Christmas Shopping, Live Shows and Seasonal Eats Await!
Dreaming of a holiday escape that doesn’t require an airline ticket? Costa Mesa offers the ultimate staycation experience right in the heart of Orange County. This city blends world-class shopping, seasonal dining and enchanting holiday entertainment—all within minutes of each other. Whether you’re in it for retail, art or food, Costa Mesa has something for everyone this holiday season. So pack your bags because we’re spilling the hot cocoa on why this charming city is the merriest destination for a holiday staycation.
Unpack Your Bags at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
For the ultimate holiday retreat, cozy up at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This lakeside Costa Mesa hotel offers guests a stylish, comfortable escape paired with a little extra holiday cheer. With the Light Up Your Holidays package, you can experience a luxurious stay in a premium lakeside guestroom, complete with a $100 South Coast Plaza gift card to kick off your holiday shopping spree. Enjoy complimentary breakfast for two at the hotel’s on-site Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, where you can also indulge in two free cocktails—perfect for relaxing after a long day of shopping.
The package also includes early check-in, late check-out, and a VIP Passport to South Coast Plaza, which grants you access to exclusive discounts and valet services. And if fitness is your thing, enjoy a complimentary day pass to the nearby South Coast Metro Center Gym (the perfect place to work off those holiday treats!). It’s the perfect staycation for anyone looking to combine luxury and a little festive shopping.
Local Insight: Book two nights or more to enjoy all the perks of this package while making the most of Costa Mesa’s holiday activities!
Festive Dining at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
Located within Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit dining spot during your Costa Mesa holiday staycation. This swanky lakeside eatery offers modern California cuisine with an artistic twist, making it the ideal place for a pre-show dinner before catching a performance at the nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
If you’re visiting around Thanksgiving, make sure to reserve your spot at the Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet—a decadent spread featuring everything from seafood and carving stations to seasonal treats. If you prefer to celebrate in the evening, reserve a place at Silver Trumpet’s Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet, which comes with complimentary sparkling wine and will feature standout dishes like roasted turkey, pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin-spiced panna cotta.
Local Insight: Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar will also offer Christmas dinner—stay tuned for details!
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Christmas Tree Lighting at South Coast Plaza
Kick off the holiday season with the 42nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Coast Plaza on Nov. 16. Held at Town Center Park, this annual event is a spectacle of lights, music and holiday spirit. The evening begins with caroling at 6:30 p.m., followed by a performance by students from the Orange County School of the Arts and a visit from Santa himself. And once the 96-foot tree is illuminated, the holiday magic truly begins. Starting Nov. 17, Santa’s Village will open, offering families a chance to meet and take photos with Santa. For an extra-special touch, take a ride on the Reindeer Carousel or Santa’s Express Train, both exclusive to South Coast Plaza during the holiday season.
Seasonal Shows at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The holidays are synonymous with heartwarming performances, and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts has an exciting lineup for the 2024 season. Whether you’re a fan of ballet, symphony or immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone this December.
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“The Nutcracker for Kids” (Dec. 7)
This magical, kid-friendly version of the holiday classic is an enchanting introduction to ballet, perfect for families with young children. Expect dazzling costumes, beautiful music and plenty of holiday wonder.
American Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 12-22)
A beloved tradition, this full-scale production of “The Nutcracker” brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life with over 100 performers, stunning choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, and Pacific Symphony’s live accompaniment.
“Silent Night Silent Disco” (Dec. 20)
For a fun twist on holiday entertainment, head to Argyros Plaza for a dazzling silent disco. With three channels to choose from, you’ll be grooving to either holiday hits or Top 40 jams—all while sporting light-up headphones.
“Fiesta Navidad” (Dec. 14)
Celebrate Mexican holiday traditions with Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a festive concert filled with music, dance and cultural joy.
Holiday Shopping at South Coast Plaza
No holiday staycation in Costa Mesa would be complete without a shopping spree at South Coast Plaza. Known as one of the best shopping destinations in California, this sprawling retail wonderland boasts over 250 boutiques, including luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, alongside renowned department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
During the holiday season, South Coast Plaza transforms into a festive shopping paradise. Stroll through its beautifully decorated halls adorned with twinkling lights and holiday displays. Make sure to visit Santa’s Village at the Carousel Court to snap a few photos with St. Nick and check out the iconic Reindeer Carousel for a whimsical touch of holiday magic.
If you’re on the hunt for gifts, explore shops like Frette, lululemon, Madewell and Oliver Peoples, or keep an eye out for exclusive holiday pop-ups. Plus, with the VIP Passport included in the Light Up Your Holidays package, you’ll enjoy special discounts at select stores.
Local Insight: Keep an eye out for holiday gift-with-purchase promotions at select retailers, especially if you’re eyeing luxury items.
Walk in a Winter Wonderland at Winter Fest OC
Celebrate the magic of the season at Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival! Returning for its 10th anniversary from Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair and Event Center into a snowy wonderland filled with dazzling holiday decor, exciting attractions and endless family fun. This year’s highlights include the beloved Snowflake Summit ice tubing slide, a 150-foot ride that will have you racing down the icy slope. For those looking to explore, the North Pole Journey walk-through experience immerses visitors in a winter storybook world. Don’t miss the nightly holiday light show, where over 2 million lights dance to synchronized music. Winter Fest OC is the perfect place to create magical holiday memories, whether you’re ice skating under the stars, enjoying carnival rides, or taking photos with the holiday displays.
See South Coast Repertory’s “A Christmas Carol”
Wrap up your Costa Mesa holiday staycation with a visit to South Coast Repertory to see “A Christmas Carol.” From Nov. 25 through Dec. 24, follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks on his transformative journey through Christmas past, present and future. With its timeless message of hope and redemption, this production is sure to warm your heart and get you into the holiday spirit. Featuring stunning sets, period costumes, and Richard Doyle as Scrooge, this show is a must-see for both longtime fans and first-time visitors.
