TOURISM

Christmas at the Ritz: Christmas, at least at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Dana Point, is for children.

The posh hotel is offering a special holiday program for children this year that includes everything from fireplace storytelling to ornament decorating. Each child will receive a special Christmas stocking to take home.

The “Ritz-Kids Holiday Magic” program will take place at the same time as the Dana Point hotel’s annual Christmas promotion, which runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 28. Guests can stay at the five-star resort for two nights for special rates starting at $185 a night. Guests receive a welcome basket of holiday confections and gift items.

The hotel will offer a shuttle service to the South Coast Plaza. The hotel’s three restaurants will feature holiday-themed dinners and there will be special events such as a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and performances by a Marine Corps marching band.

Children can stay free with their parents. Besides their regular children’s program, there will be puppet shows and a chance to view a giant gingerbread castle created by the hotel’s carpenters and bakers.