Holiday Lights+December Service Projects+ SoCal's Heartwarming Stories

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA — This weekend, with the holidays in full swing, Patch has found the lighter side of Southern California news we hope you will enjoy.

Between new businesses, community members doing good around town and local events, Southern California is definitely the place to be as December takes shape.

Business

Stretch Zone Of Encinitas Celebrates Grand Opening

The boutique fitness studio offers practitioner-assisted stretching sessions.

Disneyland Offers Ticket Deal For SoCal Residents
The Disneyland Resort announced Thursday a ticket deal exclusive to Southern California residents.

REI Co-op To Open New Store In Marina Del Rey
Outdoor retailer REI announced the company is planning to open a new store in Marina del Rey to further service customers in LA.

'Iconic Ornaments' Opens Doors In Laguna Beach Before Christmas
The two students behind "Iconic Ornaments" started their business as a way to celebrate iconic structures in Laguna Beach.

Queen Mary In Final Repair Stages; To Open By End Of Year
The City of Long Beach finished critical repairs over the summer and looks forward to welcoming visitors back on board.

Community

Murrieta's Rich History Comes To Life With Eagle Scout Project

"Few people appreciate the positive impact that scouting has on local communities," said Jimmy Aanderud's father, Jim.

Rady Children's Hospital Giveathon Lights The Way For The New YearSoCal parents shared how Rady Children's Hospital changed their lives, bringing their two born-preemie daughters to the ice skating rink.

Southwest RivCo Veterans Receive Kindness Kits From Pechanga Workers

Packing the individual toiletries kits shows how Pechanga workers care on another level.

Palm Desert Deputies Honored For Their Service At 2022 POP Awards

The annual event gives the community a chance to say "thank you" and honor the service of Coachella Valley officers and emergency personnel.

Temecula Tourism Takes Spotlight At City Hall Tuesday Night

A Temecula Valley tourism leader's departure was recognized, and a proposal for a new hotel in the city can move forward.

Entertainment/Holiday Events

Your guide to Santa visits, Hanukkah menorah fests, Nutcrackers, concerts, ice rinks, craft boutiques & more throughout the Inland Empire, Orange County, Greater L.A. and San Diego County.

• Holiday Events In O.C. 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings
• Holiday Events In Greater L.A. 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings
• Holiday Events San Diego Co. 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings
• Holiday Events Inland Empire 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings

December Nights Returns To Balboa Park For Two Days

The 45th annual December Nights festival will begin in Balboa Park Friday.

31 Holiday Activities In SoCal Wine Country With Treats, Shopping, Events: 2022

Visitors and residents of Temecula can drink in the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season with special "chilled" activities.

Murrieta Holiday Celebrations Kick Off This Weekend

Donuts with Santa and a tree-lighting ceremony start the holiday fun on Saturday. Additional free-to-attend events continue through Dec. 17.

Riverside Historic Courthouse To See Return Of Hanukkah Festival

Rabbi Shmuel Fuss is extending an open invitation to residents of Riverside and surrounding communities to attend the 18th annual festival.

Historic Mission Inn's 30th Annual Festival Of Lights Begins Friday

The festival runs through Jan. 6, but Friday's ceremony is expected to draw thousands to downtown Riverside.

Santee Lakes Debuts 'Lights At The Lakes' Holiday Show

The drive-through light show features a mile of dazzling light displays synchronized to holiday music on a radio station.

Restaurants

Zero Proofed Cocktails Hosts Booze Free Holiday Party in WeHo

The company promotes having fun alcohol-free and will be at Alana's Coffee Roasters on Saturday.

Pacific Palisades Burger Named Best Of South Land: Report

Hank's Double Diamond Burger from Hank's restaurant was named the best burger in the Southland by an LA Times Reader's Poll.

Schools/Sports

South OC Teens Claim Prestigious Sailing Award In San Pedro

The Mariners 936 Sea Scouts of Dana Point Harbor competed in a three-day competition known as the Sea Scout Fall Event over the weekend.

Mission Viejo Nadador Deemed A Diving World Champion

Anna Lemkin of the Mission Viejo Nadadores won a gold medal at the FINA Junior World Championships in Montreal, Canada.

Got a good news tip for Southern California? Let your Patch Editors know! Email us a picture and something detailing your local good news tip and we'll do our best to get the word out!