Holiday spirit stops off at Spectrum

With the holiday season upon us and Orange County temperatures dropping below 70 degrees, shoppers at the Irvine Spectrum Center have multiple options for warming up to the festive spirit.

Beyond retailing and dining out, visitors can slide around a slab of winter wonderland at the OC Chill outdoor skating rink. The traditional family fun spot is open from early October to the middle of February. The tented pavilion, beneath columns of palm trees, is located next to the carnival ride in the mall’s Giant Wheel Court.

Santa Claus is balancing the busy season at his North Pole workshop with shrewd public relations tactics by appearing daily from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24 for “Selfies with Santa.” The jolly old elf is shedding his heavy red suit in favor of a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts to take complimentary “selfies” at his surf shack location.

Just as your Thanksgiving feast is digesting, “Orange is the New Black Friday” kicks off at the stroke of midnight Nov. 28. The official opening of the shopping frenzy features free valet parking, ice rink and Giant Wheel rides.

Since ‘tis better to give, a Toys for Tots drive is underway through Dec. 20. Patrons who donate a new, unwrapped toy will receive a Holiday Saving Passport filled with exclusive offers.

Throughout the holidays, the Spectrum will be sprinkled with special music and decorations. Disney Magical Holiday Lights is a partnership with the iconic Orange County theme park. Musical tributes to Disney shows begin daily at 5:30 p.m. and run hourly until closing.