It's a Holiday-Themed Week Ahead in San Juan Capistrano

1. A way to donate toys: The city has launched a toy collection drive to benefit the children of San Juan Capistrano's adopted 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (1/11). Community members can help support the 1/11 by dropping off new, unwrapped toys in the bin at City Hall during business hours through Dec. 13.

City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The toys will be delivered to the children before the holidays.

2. Tis the season to go to holiday boutiques: Time for Marbella Country Club’s annual holiday boutique. It takes place 11 a.m. Tuesday at 30800 Golf Club Drive. Forty vendors will be there to help you get your shopping season started.

3. Holidays with a politician: State Sen. Mark Wyland hosts a holiday open house at his San Juan Capistrano office, 27126-A Paseo Espada, Suite 1621, from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday. Light refreshments will be provided.

4 Down at the farm: A farm and gardening talk with Severine Fleming is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at The Ecology Center. Hear from farmer, activist, and founder of the Greenhorns movement on the history of the grange. FREE/ $15 community sponsor. The Ecology Center is at 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223.

5. Tis the season, Part 2: A holiday boutique arts and crafts fair is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at Community Presbyterian Church, 32202 Del Obispo St. Photos with Santa start at 11:30 a.m.

6. Light the tree: The city’s annual tree-lighting celebration is Saturday at Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real. The fun begins at 4:45 p.m. with a pre-show including choir, orchestra and dance performances by local high school students. The main show begins at 5 p.m. with a production directed and choreographed by David Green of Musical Theater University along with a special performance featuring Renee Bond. The lighting of the Christmas tree takes place at 5:45 p.m.

Afterward, don't forget to meander downtown where local stores and restaurants will offer great sales, specials and many offering free goodies. The Mission San Juan Capistrano will host entertainment and activities on the mission grounds.

Stroll down to the Los Rios Historic District where there will be free photos with Santa Claus and a free Christmas train ride. Story Time with Mrs. Claus will take place at the O'Neil Museum at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. A holiday marionette show will be held on Verdugo Street with two show times; 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Zoomars will offer free admission to their petting zoo. Zoomars will have a hay ride and a train ride also available for purchase. Pathway to Hope will have two evening performances of a live nativity at Zoomars: 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information call (949) 493-5911. 

For other happenings, check our events calendar. 

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