Blog
American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
11.19.25
American Ballet Theatre’s beloved production of The Nutcracker returns to Segerstrom Hall December 11–21, 2025, accompanied by Pacific Symphony, for its 10th season at the Center.
Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “ravishing and clever enough to inspire multiple viewings” and called “jaw-droppingly beautiful” by the Orange County Register, this holiday favorite features choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, one of today’s most celebrated choreographers. The production dazzles with stunning sets and costumes by Tony Award winner Richard Hudson and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Pacific Symphony.
The story follows young Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas party. That night, in her dreams, the doll transforms into a handsome prince and whisks her away on a magical adventure through a world of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and a battle between toy soldiers and a mischievous mouse army. More than 100 performers bring this enchanting tale to life on stage.
A treasured holiday tradition for Southern California audiences, The Nutcracker is a joyful celebration for the whole family.
VIP Sweet Seats
A limited number of Sweet Seats are available for all performances. Each ticket includes prime orchestra seating, a Segerstrom Center keepsake ornament, a Nutcracker collectible poster, Läderach chocolates, a holiday cookie, and a commemorative 10th anniversary tote bag, creating an elevated holiday experience.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
scfta.org | Box Office: 714.556.2787 | Group Sales: 714.755.0236
Blog
Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
11.17.25
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, more travelers are trading kitchen prep for festive getaways that blend great dining, relaxation, and holiday tradition. From the sun-drenched desert to the Pacific coastline, these standout California hotels and resorts offer memorable ways to gather and give thanks.
Whether you want a glamorous celebration in the city, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, or a classic coastal Thanksgiving with ocean views, here are holiday escapes worth considering.
Desert Thanksgiving
La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta
Framed by the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta Resort & Club pairs Hollywood legacy with modern luxury for a sun-soaked Thanksgiving retreat. Guests can choose from three special holiday dining experiences.
Adobe Grill adds a Mexican twist with dishes including turkey roulade, lamb stew, apple salad, and bread pudding. Twenty6 offers a festive menu featuring elevated takes on Thanksgiving classics. Morgan’s in the Desert serves a refined holiday dinner with herb-crusted turkey breast, sweet potato cheesecake, and seasonal sides. Signature cocktails make the celebration even more special.
Reservations: Visit the resort online to book.
City Thanksgiving
Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
In the heart of Century City, Fairmont Century Plaza creates a polished and effortless Thanksgiving celebration. Lumière features a prix-fixe holiday dinner with seasonal soup or garden salad, herb-roasted turkey breast roulade with traditional sides, and a choice of pumpkin crème caramel or Bahibe-spiced shortbread with brown sugar cream. Elegant service and a sophisticated setting make this a standout Los Angeles holiday dining experience.
Reservations: Available through the hotel’s website.
Hideaway Thanksgiving
For a peaceful getaway, Ojai Valley Inn offers a serene holiday surrounded by rolling hills and golden sunsets. The Farmhouse hosts a Thanksgiving Grand Buffet celebrating local produce, seasonal entrees, desserts, and sparkling beverages. Families can enjoy a classic buffet at The Oak, while Olivella offers a three-course menu inspired by the flavors of the season. Whether dining fireside or outdoors, this is a warm and intimate way to celebrate.
Reservations: Book online.
Coastal Thanksgiving
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Huntington Beach
Celebrate with ocean breezes and endless views at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. The Huntington Ballroom hosts a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 4 p.m. with roasted turkey, prime rib, honey-glazed ham, pumpkin maple bisque, roasted root vegetables, and fall-inspired salads. Pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, s’mores bars, and other sweet treats complete the feast. Guests can also choose a three-course Thanksgiving menu at Watertable, a traditional turkey special at Pete’s Sunset Grille, or in-room dining.
Reservations: Visit hyattregencyhuntingtonbeach.com.
Oceanfront Thanksgiving
Shore Hotel invites guests to gather at Shoreside Restaurant & Bar for a Thanksgiving feast overlooking the Pacific. Served Thursday, Nov. 27, from noon to 10 p.m., the holiday menu includes roasted turkey with housemade cranberry sauce, aromatic stuffing, whipped potatoes, sautéed green beans, roasted acorn squash soup, and pumpkin pie with vanilla bourbon whipped cream. Thanksgiving specials are offered alongside the full Shoreside menu. It is the restaurant’s first Thanksgiving celebration and a beautiful new beachfront tradition.
Reservations: Book online through the restaurant.
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, San Diego
Marina Kitchen & Bar hosts a waterfront Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 4 to 9 p.m. The menu features citrus-brined smoked Diestel turkey breast, slow-roasted prime rib, seafood cioppino, Moroccan lamb chops, and a vegan meatloaf option. Classic sides include Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, candy yams, and mac and cheese. Dessert highlights include pumpkin cheesecake, sweet potato crème brûlée, pecan pie, and apple cobbler. Pricing begins at $95 per adult and $39 per child, plus tax and service charge.
Reservations: Available on the hotel’s website.
Image Courtesy Fairmont Century Plaza
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 11.19.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.17.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.17.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.16.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 11.04.25 – Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays
- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
- 11.02.25 – North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond
- 10.30.25 – An Evening with John O’Hurley at The Lido
- 10.28.25 – Día de los Muertos Rooftop Brunch at Top of the V
- 10.27.25 – Sip & Shuck Returns to Laguna Beach Nov. 2 to Benefit CASA
More Daily Doses
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.12.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
- 10.15.25 – Tales of Wonder and Imagination: Alexander Shelley Leads Pacific Symphony in ‘Scheherazade’
- 10.14.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 10.08.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Honors
- 10.05.25 – Fashion Meets Film: StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island October 15–19
