Celebrate the Holidays in Dana Point

It’s merry everything and a happy always in Dana Point during the holidays! With many festive events and activities for all ages taking place within the area’s coastal resorts, Southern California’s luxurious seaside city is the perfect spot to sparkle this winter! We’ve put together a list of popular events happening this holiday season in Dana Point.

November

Santa is coming to town a little early for the annual Surfing Santa Competition taking place November 18 – 19 at Salt Creek Beach. Competitors wear Santa suits or other holiday themed outfits while surfing or paddle boarding, which benefits the Surfers Healing charity. This fun event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Kick off the holidays at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel during their annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting event on November 19. Enjoy holiday music and a special appearance from Santa Claus! Guests are asked to bring a new toy or non-perishable food items to benefit Miracles for Kids and the Orange County Rescue Mission.

Eat, drink, and be merry for a good cause this Thanksgiving at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Thanks-For-Giving Buffet on November 23. Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items, which will benefit the Orange County Rescue Mission. The hotel is also offering a tasty three-course holiday menu at Raya and a special Thanksgiving menu at enoSTEAK.

Wobble before you gobble at the 40th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy cool ocean breezes while participating in the 10k, 5k or kids run at the Dana Point Harbor. Run the race before you stuff your face at The Monarch Beach Resort! The hotel’s restaurants are hosting delicious feasts including a Thanksgiving Brunch at AVEO Table + Bar and a Thanksgiving Dinner at Stonehill Tavern.

Wine and dine this holiday season at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and enjoy their special Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet at Vue Restaurant. Cap off your day with a holiday movie at the Pacific Learning Center inside the resort at 7pm. Complimentary popcorn, drinks, snacks and sweets are also included!

December

Be merry and bright at Dana Point Harbor and enjoy Super Hero Holiday lights this December! Visitors can take a free boat ride with Santa and his helpers December 2 – 3 at Dana Wharf and enjoy the 42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights December 8 – 9 and 15 – 16. This event is one of the largest boat parades in California. Boats of all shapes and sizes dress up and parade the harbor with music and decorations!

Sweeten up your holidays at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel with their Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie Decorating event on December 17. Santa Claus will make a special visit at the Yappy Howl-iday Celebration on December 3, which benefits The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative. Holiday Storytelling also takes place December 8 – 9 and 15 – 16 inside the resort. Guests can celebrate holiday cheer with friends and family while enjoying an incredible buffet of homemade favorites at the resorts Christmas Day Holiday Buffet. For dinner, head to Raya for a Christmas Day four-course holiday menu or enoSTEAK to savor on a special holiday menu!

Make it a December to remember at The Monarch Beach Resort. Enjoy their festive Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2 and participate in their Gingerbread Academy December 10, 16, 17, 23, or 24. The resort also offers special Hanukkah events including a Candle Lighting Ceremony December 12 – 19 and a Hanukkah Party on December 16.

Eat Breakfast with Santa and hand deliver your holiday wish list on December 17 at Vue Restaurant inside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. This tasty event includes a buffet, chocolate fountain station, arts & crafts, and much more. Guests can also get cozy with S’mores and Stories on December 9 or 16 by the restaurants fire pit.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season this winter. It’s the most wonderful time of year in Dana Point! We look forward to welcoming you to the spectacular Orange County coastline this November and December. Check out our entire events calendar and be sure to take advantage of our holiday resort package specials!