Can you believe that the holiday season is again upon us, and our little town is about to be full of holiday cheer? There is nothing sweeter than a homegrown holiday season, so over the next six weeks, we'll share the best of local events, restaurants to try and places to shop locally this holiday season. We hope to see you on the streets of Orinda gifting, dining, drinking and spreading the holiday spirit.
Here are some fun things to do over the next few weeks! More to come after Thanksgiving...
Fun stuff to Do
Send a Letter to Santa Through December 24th Orinda Hardware (56 Moraga Way) will have a mailbox outside their store for deliveries to the North Pole. Return letters guaranteed when you add a return address to your envelope!
Earn that Second Piece of Pie! Thursday November 23rd at 8:30am @ MCC. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the start of your Thanksgiving Day with the 1st Annual MCC Turkey Trot Fun Run. Your race contributions go to the Food Banks of Contra Costa & Solano Counties. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Moraga/MoragaTurkeyTrot
Ditch Kitchen Duty
Shhhh...Nobody needs to know your pie is not homemade! Get "Thanksgiving to Go" at Wild Magnolia. Stop by and inquire about a made to order Thanksgiving feast. Now kick up your feet and enjoy the day. 2 Theatre Square. www.wildmagnoliaorinda.com
See the Big Man... Twice!
Santa will be in the house at the Orinda Tree of Lights Ceremony. Saturday December 2nd, 4:30pm-6:30pm @ the Orinda Tree of Lights, Orinda Village (near Bank of America). Dedicate a memorial light in honor of a loved one at this time honored Orinda tradition. Voice ensemble groups from Orinda’s elementary and middle schools perform, Santa makes a guest appearance (selfies encouraged) and cider, cocoa are on tap for all to enjoy! Event proceeds benefit Hospice East Bay. https://www.hospiceeastbay.org/news/calendar/eventdetail/1350/-/orinda-tree-of-lights
Come get in the spirit at Theater Square. Saturday December 2nd from 5-8pm. Performances by Lamorinda Theatre Academy. Horse and Carriage rides (you read that right!), ornament workshops, tree lighting and yes, more photo opps with the jolly guy in red. http://www.orindatheatresquare.com/index.php/events
Shop til you Drop
41st Annual Orinda Holiday Bazaar. November 18th 10-4pm @ the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way. Liven up your holiday shopping experience with cheery handmade items, clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, candles, home decorations, knitware, organic food items and more. Admission is free!
Hit the Pop Up Shop! If you haven't tried Hoffsi Chocolates, you haven't lived! Now through December 23rd during the day, Cine Cuvee is transformed into a holiday pop up shop by Hoffsi Chocolates and Hollie's Home Grown - two artisinal brands that are locally owned by amazing Lamorinda women. Stock up on delicious olive oils, salt blends and more delectable chocolate creations than you can imagine for Thanksgiving day and every event throughout the season.
Get your tree locally. McDonnell Nursery, 196 Moraga Way. McDonnell’s fabulous fresh Christmas Trees will be in the week of Thanksgiving. Free tree cleaning and delivery with every purchase. You’ll also find gorgeous holiday decor to fill your home.
Happy Holidays, Orinda!