Eating, drinking and shopping. We've got it covered. Heck, we'll even throw in some crafts. Don't believe us? Check it out!
Petals and Pop wreath workshop – Huntington Beach
Why buy fake decor when you can DIY with fresh florals? Meet the team from Lot 579's Petals and Pop today to learn how to craft your very own wreath. Champagne included! Classes occur at noon and 5 p.m. Call ahead to register. 21058 Pacific Coast Hwy, (714) 374-0252; www.petalsandpop.com.
Newport Beach Santa Pub Crawl
Eleven years strong, the Santa Pub Crawl takes off on two routes this Saturday. Start at either Woody's Wharf or Newport Landing, but purchase that wristband now! Prices go up from $15 to $20 the day of the crawl. All wristband sales will go towards Project Access, providing health, education and employment services to individuals in low-income housing communities. Holiday costumes are strongly encouraged. www.nbsantapubcrawl.com.
OC Weekly Holiday Cheers
On Sunday, December 11th, 2016 from 2 p.m.–5pm, OC Weekly is throwing the largest holiday cocktail party in Orange County to celebrate the December 8th Eat, Drink & Be Merry issue and to benefit the local charity, I.C.A.R.E Dog Rescue. Like the issue's name, this event will feature what and where to eat, drink and be merry in OC! Tickets include a variety of cocktail tastings, unlimited food and dessert samples, live music and lots of vendor shopping. At[AV] Irvine 16500 Scientific Way, Irvine. To buy tickets, click on this link
Give Thanks: The Ecology Center Holiday Party – San Juan Capistrano
Tools for Change, the retail store at The Ecology Center, is updated and ready for you. Receive 15% off your purchase when you shop there on Saturday between 1-4 p.m. Also enjoy complimentary beverages and finger foods while you browse there and the assortment of other vendors that'll be on site. Give Thanks is a FREE event! 32701 Alipaz St, (949) 443-4223; www.theecologycenter.org.
Back Bay Bistro Holiday Events – Newport Beach
Your weekend plans are about to change. Brunch with Santa or Christmas Eve dinner? That's the question. Planned over two Sundays this month, the crew at Back Bay Bistro will meet all your buffet expectations ($45) and create new ones, with a special visit by the jolly one himself. If you manage to hold out until the night before Christmas, book their special five-course feast ($75). 1131 Back Bay Dr, (949) 729-1144; www.newportdunes.com.
Taco Tuesday at Naugles! – Fountain Valley
Since the test kitchen reopened, Naugles has not only remodeled, but they've added the perfect weekly special. Offered all day on Tuesdays, it's a pair of tacos, chips and soda for $5 (tax included!). Or as the rest of us might refer to it, lunch and/or dinner. Be on the lookout for kid's meals in early 2017. 18471 Mt. Langley, (657) 845-7346; www.nauglestacos.com.
Save the dates: Newport Beach Restaurant Week
January 16 through 29 is when those tasty deals will be available once again. We love that Newps extends their restaurant week by another week, because that's a lot of ground to cover in seven days. Their website is updated as menus by participating places are submitted, so keep checking. We're all over the lunch deals at Pizzeria Mozza and Bluefin. www.dinenb.com
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.