Restaurants & Bars
O.C. Christmas Dining Deals & Restaurant To-Go Specials 2021
Whether dining out or celebrating the holidays at home with a takeout feast, check out these festive offers from Orange County eateries.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Christmas this year falls on a Saturday, Dec. 25, with New Year's Day one week later on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. And restaurant chefs throughout Orange County are prepping Christmas Eve and Day feasts for on-site diners, plus for patrons who select takeout options to enjoy at home with family and friends.
Peruse our annual Patch holiday dining guide to brunches, dinners and fun, seasonal treats — with choices for all tastes and price ranges — to find what appeals to your family.
Do note, many establishments require advance notice for to-go orders. And for restaurant dining, reservations typically are recommended.
Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
And to all of our readers, Merry Christmas, from Patch!
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Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
APPLEBEE'S: Festive $5 cocktails, Sleigh Bell Sips, are on menu through Jan. 2. "Tipsy Reindeer" blends vodka, cranberry juice, cherry & lemonade. And "Strawberry Merry Swirl" is a frozen, swirled margarita with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana Blanco Tequila, melon liqueur, strawberry & lime. Enjoy! Locations here.
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BASKIN-ROBBINS: Jazz up your holiday table with "Brrr the Snowman™ Cake"— festive dessert with melting “snow,” icing carrot nose & tree branch arms, buttons & fudge smile. Customizable with cake & ice cream flavors. Plus, December's Flavor of the Month is Gingerbread House, gingerbread-flavored ice cream with gingersnap cookie bites, peppermint pieces & confetti icing drizzle. Ordering info here.
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BILLY'S AT THE BEACH: View the 133rd Annual Newport Beach Boat Parade, Dec. 15-19, while dining aloha-style with special Boat Parade Menu, featuring pupus, such entrees as filet mignon, Tomahawk ribeye, lobster tail or Hawaiian-roasted duck, plus dessert. Info & reservation details here. Billy's is at 2751 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach.
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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Filet mignon or prime rib, both with lobster tail & sides, are offered for dine-in or takeout on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Locations closed Christmas Day. For dine-in ($36.99 per person), follow link to reserve, or walk-ins accepted. Guests also can order "Santa’s Cookies," which come with special QR code to track Santa’s journey! For takeout, orders must be placed 24 hours in advance, and come in varying serving sizes. Locations listed here.
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BOSTON MARKET: Celebrate around the family table with take-out, heat-and serve holiday meals, that serve four to six or up to 12, plus sides and whole pies. Options include turkey, prime rib, ham or ham-turkey combo. Side vary with mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, stuffing or vegetables and apple or pumpkin pies. Order in advance for pick-up. Ordering info here. Location finder here.
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BUCA DI BEPPO: Dine at home Christmas Eve with one of four to-go Holiday Catering Packages that serve up to 10 (half pan), or up to 20 (full pan), available for pick-up or delivery through Dec. 24. Options include mixed or Caesar salad, pasta choice, bread, and entrees & dessert depending on package selected. Info & ordering here. All California locations here.
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BURNT CRUMBS - IRVINE: Chef-owner Paul Cao has created a special holiday flavor for his famously fluffy souffle pancakes: Peppermint Oreo! The jiggly pancakes are blanketed with Oreo whip, crushed candy canes, chocolate drizzle & paired with Peppermint Oreo ice cream from local ice cream shop Han's Homemade. Available through end of December, but only at Irvine location in Los Olivos Shopping Center, 8549 Irvine Center Drive. Website here.
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CAFE SEVILLA: The Triangle Square restaurant & nightclub celebrates "Christmas in Spain." Christmas Eve dinner to feature lobster & pork belly paella and lobster bisque with puff pastry, along with live Latin guitar music by Alfredo Duet. Christmas Day dining offers three-course, prix-fixe menu ($55 per person) with lobster bisque, pork tenderloin, Manchego cheese and dried fruit with port wine sauce, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes & Tahitian vanilla bean bread pudding with blood orange crème anglaise for dessert. Live Latin music by Alfredo & Gabby 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by Latin jazz by Robert Incelli from 8:30 p.m. to close. Info here. At 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. Reservations at 949-688-1555 or online here.
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CHART HOUSE: Pre-order by Dec. 17 for takeout Christmas dinner: Prime Rib Family Pack ($145) or Lamb Dinner Family Pack ($165). Both include entrees, salad, sides & dessert. Pick-up is Dec. 24-25. Ordering info here. Or opt to dine on-site Dec. 25 with three-course, all inclusive dinner. Menu & reservations here. Restaurant in Dana Point; Redondo Beach. Price may vary by location.
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CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE: Celebrate at home with three-course, takeout feast for six to eight. Entree options are turkey ($135), ham ($135) or combo ($145). Sides include bread, salad, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, veggies, orange-cranberry relish & apple or pumpkin pie. See details here. Contact local Claim Jumper to order. Restaurants in Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo.
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DEL TACO: Back for the holiday season are authentic Mexican tamales — hand-wrapped with real corn husks. Available through Dec. 31 at participating locations. Options: Red & Green Smothered Tamales, with red & green sauces, sour cream & cilantro; Chili Cheese Smothered Tamales, shredded pork with beef chili, cheddar cheese &d sour cream; Del Taco’s 2 for $4 Tamales: two shredded pork tamales $4; Tamales 4 Pack with four pork tamales; and Tamales Fiesta Pack, 12 tamales, salsa & utensils. DoorDash DashPass members can receive $3 off any order over $15 through Dec. 31. Info here. California location finder here.
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DESCANO MEXICAN RESTAURANT: Enjoy family-style pozole feast with takeout special ($20 for three to four servings), available Dec. 17-19, 23-26 & Dec. 31-Jan. 2. Includes Pozole Rojo (hominy, guajillo chile broth, pulled pork, red onion, chile peron & oregano) and fixings to simply heat, mix and serve. Also planned: two holiday pop-up dinners ($35 per person) Dec. 20 & 27, 4 p.m-9 p.m. Menu includes choice of guacamole, Choriqueso Verde or Elote Asado (grilled sweet white corn); choice of Poblano Rajas, carnitas or agave-glazed salmon; and Tarta de Limon or flan for dessert, plus wine, beer or margarita. Website here. At 1555 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa.
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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Keep meal prep easy with Christmas takeout options: Complete Feast; Dinner Feast and Holiday Big Yellow Box. Starting at $115, Complete Feast feeds 10 to 12 with choice of ham, turkey, Cajun-fried turkey, peppercorn garlic prime rib or traditional prime rib, dressing, gravy, potato casserole, green beans, rolls & dessert. Dinner Feast starts at $92, serves eight to 10, with same protein choices, dressing, gravy, rolls & dessert. Holiday Big Yellow Box, starts at $125 and feeds up to 12 with 4 pounds of turkey & large sides, plus rolls. Locations throughout California. Order here.
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DISNEYLAND & DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE: The parks come through again for the 2021 holidays with cleverly crafted candies, sweets, festive churros, beverages, winter entrees, and even pork pozole & Mexican hot chocolate. Items can be found through Jan. 9 inside the parks, in Downtown Disney and at resort hotels. See details & guide to holiday candy here, and Foodie Guide to Holidays at Disneyland here.
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DUNKIN': Limited-time, holiday menu features Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte, White Mocha Hot Chocolate & Holiday Blend Coffee. California DD Perks members receive free medium hot or iced coffee each Monday, one per customer & valid on all blends, including seasonal holiday blend, through Dec. 28. Also offered this month: pancake minis & classic chocolate, vanilla & strawberry frosted doughnuts with Holly Berry sprinkles. Info here.
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EL POLLO LOCO: Celebrate through Dec. 26 with such seasonal deals as: "Holiday Familia Dinner " (10 pieces of chicken, two large sides & tortillas for $20); Chicken Pozole Verde ; Mexican Hot Chocolate; or tamales ( a la carte or family bundles of six or 12.) Details. And check out El Pollo Loco’s first-ever, in-app game, Merry Matches — available to Loco Rewards members. Scratch & match game for chances to win exclusive rewards. Info here. Restaurant location finder here.
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EUREKA!: For the holidays through Jan. 4, enjoy a Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned — a seasonal favorite with Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, house-made Gingerbread Syrup, Douglas Fir Liqueur, chocolate bitters, herbal bitters & candied ginger. Locations statewide.
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FARMHOUSE AT ROGER'S GARDENS: Enjoy holiday dining with new seasonal menu courtesy of Executive Chef Rich Mead. Among entrees: Spaghetti Squash & Braised Green Enchiladas; Grilled Dijon Soy Rubbed Pork Tenderloin; Pomegranate Glazed Salmon Salad; and Panko, Dijon, Herb Crusted Icelandic Cod. Pair meal with new cocktail: "The Booster," the third iteration of restaurant’s popular, pandemic-inspired sips. At 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar. Reservation info here.
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GELSON'S MARKETS: Last day to pre-order your Christmas no-fuss, takeout feast is Dec.22, for pick-up Dec. 21-24. Among options: turkey; ham; prime rib; or brisket, with serving sizes from two, to eight, to 12. Included are such sides as mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls & pies. Follow link to order. Locations throughout Southern California.
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GRACIAS MADRE: Pre-orders for holiday tamales & seasonal sides due Dec. 21 for Dec. 23 pickup in WeHo & Newport Beach. Tamale offering include red, green or red-green combo. Sides feature roasted yams, pozole, pies & more. Order via website. Or take advantage of gift card promotion through Dec. 31: Buy $100 Gracias Madre gift card online or in-store & receive $25 bonus card. Website here. Location: 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach.
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IHOP: Don't miss limited-time, holiday menu. Among selections: Winter Wonderland Pancakes with vanilla swirl, marshmallows & powdered sugar snow; Cranberry Vanilla Pancakes with cranberry topping; Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, made with real pumpkin; Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake; Cali Roasted Turkey Melt; Winter Wonderland Kids Combo, pancake with bacon, sausage & scrambled egg; plus Holiday Celebrations Family Feast - four-serving meal with eggs, hash browns, bacon or sausage & pancakes. Menu info.
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IKE'S LOVE & SANDWICHES: Score free sandwich voucher through Dec. 31 with purchase of an Ike’s T-shirt at eatery's holiday pop-up shops. The pop-ups are selling four varieties of T-shirts & a hoodie. Locations statewide. Info here.
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JOE'S CRAB SHACK: "Feast With Santa Claws" Christmas dinner will be served Dec. 25 for dine-in. Meal includes ham, red-skinned mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce & pumpkin pie. Adult: $18.99. Child: $8.99. Family to-go meals here, too. O.C. restaurant in Garden Grove. Details here.
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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: The limited-time, KFC 11 Herbs & Spices Firelog by Enviro-Log, which creates fried-chicken aroma wafting from the fireplace, is for sale at Walmart.com for $15.88. And new this year is contest for KFC-themed vacation with three-day, two-night stay for up to eight in three-story luxury log cabin surrounded by nature reserve in Kentucky. Enter by purchasing firelog, scan QR code on packaging to go to webpage where you enter for chance to win. Or download official KFC U.S. App before Dec. 31 to receive message with link to enter. Free entry available. Find info here.
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KURA SUSHI: Enjoy Holiday Takeout Special, starting at $29 for takeout & delivery only, beginning Dec. 20, while supplies last. Pre-order options include assorted sushi rolls & assorted nigiri. Locations throughout California. Details here.
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LAS BRISAS: A three-course, prix-fixe Christmas dinner is planned Dec. 25, with such selections as beef carpaccio, cured duck breast, scallops, butternut squash tamales, lamb chops & prime rib. $110 per person. Full menu & booking info here. At 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
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LAZY DOG RESTAURANTS: Holiday offering for limited time includes old-school "Roasted Turkey TV Dinner," with turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, stuffing & salted caramel pumpkin cheesecake. "Made in-house, frozen in retro-style trays, and ready to pop in the oven when you need them." Order up here. Lazy Dog locales listed here.
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MACARONI GRILL: Celebrate on the homefront with a $30 "Feast for Five." The to-go deal includes an entree, Caesar salad, two loaves of Rosemary Peasant Bread & six chocolate chip cookies. A "Premium Feast for Five" ($55) comes with premium entree choice. Available for pick-up or delivery. Location in Irvine. Website here.
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MARIE CALLENDER'S: Select from take-home feasts with prime rib, ham or turkey. (Serving four to six or six to eight, with prices from $129.99-$224.99.) Sides vary with options for mashed potatoes, salad, stuffing, gravy, five-cheese macaroni, veggies, cornbread, cranberry sauce and whole apple or pumpkin pies. Individual Christmas dinners to-go also offered for adults & kids. See info here. Find your nearest Marie Callender's here.
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MAYOR'S TABLE PACIFIC BAR & KITCHEN: Four-course, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dinners (both 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) to be served with amuse-bouche, appetizer choice, entree selections of lobster pasta, filet of beef, game bird or Dover sole, plus dessert. $95 per person + $50 wine pairing/$50 for children 12 years or younger/4 & under free. Christmas Day brunch also planned. And don't miss exotic "Cocktails from the Kitchen," served in unique vessels. Info & booking details. The Mayor’s Table is at Lido House Hotel, 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach.
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MIGUEL'S JR.: Mary's famous, handmade holiday tamales and homemade pozole are back for limited time. Tamales, with Chile Rojo Pork or California Chili, available a la carte or by the dozen. The hearty pozole has chile base, hominy, choice of protein & served with cabbage, onions & lemon wedge. Order online. Locales in Orange, Riverside & San Bernardino counties.
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MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES: The "better-burger" restaurant closes out 2021 with two limited-time, holiday shakes — Pecan Pie Shake & White Chocolate Peppermint Shake. And coupon for free burger via MOOYAH Rewards App offered for every $25 gift card purchased. Promo runs through Dec. 31. Info here. Locale in Irvine.
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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: A chateaubriand for-two feast is offered Christmas Eve & Day for on-site dining or takeout. $179 & serves two. Included: winter salad, chateaubriand, baked corn soufflé, sour cream mashed potatoes, creamed spinach & white chocolate & pecan bread pudding or bruléed cheesecake with cherry compote for dessert. Info here. Locations in Anaheim, Santa Ana.
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NORMS: A $59.99 Holiday Family Meal, that serves four or more, can be ordered for takeout or delivery. Included: turkey; mashed potatoes; gravy; stuffing; cranberry sauce; gumbo; salad; and whole apple or pumpkin pie. See website here. Order info here. Find NORMS locations here throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino & Riverside counties.
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ORANGE HILL RESTAURANT: This eatery is offering Christmas Day three-course brunch from 10a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or a la carte dinner, with holiday specials, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The brunch also served Dec. 26. See menu details & reservation links. At 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange.
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P.F. CHANG'S: Chef-curated menu, rooted in Asian tradition, offered through Jan. 18 for dine-in or takeout. Limited-time offers include: Dim Sum, pan-fried Wagyu dumplings; Fire-Braised Short Ribs with pineapple fried rice; Short Rib Fried Rice; Chang's Apple Crunch, version of apple pie with vanilla ice cream; and "The Ornament" vodka & saké cocktail. Prix-fixe menu ($50 per person) with appetizer, soup, entrée & dessert, also offered. Location finder here.
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PARADISE DYNASTY: Feed your holiday spirit with red & green xiao long bao — juicy soup dumplings. The hues are from such ingredients as beet & spinach juices, with red dumplings yielding Szechuan flavor, with Kurobuta pork & peppercorn spices, and green dumplings filled with luffa gourd (type of squash) & Kurobuta pork. Available only Dec. 15-31. Located at South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Website here.
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RAISING CANE'S CHICKEN FINGERS: On Wednesdays through Dec. 31, Caniac Club members can score free Cane's Sauce, a proprietary blend with a bit of spice. No purchase necessary; must present Caniac Club Card. One free Cane’s Sauce will be loaded to card each Wednesday in December. Club info here. Freebie offer info here. Sites throughout California.
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RED LOBSTER: Treat friends & family to show-stopping seafood spread, a mix-and-match holiday “Create Your Own Sea-cuterie” takeout platter. Select from Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp Platter, Crunchy Popcorn Shrimp Platter, Bar Harbor Lobster Bake, plus such add-ons as Garlic Shrimp Skewers, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, Snow Crab Legs & Cheddar Bay Biscuits®. Get simple, step-by-step instructions to recreate the Sea-cuterwreath & ordering links here. Location finder here.
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RUBIO'S: Share your taco love with limited-edition, “Spreading Taco Cheer” holiday gift boxes, available online for $49.99 with free shipping. Orders due Dec. 20 for delivery before Dec. 25. Included: campfire-style mug; fleece blanket; notebook; knit beanie; Rubio's meal cards ($30 value); and "exclusive' recipe card for sweet treat created by Rubio’s culinary team. Order info here.
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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: Dine at home Christmas Eve, Day or New Year's Eve with takeout "Celebration Feast" for four ($195, but price may vary by location). Includes: beef tenderloin; salad; garlic mashed potatoes; creamed spinach; & Four Chocolate Sin Cakes. Sides to-go also an option. To-go orders require 48-hour notice. Or dine in with prix-fixe meal, including starter, entrée, side & dessert. Menu, ordering & reservation details here. In Anaheim.
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SIZZLER: A special $84.99 deal runs through Dec. 31 for a to-go Holiday Heat & Eat Dinner, serving up to six. Included: tri-tip sirloin, bourbon peppercorn gravy, mac & cheese, green beans with sliced almonds & mashed potatoes. See details. Orders require 24-hour notice. Locations listed here.
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SPLASHES at SURF & SAND RESORT: Prix-fixe Christmas dinner is offered ($125/person) with amuse-bouche, appetizers, entree choices of scallops, steak, pheasant or house-made cavatelli, and dessert. At 1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Details & reservations here.
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD: New holiday food items available at Universal City theme park through Jan. 9. Among options: Hot Holiday Turkey Sandwich; Max 22” Hot Dog; Turkey Waffle Stack; Turkey Leg Feast; & English Holiday Meal. Festive drinks & such sweet treats as Holiday Cake Jars, Pinwheel Cookies, Gingerbread Cupcakes & Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Treats also on tap. For limited-time at venues & carts throughout park. Website here. See New Year's Eve fest & fireworks info here.
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URBAN PLATES: Takeout & dine-in set for Christmas Eve, with plant-based, vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options. To-go family meals, with protein choice, two scratch-made sides & rustic bread available: Grilled Cage Free Chicken Family Meal - $45.95; Grilled Wild Caught Ahi Family Meal- $49.95; Grilled Grass-Fed Steak-Family Meal - $51.95; Chimichurri-Grass-Fed-Steak-Family Meal - $55.95; Sustainable Salmon Family Meal- $56.95; and Meatless Loaf Family Meal - $43.95. Locales in SF Bay Area and Los Angeles, Orange & San Diego counties. Info here.
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WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB: Choose venue for holiday celebrating. Dine at AVEO Table + Bar for Christmas Eve dinner ( 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.) or Christmas Day from 11:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. with such highlights as burrata & kabocha squash, pistachio-crusted lamb & caramelized banana chocolate Yule log. Or select Bourbon Steak Orange County for Christmas Day dinner (4 p.m. - 9 p.m) with snapper crudo, winter beets, pork belly & prime rib ($195/person). Monarch Bay Beach Club serves oceanfront Christmas dinner, including roasted chestnut soup, gnocchi & cherry ornament for sweet finish. Holiday desserts, like Red Velvet Yule log, can be ordered for pick-up at Part + Parcel. Resort at 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point. Info & reservations here.
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Know of other neighborhood, holiday hot spots? Share with readers in the comments section.
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ALSO SEE:
- Holiday Ice Skating Rinks: 2021 Guide To The Best In O.C. & SoCal
- Orange County Holiday Events 2021: Christmas & Santa
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