Best Things To Do This Weekend In OC - December 11
With finals wrapping up soon and the kids getting ready to start the holiday break, a bit of a vacation is way overdue for just about everyone. Before the rush of the holiday season, and last minute shopping of all kinds, enjoy some time away from the grind with a few of these weekend activities.
Hit The Sand with Santa
Christmas On The Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Ave.
(714) 846-3460
www.theatricum.com
Bolsa Chica State Beach is one of the few public beaches left that still allows bonfires and overnight camping. Just across from California's wetlands and nestled just west of Surf City USA, the three-mile stretch is idyllic, serene, and still very much a community focal point. In that spirit, Christmas On the Beach is an annual community-driven event that is completely free. Starting at 4:30, Santa will make his rounds for photos on the beach as crafts, food, and music all have stations in the sand. At 6:30, there will be a screening of Despicable Me, allowing the entire family to toast s'mores, laugh at the Minions, and gather close with the waves crashing in the distance. This is a truly California Christmas experience.
Go On A Holiday Cruise
The Newport Beach Holiday Cruises
Newport Landing
309 Palm St, Ste #A
92661 Newport Beach
(949) 675-0551
www.christmasparadeboats.com
This year marks the 107th installment of the annual Harbor cruise dedicated to holiday décor. The very first ride took place in 1907 on a gondola. Since then, the month of December has evolved into a holiday parade that happens every weekend. From the ships participating in the procession, to the gorgeous estates professionally lit and competing in the "Ring of Lights" competition happening during parade week, a ticket on this cruise allows you to have a unique vantage point. For 75 minutes you can tour the harbor and gaze in awe at some of the ingenuity and artistry. The Newport Beach Holiday Cruises are a tradition in the region with good reason. Grab a ticket and prepare for a truly memorable boat ride.
Get To Oingo Boingo
Dead Man's Party
Lido Live
3459 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 723-0250
www.lidolive.com
Gaining momentum as one of Orange County's most talked about destination for live music and entertainment, the restored Lido Live theatre adds some very real curb appeal to a stretch of Newport Beach that is already prime for an evening stroll. Nestled close to restaurants and bars, a prime ticket for live music makes any weekend memorable. This weekend the Lido welcomes Dead Man's Party, the Richard and Danny Elfman approved Oingo Boingo tribute band. The 8-pieve ensemble is about as close as it gets to resurrecting the actual band, with true-to-form renditions of the timeless Elfman compositions. Like the band's name suggests, there is no standing still during a DMP show.
Popol Vuh: The Watercolors of Diego Rivera
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714-567-3600
www.bowers.org
Those that appreciate fine art are keen on this weekend's historic opening of the first US presentation of 17 rare watercolors from the collection of the Museo Casa Diego Rivera in Guanajuato, Mexico. In 1931, renowned muralist Diego Rivera translated the sacred Maya text of Popol Vuh into 17 different watercolor works. For the very first time in the United States, these works will be on display right in our backyard at the Bowers Museum of Santa Ana. While the exhibit runs through May, do not waste time in getting to see an artistic visionary's translation of text from a ancient civilization.
Dine And Dance
Kirk Franklin's Gospel Brunch
House of Blues Anaheim
1530 S. Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-2583
www.houseofblues.com
One of the longest running shows in Southern California continues to be the House of Blues Gospel Brunch that happens every Sunday. A staple of the live music chain since it's 1992 national opening, the show experienced a rejuvenation locally when legendary gospel musician/director Kirk Franklin assumed creative direction for the show. Whether gospel music is your preference or not, it's tough to dismiss just how entertaining the afternoon is. While the musical ensemble is both powerful and pulsating with soul, the food pairs incredibly well as everything from bananas fosters French toast and savory chicken and waffles served fresh during the show. Complete with awesome beverage options including a build you own bloody mary bar, you just can't go wrong.
