🎅 Santa’s still posing, and these are the best shots in town

Some places feel like the holidays by the coast, and The Crab Cooker is one of them.

This Newport Beach legend keeps things timeless: mesquite-grilled seafood, nautical charm, and a great white shark watching over it all.

Meet their seasonal standouts like California spiny lobster, snow crab, and oysters on a skewer, alongside classics like smoked albacore and clam chowder.

Festive, unfussy, and deeply local, in the very best way.

Just in time for the festive shopping season, J. Pritchard Apparel waves from Fashion Island.

Created by the founding family of pickleball, the shop blends classic country club style with modern comfort. Premium fabrics, clean lines, and thoughtful details make gifting easy.

Holiday shoppers will love browsing, it’s always a place where you end up staying longer than planned!

The Gist: Just in time for festive shopping days, the Orange County Register dropped a fresh dining guide to Fashion Island. It’s a warm reminder that this breezy Newport Beach favorite is as much about lingering lunches and cozy dinners as it is about gifts. From a gelato cone at Bacio di Latte to white-tablecloth steak nights and sunny food court stops, the guide maps out where to refuel between fountains, koi ponds, and twinkling lights.

Why It Matters: Good food turns holiday errands into something you actually look forward to. Bookmark the guide before your next shopping trip or seasonal night out.

The Gist: Costa Mesa's decades-old Snoopy House tradition is back at City Hall, drawing families from across Orange County to visit the iconic Peanuts-themed Christmas display. Kids can climb inside Snoopy's doghouse, write letters to Santa, enjoy live entertainment, and take photos with the big guy himself.

Why It Matters: This cherished local tradition brings generations together and puts Costa Mesa on the map as a must-visit holiday destination for families. The nightly festivities wrap up December 19, so there's still time to make magical memories.

Meet Buddy, a 1-year-old Pug and French Bulldog mix.

With a big personality packed into a medium-sized body. This Newport Beach cutie is house trained, up to date on vaccines, and full of charm.

Buddy adores people, kids, other dogs, toys, and especially belly rubs. His playful snorts and joyful energy keep life entertaining. Adoption fee applies through Mutts in Need.

To learn more about this adorable guy...