Craig Stecyk, “Northwest Passage (Clock)” (1989, mixed media) ART COURTESY OF: LAGUNA ART MUSEUM/THE STUART AND JUDY SPENCE COLLECTION
Get inspired at these local museums and galleries, where new art exhibits provide an illuminating experience this holiday season.
Bowers Museum
Tom Browning, “A Christmas Rocking Horse” (oil on canvas); “Queen Clarisse Renaldi’s Coronet” from The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement by Walt Disney Pictures. CATALINA MUSEUM FOR ART & HISTORY; WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES, ©DISNEY
The magic of Disney returns to Santa Ana’s Bowers Museum Dec. 12 with the premiere of All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives. Iconic pieces—ranging from the “Heart of the Ocean” necklace featured in James Cameron’s Titanic to the royal crowns and tiaras worn by Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries films—will allow visitors to get an intimate look at the accessories that have lit up the silver screen throughout the years. bowers.org
Catalina Museum for Art & History
All is merry and bright in Avalon at Catalina Museum for Art & History’s Paintings for the Holiday exhibit. On display through January, the seasonal showcase highlights heartwarming paintings by artists like Brian Stewart and Tom Browning, who depict ornaments, winter wonderlands, poinsettias, gift s and more. catalinamuseum.org
America Martin, “Woman with Arrow Blossoms II” (2021, acrylic on linen), 51.5 inches by 21.5 inches JOANNE ARTMAN GALLERY
JoAnne Artman Gallery
Join founder JoAnne Artman in celebrating more than a decade of success in Laguna Beach at her two adjacent galleries. Since its debut in 2008, JoAnne Artman Gallery has shared the contemporary works of both established and rising artists and will put its greatest hits on display through Dec. 31 in Lucky #13: Celebrating 13 Years in Laguna Beach. Explore pieces by favorites America Martin, Greg Miller, Anna Kincade and more during this milestone event. joanneartmangallery.com
Laguna Art Museum
With the new appointments of Julie Perlin Lee as executive director and Victoria Gerard as deputy director, Laguna Art Museum continues to evolve with fresh talent to accompany its exciting exhibitions. A trio of new displays will usher LAM into 2022. A Fanciful World: Jessie Arms Botke (through Jan. 16) features the fora and fauna that made the artist famous in the 1930s; Any-Instant-Whatever (through April 25) is a multimedia experience curated by artist Rebeca Méndez that depicts the skies of Los Angeles; and Sky Space Time Change (through April 25) showcases myriad nature-filled works by Lita Albuquerque, Tom Wudl and more. lagunaartmuseum.org
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From twinkling boat parades to charming cottage getaways, it’s a winter wonderland here in Orange County thanks to these Santa-approved offerings. BY ALLISON MITCHELL
Dana Point Harbor Lights
Open through Jan. 3, Dana Point Harbor has received a merry makeover with thousands of twinkling lights that are illuminated nightly during the holiday season. Steal a smooch under the popular Merry Kiss Me arch, stroll through Candy Cane Lane and enjoy performances from holiday carolers on select dates. Little ones will love taking boat rides with Santa on Dec. 4 and 5 thanks to Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching while your furry friends can join the fun on the same days during the Pet Project Foundation’s 10th annual Santa Paws. Finally, return Dec. 10 through 12 to view dozens of decorated vessels during the annual Boat Parade of Lights. danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor
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Holiday Cottages at Lido House
Book a festive staycation at Newport Beach’s Lido House where two of its cottages have been transformed for the holidays by Grace Blu and Blackband Design. All three stories of the Balboa and Collins cottages have been trimmed with stockings, tinsel trees and more, while each home’s well-equipped kitchens, sprawling rooftop decks—complete with your own fireplace—and myriad bedrooms provide plenty of the space for family and friends alike. Make the experience even jollier by booking the Holiday Cottage package. In addition to overnight accommodations, you’ll enjoy a private dining experience in your cottage, breakfast at The Mayor’s Table, a peppermint spice sugar scrub and yam and pumpkin facial at Boost Spa, a welcome drink at Topside Roof Deck, plus a keepsake from Lido House’s gift shop. cottagesatlidohouse.com
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Presented by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this beloved tradition returns for its 113th year Dec. 15 to 19. Themed Jingle on the Waves, the 14-mile parade will feature nearly 100 yachts and boats that are decked out in hopes of taking home an award for their merry efforts. Settle in at Marina Park or at one of the bay’s myriad waterfront restaurants around 6:30 each night to view the dazzling display. christmasboatparade.com
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Lighting of the Bay
Head to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina for the 31st annual Lighting of the Bay, where more than 50 twinkling trees take center stage each night through the new year. Arrive early to score a spot at one of its fire pits and pick up a s’mores kit at the on-site market to make the evening extra sweet. “Our Lighting of the Bay display is a quintessential element of the holiday season in Southern California,” notes general manager Phil Ravenna. “Newport Dunes invites all to get outside and join us in celebration throughout the season.” newportdunes.com
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Paséa Hotel & Spa’s Oceanfront Ice Rink
Open through Jan. 2, Paséa Hotel & Spa’s annual oceanfront ice rink allows skaters to show off their skills just steps from the sand in Huntington Beach. Sip hot cocoa; cozy up by a fire pit to enjoy savory dishes, s’mores and Champagne; or view your favorite holiday movies on the big screen. Themed skate nights—think Mariah Carey Tribute Night (Dec. 3 and 17) and Ugly Sweater Night (Dec. 23)—add to the holiday cheer. End the evening on a sweet note with made-to-order doughnuts and a boozy Mrs. Claus Night Cap cocktail. meritagecollection.com/pasea-hotel
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Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique
A wonderland of enchanting decor awaits at the magical Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique in Corona del Mar, open daily from 9AM to 6PM. Explore the highly curated, multiroom store to discover a treasure trove of ornaments, lush foliage, wreaths, trees and gift options for everyone on your list. Further, each space features its own theme—from a glistening winter wonderland full of sparkle to the traditional red and green of Santa’s workshop— making shopping a breeze. rogersgardens.com
Here are the new local drinking and dining concepts to book for your next date night.
BY ALLISON MITCHELL
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Bianchi Tasting Room
Uncork an afternoon of imbibing at the new Bianchi Tasting Room in Laguna Beach. Since 1974, the Bianchi name has been synonymous with premium wines, and now, the second and third generations of the family brand—Glenn Bianchi and his son Beau—have brought a tasting experience to their hometown. Designed by Todd Skenderian, the tasting room and event space showcases 12 to 15 varietals for sipping and purchasing plus goods and accessories geared toward oenophiles. Cheers! 949.646.9100, bianchiwine.com
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Butcher’s House Brasserie
Costa Mesa’s SoCo continues to expand its culinary offerings with the arrival of Butcher’s House Brasserie, a carnivorous concept by Moulin alumni chef Jeoffrey Offer. An homage to his childhood in France, Offer and his team are dry-aging cuts and searing steaks on a wood-burning grill to provide a flavorful symphony of dishes. Belly up to the bar to enjoy artisanal beers on tap and curated wines to accompany your hearty order. butchershouse.com
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Le Shrimp Ramen
Ramen fans are in for a treat as Singapore favorite Le Shrimp Ramen has set up shop at South Coast Plaza’s new culinary collective, Collage. Tucked within the Bloomingdale’s wing, the concept is highlighted by its signature trio shrimp ramen featuring fresh prawns, housemade prawn dumplings and shrimp roe prawn paste balls. A made-to-order menu and open-air kitchen ensure dining is experiential from start to finish. 714.884.4693, facebook.com/leshrimpramenusa
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Paradise Dynasty
A fellow Singapore import, Paradise Dynasty serves as the anchor of Collage at South Coast Plaza. The beautifully appointed space features a full-service dining room, bar and open-air kitchen where chefs mill about crafting exquisite Chinese fare. Indulge in its signature rainbow xiao long bao (soup dumplings) stuffed with everything from black truffle to foie gras, or give the Szechuan crispy chicken, handpulled noodles and other adventurous dishes a try. 714.617.4630, paradisegp.com
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Solstice
The Boardwalk in Irvine is now home to this seasonally driven restaurant by Chopped alum Demetrio Zavala, who honed his skills cooking in kitchens alongside Wolfgang Puck and Michael Voltaggio. Acting as the culinary director chef, Zavala and executive chef Brittany Valles are offering a menu highlighted by red wine-poached pear caprese, poached lobster gnocchi and malbec-braised wagyu short rib. Award-winning design firm Preen gave the space its good looks with four rooms inspired by the seasons teamed with a trellised patio. dineatsolstice.com
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Sueños
Situated in the former Ocean at Main space in Laguna Beach, Sueños is a Latin American concept by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Jose Gutierrez and Kay Ayazi, who tapped executive chef Alan Sanz and culinary director Yen Wu to man the kitchen. With backgrounds that span the globe, the pair are serving delicious arepas, ceviche accented with mango and jicama, plus duck punched up by blackberry mole and black risotto teamed with corn truffle and lamb chops. Live music, a progressive cocktail menu and a charming indoor-outdoor space equally entice. 949.715.8155, suenoslagunabeach.com
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