🍫 Chocolate gelt rained from the sky in Newport Beach!

At Lido Bottle Works, December nights unfold slowly, in the best way.

Harbor lights shimmer, glasses clink, and the menu leans celebratory, with seasonal dishes and holiday cocktails setting the tone.

New Year’s Eve brings a special dinner worth dressing up for, while happy hour and waterfront seating make any night feel like an occasion. You come for a drink, maybe a bite, and somehow find yourself just quietly watching the water.

Step off Marine Avenue and into the Balboa Island Museum which captures the heart of the island, especially during the holidays.

Admission is free, donations encouraged, and the volunteers are always ready with stories about ferry days, famous neighbors, and how the island took shape.

Kids love the scavenger hunt, adults linger over historic photos, and the museum shop carries limited holiday ornaments. You might pop in to warm up, then find yourself swapping stories and soaking it all in.

The Gist: Hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Newport Beach to mark the final night of Hanukkah. Kids laughed as chocolate gelt and toys rained down from a Newport Beach fire truck ladder, while families enjoyed games, treats, and live music overlooking the Back Bay. Rabbi Reuven Mintz led the final menorah lighting, calling the moment especially meaningful as the community came together to share light and joy.

Why It Matters: This celebration offered a warm reminder of unity, resilience, and shared hope right here at home.

The Gist: Newport Beach based Look Wow Builders is doubling down on high end home remodeling and ADU projects across Orange County. The company says growing demand for flexible living space is driving more full home renovations, kitchen upgrades, and garage conversions. Their team manages projects start to finish, including design, permits, and coastal compliance, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and clear communication.

Why It Matters:
For homeowners looking to modernize or add space without leaving the neighborhood, this expands trusted local options. The company plans to carry this focus into the new year with more tailored residential projects.