Are you looking for activities to keep you busy during the cooler winter months? The weather isn’t ideal for our favorite beachside pastimes, but thankfully Orange County has much to offer! Here are just a few of our editors’ favorites:

Enjoy an evening of “Winter Wonderland”

For those yearning for the frosty and festive aesthetic of wintertime, stop by the “Winter Wonderland” community event hosted by Hilton Irvine. Don’t miss the snow machine, s’mores, fire pits, live music and games happening Friday Jan. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can order food and winter-themed mocktails from the Aura restaurant menu offered at-location. The festivities are free to the public, with complimentary parking offered to guests. 18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612

 

Make it Mexican

Mercado González is a bustling market and food hall filled with vibrant colors and flavorful delights. Popular stops – especially in these colder months – include Churrería El Moro for churros made to order with hot chocolate and flavorful Mexican dishes from Guisados Las Cazuelas. From sizzling street tacos to refreshing aguas frescas, Mercado González is a must to sample authentic Mexican cuisine. 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, northgatemarket.com/mercado

 

Bundle up and take on the (indoor) ice

Great Park Ice and Fivepoint Arena is a public ice skating rink that features free skating time, lessons, hockey leagues and even freestyle sessions for more experienced skaters. Ice skates are available for rental for only $8. After you’re done, enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at Between the Rinks Restaurant and Bar. Admission for public ice skating is $20, not including the cost of rental skates. Admission can be purchased online at https://www.greatparkice.com/public-skating/

888 Ridge Valley, Irvine 

 

Commune with marine life

Take advantage of living in beautiful Orange County and venture out on our Pacific Ocean to encounter local marine life in person. Whale watching through ‘Newport Landing’ starts at only $30 for an approximately 190 minute trip, and departs out of Newport Beach. With recent encounters of thousands of dolphins, seals and sea lions and plenty of gray whales, you’re almost guaranteed an exciting experience. To reserve a trip or learn more, visit newportwhales.com. 

Sing your heart out at karaoke

Plush Karaoke offers private rooms for groups starting at $45 for 5-6 people. Located in the Diamond Jamboree, the karaoke rooms offer a wide variety of songs from either their list or you are able to connect your YouTube to the television in the room. While singing, you can enjoy some food or drinks from the menu. There are also restaurants in the plaza where you can eat before heading to karaoke. No reservations are required, and they open at 7 p.m. on weekdays or 3 p.m. on the weekends. 2710 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, https://plushkaraoke.carrd.co/#

 

Tags: Orange County, event, community

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