Yes, the holidays are approaching, but don’t let that stress you or tire you in advance. Instead, take a look at our holiday must-sees and do’s and get excited for all the fun things in store! We hope they’ll inspire enthusiasm and the desire to plan for one or more as you strive to create a season of happy times for your family. We’ve thoughtfully selected those we think are unique and that your family will enjoy.

WINTER WONDERLAND RETURNS TO

IRVINE SPECTRUM CENTER WITH HOLIDAY ICE RINK

November 1 – February 20, 2012

Irvine Spectrum Center will be transformed into a winter wonderland when the festive outdoor Holiday Ice Rink returns to Giant Wheel Court this holiday season.  The outdoor Ice Rink will offer fun for the whole family with 75-minute skate sessions.  Prices are $12 for adults and children Monday through Thursday, excluding designated holidays, and $14 Friday through Sunday and on holidays.  Skate rentals are $2.  Skate sessions for toddlers are $12 daily, including skate rental (sizes 8T to 13T only.)  Helmets are optional and provided free of charge.  Season passes, private lessons and private parties are also available.  The Holiday Ice Rink is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For more information, call 949.748.8280 or visit www.skatespectrum.com.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES ON ICE!

OUTDOOR HOLIDAY SKATING RINK CELEBRATES 14th SEASON AS A FAVORITE HOLIDAY HAPPENING

November 17 – January 16, 2012

Get your glide on this holiday season at Downtown On Ice outdoor skating rink where the coolest fun in LA gets underway with the lowest admission price of just $6 and $2 for skate rental. As the Southland tradition and favorite holiday destination/staycation, the community rink boasts a medley of FREE events, including an all-star holiday concert series, a Winter Holiday Festival, championship skating exhibitions, charity broomball games, and more.  Downtown on Ice celebrates its 14th season spectacular for skating under the sun and stars at picturesque Pershing Square, 532 South Olive, Los Angeles. Framed by towering skyscrapers and stunning historical landmarks, the spacious rink has spent the past decade becoming the number one winter destination for families. Open everyday (including holidays) beginning November 17, 2011 through January 16, 2012, it is easily accessible by car, bus or Metro. A partnership with Metro and Metrolink allows riders to receive a discount on skating sessions. The convenient stop at Pershing Square Station makes getting there easy. Underground parking is discounted with validation. For more info go to www.laparks.org and click to Pershing Square or call 213.847.4970.

THE CHRISTMAS COMPANY

November 17 – 20

Now in its 36th year, the eagerly anticipated The Christmas Company in Orange County will feature a wide variety of exciting new events in addition to the opportunity to shop at more than 95 unique vendors from Orange County and across the country. You won’t want to miss this chance to shop for exceptional holiday gifts for family and friends. Conveniently located at the OC Fair and Event Center just off the 55 Freeway in Costa Mesa. Visit www.ShopTCC.com for more details about special events taking place during this four-day extravaganza. Hours are:

Thursday, November 17, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

SOUTH COAST PLAZA TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

November 17

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the lighting of a live 95-foot tree at Town Center Park, across the street from South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.  Marvel at more than 20,000 twinkling lights while enjoying entertainment by Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA) and Santa’s arrival.  Free to the public, the ceremony takes place next to The Westin South Coast Plaza.  The following morning, November 18 at 10 am, Santa arrives in his Village at South Coast Plaza.  For more information, call 714.435.2000.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS CELEBRATED

AT FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH

Beginning November 18

Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 18 & 19, 6 p.m.

One of the OC’s most popular holiday traditions returns when Fashion Island in Newport Beach hosts two evenings of holiday festivities including a musical performance, culminating with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. For more information, call Fashion Island Guest Services at 949.721.2000.

Fashion Island Photos with Santa

November 18 – December 24 

Immediately following the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 18, young visitors can meet with Santa to share holiday wishes and take photos.  Santa will be at his custom-designed house on Atrium Lawn through December 24.  For hours and additional information, call Fashion Island Guest Services at 949.721.2000.

W LOS ANGELES  – WESTWOOD

UNVEILS CHILL 2011

November 18 – January 2, 2012

With a new look and new feel, grab your skates

and take a spin on the coolest ice rink in Los Angeles

Across town in Westwood, for the third year in a row, W Los Angeles - Westwood will transform its world-renowned WET pool deck into a spectacular winter getaway complete with a hybrid ice-skating rink and a rink-side lounge. Guests can feel the cold tingle of California’s crisp winter air and listen to LA’s hottest music while gliding around “CHILL”, Los Angeles’ coolest location for winter fun. The 1,600 square foot custom shaped rink will be set amidst a backdrop of bright lights and candlelit votives, with snowfall every hour. Guests can also snuggle up in a rink-side cabana and enjoy delectable comfort foods and specialty cocktails from The Ice Bar.

New surprises are in store this season, including the new skate-up E-WOW cabana, special performances by BH Skating Cabaret Theater on Saturdays at 6 p.m., and a featured bar serving winter cocktails such as Sugar & Spice + Everything Nice or Backyard’s Secret Nog. Kids can have fun at the children’s design station decorating holiday gingerbread cookies and more. The Backyard’s “Ice Bar” will offer winter bites, such as winter squash chowder with spiced maple syrup; venison sliders with smoked juniper berries; sugarplum tarts; and vanilla bean baked apples with peanut butter crème anglais. 

To heat things up, W Los Angeles - Westwood is also offering an “Ice Skate, You Skate, We All Skate” room package, complete with a Wonderful Room, two tickets to CHILL plus a private cabana, two delicious winter cocktails and Bliss’ Super Minty Soap & Scrub, starting at $299.

CHILL is open November 18 through January 2, 2012. The cost is $10 per guest for a full hour of skating and includes skate rentals. Reservations are not required. More information, including hours of operation, is available at www.wlosangeles.com/chill.

BALBOA BAY CLUB & RESORT

RINGS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASONWITH FAMILY EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

November 30 – December 31

A host of sensational events, family celebrations, fine dining, and special value packages will be available during the holiday season at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach. The Resort, overlooking Newport Harbor, looks forward to creating festive and memorable holiday occasions for your family.

Celebrating the arrival of the holiday season, friends and family are invited Wednesday, November 30 to the Holiday Resort Lighting & Music Ceremony, an Open House from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Be sure to visit the homemade Gingerbread House in the lobby, the perfect place for a holiday family photo.

A highlight of the season will be the 103rd Parade of Lights Newport Beach Boat Parade, which takes place nightly December 14-18. As the only waterfront resort in Newport Beach, the Resort is “center stage” for perfect viewing of this much loved event.

Treat yourself to time off from the kitchen and enjoy a holiday dinner or brunch at the Resort. Reservations are recommended; call 949.630.4145.

Thanksgiving Dinner - The First Cabin Restaurant

Thursday, November 24th 1:00 - 8:00 pm

Christmas Eve Dinner - The First Cabin Restaurant

Saturday, December 24th 5:00 - 10:00 pm

Christmas Day Dinner - The First Cabin Restaurant

Sunday, December 25th 1:00 - 8:00 pm

New Year’s Eve Dinner - The First Cabin Restaurant

Saturday, December 31st 5:00 - 10:00 pm

New Year’s Day Brunch - The First Cabin Restaurant

Sunday, January 1st 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Memorable holiday events as well as New Year’s Eve celebrations are also in store for your family.

Wednesday, November 30, 6:00-7:00 pm

Holiday Resort Lighting Ceremony & Festive Music Celebration

1st Marine Corps Division Band and special holiday performance by “The Four Preps.”

Thursday, December 1, 6:00-8:30 pm

Holiday Concert featuring “The Four Preps”

The evening begins with a welcome reception, and no host bar, followed by a sit down Concert in the Grand Ballroom for 1½ hours, with a brief intermission.

December 14 – December 18

Parade of Lights - 103rd Annual Christmas Boat Parade

Guests viewing the Parade will need to make dinner reservations at First Cabin or arrive early for a spot in Duke’s Place for cocktails and appetizers.

December 1 – 23, 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm

(first seating only during the Boat Parade) Holiday Afternoon Tea - Resort Library

Friday, December 23, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Reception, Dinner and Concert - All American Boys Chorus, Grand Ballroom

Saturday, December 31, New Year’s Eve – Resort Grand Ballroom, 8:00 pm - 1:00 am

New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala Event, featuring “Rembrandt” Band Saturday, December 31, New Year’s Eve - Duke’s Place, 8:00 pm – 2:00 am

New Year’s Eve Music, Dancing and Celebration

Resort Getaways and Shopping Packages

During the holidays, guest rooms start at $195 per night and include a South Coast Plaza Holiday Shopping Gift Bag (featuring discounts at more than 160 SCP boutiques and restaurants, complimentary SCP valet parking, and more). The Holiday 2011 Resort Perks Package starts at $220.00 per night and includes luxurious guest room accommodation, breakfast for two in the dining room, or room service, valet parking at The Resort, and a South Coast Plaza Shopping Gift Bag. For reservations or additional information about holiday events, call 949.645.5000 or visit www.balboabayclub.com.

103rd NEWPORT HARBOR BOAT PARADE

December 14 – 18

Multi-million dollar yachts, two-person kayaks, electric Duffy boats and other watercraft will glide through Newport Harbor to celebrate the 103rd Annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade December 14 - 18. Beginning nightly at 6:30 p.m., more than 200 vessels participate each night in this festive holiday celebration. Many will be richly decorated with animated Christmas scenes, music and costumed carolers. The Christmas floats will wind their way 14 miles around the harbor to give viewers in restaurants, yacht clubs, on public beaches, and in private homes an incredible sight. Enjoy dinner before or after at one of Newport Beach’s many dining establishments. Afterwards, indulge in a chocolate dipped frozen banana or a Balboa Bar found along the main street on Balboa Island or at the Fun Zone, located on the Balboa Peninsula. For additional information, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

HUNTINGTON HARBOR CRUISE OF LIGHTS December 16 - 23

&BOAT PARADE December 10 & 11

This holiday season, instead of using your gas and getting stressed out by the drive to see beautifully decorated homes, climb aboard a Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights boat from December 16-23 and take a narrated tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbour. Along the channels that run through these islands, you’ll view magnificent lighted decorations on multi-million-dollar homes that face the water. The effect is magical, with each home's sparkling display doubled by its reflection in the water.

Displays range from simple white lights to extravagant spectacles created by professional lighting installers. Past years have included dancing snowmen, a blinking Menorah, a home transformed into a mountain with a railroad twisting around its edges and an inflatable Uncle Sam nearly large enough to have been in the Macy's Parade. One resident Disney employee bathed his home with lights that changed color every few seconds.

Up to four 45-minute cruises are offered nightly from December 16 – 23. Tickets, available at www.cruiseoflights.org, are $17 for adults and $10 for children ages 2-12. Additional information about directions, free parking and discounts is also online. Reservations for this fun family event are a must. Thousands of visitors come to see the show every year, shouting "Merry Christmas" to each other as they pass. The effect brings to mind a small town, old-fashioned charm. Your purchased ticket benefits the Huntington Harbor Committee and supports the youth music education programs of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade - If you can’t make the Cruise of Lights, check out the Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, which runs December 10 and 11. It features lighted boats decked out to rival the magnificent home displays. The best viewing spot is the municipal parking lot at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue, or from the walkways and bridges in Huntington Harbor. Both the Parade and Cruise of Lights go on, rain or shine. Dress warmly; it can be colder than you might think on a December night.

2012 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ROSE PARADE

New Year’s Day

Celebrate the New Year at the 123rd Rose Parade, themed “Just Imagine…,” on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 8 a.m. on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. This famous New Year’s Day tradition features spirited marching bands from across the US, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. Watch the Rose Parade from bleachers that line the sidewalks along Colorado Blvd. It’s a family event that will never be forgotten. For those who don’t want to make the trip, relax in your hotel and tune in on TV! Check local listings for channel information. For tickets and information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com.