If you live in South County, and, say, you've already blown the monthly budget on toys and electronics, the good city of Dana Point offers IlluminOcean, a free holiday light installation event along the scenic boat harbor. For a one-mile stretch, trees are strung up with festive lights, lining the path of giant whales, mermaids, pirate ships and more blinking nautical-themed light sculptures. Kids can run screaming along the trail (not down a crowded department store aisle) and burn off some of that manic sugar-rush energy—they might even sleep tonight. Stop at the old-school diner at the end of the road for an Irish coffee and be thankful the season is nearing an end.
Sat., Dec. 27, 5 p.m., 2014
