Set above rugged coastal canyons near the surfing mecca of Newport Beach an hour’s drive south of Los Angeles, this Mediterranean-themed property, decked for Christmas in traditional garlands and wreaths, is an ideal place to create holiday memories. Festive events include live music, Nutcracker tea parties, gingerbread house decorating parties, breakfast with Santa, and a traditional performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. For an extra-special experience, the resort’s “Seasonal Holiday Lights Flight” is a three-hour private plane tour that soars over twinkling lights in Newport, Huntington Beach pier and other coastal attractions. Flights scheduled on Dec. 19–23 feature a special fly-over of the Newport Harbor Boat Parade, an annual Orange County tradition. Back on land, the resort boasts Ocean North and Ocean South, a pair of spectacular Tom Fazio-designed courses.