An Orange County New Year's Eve, Family Style.

Looking for a fabulous party or event to fill your calender this New Year's Eve? For an something catering towards adults, check out the Orange County Register's very complete list HERE, of things to do & places to go this New Year's Eve.

Interested in something a little more family oriented? Try one of these Orange County New Year's Eve celebrations...

Fullerton's First Night '09 Celebration: 7pm - 12 am, Downtown Fullerton. FREE admission, live musical entertainment, outdoor ice skating ($7 per session), food vendors, train rides ($3 per person), face painting, balloon artists, karaoke, fireworks show at midnight & for the kids... bungee run, obstacle course, robo surf, castle bounce house, gladiator joust, pirate ship bounce house & slide (rides are $2-3 per activity per person). For more information & directions go HERE.

Rancho Santa Margarita's Celebrating Family & Friends Event: 4:30pm - 9:30pm, at Rancho Santa Margarita's Civic Plaza on the corner of El Portal & El Paseo. It is "an alcohol-free community festival featuring roving entertainers, visual arts, musical entertainment on Celebration stage, and opportunities for interactive art activities with family and friends." The party kicks off with a FREE Magic Show at 4:30pm. A tot play area will be available with inflatables, a coloring station play-doh, bubbles & much much more. For the older teenagers & kids, many video games will be available, including Wii, Xbox, Dance Dance Revolution. For more information & directions go HERE.

Borders New Years Eve Kids Party: 2pm, at the South Coast Plaza Borders. Games, crafts & a special parade will help you & your family countdown to 2009. For more information go HERE.

Discovery Science Center's Noon Year's Eve Celebration: 10am - 3pm. Ring in the New Year just a bit early this year... "We'll celebrate at noon with a countdown, balloon drop, ginger ale toast, music, activities & more! Why should grown-ups have all the fun? Taco Bell Discovery Science Center is hosting a Noon Year's Eve party for all ages! Activities will include making seltzer rockets and constructing party hats!" FREE with paid admission & open to all ages. For more information, go HERE.

Rainforest Cafe's New Years Eve Party: 6-8pm, at the Rainforest Cafe located inside South Coast Plaza. For $5.99, kids 12 & under will enjoy a fabulous buffet, featuring nearly everything on their kid's menu (chicken nuggets, burgers, even ice cream sundaes), while parents can enjoy anything off the menu. Everyone will help ring in an early New Year with hats, noisemakers, a sparkling cider toast & balloon drop. For more information, or to make your reservation call (714)424-9200.

Happy New Year!

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

Track Santa on his Trip

Don't forget to track Santa on his trip around the world on Christmas Eve.

xoxo, C

Holiday Lights at the Zoo.

This weekend, Friday, December 19th, Saturday, December 20th & Saturday, December 27th, from 5:30 pm - 8 pm, come rain or shine the Santa Ana Zoo "entrance and farm area will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays."

There will be decorations, lighted displays, animal presentations, seasonal music, craft tables, & on the 19th and 20th Santa will be making a special appearance!

Holiday Lights at the Santa Ana Zoo
Friday, December 19th, Saturday, December 20th & Saturday, December 27th
5:30 - 8 pm
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Cost is $6 for non-members (ages 2+), or $3 for Zoo members (ages 2+). Although, all grandparents & Santa Ana City residents and employees get in FREE on December 19th! Purchase your tickets online HERE.

xoxo, K
image via santa ana zoo.

The Five Crowns

I know, I know, the holiday season is almost over. So, if you can't make it this year, you DEFINITELY need put the Five Crowns Restaurant on your list of holiday to-dos for next year. (Although, I'm pretty sure this place would be tasty any time of the year.) Having lived in Orange County for nearly 8 years, I've heard many people rave about the Five Crowns, especially during this magical time of the year. If you've never been to the Five Crowns you'll find it's "a beautiful replica of one of England's oldest country inns... a place of candlelight & cozy fireplaces... where good cheer and warm hospitality invite you to leave your cares at the door. There is something to delight the eye at every turn in this restaurant, with its many nooks and crannies, antiques and rare paintings" as their website states. & I for one, can vouch for how true this statement is.

We had the wonderful pleasure of dining there last night. & I have to admit I was worried... you know how it is, when you've heard so many wonderful things, sometimes you worry that it won't be as fantastic as everyone has made it out to be. But the Five Crowns definitely didn't let us down. The food was delicious & the ambiance was the perfect compliment to our holiday season... every year, from December 1 - 24th, the Five Crowns celebrates the Christmas Season with twinkling lights, sparkling decorations & strolling carolers. Yep! I said strolling carolers. Decked out in their finest "Dickens" inspired attire they wander throughout the restaurant serenading you with your favorite Christmas songs. (If you get the opportunity, ask them to sing one of their "non-traditional" songs. They have a whole slew of "everyday" songs, think Beach Boys or the Beatles, that have been re-written for the holidays. They'll crack you up!)

So like I said earlier, if you don't get a chance to visit the Five Crowns this holiday season, make sure you do next year. Next year I'm hoping we can make it their Dickens Dinner... happening within a few days after Thanksgiving, I'm told it's a incorporates dinner & Dickens' A Christmas Carol - sounds festive, & the perfect way to start the holiday season!

Five Crowns
3801 E. Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949)760-0331

xoxo, K
image via five crowns.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Starting this Wednesday, December 17th & going for five consecutive nights, ending Sunday, December 21, 2008 The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting their annual Christmas Boat Parade. As the website says "Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade."

The parade sets sail from Bay Island each night at 6:30pm & finishes at the same location at approximately 9 pm. To view the parade route & schedule go HERE. If you get the chance, try to make it early to Wednesday night's show... because "fireworks will light up the Newport skies at 6:25pm from the Balboa Pier just before the start of the parade". &, don't forgot to check out all the beautifully decorated bay side homes & businesses that surround the harbor. These people tend to "go all out with their own holiday spirit, featuring everything from roof-top animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees", all in an effort to win a coveted "Ring of Lights" award.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Wednesday, December 17 - Sunday December 21, 2008, 6:30 pm
Special firework show Wednesday night at 6:25 pm
For parade route & schedule go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via newport beach christmas parade.

December at the Honda Center

Don't have enough going on this month? Looking to add another activity or two to your already busy, busy calendar? Then check out the happenings at the Honda Center. During the month of December they have lots going on....

December 19th, 2008: is the always fabulous Sarah Brightman. Buy tickets HERE.
December 20th, 2008: is one of your daughter's favorites, The Cheetah Girls. Buy tickets HERE.
December 23rd-28th, 2008: is a show that will get everyone's foot tapping, High School Musical: The Ice Tour. Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via the honda center.

The Nutcracker for Kids

Share one of the greatest Christmas traditions with your children this year.... take them to see Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. Worried that your little ones might not be able to sit through the entire performance? Don't worry, the Orange County Performing Arts Center has your back. This Saturday, December 13th, 2008, OCPAC is putting on a special "Nutcracker for Kids"... all the visions of sugarplums, packed into a condensed 45 minute version. & to top it all off, Santa & a holiday sing-a-long close the show! To view show times & purchase tickets go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via here.

Dana Point Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor is celebrating the holidays in a big way, starting this weekend...

Friday, December 5th, 2008, from 3pm-7pm is their "Holiday in the Harbor" celebration. All three areas of the harbor (Dana Wharf, Mariners Village & Mariner's Alley) will be hosting holiday activities geared for families and children: photos with Santa, performances, holiday crafts & other holiday activities. The parking & events are FREE.

Friday, December 5th, Saturday December 6th & Saturday December 13th, at 7:30pm is the 34th Annual Boat Parade of Lights. You can view the parade for FREE from anywhere in the harbor, or make a reservation at one of the harbor's restaurants to view the parade while keeping yourself warm & toasty.

Saturday, December 6th & Sunday December 7th, from 10am-2pm you & your children can join Santa & his helpers on a 25 minute harbor cruise. The trip is FREE & the boat runs every half hour.

Saturday, December 13th, from 7:30-9am join Santa for breakfast. Pre-registration & pre-payment is required ($14.95 for adults & $7.95 for kids 7 & under), call (949)496-0855.

For more information about the holiday activities & celebrations happening at the Dana Point Harbor go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via dana point harbor

Letters to Santa

My kids are still little, but they are finally realizing what & who "Santa" really is. So, we decided that this was the year we needed to start writing the traditional "Letter to Santa". & thanks to the cities of Laguna Niguel & San Juan Capistrano, Santa will actually write back! For more information go HERE & HERE.

Laguna Niguel will "forward letters to the North Pole for a response from Santa" until Monday, December 8th. Please send your letters to: Santa Claus, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel 92677.

San Juan Capistrano will be collecting letters until Friday, December 19th. Please send letters to: Santa Claus, c/o Community Services Department, 25925 Camino Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

So write out those lists, send your letters, but don't forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so Santa can write you back.

xoxo, K
image via here.

The Science of Gingerbread

The Discovery Science Center of Santa Ana has a festive scientific exhibit for the holidays, The Science of Gingerbread. Families will be able to see the scientific background of how ingredients in Gingerbread work together to create a traditional holiday treat.

xoxo, C

Orange County Christmas Tree Lightings

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely... it's that time of year. The lights & trees are going up, & in some cities, a little snow may even fall! To ensure you don't miss any chance of celebrating, we've put together a short list of local Christmas Tree lightings & other city-wide celebrations. Have fun looking at all the pretty lights!

December 2nd:
* Garden Grove Tree Lighting Celebration at the Village Green/ Clock Tower. For more information call (714)741-5200.
December 3rd:
* City of La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 pm at the Central Park Amphitheater.
December 4th:
* City of Brea Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Brea Civic & Cultural Center. Admission is FREE. For more information call (714)990-7771
* City of Cypress Holiday Sing, 6pm, on the Civic Center Green
December 5th:
* Placentia Winter Holiday Celebration, 6:30pm, Placentia Civic Center: holiday music, caroling, refreshments, Christmas tree lighting.
* City of Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting, City Hall, 6pm
December 6th:
* City of Laguna Hills breakfast with Santa, 9-10:30am at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
* City of Buena Park 38th Annual Candy Caneland & Craft Faire: 10am-4pm, Ehlers Community Center.
* Downtown Fullerton's Annual Winter Festival, noon-6pm: bounce houses, face painting, craft & food booths, caroling, tree light ceremony at 5 pm.
* Newport Beach's 20th Annual Winter Wonderland, 10:30am-1pm, Bonita Creek Park: sledding, snowman building, holiday crafts & more.
* Holly Jolly Hoopla!, 1-5:30pm, San Clemente Community Center: live penguins & reindeer, sled rides, decorating cookies, Santa visits & story telling. For more information call (949)361-8264.
* San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:30-9pm, Historic Town Center Park. For more information call (949)493-5911.
* Christmas at the Casa, 5:30-9pm: tree lighting ceremony, story telling with Santa, caroling. $5/ adult, children 12 and under $2. For more information call (949)498-2139.
* City of Fountain Valley's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 7th:
* Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Vally Community Park.
* Huntington Beach Pier Lighting & Holiday Parade, 1pm-7pm
December 13th:
* Dana Point's Winter Festival at La Plaza Park. For more information call (949)248-3530.
* City of Costa Mesa's Snow Hill: sledding, face painting, cookie decorating... 9am-12pm, Balearic Community Center. For more information call (714)54-5300.
* Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade, Crown Valley Parkway 10 am.
* City of Laguna Hills Holiday Hay Ride
December 21st:
* Fashion Island Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 3pm. For more information call (949)721-9800

xoxo, K

Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train

Santa Claus is coming to town... or at least to the Irvine Park Railroad. As their website suggests "Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit Train Station and drop passengers off at Santa’s Village." While waiting for the train you & your children can enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, a bounce house or picture coloring. Once you reach Santa's Village children can share their wish list with Santa & have their pictures taken as well. You can also enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn & cookies at Santa's Village.

The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train will operate on November 28th, 29th, 30th, & December 5th, 6th, 7th, & 11th - 23rd, from 5-8pm. The cost is $8 per person, children 24 months & younger are FREE. (Parking at Irvine Regional Park is free after 5pm).

For more information, go HERE.

xoxo, K

image via Irvine Park Railroad.

Holidays at Disneyland

The holidays are coming to Disneyland, & I'm so excited, it's my favorite time of year there.... it's definitely magical! The entire park is decorated with ornaments, lights, glistening snow & sparkling icicles. (Be sure to pay special attention to Sleeping Beauty's Castle, I love how the snow "gathers on it" throughout the day! & as always, the Haunted Mansion & It's a Small World are always incredible.) Besides all the decorations, there is also a special Christmas Parade & Fireworks show, as well as lots of other holidays-inspired activities. Try not to miss all the fun.... Disneyland will be celebrating the holidays from November 21, 2008 - January 4, 2009.

xoxo, K

image via Disney.

Holiday on Ice at the Spectrum

Looking for something a little different to do? Why not head on over to the Irvine Spectrum for a little shopping, food & ice skating? Yep, you read that right. Right now, the Irvine Spectrum has an outdoor ice skating rink located in their Giant Wheel Court... perfect for a little holiday fun! For details regarding hours & pricing go HERE. To buy your tickets online go HERE.

Holiday on Ice at the Irvine Spectrum
November 1st, 2008- January 19th, 2009

xoxo, K