The Bottom Line on Brea

Brea Mall: 1065 Brea Mall. Off the Orange Freeway (California 57), take the Imperial Highway exit.

* Particulars: Upscale Orange County mall conveniently located near the San Gabriel Valley. A surprisingly diverse collection of specialty shops. Ample free parking. Holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday. In-mall postal service.

* Distinctive Characteristics: Unbelievably immaculate. Aisles wide enough to accommodate a steady stream of stroller traffic.

* Best Buys: Italian menswear at the Circuit, where most items have been reduced 50%.

* Most Mouth-Watering Food Court Offering: Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, where customers tired of mall burgers go for tasty Texas-style brisket, sausage, chicken and ribs.

* Best Santa: With a real white beard and hair to match, Eldon Cott, the resident St. Nick, is one of the area’s most convincing.