Things to do in San Clemente this Weekend

Santa's Village By The Sea &
Puttin' On The Glitz

Saturday, Dec. 3, 4-8 p.m.

The City of San Clemente and the San Clemente Downtown Business Association present this festive downtown holiday tradition along Avenida Del Mar. Music, food, hot chocolate, popcorn and other refreshments will be available. Other activities include unlimited games and Snow Hill access, cookie decorating, and crafts with a wristband.

Enjoy late-hours shopping among the twinkling lights, carolers, street musicians, sweet treats and an artisans market.

The city will also hold its tree lighting at the Community Center, and don’t miss Santa’s arrival to Downtown San Clemente, starting at the top of Del Mar, at around 4 p.m.

san-clemente.org
scdba.org

Friday, December 2

CASA LUMINA HOLIDAY WALK
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
5-7 p.m.
Casa Romantica invites the community to check out its magical garden walk with creative activities and more than 1,000 twinkling lights. Explore Casa Romantica’s historic seaside home and gardens, transformed into an illuminated and festively decorated winter wonderland at night. A fun, family-friendly experience for all, each night of the Casa Lumina Holiday Walk will include an illuminated walk through Casa Romantica, live entertainment from local artists, crafts including Letters to Santa, and hot cocoa.
More info.

HARBOR LIGHTS CRUISE
Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Dana Wharf invites visitors to take a 60-minute boat ride around the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy holiday music and the light displays from both land and the sea. These family-friendly cruises are available on select weekend nights, including Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 16-18. Tickets for adults are $25 per person, children ages 3-12 are $15 per person, and toddlers ages 2 and under are $5 each.
More info.

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN
Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more.
949.364.1270
More info.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S
26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano
7 p.m.
Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Anesha Rose will perform.
949.493.9593
More info.

Saturday, December 3

LA PLAZA TREE LIGHTING
La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St, Dana Point
4:30-5:30 p.m.
This tree-lighting event will feature carolers, hot chocolate and cookies. Guests can also bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. The countdown to light the tree will begin at 5:15.
949.248.3536
More info.

BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA
Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
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.
More info.

SANTA’S JOLLY TROLLEY
1:30-5:30 p.m.
Santa and his elves from the City of Dana Point’s Recreation Division will ride the Jolly Trolley and stop at park locations and hand out pre-packaged treats for kids up to 12 years of age. Santa’s elves will also collect letters for Santa. The trolley will stop at Sunset Park from 1:30-2 p.m.; at Dana Woods Park from 2:30-3 p.m.; Sea Canyon Park from 3:30-4 p.m.; and La Plaza Park from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
949.248.3536
More info.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
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.
949.493.5911
More info.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE
31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
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 will run through Dec. 18.
949.489.8082
More info.

THE NORTH POLE AT LOS RIOS STREET
Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano
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.

HOLIDAY MUSIC THROUGH THE DECADES
Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente
7:30 p.m.
Longtime San Clemente resident Mike Chamberlin will present holiday music from the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s with numerous fun sing-alongs. The event also may feature a special appearance from Frosty the Snowman. Tickets are $20.
More info.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE COTTAGE GALLERY
31701 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano
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.
949.340.6693
More info.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
9-11 a.m.
Enjoy a catered breakfast along with a meet-and-greet with Santa. Children’s activities will also be featured. Tickets are $15 per person. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area.
949.535.2323
More info.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT
6-8 p.m.
Bring the family out to the Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy in Rancho Mission Viejo to gaze out into the night sky and learn about stars and the solar system. Volunteer astronomers with The Nature Reserve will be on hand to let visitors look through telescopes, trace constellations and teach people about what they are seeing. It is recommended to bring warm clothes, flashlights, binoculars and beach chairs. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 8 to 17 years old.
Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

FARMERS MARKET
La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags.
More info.

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE
The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.
9-11 a.m.
South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles.
More info.

Sunday, December 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

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER
24701 Del Prado, Dana Point
6 p.m.
Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Millertime Boogie will perform.
949.661.6003
More info.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE
33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
7 p.m.
Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Rock musician Fee Waybill will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 5 p.m.
949.496.8930
More info.

FARMERS MARKET
100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente.
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot.
949.361.8200.
More info.

Weekend Spotlight

Capistrano Lights

Saturday, Dec. 3, 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

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