Home is where your heart is during the holidays, and in Dana Point it's nice to know that a beach resort offers the feeling of home whether you're visiting or are a local.

Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
ritzcarlton.com
(949) 240-2000

Surfing Santa Competition Saturday, November 22, 2014,  7:30 a.m.
$50 entry fee, $60 after November 19
Salt Creek Beach
A fun surf competition where men, women and
children dress like Santa or other holiday inspired
characters and surf Salt Creek to benefit Surfers
Healing. Enter at surfingsantacontest.org

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony  Sunday, November 23, 2014, 4 p.m.
Complimentary
Holiday music performed by The Jeeps and a special
appearance from Santa Claus. Guests are asked to
bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to
Miracles for Kids.

Holiday Surf Board Auction November 22 - December 31, 2014
The Seventh Annual Surf Board auction benefits
Surfers Healing. Dozens of surf boards will be on
display November 22 through December 31, with
bidding closing at noon on December 31. Bid online at
biddingforgood.com/surfershealing

Gingerbread Spectacular  November 22 - December 31, 2014, 5-10 p.m.
This year's display complements Dana Point's IlluminOcean.
Dana Point IlluminOcean
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 through Sunday, January 4, 2015
5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
The lights come to life for the holiday season.
This wonderland by the sand shines bright and is a
nightly must-sea. Featuring more than a mile of
larger-than-life sea sculptures and moving light tunnels.
Visit 40NightsofHolidayLights.com

Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27, 2014
Thanks-for-Giving Buffet
Seating from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$115 for adults, $57.50 for children
Bring canned goods and non-perishable food items
to be donated to Orange County Rescue Mission.

Raya Thanksgiving
Served 3 to 9 p.m.
Serving a three-course holiday menu
Limited a la carte menu
$110 for adults, $55 for children

enoSTEAK Thanksgiving
Served 3 to 10 p.m.
Full enoSTEAK menu and special Thanksgiving menu

Holiday Tea November 17-December 18, 2014
Monday through Thursday, November 17 through
December 18; Seating from 2 to 2:30 p.m. In Raya
$65 per person

Yappy Howl-iday Celebration Sunday, December 7, 2014, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The Dana Lawn
This festive gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the "Big Dog"� himself " Santa Paws. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to a local animal shelter.

Holiday Storytelling Friday and Saturday, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20, 2014,  5 p.m.
Complimentary
In the Eco-Adventure Center. Guests are asked to bring a new children's book to be donated to Miracles for Kids.

Christmas Day Thursday, December 25, 2014
Christmas Day Holiday Buffet
Seating from noon to 3:30 p.m.
$115 for adults, $57.50 for children

Raya Christmas Day
Served 3 to 9 p.m.
Serving a four-course holiday menu
Limited lunch and dinner menus
$115 for adults, $57.50 for children

enoSTEAK Christmas Day
Served 5 to 10 p.m.
Full enoSTEAK menu and special holiday menu

New Year's EVE Wednesday, December 31, 2014
enosteak New Year's Eve
Two seatings available, 6 and 9 p.m.
$145 per person
Serving a four-course holiday menu

Raya New Year's eve
Served 6 to 10 p.m.
Specialized four-course holiday menu
Limited a la carte menu
$115 per person

New Year's Day Brunch Thursday, January 1, 2015; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$80 per person, $40 for children