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Good morning, Orange County, and Merry Christmas week! You’re reading Thrive OC, your guide to what’s happening, where to eat, and what to know across OC this week. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Waterfront dining pick

• Christmas week events

• Holiday lights & experiences

• Irvine pickleball update

• 100-year-old OC toymaker

• Rainy Christmas ahead

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Rusty Pelican (Newport Beach)

If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a mini escape, Rusty Pelican delivers. This longtime Newport favorite pairs harbor views with a seafood-forward menu and classic steakhouse options, all in a relaxed but polished setting. It’s especially good around sunset when the patio views do the heavy lifting.

Where: 2735 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach | Phone: (949) 642-3431

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

14th Annual SJC Elf Crawl (Dec 26)

San Juan Capistrano’s most spirited holiday tradition returns with a free bar crawl, festive costumes, and a lively finale party. 1pm–9pm | Starts at Capo Leisure House, ends at El Adobe (San Juan Capistrano) | Event Info

Winter Fest OC, Costa Mesa (Now–Jan 4)

A full winter festival at the OC fairgrounds with ice tubing, glowing light displays, seasonal food, rides, and entertainment for all ages. Admission ticket required. Hours vary | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Capistrano Lights at the Mission (Now–30)

Evening holiday experience with lights in the Mission gardens, music, and a live nativity scene. 3:30 PM–6:30 PM | Mission San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Old World Christmas Market, Huntington Beach (Now–Dec 28)

German-village vibes with festive goodies, crafts, and holiday gifts in a cozy, old-world setting. Mon–Tue 10 AM–6 PM, Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–9 PM, Sun 9 AM–8 PM | Old World Village, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Tanaka Farms Hikari Lights (Now–Dec 28)

Walk or ride through thousands of holiday lanterns and light displays, plus Sanrio-themed decor. Nightly (hours vary) | 5380 University Dr, Irvine | Event Info

Santa’s Village, Irvine Park Railroad (Now–Dec 30)

A beloved OC holiday tradition with cookie decorating, games, activities, and the Christmas Train (advance tickets required). Weekdays 4:00–9:00 PM; Weekends 10:00 AM–9:00 PM | Irvine Regional Park, Orange | Event Info

Dream Glow Festival – Wild Rivers, Irvine (Now–Dec 31)

Wild Rivers transforms into a glowing holiday walk-through with millions of lights, tunnels, sculptures, music, and seasonal treats. Now–Dec 31, 4:30 PM–10 PM | Wild Rivers Waterpark, Irvine | Event Info

Newport Dunes Fire & Light Festival (Now–Jan 4)

Floating holiday decorations, fire dancer performances, photos with Santa, inflatables, and an igloo bar. Thursday–Sunday evenings through Jan 4 | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort | Event Info

Dana Point Harbor “Merry Kiss Me” Lights (Now–Jan 4)

Holiday lights are back—self-guided, free, and photogenic as ever. Nightly, Nov 12, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

Skating Under the Stars, Irvine Spectrum (Now–Jan 4)

Outdoor ice skating under the Giant Wheel with timed sessions, rentals, and themed Thursday nights through the holidays. Daily through Jan 4 (multiple afternoon & evening sessions; closed Thanksgiving & Christmas, special hours Christmas Eve & New Year’s) | Giant Wheel Court, Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine | Event Info

Knott’s Merry Farm, Buena Park (Now–Jan 4)

A full holiday transformation of Knott’s Berry Farm featuring nightly snowfall in Ghost Town, a Christmas Crafts Village, seasonal shows, festive food, and holiday lights throughout the park. Admission ticket required. Hours vary | Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park | Event Info

Poolside Igloos at Paséa Hotel (Now–Jan 11)

Private holiday igloos with themed décor, drinks, and ocean air — peak “OC winter.” Times vary | Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Urban Workshop Youth Programs (Dec–Jan)

Enrollment is happening now for Urban Workshops' Youth Programs, offering hands-on learning with real tools, real projects, and real-life skills during Winter Camps and Spring Semester classes. 1-Week Winter Camps run in December and January, and the 12-Week Spring Semester begins January 26th, with sessions offered daily at varying times.

🏄 Local News You Should Know

100-Year-Old Toymaker Brings Holiday Magic to Garden Grove

A 100-year-old woodworker in Garden Grove turned his garage into a holiday storefront once again this year, handcrafting every toy himself — from dancing ducks to wooden cars. Harold “Hal” Yoak has spent a lifetime working with wood, from WWII-era Navy service to teaching and decades of craftsmanship, and this Christmas season marked one of his busiest yet. The doors are now closed until next year, but the story is a reminder of the quiet, handmade traditions that still make the holidays in OC special.

Rainy Christmas Week Ahead for OC

Southern California is shaping up for a wet Christmas week, with an atmospheric river expected to bring widespread rain across Orange County through Christmas Day and possibly beyond. Rain chances increase Tuesday night, with the heaviest rain expected Wednesday, followed by additional showers during the holiday. Most of OC could see 1–3 inches of rain, with higher totals in foothill areas, leading to slick roads, reduced visibility, and localized flooding. Temperatures will stay mild but cooler, and some locations may challenge long-standing Christmas rainfall records.

New Pickleball Courts Coming to Irvine

Pickleball fans in Irvine have something to look forward to: eight dedicated courts at Mike Ward Community Park in Woodbridge are now on track to open this January. The project is ahead of schedule, with concrete work nearly finished, new site furniture being installed, and fresh landscaping underway as the park’s newest recreation upgrade comes together.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Orange County averages more sunshine than nearly any major U.S. metro — which is why a rainy Christmas here feels especially rare and memorable.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

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🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, Dec 26:

1. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Gianna, 6:30–9:30 pm

2. Knuckleheads (San Clemente) – Jazz w/ Michael Mays Quartet, 8:00 pm

3. Rancho Capistrano Winery (San Juan Capistrano) – Rebel Robbie, 5:00–9:00 pm

4. San Juan Hills Golf Course (San Juan Capistrano) – British Invasion, 6:30–9:30 pm

5. The Station (San Juan Capistrano) – Alvarez Band (Free Show), 8:00 pm

6. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Bryan Cabrera, 6:30–10:30 pm

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Stevie Nicks Illusion – Fleetwood Mac Tribute, 8:00–9:30 pm

8. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – White Elephant & Egg Nogg Music Fest (Tributes Galore), 4:00 pm

9. J King Neptunes (Sunset Beach) – (Ladies) Open Mic Jam w/ Kiss of Denim, 7:00 pm

10. Pelican Hill Resort – Great Room (Newport Beach) – Hugo Migo, 7:00–11:00 pm

11. Watertable (Huntington Beach) – Roderick Chambers, 6:30–9:30 pm

12. Yost Theater (Santa Ana) – Candlelight: Tribute to Adele, 7:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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