If you live in Orange County and have a young one, like I do, you probably want to get into the holiday spirit! One of the best ways this can be done in Orange County, is simply by visiting one of the most popular and notorious shopping malls in the world, South Coast Plaza. The Segerstrom family set the tone years ago with the famous Christmas Tree Lighting, which is still famous today and free to attend. After the tone has been set, you can take your youngster over there any time up until Christmas for all kinds of surprises and goodies. Below are 5 reasons to visit South Coast Plaza this year or any year for that matter.
Before I present the list of five, I just wanted to share a bit about myself. I have a 2 year old, and even when he was a little baby, I liked to bring him to South Coast Plaza, because it was a clean, organized environment that I can take him and walk about the mall, looking at decorations while I sip on a cup of coffee or hot coa coa. There is a diaper changing station on every corner, and many parents like to take their babies to the mall, so it's fun to have a place where you can exchange greetings, while also having the opportunity to leave the house.
1. My 2 year old as much as all 2 year olds loves rides and games. You can go to South Coast Plaza and for $1 he gets to take 3 laps around on the Santa's express train. I'm really active as a dad, can't help but hide behind the polar bears, and as a fun prank startle the little one with a growl. He loves to growl back, we laugh and it's definitely a good time had by all.
2. The reindeer carousel is also another ride. Youngsters get to ride on the back of a reindeer circling the center of the mall for about 3 minutes. As they circle, they may wave at santa, see the elves in the elf bakery, and have an over all marvelous time listening to whimsical music and taking in the festive holiday lights all around.
3. Santa's Village & the North Pole - Make sure to get your Santa Photos. There is no better place to do this than South Coast Plazas Santa's Village. Keep in mind, you may visit Santa, but taking photos with Santa is a top dollar treat and may cost you around $50. I like to keep my santa experiences spend thrift, meaning, you can say hi to santa, then ask the neighbors to dress like santa for a santa photo op.
4. Decoration and Lights is also a big reason to go to South Coast. You don't need to shop to experience the Christmasy atmosphere, it's just as fun to walk around and take in the experience. There are christmas lights everywhere. This year the parking light has shooting stars (new) and the color is typically shiney red or glimmering gold, all displayed in a very classy and organized fashion.
5. I like the musical talent they have at SCP. The Segrestrom School of the arts has some of the most talented live performers in the world and that is probably why there are such great performers singing carols, playing music etc at almost every corner and all times of the day.
There you have it. Best reasons to visit and get in the spirit. Mele Kalikimaka!
