Wrap Yourself in Luxury at Oats Cashmere’s Annual Event

Oats Cashmere is hosting its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Sale on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1105 North Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. This is the event cashmere lovers wait for all year. It is the perfect time to stock up and save on top quality pieces for yourself or for wonderful gifts for friends and family.

Cashmere is one of the best holiday gifts to give and receive. It is a beautiful piece of luxury that feels special the moment you put it on and it will last for years with proper care. The sale features a curated selection of sweaters, accessories and seasonal favorites designed to make holiday gifting effortless.

 Whether you are starting your shopping early or looking to refresh your own winter wardrobe, this is a rare opportunity to purchase premium pieces at special pricing. For more information, call 888-765-7117. 

See you there.

Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is celebrating the holiday season with the return of its Fire & Lights Festival, held Thursday through Sunday evenings from 4 to 9 p.m. through January 4, 2026. The annual Lighting of the Bay glows nightly at dusk with more than 50 floating trees and festive waterfront displays.

Festival Highlights
• Fire Dancing: Free fire performances by The Wild Fire Arts Entertainment every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Photos with Santa: Complimentary photos with Santa every Saturday through Christmas from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Igloo Bar: Seasonal sips and snacks including hot chocolate, cider, hot toddies, and soup du jour.
• Fire Pits and S’mores: Marshmallow roasting by the bay under sparkling lights.
• Giant Inflatables: Toboggan Tunnel, Giant Snowzilla slide, and Gingerbread Slide with unlimited wristbands or single-ride tickets. Height, weight, and sock requirements apply.

Admission to the Fire and Lights Festival is free. Fees apply for parking, inflatables, and concessions. The Lighting of the Bay runs nightly from November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

Santa’s Garden Holiday Tree Lot
Fresh Noble, Nordman, Grand, and Douglas trees, plus wreaths and garlands from northern Oregon. Custom flocking, trimming, loading, and home or business delivery available. Open daily November 24 to December 21. Sunday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Make It a Stay
Guests can enjoy the views from RV campsites or Beach Cottages. RV rentals can be delivered directly to campsites. Back Bay Bistro offers waterfront settings for holiday parties and private events. Visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3800.

Parking and Location
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Parking: 0–30 minutes free; 30 minutes–2 hours $15; 2–4 hours $20; 4–8 hours $25; 8–24 hours $30.

For festival updates and details, visit NewportDunes.com/fire-and-lights-festival. Book resort stays at NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3863.

Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente

Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Charbel Hayek brings his signature Mediterranean artistry to San Clemente with the debut of ILYA on December 4, 2025. Hayek is known for his dynamic, modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine at Los Angeles favorites Ladyhawk and Laya, as well as his celebrated appearances on “Top Chef.” He blends the relaxed elegance of Orange County with the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean coast.

Hayek has captivated diners through his charismatic creativity and deep culinary heritage. Ladyhawk was named Best New Restaurant by Los Angeles Magazine, securing his place among the region’s most exciting young chefs.

With ILYA, Hayek continues his evolution, this time focusing on Western Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the vibrant coastlines of Southern France, Spain, Italy, and coastal North Africa. California’s seasonal bounty and subtle nods to his Lebanese roots shine throughout the menu.

Mezedes designed for sharing open the experience, including Baked Feta with sourdough, Patata Bravas with smoked paprika, Escargot with herb butter, and Fried Calamari with squid ink cocktail sauce. The ILYA Mezze Platter features house-made hummus, muhammara, babaghanouj, and warm, freshly baked pita.

Wood-fired and grilled dishes take center stage. Grilled Tiger Prawns with black lime butter and Australian Rack of Lamb with ancho and chorizo butter highlight bold flavors. Dry-aged King Salmon with sauce vierge and Mussels with tarragon curry are standouts for seafood lovers. Pasta dishes include Lobster Spaghetti in bisque and Spicy Rigatoni with Calabrian chilis.

Seasonal produce leads the cold dishes such as the Truffle Market Salad, Endive and Goat Cheese Salad, and a bright Greek Salad with ripe tomatoes, feta, and olives. At ILYA, the Western Mediterranean is interpreted as a rhythm of fire, sea, and simplicity, expressed through Hayek’s global culinary journey.

Hayek Hospitality Group, founded by Chef Charbel Hayek, winner of Top Chef MENA Season 5, blends traditional MENA flavors with modern technique and refined artistry. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the group continues to redefine modern Middle Eastern dining. For more information, visit hayekhospitality.com.

ILYA is located at 1502 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente.