Dana Point residents on the lookout for some holiday fun will want to mark their calendars for Sunday, Dec. 4, as the city announced its first-ever Sleigh the Holidays to take place along two blocks of Del Prado Ave. in Dana Point’s Lantern District.

The free holiday event will feature 100 small business vendors along Del Prado, between Violet Lantern to Ruby Lantern, all selling handcrafted wares just in time for the season.

The event will also include entertainment, food trucks, local restaurant participation and themed cocktail bars, the city said.

Here’s what else residents can expect at this year’s Sleigh the Holidays Market & Festival:

Killer Dana Surf Shop will host a seasonal surf-inspired photo opportunity for families and children featuring vintage surfboards and a Volkswagen bus. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and even the Grinch will be available throughout the day to join in on photo moments.

The event will feature a Pet Parade and Pet Costume Contest, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. near Amber Lantern and Del Prado. Prizes will be awarded in various categories, the city said.

A Santa’s Workshop Kid’s Zone will be held in the USPS parking lot, featuring activities such as ornament-making and cookie-decorating.

A toy drive and gift-wrapping station will also be in this area.

Live music and DJ entertainment is on the schedule for the event, as well as holiday carolers strolling along Del Prado to entertain guests throughout the day.

A VIP Tasting Room and Lounge will be located at Prado Square on Amber Lantern from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The experience features complimentary liquor tastings and appetizers with the purchase of a VIP wristband.

Residents can buy VIP wristbands for the Tasting Room and Lounge through Eventbrite

“Sleigh Bars” will be located throughout the event, serving holiday-themed cocktails for purchase for guests to enjoy.

“We look forward to making this a memorable community event that will be enjoyed by all for years to come,” Local artist and Dana Point Arts & Culture Commissioner Ashley Keene said. “By bringing this holiday event to Dana Point, we can encourage people to shop from local and small businesses this holiday season and create lifelong memories with friends and family while doing so.”

The event is being held by The Pop-Up Shoppes and the Dana Point Entertainment & Arts Council, a local nonprofit that helps bring local events to the community. The event is being held in partnership with the City of Dana Point.

https://danapointevents.org/

The Sleigh the Holidays Market & Festival commences on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Del Prado Ave.