Greer's OC

The holidays are just around the corner and in the spirit of the season, OC hotels and resorts are full of holiday happenings. From Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club’s Merry Movies on the Grand Lawn to Lido House, an Autograph Collection’s Holiday Hideaway Winter Market, there are plenty of activities to make the whole family smile this holiday season.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club | Dana Point, CA

Perched on a golden hillside between Los Angeles and San Diego, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is an oceanfront oasis enveloped by the warmth of the SoCal sun. Reflect on this past year with Winter Solstice Yoga, or indulge in a sumptuous winter treatment at Waldorf Astoria Spa in partnership 111SKIN, such as the Cocoa & Marshmallow Destress Facial or Rosemary Peppermint Pedicure. On Christmas day, take a seat at AVEO Table + Bar for a delicious Christmas Day buffet before heading back to your refreshed Fireside Terrace Room, featuring a private patio with an upgraded fire pit to gather around for s’mores and presents! And finally dessert - the resort's talented pastry team is baking holiday desserts for pick-up at Part & Parcel Dec. 10-25 - Red Velvet Cream Cheese Yule log, Browne Praline Chocolate Yule Log and Gingerbread Spice Coffee Cake.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | Dana Point, CA

Escape to Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, a picturesque Victorian-style resort, for a warm holiday getaway mere steps from the California Coast. The iconic red-roofed coastal retreat is spreading holiday cheer to visitors with a wide range of holiday happenings including a complimentary hot cocoa and cider bar, specialty holiday feasts at Outer Reef and OverVue Lounge, and carolers roaming the property singing beloved holiday tunes. Younger guests can write letters to Santa and meet the big man himself, as well as watch their favorite holiday movies while munching on complimentary popcorn and candy. Then, take a 10-minute stroll and find yourself in the heart of the Holidays at the Harbor celebration, where you can enjoy a boat parade, over 700,000 twinkling lights, and shopping at locally-loved boutiques. This New Year’s Eve, head to Outer Reef from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM for a special Chef's Tasting Menu paired with a complimentary amuse champagne toast (Reservations available via OpenTable here). For a festive celebration post-dinner, head to OverVue Lounge from 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM to enjoy a champagne toast and balloon drop with DJ Doc Mario. Bottle service available (Contact madison.bowen@lagunacliffs.com). The perfect place to celebrate the coastal California Christmas season.

Lido House, an Autograph Collection | Newport Beach

Swap your skis for a surfboard and enjoy a sunny holiday season at Lido House, an Autograph Collection hotel with an effortless, yet definitive beach house vibe. From December 22 - 30, hotel guests and locals alike can experience a holiday market with a coastal twist at Lido’s Holiday Hideaway, a collection of charming poolside cabanas offering festive libations, delightful confections, and unique gifts for family and friends. On December 22 and 23, enjoy an afternoon of cookie decorating with the Lido House culinary team, complete with Christmas movies, a popcorn and cotton candy machine, and a special visitor from the North Pole. Reservations are available here (December 22) and here (December 23). Spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at The Mayor’s Table, where Chef Riley Huddleston will prepare a four-course dinner that guests can enjoy with a wine pairing, live music, and a special takeaway from the Lido House family. Reservations are available here (Christmas Eve) and here (Christmas Day).

Marriott Irvine Spectrum | Irvine

Dine on your favorite holiday dishes this season at Marriott Irvine Spectrum, located steps away from the Irvine Spectrum Center – the city’s top shopping and dining destination perfect for finding those last-minute gifts. On Christmas Eve, Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen’s Chefs Table will welcome visitors with live music and a buffet featuring Roasted Squash Soup and Prime Rib from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. On Christmas Day, enjoy an expanded Chef’s Table dinner buffet beginning at 4:00 p.m. that will feature a bread display, a mac n’ cheese bar, a rack of lamb, and more. The dinner is $89 per adult and $29 per child, and reservations can be made here.