Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

A California Holiday

Purple Star emoji 42 items
Cheers to Good Times and Warm Memories - Things to Do in December and for Christmas
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

Eat, Drink and Be Cozy

A Great Dining Experience Awaits Among the Festive Holiday Decor

 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
This restaurant is so pretty and during the holidays it is even more so.  They have Victorian Carolers strolling through the restaurant the whole month of December.
Five Crowns | Landmark Steakhouse Restaurant in Corona del Mar
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Great food with amazing views on the hills of Orange County. See the Disneyland fireworks while sitting fireside. They have several special Christmas brunch and dinner menus and even a late night menu.
Orange Hill
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
One of the best outdoor dining experiences anytime, but especially during the holidays. The decor is magical and beautiful.  Save time to stroll through their shop and gardens for unique gifts and decorations.
Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Art and food come together in this spectacular restaurant. Dine in the restaurant, lounge or on the patio with live music several days a week. Wine lovers will enjoy their extensive wine list.
Bistango in Irvine
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Don't feel like cooking? This is my go to catering for any occasion but they have special menus for Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's Eve too.
Bristol Farms
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Experience amazing Italian dining in this historical house. The food and service are perfect. They have special New Year's Eve dinner with champagne, party favors and a DJ.
Anaheim White House
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Craving an amazing hot chocolate or delicious coffee for your beach stroll? The lavender iced tea is also delicious.
MENU | Newport Coffee Co.
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Watch the famous Newport Beach Boat Parade with special menus and live music.  They also have a New Year's Eve brunch and a special night event.  Have brunch and a photo with Santa.
Balboa Bay Resort
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Enjoy a holiday brunch or prix fixe dinner at Raya in this beautiful hotel.
Festive | The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
The place to go if fresh seafood and sushi are what you are looking for. The sourdough bread is one of the best. The service is always great and the atmoshphere is lively. They have a special New Year's Eve prix fixe menu.
Water Grill | Seafood | Orange County South Coast Plaza

Merry Eveything and Happy Always

All Things Holiday Lights, Lights and More Lights

 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
So many boat parades along the California coast, but this one is my favorite and it is the most famous. A must see during the holidays! Dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants that have the parade route views, rent a Duffy or make reservations... Some boats tour the home Christmas lights too which is really pretty to view from the water.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
This holiday boutique is like no other. It is so magical and beautiful and really brings the holidays to life. You will find so many unique and special gifts, plants and decor items here.
Events - Roger's Gardens
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
The summer Sawdust Festival is transformed into a holiday winter fantasy.  Live music and performers, almost 200 shops (many are local artists), Santa meet and greet and free art classes.
Sawdust Art Festival: Winter
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
A heartwarming and special story that is filled with lights, music and a snow to celebrate the holidays. It is less than an hour so is perfect for children.
Discovery Cube
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Fashion Island is so pretty during the holidays and a great dining and holiday shopping location. For something extra, see the 90-foot tree choreographed with lights and music and even snow every half hour nightly.
Nightly Tree Lighting Experience: Nights of Coastal Lights
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
The best and only Santa we ever went to every year. Worth the wait.
Photos with Santa - Fashion Island
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
A beautiful display of lights on and near the water. A walk through the Naples canals are a must.
Holiday Spots and Christmas Lights Long Beach | Visit Long Beach
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
One of the most amazing holiday light displays with more than 10 million lights.  This is a definite must see!
Mission Inn Hotel and Spa's Festival of Lights
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
You will be transported to a snowy wonderland where you can ice skate, enjoy the snow and carnival.
Winter Fest OC
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Rent an igloo by the transformed pool area and enjoy your favorite food and beverages day or night or get a firepit and enjoy smores and hot chocolate.
Experience | Paséa Hotel & Spa
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
This has become a favorite holiday photo spot with light displays in the Dana Point Harbor that will definitely bring in the holiday spirit.
Festival Of Lights - Dana Point Harbor
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
An all time favorite place to visit is even more magical during the holidays.
Holiday & Christmas Celebrations at the Disneyland Resort
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Ride in a wagon around the farm to look at the massive array of twinkling lights, Enjoy hot chocolate and take photos in the lantern displays.
Hikari - A Festival of Lights — Tanaka Farms

Good Times, Great Memories

A December to Remember with Winter and Holiday Things to Do 

 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Get a variety of apples from the apple orchards at Oak Glen Farm in San Bernardino.  Of course they also offer apple pie, cider and other apple treats.
Oak Glen
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Love a real Christmas tree? Have your final selection cut down from a vast field of trees to select from.
Farmakis Farms
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Have this gingerbread house kit delivered to your home and start building. A fun and easy event for the whole family.
Gingerbread House Decorating Kit - Cinderella Cakes
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Several holiday cooking classes to choose from including cookie decorating, learning to make macarons, holiday ravioli or tamales.
Sur La Table
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
This Christmas Parade is over 90 years old and while it is televised, there is nothing like being there in person.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade: Home
placeholder
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Take a trip to the North Pole, visit Santa (were you naughyy or nice?), drink hot chocolate delivered by an elf, create a snow globe and stuffed animal in the elves workshop and enjoy the magical decor.  The tour takes up to a half hour and tickets start at $53.
Christmas Experience! | onceuponanisland
placeholder
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
See the ghosts try to get Scrooge to make a change in the classic “A Christmas Carol”
Long Beach Playhouse
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Saturday, December 28, 2024 only. Reserve tables for 2 or more and spend the afternoon enjoying songs and stories with princesses. Champagne or apple cider and food served. Children will receive a small gift.
Royal Tea - The Resort at Pelican Hill
placeholder
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Outdoor shopping and dining with a European feel. They have a Christmas markets, a live Nativity play, and special live music.  You can have a meet and greet with Santa too.
Old World Village
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
See the classic and timeless Nutcracker with the American Ballet Theatre.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Even if it hasn't snowed yet, Big Bear has lots to keep you busy from holiday shopping and wine tasting to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Take in the community light competition the residents and business owners participate in.
Big Bear Christmas & Holidays 2024 Events | Big Bear Lake, CA

Game Day

Plenty of Places to Play or Be a Spectator for the Sports Fan

 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
You or your children can play hockey, ice skate or take skating/hockey lessons here. They have an on-site bar and restaurant.
Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
See an action packed game at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles.  Buy a holiday gift for the Kings fans in your life from their website.
Official Los Angeles Kings Website - NHL.com
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Go to the Honda Center in Anaheim to catch this hockey action. They have hockey programs of all levels if you want to develop or learn more.
Official Anaheim Ducks Website - NHL.com
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
If you are a Los Angeles football fan catch a Chargers game at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood.
Los Angeles Chargers
placeholder
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Along with the LA Chargers, the LA Rams play at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood and are a long-time favorite team in Southern California.
Rams 2024 Schedule | Los Angeles Rams - therams.com
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Catch the excitement of sitting courtside and watching this championship team in action. So many celebrities attend these games you almost can't go and not see somebody famous.
Los Angeles Lakers
placeholder
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
Attending an LA Clippers game is another way to catch the basketball action in Los Angeles.
LA Clippers
placeholder
 
Lisa Doumar profile picture
If you are in or near the San Francisco Bay Area catching a San Francisco 49er game at Levi Stadium is a fun way to spend time and see a local favorite team.
San Francisco 49ers