Hey {{first name | there}},
After weeks of parties, houseguests, gift prep, and meal prep, we’re very ready for a quiet New Year’s Eve, rain on the windows, a blanket on the couch, and nowhere to be.
If you’re staying in too, we’ve got something fun for you. We pulled all of our trivia questions into one mega challenge. Let’s see how closely you’ve been paying attention. Take the trivia quiz.
To all the new readers, welcome to The Scene… Our motto is: the more you know, the more you go. That’s what this newsletter is all about, sharing ideas big and small to make it easier (and more fun) to get out and enjoy OC.
See you out there!
Lorna & Jason
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ THURSDAY JAN 1st ~~
In 2024 174 people took the plunge into 60 degree lake water during Lake Mission Viejo’s Polar Bear Plunge.
🥶 Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Mission Viejo
Kick off the New Year with a cold-water splash, wild costumes, and a post-plunge warm-up with chili, coffee, and hot cocoa. Rain or shine. (Open to MV residents only).
Thu, Jan 1 | 12pm | Lake Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo
🤠 Line Dancing Thursdays
Boot-scootin’ fun with instructors leading the way, plus cocktails, dinner, and dancing in the Walker Lounge.
Thu, Jan 1 | 5pm | Salt Creek Grille, Dana Point
🎬 New Year Movie
Leather recliners and cocktails delivered to your seat at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Laguna Niguel, arguably the nicest theater around!
Thu Jan 1 | various showtimes | Laguna Niguel
👢 Line Dancing in San Juan
Kick up your heels with some line dancing.
Thu Jan 1 | 6–10pm | Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
~~ FRIDAY JAN 2nd ~~
🤠 Line Dancing at the Vineyard
Line dancing, local vendors, beer, wine, and all the country vibes at Giracci Vineyards.
Fri Jan 2 | 6–10pm | Silverado
🧘♀️ Friday Morning Flow
A calming, all-levels yoga flow set outdoors among the gardens.
Fri Jan 2 | 9:30am| The Ecology Center San Juan Capistrano
🌅 Harbor After Dark
Sunset shopping, live music by Roderick Chambers, and food and drink specials take over Dana Point Harbor for First Friday. (Weather permitting).
Fri, Jan 2 | 4:30–7:30pm | Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
🌟 Holiday Lights
Last chance to take a self-guided spin past the most outrageously decorated homes lighting up South OC.
Every night at Sunset | Throughout South Orange County
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options
Kickstart the new year with better sleep!
If you're tired of the grogginess that often tags along with traditional sleep aids, these gummies are a breath of fresh air. They're made with top-notch USDA organic CBD extract, and the blend of valerian root, chamomile, and lavender. Almost like a lullaby from nature.
What's awesome is that they don't leave you with that melatonin hangover feeling. They come in two strengths, 750mg and 1500mg, so you can choose the dose that is right for you. We've been using them, and trust us, the difference is night and day.
...and the best part is Cornbread Hemp is giving you 30% off site-wide (with a minimum purchase of $55) when you order today with code GOODFEELS.
Give Cornbread Hemp a shot. Your well-rested self will thank you later.
~~ SATURDAY JAN 3rd ~~
The planetarium has a full day of films to watch including Birth of Planet Earth, Earth Moon & Sun and more
🌌 Planetarium Triple Feature
Three back-to-back shows explore the birth of Earth, the rhythms of the Sun and Moon, and a live guided tour of the night sky with expert Q&A.
Sat, Jan 3 | 1pm, 2pm & 4pm | OCC Planetarium, Costa Mesa
🧘♀️ New Year Full Moon Vinyasa Activation
A rhythmic, all-levels movement and meditation to reset your energy and kick off the new year with intention and flow, in deep relaxation.
Sat, Jan 3 | 2:30–5:30pm | The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano
🌊 Beach Clean Up at Heisler Park
Help keep Laguna’s coastline beautiful at this community beach cleanup. (Weather permitting).
Sat, Jan 3 | 10am | Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
⛳ Holey Moley Mini Golf
Play wildly themed, pop-culture–inspired holes with drinks in hand. It’s golf, but actually fun.
Ongoing | Holey Moley Spectrum Irvine
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SUNDAY JAN 4th ~~
🎞️ Cinema Paradiso at The Frida
A classic film about the magic of movie theaters, shown at Santa Ana’s go-to art house cinema.
Sun, Jan 4 | 2:15pm & 7:30pm | Santa Ana
🚗 Cars & Café
Classic and modern rides, coffee, music, and raffles at this laid-back morning car meet.
Sun, Jan 4 | 8–10am | River Street Marketplace, San Juan Capistrano
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Trivia Time
Think You Know South OC? Put Your Local Knowledge to the Test
We gathered 32 of our OC trivia questions into one challenge, covering local history, landmarks, and lore. Let’s see how well you really know the area. Good luck!
🦄 Nice News
🚌 Free OC Bus Rides on New Year’s Eve
OCTA is offering free OC Bus rides on New Year’s Eve, from 6 PM to 2:30 AM, making it easier to get home safely after celebrations. Stay safe out there.
🛒 Costco Opening Up in Foothill Ranch Town Center?
Costco purchased the former movie theater site at Foothill Ranch Town Center for $12.5 million and is proposing a 160,811-square-foot warehouse at the location. Plans are still being reviewed by the city.
🌊 San Clemente’s Cliffside Homes Get a Lifeline
With homes and train tracks at risk, San Clemente has cleared major approvals to restart large-scale beach sand replenishment, with early signs the shoreline is beginning to stabilize.
🚴 Newport Beach Doctor Wins World Cycling Title at 70
A Newport Beach physician captured gold at the UCI Masters Track World Championships in Roubaix, France, winning the 70–74 individual pursuit and earning a world title at age 70.
🏈 RSMs Trent Mosley, Best in SoCal
Santa Margarita High School’s Trent Mosley was named LA Times Football Player of the Year after a jaw-dropping postseason run that ended with a state championship. Mosley now heads into next year as one of Southern California’s most electric recruits.
🎭 Pageant of the Masters Opens Casting Call
Laguna Beach’s iconic summer tradition is gearing up for 2026 and is looking for volunteers. Families often participate together, with opportunities both onstage posing as living art and backstage in costumes, headpieces, makeup, and production support. Open casting runs Jan 9–11.
🎬 South OC Teen Lands Lead Role in Lifetime Thriller
Dana Point teen Kayden Brenna Tokarski stars in the Lifetime thriller Killer in the Woods, airing Jan 10—continuing a breakout run after her role as a young Julia Roberts in Gaslit.
The Rewards Credit Card Made Just for Pet Parents
With vet costs rising 60% over the past decade, pets and pet parents both deserve a little relief.
Nibbles is the first credit card that comes with free pet insurance and 3x rewards at pet stores, pet services, and the vet. Plus, use the card anywhere else Mastercard is accepted for 1x rewards. Protect your pet and your wallet in one move. All those rewards mean more treats too!
Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply.
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY JAN 5th
🎻 Beginner-Friendly Bluegrass Jam
Pick, strum, or just listen in at this welcoming bluegrass jam night, all skill levels encouraged.
Mon, Jan 5 | 6:30–8:30pm | Patsy’s Irish Pub, Mission Viejo
🎤 Open-Mic Karaoke at Cook’s Corner
Sing it out at this canyon classic with open-mic karaoke and happy hour beforehand.
Mon | 6:30–10pm (Happy Hour 3:30–6:30pm) | Cook’s Corner, Silverado Canyon
TUESDAY JAN 6th
🚋 SJC 250th Birthday Trolley Ride
Celebrate 250 years of San Juan Capistrano with a free guided trolley ride, featuring local history stories from the Historical Society.
Tue, Jan 6 | 10am & 11:30am | San Juan Capistrano
WEDNESDAY JAN 7th
🌱 Gardening in Small Spaces
Learn smart, space-saving gardening tips for patios, balconies, and compact yards, with practical advice you can actually use at home.
Wed, Jan 7 | 6–7:30pm | San Juan Capistrano
🎨 Acrylic Painting Class
A relaxed, supportive class to explore acrylic painting, experiment with color and texture, and develop your own style. No pressure, just paint.
Wed, Jan 7 | 6–7pm | Rancho Santa Margarita
📚 Book to Movie Club
Read the book, then watch the movie and talk it out with fellow readers and film fans. January’s pick is A Bear Called Paddington, complete with discussion first, movie second.
Wed, Jan 7 | 5:30pm | Laguna Hills Community Center, Laguna Hills
❄️ Downtown Disney Snowfall
Nightly holiday snowfall returns, along with Chip & Dale’s Ornament Trail, live music, and festive seasonal treats.
LAST NIGHT | Evening | Downtown Disney Anaheim
THURSDAY JAN 8th
🧠 Trivia Night at Antonucci’s
Put your random knowledge to work with weekly trivia, extended happy hour, and lounge vibes.
Thu, Jan 8 | 6pm | Antonucci’s Italian Cucina, Mission Viejo
🎸 Duran Duran Live
The iconic new wave band brings decades of hits to a full-scale arena show. Big sound, big nostalgia.
Thu, Jan 8 | 7:30pm | Honda Center
FRIDAY JAN 9th
🤠 Line Dancing at Whoop Axe
Boot-scootin’ line dancing with country vibes, drinks flowing, and plenty of room to move.
Jan 9 | 8pm–12am | Whoop Axe Mission Viejo
SATURDAY JAN 10th
🧘♀️ Community Sound Bath
Relax and reset with a calming sound bath featuring crystal bowls and soothing vibrations, designed to help you unwind and reconnect.
Sat, Jan 10 | 5–6pm | Aliso Viejo
🎳 Free Bowling Grand Opening Party
Lucky Strike opens its new Aliso Viejo location with free bowling, arcade play, food specials, giveaways, and family-friendly fun.
Sat, Jan 10 | 12–3pm | Lucky Strike Aliso Viejo
🏈 Playoffs on the Pool Deck
Watch NFL playoff action on the outdoor pool deck with fire pits and lounge seating.
Sat, Jan 10 | 1:30–3pm | Montanoso Recreation Center, Mission Viejo
❄️ Snowfest in Lake Forest
Snow play, games, and sled rides down Mount Pittsford make this a classic winter family outing — without the mountain drive.
Sat, Jan 10 | Starts 10:30am | Pittsford Park, Lake Forest
🐳 Whale Walk & Talk
Take a guided coastal walk with local experts and learn how to spot whales and marine mammals along Dana Point’s coastline.
Sat, Jan 10 | 9am | Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, Dana Point
🧔 Hairiest Man Contest Sign-Ups
One of San Juan Capistrano’s wackiest traditions kicks off with clean-shaven sign-ups for the annual Hairiest Man competition, part of Fiesta Grande.
Sat, Jan 10 | 11am–2pm | The Swallow’s Inn, San Juan Capistrano
SUNDAY JAN 11th
🛍️ The Coast Vintage Market
Shop vintage, retro, and antique treasures with live music, food, and free parking.
Sun, Jan 11 | 8am–3pm | Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot, Laguna Hills
🎉 Sunday Funday Bingo
Win cash prizes, enjoy lunch, and play for a cause at this weekly bingo event supporting Alpha Recovery Life Systems.
Every Sunday | Doors 12pm, Bingo 2pm | Auto Addiction OC, Lake Forest
✏️ PLAN AHEAD: 2026
To see what’s happening even further ahead, check out our full listing.
New events added daily…
📸
THIS WEEK'S SNAPSHOT...
Jason and I suited up as elves and joined the San Juan Capistrano Elf Crawl on Dec 26. Every hour meant a new stop, new drinks, and new bites, exactly the right amount of festivity the day after Christmas. If you didn’t make it, we highly recommend it for next year.
Shout out to the SJC Chamber of Commerce for a well-planned evening, and to these bars for a fun time: The Station, Swallows Inn, Five Vines and Bloom.
About Us:
Lorna’s an OC native who has lived in Spain, France and New Zealand but always returns home for the tacos, the trails, and the beautiful tree-lined streets of Mission Viejo.
Jason’s a Brit who swapped pub life for paddleboards and now splits his time between aquascaping and crafting perfect cocktails. We started The Scene because there’s so much to see, do, and savor.
Thanks for letting us be a small part of your weekend.
It’s A Wrap..
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Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.
*Affiliate Disclaimer: This publication contains affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only share things we believe in. Anything you buy through our affiliate links supports the ongoing publication of The Scene. We greatly appreciate your trust in us. Thank you!
©️ 2025 The Scene: South OC | All content and information set forth above was created by Lorna Ladd and Jason Ladd and is the intellectual property of this publication. It is protected under US copyright law, including but not limited to “The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.” Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of any material, in whole or in part, without express written authorization & consent, is strictly prohibited by law and may result in legal action. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.