South County : Events Scheduled for Holiday Season

The Christmas theme will be hard to avoid this weekend, with many communities moving their holiday programs into high gear.

Look for Santa Claus to be busy at malls, shopping centers and community gathering places. Holiday craft boutiques will be easy to find and some communities will be holding their annual tree-lighting.

Activities planned include:

* Dana Point’s tree-lighting ceremonies today at 5 p.m. in Lantern Bay County Park, near Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Harbor Drive. Afterward, Santa Claus will pose for pictures and hot cider will be served at the Dana Point Resort, across the road from the park at 25135 Street of the Park Lantern.

* Christmas carols at Dana Point Harbor on Sunday by the Capistrano Beach Calvary Chapel choir from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* A “Victorian Christmas” today at Heritage Hill Historic Park, a group of historic buildings in Lake Forest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 50 craft booths, music and a visit from Santa Claus will highlight the event. The park is near Serrano Road and Lake Forest Drive. Admission is $3.

* A holiday boutique at Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $2.

* The Sawdust Festival’s annual Winter Fantasy crafts fair in Laguna Beach, which will conclude this weekend. Hours today and Sunday are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Sawdust Festival is at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, and admission is $3.

* Decorating the intersection of Chrisanta Drive and La Paz Road in Mission Viejo in a holiday theme every weekend through Christmas. Included will be a Santa’s workshop on one corner where St. Nick will take pictures with children from 6 to 8 p.m. on both weekend evenings.

* A crafts fair at Mission San Juan Capistrano today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carolers and storytellers will perform throughout the weekend. Admission is $4.