Hello Back Bay Bongos, happy Monday.

As we roll into the middle of December, it’s important to remember to give your fellow Back Bayer the benefit of the doubt as they cut you off on Newport Blvd, or roll the stop sign in a school zone or park outside the lines at Trader Joes. Peace on earth, good will toward men and all that. Speaking of Trader Joes, the word on the street is that the new store on Harbor will open on December 11th if all goes well, with a fresh hell of a parking lot slated to open on the Victoria side (of course) to welcome the new venue. Big if true. Hopefully it will be better than the white-knuckle adventure that is turning left out of the old parking lot on 17th.

To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• Mega Santa Raises 1000s for Charity

• Christmas Party and Toy Drive

• Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Mega Santa Raises 1000s of Gifts Each Year

The house known for mega inflatable holiday decorations, is back at it this season with a 4 story Santa with a mission. The giant Saint Nick, located at 424 Redlands Ave in Newport Beach, is a local legend whose appearance (along with its counterpart, Mega Pumpkin) every year marks the definitive start of the holiday season in the neighborhood. Not as widely known is it’s mission: to raise thousands of gifts for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Toys for Tots every year. A donation box stands in the driveway (to the left of the tree) to accept toys for children ages 1-18, and the giant Santa has been a mega success. Started in 2021, this jolly old elf has inspired hundreds to stop by and donate to worthy causes for those in need and cement itself in the lore of the Newport Heights neighborhood for years to come.

THIS WEEK:

• Christmas Party and Toy Drive - Wild Goose Tavern
  Bring a toy or canned good for $2 Happy Dad Seltzers
  Thursday Dec 11th
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Makers Hive Market - The Camp
  Saturday Dec 13th
  11-4pm
  Info
  

• Holiday Night Market - The Camp
  Thursday Dec 18th
  4-9pm
  Info

• Ugly Sweater Holiday Party - Milligram Costa Mesa
  Friday Dec 19th
  5pm-late
  Info
  

• Newport Beach Boat Parade Guide
  Click Here for the Guide
  Register your boat here

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

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🌊 Water temp = 64º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEK:

• PJ Storytime at Mariners Library Newport Beach

  Monday, 08 December

  6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  Info

• Christmas Boutique at Rogers Gardens

  Tuesday, 09 December

  9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  Info

• Balboa Island Light Walk with Girls Walk Club OC

  Wednesday, 10 December

  6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  Info

• Julbord Cookie Decorating at IKEA

  Friday, 12 December

  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

• Snoopy House - Costa Mesa City Hall
  Fri Dec 12-19th
  5:30-8:30pm
  Info

  
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Inf

• Breakfast with Santa - Zentrl Kitchen (Fashion Island)
  Sunday. December 14th
  9-11am
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Salty Bear Brewing
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 13th
  4-6pm
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Bump Out Park
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 19th
  10am
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is busy scouring thrift shops for the perfect ugly christmas sweater.

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!