Winter Fest OC Presents Night of Lights OC #Nightoflightsoc #winterfest

Winter Fest OC is proud to present Night of Lights OC, a magical and immersive holiday lights and winter wonderland drive-thru experience. 

Night of Lights OC begins Thursday, December 3rd and will run every night through January 3rd (excluding Christmas Eve) at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

 

From the safety of their own vehicles, guests will be guided through a clearly defined mile-long course featuring over one million lights, themed holiday scenery and characters including Santa (through Dec. 23rd), animated light shows and tunnels synchronized to music through a car radio or smartphone, special effects, a Christmas tree lighting spectacular, and more.

 

Holiday favorite treats such as hot cocoa, cinnamon sugar donuts, and Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookie buckets and brownies will be available before entering the Night of Lights OC experience through a pre-order with online ticket purchase.

 

Entry to the event is through online ticket purchases only at NightOfLightsOC.com. Early Bird general admission tickets are available now starting at $49.99 per vehicle (up to five people) on select nights. Larger vehicle tickets (six to nine people) start at $69.99 on select nights.

 

The press release is below and attached with details, and promotional images/logo can be downloaded here.

 

Winter Fest OC Presents: Night of Lights OC, A Magical One Mile Holiday Lights and Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience

 

Immersive Drive-Thru Light Show Beginning December 3rd Features Over One Million Lights, a Christmas Tree Lighting Spectacular and More at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa

 

Winter Fest OC is proud to return this year in presenting Night of Lights OC, a magical and immersive winter wonderland drive-thru experience running this holiday season at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. From the safety of their own vehicles, guests will be guided through a clearly defined mile-long course featuring over one million lights, themed holiday scenery and characters including Santa (through Dec. 23rd), animated light shows and tunnels synchronized to music through a car radio or smartphone, special effects, a Christmas tree lighting spectacular, and more.

 

“The 6th annual Winter Fest OC is excited to return in a different format in these unprecedented times as the demand from the community has been overwhelming with families looking for alternative ways to still celebrate the holidays,” said Katrina Carlson, executive producer of Night of Lights OC. “Night of Lights OC is an immersive event that allows everyone to safely experience the magic of the season and keep annual holiday traditions alive.”

 

Night of Lights OC begins Thursday, December 3rd and will run every night through January 3rd (excluding Christmas Eve). Entrance begins at 5pm with time sessions available until 10pm (Sunday to Thursday) or 11pm (Friday and Saturday). Santa will make an appearance through December 23rd.

 

“Night of Lights OC is a must-see holiday experience with a Christmas tree lighting spectacular, including a mile-long drive-thru complete with dazzling and animated lights, plus themed experiences with characters and special effects such as snow fall and bubbles,” continued Carlson. “Guests will be transported to a winter wonderland through a Snow Globe, Icicle Playground, Luminary Village, Inside an Ornament and more. Whether it’s a family outing, date night, or girls night, Night of Lights OC is sure to bring holiday cheer to all ages.”

 

Pre Order In-Car Holiday Food Treats

Holiday favorite treats are available before you enter the Night of Lights OC experience through a pre-order when purchasing your tickets. Seasonal favorites include hot cocoa, cinnamon sugar donuts, as well as Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookie buckets and brownies, tamales, Holiday ‘Family 4 Pack’ meals, and much more. Food is available to order online by 10am on the date of admission and will be available to pick-up prior to entering the drive-thru experience.

 

Tickets & Pricing

Entry to the event is through online ticket purchases only at NightOfLightsOC.com. Limited reservations are available per time session and guests are encouraged to buy in advance to reserve their date and time session before they sell out.

 

Early Bird general admission starts at $49.99 per vehicle (up to five people) on select nights. Larger vehicle tickets (six to nine people) start at $69.99 on select nights. Vehicle height is limited to 8 feet or less, due to the light tunnels. Pricing will increase after Early Bird tickets are sold out.

 

Community Heroes Discounts

Every Monday, Night of Lights OC will honor local community heroes with a special $5 off coupon for teachers, military personnel, law enforcement, medical workers and firefighters.

• December 7th Salute to Teachers: Eligible guests can use the code “TEACH” and bring their relevant Teacher ID for onsite verification.
• December 14th Salute to Military and Law Enforcement: Eligible guests can use the code “SERVICE” and bring their relevant Military or Law Enforcement ID for onsite verification.
• December 21st Salute to Medical Workers: Eligible guests can use the code “FIRSTAID” and bring their relevant Medical ID for onsite verification.
• December 28th Salute to Firefighters: Eligible guests can use the code “FIRE” and bring their relevant Firefighter ID for onsite verification.

 

For more information, visit WinterFestOC.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @WinterFestOC.

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Lunar New Year! #UniversalStudiosHollywood #LunarNewYear

Lunar New Year with the fam bam at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Celebrate the Year of the Rat during Lunar New Year Now - February 9 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

We were given the opportunity to visit during this event and loved it. Culture celebrated.

From the character meet and greets to the shows and amazing eats, Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Lunar New Year with a Bang!

 

Lunar New Year Offerings that you can experience, see, eat or participate in:

 

Universal Plaza decorated in customary red Chinese lanterns. 

 

 

Walk around stunning plum blossom wishing trees along with the 12 zodiac animal signs and their symbolic attributes

 

Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop from Kung Fu Panda comes to life.   

Yes.. including Mr. Ping himself who invites guests to enjoy his culture-themed fare

Global Pop Icon Hello Kitty of Universal’s Animation Studio Store, adorned in her signature red bow and custom designed Lunar New Year attire.

Tenaya Lodge Yosemite New Cabins Plus Discount on Stay...

Winter wonderland at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. 

 

FIND WINTER BLISS IN A COZY NEW EXPLORER CABIN AT TENAYA LODGE

   

Updates and aditions are complete...

 

Recent completion of Explorer Clubhouse heightens cabin experience; Winter Bliss promotion offers seasonal savings 

Winter is for cozy cabin getaways, and the Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge are the perfect choice for visitors to Yosemite.  

 

Vacationers planning a winter getaway, can cozy up in one of 50 new, two-bedroom, mountain-modern cabins set amid a forest of towering cedars and pines and tastefully appointed with fireplaces, board games, kitchens, living areas and porches. Winter cabin guests will also be the first to experience the recently completed Explorer Clubhouse, an 1,800 square foot communal retreat exclusive to those staying in the cabins. 

The Explorer Clubhouse is the final piece of the $25 million cabin development, which opened this summer, and offers a relaxed gathering area where cabin guests can check-in, grab daily breakfast, enjoy evening wine receptions or just relax on the expansive deck while soaking up picturesque views of the creek and surrounding forest. 

To experience it all at an incredible value, Tenaya Lodge is offering a Winter Bliss Package that includes 15 percent off best available rates for stays January 1 through April 30, 2020, as well as exclusive discounts on activities at time of booking. Click here.

 

Families can connect with each other during an ice-skating session, snowshoe hike and archery; while couples may opt for the romance of an evening flashlight hike, rejuvenating spa treatments, or paint and wine class.

LEGOLAND CA Lego Movie World Update #legolandca #legolandcalifornia

Big news hot off the press about Legoland CA. There's been a Raptor Sighting!

LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT ANNOUNCES THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST LEGO® MODEL IN THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD!

PC Legoalnd CA

We are so excited for this new addition to LEGOLAND California...

The LEGO® MOVIE WORLD, opening this spring at LEGOLAND® California Resort, has officially welcomed the land’s first LEGO® model; a skateboarding, stud-shooting Velociraptor!

Standing over 8 ½ feet tall and weighing more than 870 pounds, the Raptor LEGO model will welcome guests into the Bricksburg!

PC LEGOLAND CA

Inspired by the time-traveling, spaceship piloting raptors from The LEGO® Movie 2©: The Second Part, the LEGO model is built from 90,151 LEGO bricks and took Master Model Builders 401 hours to assemble.

It wouldn’t be safe to have a Raptor in the Park without its trainer! The family theme park also announced the addition of the coolest character around, raptor trainer Rex Dangervest. 


Rex Dangervest is a galaxy-defending archaeologist whose best buddies are Raptors. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and snap photos with Rex Dangervest along with Emmet, Lucy and all The LEGO Movie characters when the land opens this spring. 

Celebrate Tradition At Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Show #MTCelebrate #medievaltimes #mtfan #sponsored

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Never Disappoints!

A tradition for our family for over 30 years to celebrate at our local Medieval Times Castle with drinks, cheers, food and entertaining fun.

 

 

This winter break we wanted to take a moment and enjoy one another company and time off with a visit to Medieval Times. 

Both of my kids love to see the jousting, horses, cheer their Knight and of course feast on the Queens food. 

This visit we are celebrating winter fun, tradition, family, early birthday & the holidays thanks to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - Buena Park ! All opinions are my own.

I celebrated many birthdays at the Castle in Buena Park and I love that the kids enjoy it as much now as I did then.

Arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes early to secure the best seat available. There are VIP packages you can upgrade to as well. 

Celebrating something? You can be knighted by the Queen or you can even purchase a scroll with announcement during the show. 

With so many options to add on extra fun you fan really make the most of your visit in your own style.

We kind of look for any opportunity or celebration to have an excuse to visit Medieval Times,  we just love it.

Save your appetite for chicken, corn and potato that follows your dragon soup.

Hosting A Stress Free Yummy Tamalada with El Gallo Giro #tamalada #tamaleseason #ElGalloGiro

Hosting a Tamalada aka Tamale Making Gathering

Don't Stress you can buy all the fixings to make your tamales at home or you can just buy amazingly tasty tamales... both made possible by our fave El Gallo Giro.

You can make it a friends and family thing or just make some tamales yourself, it really is calming and fun. For me it became an effort to make the perfect tamale.

Thanks to El Gallo Giro for sponsoring the delish fixings for our tamalada. All opinions are my own.

My Easy steps and tips..

* get your premade masa from El Gallo Giro ( my closest location is Santa Ana)



* get corn husks & soak for 1 hour

* pick and prep a filling for the tamales

* add a salsa for spice or flavor



* spread masa

A Must Do.. Wholidays During Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood #UniversalStudiosHolidays #UniversalStudios

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood is Wonderful But Whoville is Whotastic! 

Thanks to Universal Studios for giving us the opportunity to visit during Grinchmas. All opinions are my own.

 
 
Happy Whobilation...
 

Our first visit to Grinchmas, thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood, was a holiday success. 

Whoville is in the center of Universal and there is a lot to see and do. Catch up with some Whoville favorites, fill out a good deed card to help your heart grow three sizes too. 

You can see Max and the Grinch as well as the magnificent tree lighting in the center of Whoville. 

With a pre show to delight all be sure to catch this Holiday Whobilation to ring in the most Whotastic lighting ever.

 



The photo ops are so cute and there are plenty l around Universal at this time of year. 

 
 
Can Not Miss...
 

Our favorites of course were the Studio Tour and Transformers.

We absolutely never miss Wizarding World of Harry Potter. During the Holidays the Castle has the most beautiful light display. You can see more of that on my social media here.

It makes us feel like we are in the movies and the light show is brilliant for the holidays on Hogwarts Castle! 

Universal Studios Hollywood always has specials going on for annual passes too. Here are the details

 
Don't forget you can check out our tips for visiting and autism friendly hints too here.

We have such a great time at Universal Studios Hollywood.... we are looking into passes ourselves since it has quickly become a family favorite.

Winter Fest OC Returns Dec. 19th & We Have All The Deets Plus A #Giveaway

Winter Fest OC, returns to the OC Fair & Event Center December 19th through January 5th!

 

Winter Fest will debut its fifth consecutive year bringing “Winter to the OC” with new food, entertainment, and more attractions than before guaranteeing fun for all ages.

 

Thank you Winter Fest for providing us with a giveaway and winter fun in OC. All opinions are our own. 

 

Check out our recap from past years https://youtu.be/C2gMiDk9P-Q

 

Let's break it down!

 

My kids favorites in the past...

 

* My kiddos enjoy the festival of lights a lot. We love to ride the train and walk through.

* Of course snowflake village for snow tubing is a most for both. I love seeing them tube down with huge smiles. Beats the wait in the local mountain too, oh and the price, I hear Big Bear is outrageous now.

 

They can never get enough of the snow tubing, so I join in too! 

* Ice Skating under the stars. We love to ice skate. Crisp socal not too freezing but cold enough to feel mountain winter fun right here in OC.

 

Early bird tickets and select value packages are available now starting at only $10 at www.WinterFestOC.com. 

 

New and expanded attractions at Winter Fest OC include:

Ice Princess Lily Movie Warmed Our Hearts This Winter - A Must See! #DirectTV #IcePrincessLily

Last weekend we were given the opportunity to visit ICE at Santa Monica in celebration of #IcePrincessLily movie on DirectTV & see the Premier!

Thanks DirectTV & Viva Kids Films for the amazing fun & super cute movie premiere invite. All opinions are our own.



We started out the festivities at Ice at Santa Monica for some ice skating just a few blocks from the beach.



The rink is outdoors and perfect for family time or a date night even. There was a lot of mixed ages out on the ice and different skating abilities!
 

Time for the movie! 



Ice Princess Lily... not to give spoilers but here goes a fun recap of how much we loved the movie.

Love all, be kind and stand up for the truth. This is what my kids took away from the movie. 

Perfect Holiday Family Fun at Queen Mary Christmas...

Fill up on Holiday fun in SoCal with The Queen Mary Christmas this season.

Experience True Holiday Magic at Queen Mary Christmas November 29, 2019 - January 1, 2020
25 Days of Holiday Adventure Featuring an All-New Event Footprint on and off-ship; 6,000 sq. ft. Ice Skating Rink, Live Entertainment, Art & Crafts.


We love Holidays at the Queen Mary at have really enjoyed making memories and making it a tradition over the years.

 



 

The Ice Skating Rink has got to be my favorite with the setting it is in, the Queen Mary behind as a back drop is beautiful.

 

 

All the details...
The Queen Mary invites one and all to experience the spirit of the holiday season at Queen Mary Christmas, sailing into Long Beach November 29, 2019 through January 1, 2020, on select dates. Queen Mary Christmas will offer 25 days of holiday cheer with on-and-off ship activations, pairing an outdoor wonderland of fun with hints of maritime magic with strolling entertainment, libations, treats, gingerbread and stocking decorating, Santa meet and greets, ice skating on the True North Ice Rink, and much more.

Take in the vintage yuletide atmosphere by strolling down the sparkling tree-lined Promenade Deck, to find Ol’ Saint Nick. When Santa is away from his North Pole workshop, his Captain’s Quarters in the Shipyard are his home away from home. Join Santa here for a meet and greet, help him chart the course to the North Pole, and pose for a souvenir photo with the jolly fellow. Head to the Main Hall to hear the tales of Christmas like never before during Storytime with Mrs. C and sip on hot chocolate topped off with fixings at the hot chocolate bar.

The Christmas Village, located inside the Exhibition Hall, boasts a festive workshop where all elves in attendance can decorate stockings, trim gingerbread houses, enjoy live entertainment and create jolly arts and crafts. From the Christmas Village, wander through a winter pathway of ‘Instagrammable’ backdrops and photo moments to the 4D Theatre for an intimate screening of The Polar Express, that will take viewers on a 4D sensory adventure complete with snow flurries and the smell of hot cocoa.

Sea World San Diego Christmas Celebration Returns with New Additions

The holiday festivities at SeaWorld San Diego are back this year!

 

Make spirits bright at this favorite family Christmas event, happening daily from Nov. 23, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020.

 

Have you been in the past? We have not but I hear it is entertaining, beautiful, fun and festive. This year there are new additions to the event too.

 



 

Hot off the press from Sear World, Here we Go, Have a Merry Time

 

As holiday music fills the air, a sea of over one million lights sparkle, transforming SeaWorld into a marvelous holiday event.

 

Enjoy live shows like the all-new Winter Wonderland on Ice and Cirque Christmas. Plus, meet festive friends at Rudolph’s Christmastown and the new Sesame Street® Christmas Village.

 

Savor holiday flavors of hot cocoa and warm desserts as you shop for unique gifts and decorations.

 

 

NEW Sesame Street Christmas Village

Oh what fun it is to gather with family and friends at Sesame Street® Christmas Village. Here, treetops glisten with twinkling lights, snow falls and children can dance with their favorite furry friends. Families can enjoy Sesame Street story time with Mrs. Claus and share their wish list with Santa.

 

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

MainPlace Mall Unveils “A Christmas Story”-Themed Interactive New Holiday Experience

More From MainPlace Mall & Holiday Festivities - You Wont Want to Miss This!

MainPlace Mall, a three-story super-regional shopping center in Santa Ana, California, announced it's holiday activities schedule as well as the introduction of an exciting new Santa set inspired by the fan-favorite Warner Bros. film A Christmas Story. 

The new set modernizes the traditional Santa visit, offering guests a branded family entertainment experience that will appeal to visitors of all ages - not just families with children. The new walk-through set combines the best elements of today’s highly popular “selfie museums” and augmented reality interactive experiences. A rendering of the new set can be viewed and downloaded here: http://ow.ly/aQdv30pHu7t.

“The brand-new ‘A Christmas Story’-themed holiday experience debuting this year at MainPlace Mall is an incredible change from the traditional Santa sets shoppers have grown accustomed to over the years,” says Jonathan Maher, Senior General Manager of the shopping center. “The new experience, based on the film, A Christmas Story, features an array of photo opportunities, an augmented reality app that really brings the set to life, and period-specific décor that will immerse our visitors in the Parker family home and the 1940s-era time period. With this new interactive attraction, the journey to see Santa has just become as much fun as the visit itself.”

According to MainPlace Mall’s owner, Centennial, a real estate investment firm with a national portfolio of shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, the new set is one of four being introduced nationwide this year. Centennial also plans to tour these experiential holiday sets annually among several of its malls to provide visitors at each property — including MainPlace Mall — with an exciting new encounter year after year.

MainPlace Mall: “A Christmas Story” Holiday Set: Debuts November 13th
A cherished holiday film, A Christmas Story is the heartwarming narrative about Ralphie, a young boy in the 1940s who yearns for a special present for Christmas. The experience at MainPlace Mall incorporates many of the most famous scenes from the movie, and because the movie was set in the ‘40s, it provides an opportunity for different generations to share memories as they admire replicas of period-specific food items, appliances and furnishings and hear the sounds of an antique radio playing in the background.
 

Visitors to the experience at MainPlace Mall can take pictures in front of Ralphie’s family home, inside the Parker family kitchen, and as a paid addition, alongside the movie’s iconic leg lamp. Using the set’s free augmented reality app, guests can even don a pink bunny suit or watch the neighbor’s bloodhounds knock over the table and steal the Christmas turkey - all before visiting and taking professional photos with Santa and sliding down the movie’s famous slide to exit the set.

“Working so closely with Warner Bros. Consumer Products has been an incredible experience,” says John Carter, CEO and Design Director at Parker 3D. “By taking the key scenes from such a treasured Warner Bros. holiday film and combining them with the artistic talents of our very creative design team, we’ve developed an incredible multi-sensory experience that will engage, entertain and amaze families waiting to visit with Santa Claus as well as teens and senior citizens looking for a new and interesting way to experience the holidays.”

 Visit with Santa Claus: November 13th - December 24th

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is Back... Tickets Sell Out... Plus #Giveaway

Ho, Ho, Ho, The Christmas Train to Santa at Irvine Park Railroad is back this year!

 

**This event sells out every year**

 

Take some time to spend with the family in Santa's Village playing games, hearing a story from Mrs. Claus, decorating cookies and so much more.

 



 

Enjoy all of the activities before you board or after. You can event play in the village if you don't have tickets to see Santa!

\

Here are all the deets for this years event and also a surprise flash giveaway!

 

IRVINE PARK RAILROAD’S 24th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TRAIN - 2019

 

It’s the season, once again for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole.

 

Christmas Train tickets may be purchased to ride the train at a specific date and time — get in line and board the train any time during the hour for which you purchase tickets. Tickets may be purchased online ONLY and can be purchased beginning Monday, November 4th at 8:00 am; tickets may not be purchased in person. Visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com for details. 

 

While waiting to board the train, there are many activities for children to enjoy in Santa’s Village located next to the train station. Activities will be open when the Christmas Train runs and include:

Story Time with Mrs. Claus

Christmas Cookie Decorating

Carnival Games

Ice Fishing

Santa Claus Moon Bounce

Craft Corner

Blizzard Ball

Christmas Coloring Corner

Picture Stands

Prices for activities vary; for additional information and costs, visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com.

At the North Pole, visitors may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels, and cookies from Santa’s Snack Shop. A full kitchen menu is available at the train station.

 

Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad frame and available for pickup shortly after being taken.

 

After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station.

 

When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera, and arrive early to avoid crowds.

 

The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is open beginning Friday, November 29th through Sunday, December 23rd. Please visit our web site for hours and to purchase tickets.   

 

The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $20.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free.

 

The parking for Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends; parking for the Christmas Train is free after 5:00 PM.

 

Annual Irvine Park Railroad events include the Anniversary Celebration, 4th Grade California History Education Program, Easter Eggstravaganza, Pumpkin Patch, Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, and Christmas Train. 

During the day, visit Irvine Regional Park’s other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park — fun and unique bike rentals that can be enjoyed by single riders or an entire family — paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo and pony rides.

Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park.  The address is:

                    Irvine Park Railroad
                    1 Irvine Park Road
                    Orange, CA 92869

 

Become a fan of Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, view our photos on Instagram, follow our tweets on twitter, and view pictures on Flickr.

 

For pricing, park directions and complete details, please visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com.

 

Enter to win... CHECK IT OUT... I will be going LIVE tomorrow by 10am on my On The Go OC Facebook page to do the giveaway! Click https://www.facebook.com/OnTheGoOC/.

 

4 Christmas Train Tickets
6 Activity Tickets

1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Bike Rental (excludes the double surrey)

Good luck to all and happy early Holidays!

Mission San Juan Capistrano Kicks Off Christmas with Capistrano Lights!

Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano

 

The jewel of California’s missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano will kick off its 30 day Capistrano Lights nightly Christmas tree lighting programming with a special Opening Night event on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Opening Night requires a special ticket to attend. 

 

During opening night, guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated historic grounds which also includes 10 community Christmas trees decorated by local community groups such as Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo and the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society.

As Mission San Juan Capistrano guests enter the grounds, they will receive a special candle to place within the Ruins of the Great Stone Church to make a personal prayer or wish for the coming year.

Guests attending Opening Night can visit and take “selfies with Santa” in the Mission’s 18th century historic Sala building, meet Mrs. Claus, view the Mission’s beautiful 10’ tall LED Christmas wreath, decorate and eat holiday cookies, enjoy holiday musical performances from professional mariachis, Dicken’s era-carolers, a harpist and even beatbox performers. Guests can enjoy the large-scale nativity located in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church as well as watch as the Mission holds its first official Christmas tree lightings of the season at 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Additionally, 3:16 Bakery Shop and Las Golondrinas Mexican Food will be onsite selling savory and sweet tamales and beverages.



BluesBusters Program Launch at House of Blues #HouseOfBlues

House of Blues has launched a new monthly program that allows fans to access rockin’ deals at its restaurant and on unique entertainment experiences!

 

By signing up for the BluesBusters program online, fans will gain access to exciting new deals each month, all year long!



 

The program kicks off  with a 40% deal; in January, when fans purchase a $30 restaurant certificate online through the BluesBusters web page, they’ll receive a free $20 voucher. That means $50 worth of mouthwatering southern-inspired food and craft cocktails for only $30! eClub members will be the first to learn about new promotions.

 Every month a new offer will be revealed and will only be available for purchase during that month’s promotional period, after which a new offer is revealed @ www.houseofblues.com/bluesbusters. 

Disney On Ice - Dare to Dream - Coming Next Week!! Perfect Holiday Family Gift

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream, skating into the Southland this holiday season from December 13th – January 6th!  

 

Spend Holidays with the Family at Disney on Ice with their new show Dare to Dream!

 

Perfect for a last minute gift or surprise for Hanukkah or Christmas morning. There are many locations in SoCal to select from and also into the new year too.

Featuring Disney’s Moana for the first time in a live production, hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring the Disney magic to life and take audiences on an expedition across raging seas and snow-covered mountains in this action-packed extravaganza with the beloved characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella.

 

 



 

Thanks to Disney on Ice for the opportunity to provide our honest feedback and tips. All Photos are courtesy of Disney On Ice.

 

Have you been to Disney On Ice before?

 

A magical experience on ICE - our family loves it.

 

I still remember the first Disney On Ice performance I saw at the Honda Center in 2001. I attended with my mom. We loved watching Beauty and the Beast on Ice. It was a memory I will never forget.

 

 



 

Since then I have had kids of my own and love to celebrate all things Disney with them. My parents used to take us to as many events as they could to spend time as a family and enjoy something different. I too feel that I want to do the same with my family.

Family Traditions at Irvine Park Railroad During Christmas Time Plus #Giveaway

Irvine Park Railroad is Our Family Favorite all Year Long!

 

We love the Irvine Park Railroad Seasonal activities.... The Christmas Train to Santa is coming soon...

 

With so much to do there is something for everyone at every age!

 



 

My kids favorites each year from The Pumpkin Patch leading into Winter for the Christmas Train...

 

* cookie decorating... always a hit with my kids. They decorate and show off their food art then eat their cookies before we move onto the next activity.

 

* games all the games... the kids love the games.. parent do too since everyone is a winner no one has every walked away empty handed. Bonus!

 

* hay maze... my older kiddo thinks it's fun to ditch her brother in the hay maze then lap him through to the exit another round. I love watching them play!

 

* spooky house... a very take haunted house that gets everyone excited with black lights and fun frames and scenes to make you jump but not too high.

 

* pumpkins... of course there are pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors. It's hard to pick just one so we usually end up taking a few home. You can also decorate a pumpkin for 2 tickets too.

 

* train ride... it's fall the colors are changing and we love to take time to ride the train around the park. It's always so lovely.

Winter Family Fun Favorites Must Do for 2018

Winter Family Fun Orange County and Beyond....

 

Fall turns to Winter pretty quick in SoCal and doesn't last too long.

 

I wanted to give us a jump start on some winter activities and things to do as well as places to go.. some of our favorites from last year we hope are returning for 2018!

 

So... a quick "favorites from last year for winter fun in OC" .... 

 

Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad - A tradition for our family. The train to the North Pole sells out every year. Activities at Santa's Village are fun for all ages. Face painting, games, cookie decorating, story time too... you can visit Santa's Village without having a train ticket but to see the Big man himself you will need one. Photo opps available. More info here.

 

 

Winterfest OC - Back for 2018 Yay! This is where my son first did tubing and fell in love. We've been going back for a few years and love it.

 

Winterfest OC has given me a bunch of the details on what we can plan to do and see....
 

Some highlights for this year and a few sneak peeks...

 

Dec. 20th – Jan. 6th with 40,000 square feet of new attractions.

 

SoCal Dicken’s Village - Take a trip down memory lane with holidays past, present, and future. Decorate Christmas cookies, listen to holiday storytelling, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), take a pony ride, and visit the new Victorian holiday shops.

 

Candy and Snowflake Wonderland - An interactive wonderland full of candy and snowflakes offer a new selfie experience that is sure to delight visitors and capture the picture-perfect Instagram moment.

 

Festival of Lights - Winter Fest’s 100-foot-tunnel of two million lights and 5 lands with animated displays. Our Favorite... just look...

 



 

Orange Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration - Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Multiple live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of a new one.

 

Club Winter Fest - Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas are available nightly and offer the ultimate destination for holiday office parties, family retreats or date nights. Enjoy the all-new lounge area with exquisite views of the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony featuring fireworks, snow flurries and a free drink upon entry. Tickets are limited. More here.

 

Oh also there will be a giveaway for Winterfest OC coming so check back soon. 

 Winterfantasy in Laguna - Combining the beach with the festivities of Winter. Winterfantasy is beautiful. Crafts, shopping, local sights and perfect location for the family fun experience. Santa makes his appearance in his toy shed and his sleigh is in front so make sure to bring your cameras! More info here.

 

 

Legoland Holidays - Everything is awesome even during the Holidays at Legoland CA. With lego trees surrounded with lights around you, meet and greets of LEGO friends & all your favorites, holiday themed shows and of course the tree lighting... holidays at the Legoland Resort in Carlsbad are bricktastic!! More info here.

 

 

Knotts Merry Farm - It's Merry Farm at Berry Farm! We love Knott's Berry Farm and all their seasonal events. There is always something for everyone. Rides, decor in holiday fashion, carolers, festive food items, themed shows and of course you can not only greet the Peanuts Gang but Santa too! More info here.

 

 

Medieval Times - Since the 80s we've been feasting on dinner while watching a tournament of champions competition in the Castle! Themed shows for holidays are always the best. A new little twist but the classic story of good vs bad! A joust to the finish while you dine on a Medieval meal. A must see and do! More info here.

 

 

Pirates Holiday - Ahoy matey!! Pirates Dinner Adventure does a stellar job of transforming the storyline to each holiday themed festivity. Delish food and a show with appetizers pre show too! During the Holidays enjoy merry decor and specialty shows but don't forget to keep an eye on the Pirates.. they always surprise you! More info here.

 

 

Disneyland Holidays - Disney always brings the best of each Holiday to the Disneyland Resort. Even if you do not go into one of the parks there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Holiday time at the DLR. Cruise the hotels and take in all the magical efforts Disney puts into each step of your adventure on Disney soil! The food options and sweet treats are always thoughtfully planned out to make the most of the Holidays for each guest. Special outfits on characters, shows, parades and of course the amazing scenery at Down Town Disney is always a pixie dust filled visit! Where ever you find yourself this holiday season it's magical at the Disneyland Resort. More info here.

 
 

Look out for more detailed posts on all our favorites as we get closer to the Holidays... we will be adding more to the list.

There will be a lot of fun details coming soon for all of our favorites and some new adventures too with of course some giveaways!

 

Happy Pre Holidays Festivities..... don't forget to follow our favorites on social media for all their updates too!