Wednesday, 21 November 2018

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY ALONG CALIFORNIA’S HALF MOON BAY COASTSIDE

Pillar Point Harbor
Located approximately 45 minutes south of San Francisco, The Half Moon Bay Coastside offers a cheerful and memorable holiday season for everyone! Stroll along Half Moon Bay’s pleasant Main Street for some holiday shopping to find the perfect artisanal gift. Snuggle up together at a cozy inn with hot cider and enjoy the comforts of the holidays at your fingertips. Explore fields of Christmas trees and celebrate with festive events such as a boat lighting decorating competition and an old fashioned holiday parade at Night of Lights.  
 
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 –
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
Nov. 24, 1-3 p.m. 
Santa Claus will be at Fog Town Toys for Polaroid pictures, hot chocolate, cookies, and free in-store toy raffles all day long! Complimentary gift wrap, toy assembly, and delivery will be offered for everyone. As a Toys for Tots donation site, customers can give back to the community by donating gifts for children to celebrate the holidays. Fog Town Toys, 330 Main Street, (650) 726-4556, www.fogtowntoys.com.
 
Pillar Point Harbor Lighted Boat Festival - Dec. 1-31 (free!)
31st Annual Boat Decorating Contest – Dec. 8, 6 – 8 p.m. (free!)
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 8 starting at 6 p.m. where the best-decorated boat will be chosen. Local shops in the Half Moon Bay area will be serving holiday snacks and drinks for attendees to enjoy. Santa Claus will make a special appearance along with the Half Moon Bay Choir and San Mateo Elks Band, who will be performing holiday music. Pillar Point Harbor, #9 Johnson Pier, Princeton-By-The-Sea, (650) 726-4382.
 
Night of Lights (free!)
Dec. 7, 6 – 9 p.m.
Night of Lights is an annual old-fashioned holiday event hosted in downtown Half Moon Bay on the first Friday in December. Visitors will enjoy trees decorated in dazzling lights while doing some holiday shopping in locally owned stores. The event features a tree lighting ceremony followed by Santa taking children's requests in Mac Dutra Park, the Parade of Lights down Main Street, carolers and musical entertainment, roasted chestnuts, and activities for the kids. For more information, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org/local/night-lightsMain Street. Media Contact: Krystlyn Giedt,
(650) 726-8380, krystlyn@hmbchamber.com
 
– LOCAL RICHES –
Oh Christmas Tree!
A winter visit to the Christmas tree farms around Half Moon Bay is a cheerful and fun-filled tradition for many families. With lots spread out along Highway 92 and Cabrillo Highway (Rt. 1), visitors can get into the holiday spirit while picking out their own Christmas tree. Below is a selection of local tree farms open to visitors: 
  • A. Repetto Nursery – In addition to a plethora of Christmas trees, this farm has some of the best deals on fresh flowers ideal for a holiday centerpiece. 12331San Mateo Road, (650) 726-6414,www.repettonurseryflorist.com.
  • H. Pastorino & Son Company - Open daily through December 24, the barn is transformed and filled with the magic of Christmas along with holiday trim, ornaments, trees, gifts, garland, poinsettias, and fresh wreaths. 12391 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-6440, www.pastorinofarms.com.
  • Lemos Family Farm – Get in the holiday spirit at Lemos Family Farm where there are enough seasonal decorations to even make Scrooge smile. Pick out a Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar, or a variety of other pines, while the kids enjoy a holiday hayride, train ride, or a pony ride. Begins the day after Thanksgiving. 12320 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-2342, www.lemosfarm.com.
  • Santa’s Tree Farm – On November 17, Santa’s Tree Farm will open for the holidays, inviting customers to pick out their own Christmas tree. As added bonus, everyone who purchases a tree will receive complimentary hot cider and candy canes. Be sure to stop by the Sleigh Bells Gift Shop, open weekends Nov. 17-Dec. 24 to pick up festive holiday decorations. 78 Pilarcitos Creek Road, (650) 726-2246, www.santastreefarm.com.
– ACCOMMODATIONS – 
Celebrate & Save at the Beach House Hotel
Nov. 15, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2019

Enjoy special holiday savings at this luxuriously appointed New England-style boutique hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For the perfect winter getaway, guests can purchase the “Winter Wave” Package - stay for two nights and receive 10% off or the “Stay-n-Save” Package - stay for three nights and receive 15% off. All 54 junior suites feature a patio or balcony and a fireplace. Special amenities include a pool and hot tub, complimentary continental breakfast, a fitness center, and evening wine and cheese reception on weekends. Both packages are valid for November 15, 2018 through March 31, 2019 when the rates are at their lowest. 4100 Cabrillo Hwy. (650) 712-0220, www.beach-house.com/half-moon-bay/ 
 
Enjoy Holiday Savings with the Winter Bliss Package 
Dec. 1 - 31, 2018
Situated on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay features 261 luxurious guestrooms, outdoor firepits, world-class dining, two championship golf courses, tennis courts, and coastal walking trails. The grand seaside resort and spa invites guests to take a break from the holiday planning and shopping for a little pampering with the “Winter Bliss Package.” This relaxing package features a stay in a Coastal View or Terrace Fire Pit room, a Sugar Plum Facial at The Ritz-Carlton Spa to revitalize and restore fatigued skin, a seasonally inspired welcome pastry amenity, valet parking and resort fee. Rates start at $1,120 per night. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Shelly Auyeung (650) 712-7007, shelly.auyeung@ritzcarlton.com
 
– SPA –
Holiday Pampering at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Guests can enjoy a relaxing getaway at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay with the resort’s luxurious seasonal spa treatments that are perfect for the holidays. Available December 1-31, 2018. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Shelly Auyeung (650) 712-7007, shelly.auyeung@ritzcarlton.com.
  • Sugar Plum Facial
    This winter, nourish fatigued skin and restore its natural moisture balance with the seasonal Sugar Plum Facial. This treatment includes special features such as an arctic berry enzyme exfoliate, cranberry pomegranate masque, sugar plum whip moisturizer, and more. 80 minutes; $285 on the weekdays and $305 on the weekends.
  • Complimentary Seasonal Foot Scrub 
    Guests will receive a complimentary holiday scented foot scrub with any 80-minute regularly priced massage. Choose from pine, pomegranate, or peppermint.
–  HOLIDAY SHOPPING –
Bottle Your Gift For the Holidays
Nov 3, Nov. 10, & Dec. 6 
Just in time for the holidays, wine lovers can take part in “Barrel to Bottle” and refill their bottles with La Nebbia’s wine to include on their holiday dinner table or give as a present. For a personalized holiday gift, guests can create customized labels for their loved ones and friends. Barrel to Bottle pricing starts at $6 per 750ml bottle; 12341 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-9463, www.lanebbiawinery.com.
 
Holiday Ornament Hand-Blown Art 
Offered through February 15, 2019 
Learn how to blow hot glass to make a special ornament that will be the perfect gift or addition to a Christmas tree. Pieces are typically ready the next day for pick up or mailed for a small fee. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost of the class is $40. La Nebbia Winery, 12341 San Mateo Road on Hwy. 92, (650) 283-5626, www.hmbartglass.com

 
– ARTS & PERFORMANCE –
2018 Colony of Coastside Artists Open Studios (free!) 
Nov. 17-18, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hosted by the Colony of Coastside Artists, nearly 40 local artists will open their homes and studios to the public for this once-a-year showcase of their work. There will be a selection of paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, hot glass, and much more perfect to purchase as holiday gifts for any art-lover. If you are feeling lucky, guests will have the chance to score an original piece of artwork in a random drawing. For more information, visit www.colonyofcoastsideartists.com.
 
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
Every Sunday; doors open at 3 p.m.; performances from 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with live music! Head to Douglas Beach House for their acclaimed Sunday afternoon performances celebrating jazz and classical music. Founded by Pete Douglas in 1964, this legendary yet low-key venue has hosted the likes of jazz greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, Dexter Gordon, and Stan Getz. 307-311 Mirada Road, (650) 726-4143, www.bachddsoc.org.

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About the Half Moon Bay Coastside 
The Half Moon Bay Coastside is a charming seaside respite located 45 minutes south of San Francisco. Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this breathtaking region consists of four distinct areas - the North Coast, Half Moon Bay, the South Coast and the Redwood Region. 

Pillar Point Harbor
Featuring the best of Northern California all in one place, visitors will enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, redwood forests, a historic downtown filled with local artisan shops, beautiful state parks, fields of wild flowers, and trails along ocean bluffs and mountain ridges as far as the eye can see. A sampling of activities includes horseback riding on the beach, farm fresh dining, shopping, biking, hiking and world-class golfing and surfing.
 
For more information on visiting Half Moon Bay, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org or call (650) 726-8380. Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram

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