Photo by Jessica Casperson.
Montage Laguna Beach opened its doors to locals and resort guests for its fifth annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and community open house, which was attended by 4,500 people Monday, Dec. 1.
Families took photos with Santa on the lawn, participated in children’s activities and beheld pastry chef Kristin Davison’s gingerbread house depicting Santa on vacation. Resident musicians Steve Siu and David Allen Baker performed in the lobby as visitors sampled their way around the grounds.
In Studio, Executive Chef Craig Strong served up tastes of risotto, pumpkin soup, and short ribs. At Mosaic, Chef Miguel Ruiz offered tacos, tortilla soup, and holiday cookies. More treats could be sampled around the pool.
Managing Director Rick Riess welcomed guests and Chris Loidolt, president of the Hearts of Montage employee group, presented a $5,000 donation to the Woman’s Club towards the police department’s new dog. An equal donation went to the Boys & Girls Club for its Lang Park campus. As Riess led the count down, club members had the pleasure of lighting the 55-foot white fir tree.
