The Huntington Holiday House: A Festive Winter Wonderland by the Beach!

The Huntington Beach House has transformed into a festive winter wonderland for the season, now known as The Huntington Holiday House! Located on the sands of Huntington State Beach, this family-friendly destination offers a magical holiday beachfront experience throughout December. Visitors can enjoy enchanting photo spots, from twinkling palm trees and a snowy Christmas Forest to a heart-shaped selfie station inspired by the North Pole. 

The festivities also include visits from Santa Claus, spreading Christmas cheer every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. through Christmas. Pets are welcome too!

As temperatures cool by the beach, indulge in warm hot cocoa with handmade snowman marshmallows and freshly baked cookies, paired with comforting seasonal dishes from The Huntington Holiday House’s revamped menu. Highlights include Birria Ramen, Christmas Tamales, and Christmas Crunch French Toast. Adults can toast the holidays with specialty cocktails like Christmas Chai, Eggnog & Brandi, and Andy’s Secret Holiday Horchata from the full bar menu.

The Huntington Beach House will continue spreading holiday cheer through January 5, 2024. Visit Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more details, head to thehbhouse.com.

The Huntington Beach House is at 21601 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. 

Restored Crystal Cove Cottages Now Open for Online Reservations

Crystal Cove Conservancy, the nonprofit partnering with Crystal Cove State Park, is thrilled to unveil that four beautifully restored North Beach Cottages are now open for online reservations!

Reservations can be made through the California State Parks reservation system at ReserveCalifornia.com for the following cottages:

• Cottage #11A: The Carpenter's Castle
• Cottage #11B: Crow's Nest
• Cottage #25: Grunion Run
• Cottage #28: Board and Batten

Reservations will be released in four-week blocks, with the first check-in date set for December 23, 2024.

North Beach Restoration Project

The restoration of these cottages is part of the $55 million North Beach Restoration Project, a major effort to preserve and restore the 17 remaining historic cottages in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District. This project will ensure future generations can enjoy this beloved coastal destination, with completion planned for 2026.

Funding for the restoration has come from a dedicated group of organizations and individuals. Bank of America contributed through funding and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. Assembly Member Cottie Petrie-Norris secured over $30 million in state funding. Additional support came from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the WWW Foundation, local philanthropists, and individual donors.

For more details about the North Beach Restoration Project, tips on reserving a cottage, or ways to support Crystal Cove Conservancy, visit CrystalCove.org/BeachCottages.

Cottage Highlights

Cottage #11A: The Carpenter’s Castle
This beautifully restored ocean-view cottage includes four bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and breathtaking views. It accommodates up to eight guests and offers a perfect coastal escape.

Cottage #11B: Crow’s Nest
Perched above the shoreline, this charming studio cottage features sweeping ocean views, a sunning nook, and a single bathroom. Its tranquil setting is ideal for two guests.

Cottage #25: Grunion Run
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage offers expansive ocean views from its patio and living room. Natural light fills the space, creating a warm and inviting beachside retreat for up to six guests.

Cottage #28: Board and Batten
This cozy two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage features an ocean-view patio and stunning Catalina sunsets. It provides a peaceful getaway for up to six guests, blending rustic charm with modern comfort.

The restored cottages at Crystal Cove are a unique opportunity to enjoy California’s coastline while celebrating its history and preserving its legacy.

Four Days Left to Experience The Nutcracker Magic!

There are just four days left to experience Festival Ballet Theatre's acclaimed production of The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre! This beloved holiday classic, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, runs through December 24 with both matinee and evening performances. Don’t miss it!

Directed by Salwa Rizkalla, the breathtaking production features professional company dancers, talented young performers, and guest artists from renowned companies like the New York City Ballet and Joffrey Ballet. Highlights include dazzling sets, stunning costumes, and the captivating Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, performed by stars like Tiler Peck, Roman Mejia, Jeraldine Mendoza, and Dylan Gutierrez.

The intimate Barclay Theatre at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, hosts all performances. Tickets range from $45–$70 and are available at thebarclay.org or by calling 949.854.4646.

Related Event: Nutcracker Tea Party
Enhance the holiday magic with the Nutcracker Tea Party, featuring delightful treats, champagne for adults, and photo opportunities with cast members like Clara. Tea Parties take place one hour before select performances.

Tea Party Tickets:

• Adults/Seniors: $45
• Children Under 21: $35

For Tea Party tickets, contact the Barclay Box Office at 949.854.4646 or tickets@thebarclay.org. Note: Tea Party tickets do not include admission to The Nutcracker.

More information: festivalballet.org.