Bit of Bubbly Helps Wishes Come True

Newport Landing in Newport Beach will be host of its second annual charity champagne brunch to benefit the Orange County chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation on Dec. 15. All the proceeds from the 10 a.m.-to-3 p.m. event will be donated to the foundation. The menu includes mango sorbet, eggs Benedict and white and dark chocolate-dipped strawberries. Magician Scott Tokar, who is featured every Sunday at Newport Landing, will perform. Cost: a tax-deductible donation of $25 for adults and $15 for children under 10. The waterfront restaurant is next to the ferry landing on Balboa Peninsula. Reservations: (714) 675-2373.

With December just around the bend, holiday activities move into high gear at most Orange County restaurants and hotels in the days and weeks ahead.

At the Dana Point Resort, which celebrates “A Children’s Christmas,” the high season is Dec. 13 to 23, with all events open both to overnight hotel guests and to the public. Wednesday through Sunday, at the holiday afternoon tea, patrons have their choice of light tea (with scones, preserves and berries) for $6.25 or a full tea (all of the above plus petits fours and finger sandwiches) for $11.25. Check out the Christmas bake shop, too, for traditional goodies to purchase. Santa arrives at the hotel at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13 and will be in residence in the lobby every afternoon thereafter from 4 to 7 p.m. Also on Dec. 13, the Saddleback College Symphonic Wind Ensemble plays in the Lantern Bay lounge from 6 to 7 p.m. and complimentary fireside wassail and cookies will be served. Information: (714) 661-5000.