboard

Another idea for a permanent coffee station is to upcycle a vintage sideboard.

“I encourage people to find a sideboard, console table, or bar cart to curate their station,” says Schumacher.

To get a similar “white Christmas” theme going at your house, try painting your upcycled furniture with milk paint, which needs very little prep work and has a matte finish that lets a bit of the natural wood show through.

Get the look: Once you find the perfect sideboard, grab a gallon or two of milk paint ($23).

 

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