Tonight when Santa arrives at City Hall at 6 p.m. to meet the mayor for the traditional lighting of the pepper tree, he will have some distinctive guests in tow: Snow White and Cinderella will join the procession.
Taking time out from their roles at the Laguna Playhouse are Lindsay Pearce from “Glee” and Marina Sirtis of “Star Trek” fame, who will sample some of the holiday merriment spilling from street corners and storefronts all along closed Forest Avenue during Hospitality Night beginning at 5 p.m.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
On the City Hall lawn, the Thurston Middle School band will beat out their welcome beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Under the twinkling lights at 415 Forest Ave., the Laguna Presbyterian Church bell choir hosts a community sing-along at 5 p.m., while the La Playa Center sells homemade tamales and hot chocolate to support their ESL school. Pick up one of their free tamale cookbooks. Water and soda are also available for sale, benefiting the Sunday school and mission outreach. On the patio, shop for Heifer International gifts, and in the rose garden the MOMS group will sell hot dogs and chips. Stay for free cookies, cider and a sing along at 6 p.m. Before leaving the church, visit the art exhibit in the youth center.
Across the street at the 326 Forest Avenue stage, also at 5 p.m., the Laguna Concert Band performs until 6 p.m. when the 18-piece ensemble, Swing Set with Randy and Ginger Hatfield, take over until 7 p.m.
For more carols stroll over to the Hotel Laguna, 417 S. Coast Highway, where the tunes are accompanied by the hotel’s piano-player, cookies, cocoa and art. Step into the gallery next door to see Dr. Suess works including “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Beyond cookies and cocoa, the hotel’s heated patio offers sunset specials and there’s a happy hour in the bar.
For some calorie-burning fun take advantage of free rental skates and a spin on the “ice” at the US Bank parking lot, 310 Glenneyre St. The rink closes at 9 p.m.
Just after 6 p.m. Santa will hop into the golf sleigh for the trip to his house in front of Tuvalu, 295 Forest Ave., while “Cindy” and Snow follow along greeting guests. “They will mingle on Forest Avenue until 7:30 p.m., along with the Victorian carolers,” said Laura Henkels, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. Singing them in on the main stage will be Anneliese’s School Choir, followed by a performance from the Ken Garcia band at 6:15 p.m.
For something completely different, walk around the corner to the Laguna Beach Animal Hospital, 460 Forest Ave., for complimentary goodie bags and photos with your pet.
Arrive at 4 p.m. to meet dog-trainer Betty Estremo and get a free “paw reading” from Laguna local Ashley Gregg. She’ll connect with your pet and translate “the outlines” she sees that come to her “like 3D movie images.” Pet owners will go home with three “key words,” provided by the animal, which will have “something of value for their life,” said Gregg.
To give pedestrians unrestricted access downtown, portions of Forest Avenue, Beach and Third Street and the Pepper Tree Parking Lot will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 3 p.m. Free public parking will be available at Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road and at the Community and Susi Q Center, 380 Third St.
Plan ahead for next weekend when another break with tradition comes to the Irvine Bowl on the Festival of Arts grounds. “We aren’t hosting our tree lighting this year due to upcoming renovations and enhancements to our property,” reported Leah Mohammadkhani, a spokeswoman for the Montage Resort.
Instead, the resort will partner with radio station KX 93.5 to present a winter concert with performances by Kenny Loggins, harmonizing pop group The Shadowboxers, and local favorite David Allen Baker at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13.
Tickets are $15-$175. Just outside the amphitheater is a winter wonderland where children can delight in falling snow and a visit from Old St. Nick.
Complimentary hot chocolate and holiday treats will be served; adult libations and additional bites will be available for purchase.
Proceeds will benefit non-profits KX 93.5, Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and SchoolPower Laguna Beach Education Foundation. Purchase tickets at etix.com.
Correction:
Due to misinformation provided by the Chamber of Commerce, the story “New Guests, Interesting Twists for Hospitality Night” in the Dec. 4 edition incorrectly reported an expected performance by the Laguna Presbyterian Church bell choir. They did not perform during Hospitality Night.
