Calendar
Editor’s note: This adds the Home for the Holidays event.
YOUR WEEKEND
FRIDAY: Get into the holiday spirit at the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual Hospitality Night from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Laguna Beach. Santa arrives at the City Hall pepper tree at 6 p.m., and will light the tree with the mayor, and then be paraded down Forest Avenue to Santa’s House. Forest Avenue will be blocked off and shops will be open until 9 p.m. Many downtown businesses will have open houses to celebrate the festivities. For more information, call the chamber at (949) 494-1018.
SATURDAY: The Crystal Cove Alliance hosts its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 3 p.m. kicking off the Historic District’s transformation into a festive, holiday destination. Santa is expected to land at the Cove around 4 p.m. and will stay to greet park visitors as well as to help light the tree. Adding to the ambiance will be carolers, refreshments provided by the Beachcomber Café, and holiday shopping in the Park Interpretive Store. $15 day-use parking fee.
SUNDAY: Explore Laguna Beach Neighborhood Congregational Church’s Alternative Christmas Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive. The event features opportunities to purchase gifts that provide support and sustenance for people in need, plus crafts made by Third World artisans, olive oil from the Holy Land, fair trade coffees, teas and chocolates, jewelry, and reusable shopping bags and special gifts made by the congregation’s children. Also, a gold buyer will be present to purchase unwanted gold jewelry, with 10% of proceeds going to the church. For more information contact Sally Barron at (949) 497-2343.
TODAY
Danish Cookbook Author
Local author Dagmarette Yen will be signing her new cookbook, “Glaedelig Jul,” at 6:15 p.m. She will be bringing treats to share with everyone at Latitude 33 Bookshop, 311 Ocean Ave. For more information, call (949) 494-5403.
Today and Saturday
Christmas Boutique
The Assistance League Laguna Beach holds its annual Christmas Boutique behind the Turnabout Thrift Shop at 526 Glenneyre St. with an abundance of items having to do with the holiday season. For more information, call 949-494-5977.
Art on Top of the World
Artists and studios at Top of the World hold a tour and art sale in one of Laguna’s most scenic neighborhoods from 1 to 4 p.m. Take in ocean and canyon views while visiting six artists located in three venues. A map for the studios and details about the artists can be obtained from Karen Feuer-Schwager at karenfeuerschwager@gmail.com or Tim Carmody at carmdog@cox.net.
Today through Dec. 26
‘Daddy Long Legs’
The romantic musical “Daddy Long Legs” begins its world premiere run at Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road. Preview today, gala opening Saturday. Performances Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; Thursday matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23. Also Sunday evening performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 26. (No performances Dec. 25.) For tickets, call (949) 497-2787 or visit https://www.LagunaPlayhouse.com.
Saturday
Artist Open Studios
Visit with more than 40 Laguna Beach artists in their studios from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month. For a list of studios, visit https://www.lagunabeachcity.net or call (949) 497-0722.
First Saturdays
Get out and pick up trash with Zero Trash Laguna from 10 a.m. to noon at various locations in Laguna Beach. Meet at the following businesses: Victoria Skimboards in Laguna Canyon; UPS Store at Boat Canyon; Whole Foods, La Sirena and Hobie Sports downtown; Thalia Surf Shop; El Ranchito; Yogaworks and United Studios of Self Defense in South Laguna. For more information, e-mail
Yeh Book Signing
Meet Phil Yeh, known as the godfather of the modern American Graphic Novel, who will be signing his children’s books at 2 p.m. at Hi De Ho Comics & Books, 350 Broadway.
Woman’s Club Holiday Luncheon
The Laguna Beach Woman’s Club will hold its holiday lunch and Tarnished Treasures sale at 11 a.m. at the club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive. The event includes a silent auction with restaurant dinners, art work, jewelry and Pageant of the Masters tickets, among other items. A lunch will be presented by the White House restaurant. The cost is $20 for members in advance, $25 for guests and for those who pay at the door. For reservations call (949) 497-1200.
Sunday
Chamber Music Concert
Enjoy a free chamber music concert with Alexander Sack presented by Laguna Beach Live! during First Sundays, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Studio 8 at Laguna College of Art & Design, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road.
Happiness Seminar
Learn how to harness “The Energy of Authentic Happiness” in a two-hour, introductory seminar and book signing by. Veeder South, author “The Path of Advanced Awareness to Conscious Relationships,” 2 to 4 p.m. at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 Saint Ann’s Drive. Call (949) 235-6157 or e-mail info@AdvancedAwareness.com.
Monday
Green Building Codes
Learn about California’s new Green Building Codes in a program co-sponsored by Transition Laguna presented by LEED consultant Dan Whittet from 7 to 9 p.m. at Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.
Ken Frank Retirement Party
Wish retiring Laguna Beach City Manager Ken Frank a happy retirement at a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road. No-host bar. The cost is $20 per person.
Shanti Wreath Auction
More than 30 wreaths created by local artists and businesses will be auctioned off from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., to benefit the Shanti Orange County’s HIV and AIDS services programs. The free
event will also include a no-host bar, complimentary appetizers from 6 to 7 p.m. and a live bidding led by Mike Tauber from 7 to
9 p.m.
Wednesday
Home for the Holidays
AIDS Services Foundation will gather for a Home for the Holidays party from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mark’s Restaurant, 853 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets are $45 per person and support AFS of Orange County. For a reservation, call Marc Montminy at (949) 809-8766 or visit www.ocasf.org.
Art of Investing
Learn new ideas to help preserve your wealth at a presentation from Walker Reed, investment advisor, titled “The Art of Investing,” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Artist Eye Gallery, 1294 S. Coast Hwy. To RSVP, call (949) 637-5387 or e-mail JReed@Woodburyfinancial.net.
Thursday
Vanishing Bees on Film
Transition Laguna Beach hosts a
7 p.m. screening of “Vanishing of the Bees” at the Regency South Coast Cinema. Tickets are $12 and include a Q&A with producers, snacks, and live music.