Best Of OC: Week Of November 24
Orange County has plenty to be thankful for: amazing weather, plentiful cultural activities, attractions, and friendly faces around every corner. As you wrap this season of purposeful thankfulness, don't miss these great Orange County events and opportunities coming your way this week. From specialty holiday cocktails and drinks to Thanksgiving feasts, holiday happenings, and international performances, there is something for everyone.
Holiday Drinks at Del Frisco's Grille
Del Frisco's Grille
Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-0376
www.delfriscosgrille.com
Start off the holidays with a relaxing toast to your friends and family at Del Frisco's Grille at Irvine Spectrum. Serving up a trio of holiday cocktails for a limited time through the holiday season, choose a variety of delicious drinks. From the Movember Mule featuring a mix of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with apple cider and ginger beer served in a classic and chilled copper mug to the Pumpkin Spiced Latte-tini which is shaken and stirred with a blend of Stoli Vanil Vodka, pumpkin syrup and Half & Half and then garnished with a shake of nutmeg and served in a perfectly chilled martini glass, you'll can't go wrong with anything you choose. For an added bonus, try their White Chocolate Candy Cane Martini, which tastes just as it sounds, with a mix of Soli Vanil Vodka, Godiva white chocolate, Peppermint Schnapps, and Half & Half then served in a chilled martini glass rimmed with crushed candy cane.
Knott's Merry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com
In honor of the holidays, Knott's Berry Farm transforms into Knott's Merry Farm. Open daily through the Christmas holiday season, the popular theme park will be featuring beautiful decorations, carolers, themed holiday rides, and special holiday shows this season. "It's Christmas, Snoopy," a holiday ice-skating musical show, will be featured annually as well in the Charles M. Schulz Theater and two abridged Christmas favorites, "A Christmas Carol" and "The Gift of the Magi" are performed daily in the Birdcage Theatre. To end your evening, sing traditional Christmas carols under the Calico Square Christmas tree each night where Snoopy and all his pals will join in on the fun. Also, you won't want to miss the free Knott's Christmas Craft Fair as well, with numerous artisan bakers, artists, and crafters selling their wares on the streets of Knott's Ghost Town, open daily even when the park is not in operation.
Minnie Driver In Concert
The Coach House
33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 496-8930
www.thecoachhouse.com
Minnie Driver, of movie and television fame, has returned to her roots as a musician and singer. Her latest album, Ask Me to Dance, is a collection of cover songs from her favorite songwriters including Elliott Smith, Neil Young, and The Cure. Dinner reservations get you reserved priority seating for the entire evening that is in front of general admission seating and closer to the stage.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge
690 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
www.oakgrillnb.com
Celebrate Thanksgiving without the mess or hassle of cooking by heading to one of some of Orange County's hotels and restaurants, which will be serving up a feast you'll be thankful for. Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge is offering up two unique experiences, an alfresco patio experience boasting NFL coverage and kid's crafts, or a fine dining prix-fixe menu for those wishing for a more traditional experience. $65 and up.
Explore more Thanksgiving dinner options in Los Angeles:
Best Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving In Orange County
Disney Holidays at Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Spectrum Center
71 Fortune Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 753-5180
www.HolidayStyleOC.com
Celebrate the official start of the holiday season at the Irvine Spectrum Center as they join forces with the Disneyland Resort to celebrate the Christmas and holiday season. At the Edwards Courtyard tonight and throughout the season, they will be offering holiday music, and light displays with that touch of Disney magic and magic that you won't find elsewhere.
Lighting of the Bay
1131 Back Bay Dr.
Newport Beach, CA
(800) 729-DUNE
www.newportdunes.com
A tradition for more than two decades, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina continues this year by hosted the Lighting of the Bay, where Santa flips the switch to start the holiday season in Newport Beach. In addition to the lighting of 50 Christmas trees and more than one million lights in the bay, the daylong event features 30 tons of snow for snowman-making and sledding, an ice sculpture wonderland, live performances, food and beverages, a Polar Express train, photos with Santa, and a wealth of holiday charm.
"The Flames of Paris"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts' International Dance Series kicks off the 2014-2015 season with a performance by Russia's Mikhailovsky Ballet's performance of "The Flames of Paris," a work rarely seen in a full production in the United States and otherwise. This ballet, written in 1932, recounts the story of love and sacrifice throughout the French Revolution.
