I’m taking a break this week from my travels abroad to share something fun to do if you are in the Orange County area during the holidays. I talked about visiting the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival (an iconic art festival in Southern California) in a blog over the summer. When I heard of its Winter Fantasy counterpart, I knew I just had to make it there, and boy was it a great way to kick off the holiday season!
The Sawdust grounds have been delightfully decorated each season for 28 years as a holiday tradition to resemble a winter wonderland. But, it’s normally in the 60s (temperature-wise) down here in southern California, so, what to do for snow? Why not make it! Snow machines are blowing artificial snow sporadically throughout the day to add to the fun. Delightful little houses including a traditional gingerbread house and of course, Santa’s cottage fit in perfectly amongst the flurry.
When we arrived at the Winter Wonderland, Santa had just landed as well so we headed straight to his Santa house – children quickly followed. It was fun watching them wait their turn to be photographed with him – some even dressed in their Sunday best for Santa.
Now all these holiday decorations really got me in the spirit to do some holiday shopping! In an era of cyber-shopping, this Winter Fantasy offers a festive shopping experience you won’t find looking on the computer or even in the malls for that matter. Here, you will find unique handcrafted gifts of art made from 184 artists – some Laguna Beach locals but also featuring talents from around the world.
If you want to do some holiday shopping, or just see some talented artists show off their skills in a holiday setting, this is the place. Most things are not necessarily holiday items, but that’s ok. At Patti’s People, for instance, she sculpts each of her ornament figures individually out of clay. She happened to have Christmas ornaments made like a German Shepherd and a terrier (those are the breeds of my pups), so I have two new ornaments for my tree this year.
Another fun booth was Kelsey the Happy Little Potter. She hand-crafts ceramic holiday ornaments at night while her children are sleeping. I bought a few cute ones for gifts. There are also beautiful hand-blown glass ornaments for sale at a few other booths. If you want to see some made, there is are often live demo displays too.
Other gift ideas (or things for you to keep for yourself) include paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, leatherwork, and more.
If you want some hands-on fun, there are a few booths set up where you can craft free of charge. There is even a potter’s wheel – the greenware is free to take home or $25 to be glazed and shipped.
All of this is topped off with holiday music and live performances including Marionette puppet shows, balloon art and magic acts. Of course, there is food … and libations if you desire.
If you need some decorating ideas for your own tree, there are 15 Christmas trees decorated by local organizations to view (some are by school children…how can you say no to that) – you even have the opportunity to vote for your favorite.
So, head on over to the Winter Fantasy in beautiful Laguna Beach this weekend (or until December 16). You just can’t help but feel the Holiday cheer while you’re there. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Such a cool spectacle!