Thursday, 6 November 2014

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES ALONG CALIFORNIA’S HALF MOON BAY COASTSIDE

The Half Moon Bay Coastside, located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, offers a charming and joyful setting perfect for celebrating the wonders of the holiday season. Get those cheeks nice and rosy on a crisp winter day while taking in a view of the Pacific Ocean from scenic seaside bluffs. Snuggle up together at a cozy inn with hot cider and all the comforts of the holidays at your fingertips. Explore fields of Christmas trees and enjoy all of the festive events such as a tree lighting ceremony, a boat lighting decorating competition and a even a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Below is a summary of holiday festivities, dining experiences, spa treatments and more along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. To plan a trip, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org and also download iCoastside to access information on the region’s cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, renowned restaurants, farm visits, golfing, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.

Special Note: All locations are in Half Moon Bay unless otherwise noted.

- EVENTS -

The Johnston House Foundation’s Holiday Boutique & Historic House Tour
November 1, 2, 8 & 9,
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Tea seating is at 1 p.m.)
Get into the spirit at the Holiday Boutique & Historic House Tour held at the Johnston House, a New England saltbox home built by '49er pioneer James Johnston between 1853-1855. Guests will delight in the rooms adorned with Christmas trees, one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths, handcrafted items by more than 30 local and regional artists, gourmet treats and a selection of unusual gifts and holiday items, all available for sale. This is the perfect place to shop for ornaments, holiday decorations, jewelry, original artwork, textiles, home décor, and much more. This year, a winter tea will be held in conjunction with the holiday boutique, complete with English-style tea, finger sandwiches, petit fours and other delicacies. Tickets for the tea are $40 per person. To purchase, call Sarah at (650) 245-7320. Admission to the holiday boutique is free. Highway 1 at Higgins-Purisima Road, (650) 726-0329, www.johnstonhouse.org.

Holiday Movies
November 23, December 14, 21 and 28

In celebration of the season, holiday movies will be shown at the Ocean Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Complimentary for registered guests and $10 for day visitors. Movies begin 30 minutes after sunset, weather permitting.
The movie line up includes:
Sunday, November 23: Free Birds
Sunday, December 14: The Polar Express
Sunday, December 21: Miracle on 34th Street
Sunday, December 28: Elf

One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb. Media Contact: Deanne French, (949) 240-5088, Deanne.French@ritzcarlton.com.

11th Annual Gingerbread House Competition
December 1 –7

Enjoy candy-covered castles and edible cathedrals at the 11th Annual Gingerbread House Competition held at The Ritz-Carlton. Entries for the competition are accepted from children, home cooks and culinary professionals. Winners of the competition will be announced on December 7 at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration. Many of the houses on display will also be up for a silent auction, with proceeds going to Coastside Children’s programs. For additional information or to enter the contest, call (650) 712-7007. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000; www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb. Media contact; Deanne French, (949) 240-5088, Deanne.French@ritzcarlton.com.

Night of Lights
December 5,
6 - 9 p.m.
Stroll along Half Moon Bay’s charming Main Street for some old-fashioned holiday spirit filled with carols, roasted chestnuts and eggnog. A special tree lighting ceremony in Mac Dutra Park will kick off the festivities at 6 p.m., followed by hundreds of children adorned in twinkling lights marching down Main Street in the Parade of Lights at 7 p.m. Main Street. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
December 7

Gather on the Ocean Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton for a festive holiday celebration with the lighting of the outdoor tree, holiday carolers, a visit by Santa Claus and complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog and cookies. This event is free and open to the public. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb. Media Contact: Deanne French, (949) 240-5088, Deanne.French@ritzcarlton.com.

Pillar Point Harbor Lighted Boat Festival
December 13,
6 – 8 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit by heading over to Pillar Point Harbor to stroll along the boats festively adorned with holiday lights and other trimmings throughout the month of December. The Annual Boat Decorating Contest will be held on December 13, where the best-decorated boat will be chosen. Special appearances by Santa Claus, the San Mateo Elks Concert Band, and Half Moon Bay School Choir! Be sure to visit the “Giving Zone” this year and drop off any unwrapped gifts or canned goods. Pillar Point Harbor, #9 Johnson Pier, Princeton-By-The-Sea. (650) 726-4382.

Harley Farms Christmas Faire
December 13-14

The Harley Farms Christmas Faire is a sensational winter destination. Shop two barns filled with holiday presents from Coastside artists while enjoying live music, complimentary hot mulled cider and homemade cookies. Treasures include hand carved ornaments, pewter, pottery, photography, quilts, candles, textiles, jams, chutneys and sweets. Don't miss the farm's chic wrapped parcels of award-winning cheeses and luxurious goat milk bath and body treats, ready for giving. 205 North Street, Pescadero, (650) 879-0480, www.harleyfarms.com.

La Posada “The Procession”
December 19,
6 – 8:30 p.m.
In traditional Mexican culture, La Posada is the remembrance of the journey that the biblical characters Mary and Joseph took to find a place to sleep in Bethlehem in the story of Christmas. The procession begins at Puente (620 North St., Pescadero), includes a celebration of light and love at Pescadero Community Church, and ends with food, music, a raffle, and a visit from Santa Claus at Pescadero Elementary School (620 North St., Pescadero). (650) 879-1691, www.mypuente.org.

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
December 22,
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom for a traditional breakfast buffet. Children will delight in decorating their own pancakes and creating party favors from the Christmas candy table. While Mrs. Claus entertains guests with her favorite stories, children can secretly whisper their Christmas wish into Santa’s ear. $54 per person. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb. Media Contact: Deanne French, (949) 240-5088, Deanne.French@ritzcarlton.com.

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