A Return of the Most Hospitable Night of the Year
Street closures begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Laguna Beach in anticipation of Hospitality Night, annually organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
Look for jolly old St. Nick sightings after 5 p.m. as he makes his way through town on an antique fire engine en route to City Hall. He arrives at 6 p.m. to flip the switch on the decorated pepper tree.
Elsewhere along traffic-free Forest Avenue, the community band performs in the Peppertree Lot prior to Santa’s arrival and the Ken Garcia Band will pick up the beat after Santa arrives at his temporary quarters on Forest. The Christmas classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” screens free at South Coast Cinema at 9:15 p.m., and merchants stay open late enticing patrons with treats.
The free trolley will be operating from 5 to 10 p.m. from Cliff Drive to Wesley Street along Coast Highway.
Caroling, Tamales, Art and More at Laguna Presbyterian
Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave., offers cookies, coffee and hot apple cider in the Rose Garden from 5-7 p.m. on Hospitality Night, as well as carols accompanied by live music from 6-7 p.m. Arts works will be on display and for purchase in the Youth Center and tamales will again be sold in Tankersley Hall with proceeds benefiting La Playa ELS Center.
Snacks will be for sale at the Forest Avenue entry with proceeds benefiting the Mom’s group of LPC.
Pets Welcome for Animal Hospital Hospitality
Laguna Beach Animal Hospital invites local and their pets to join the staff on hospitality night Friday, Dec. 5, from 4 -7 p.m. for a complimentary “paw reading,” 460 Forest Ave. Receive a gift bag, meet the staff and pose for a complimentary photo with your pet.
Reliving the Nativity on Hospitality Night
Families and members of the community are invited to participate in a live nativity scene at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 682 Park Ave. The first staging will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
If there are sufficient participants, the church hopes to add subsequent nights on the church lawn at dusk on Dec. 14 and 21.
Anyone who is interested in being in the nativity should contact Ann Richardson at 949-683-6242 or [email protected].
Sale Benefits Project Hope Alliance
Belo Blow Dry Bar, 302 Forest Ave., hosts a gift sale from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, during Hospitality Night. The free event includes music, refreshments and handmade jewelry by local artists and gift items. A portion of proceeds benefit Project Hope Alliance, which works to get homeless children off the streets and into safe homes.
Cottages Undergo a Christmas Makeover
Crystal Cove Historic District hosts a holiday event Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 10 a.m. Santa makes an appearance at 4 p.m.
No Square Presents Holiday Cabaret
The No Square Theatre will host an open mic night from 6- 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, with food and wine available for purchase in the theatre, 384 Legion St. starting at 5:30 p.m.
Saloon’s Entry Tab Goes Under the Tree
An unwrapped toy is the price of admission to the Saloon’s annual 6-10 p.m. Christmas party Monday, Dec. 15, in Peppertree Lane, 446 S. Coast Highway, which benefits Toys for Tots.
A contributed toy will be exchanged for a ticket to a drawing for an array of prizes from local merchants and beverage suppliers. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served, an appearance by Santa Claus is expected and Marines will be on hand to transport toys to their distribution center.
Gifts for youngsters 12 to 17 are most needed
December Events at OC Parks
Holiday themed events take place throughout December in county parks, including the annual Christmas train Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-23 at Irvine Park.
A Victorian Christmas lights up Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest on Saturday, Dec. 6, and a Candlelight Walk takes place there Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14.
At Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange, a Moonlight Stroll night hike takes place on Dec. 12 and on Dec. 13 it’s Christmas at the OC Zoo in Santa Ana.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea will host a New Year night hike on Dec. 26.
Photo: The Community Concert Band performs on Forest Avenue for Hospitality Night.
Photo: Santa, aka Chuck Harrell, and a Toys for Tots Marine representative team up with Saloon partners Michael Byrne, left, and Bobby Doerr, right.
