Hard to believe that fall is here, which means that the holidays are not far behind.

Fashion Island ushers in the holiday season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 14 and 15.

Hosted by Mickey Mouse & Friends from the Disneyland® Resort, the Tree Lighting ceremony is held at 6 p.m. each day in the Neiman Marcus – Bloomingdale’s Courtyard.

Shoppers can enjoy traditional seasonal songs and performances by Disney characters, followed by the lighting of the tree featuring a custom light display and magical snowfall. This is a very popular event so come early for the best viewing areas. Make sure to bring the kids, it’s a great opportunity to pose for photos with the most elegant holiday tree in OC.

If you miss the weekend celebration, don’t worry—the lighting of the tree occurs every night through January 4, complete with Disney holiday music.

Visit www.shopfashionisland.com/Events for more information.

Fashion fans won’t want to miss La Bella Moda fashion series on four consecutive Sundays Nov. 9 through 30, presented by The Resort at Pelican Hill. This annual series showcases seasonal fashion trends in collaboration with luxury designers.

During these weekly themed shows that start at 11 a.m., Chef Marco Criscuolo of Pelican Hill’s Andrea Ristorante creates a prix fixe Prosecco brunch menu featuring the cuisine of Milan, one of the world’s top fashion capitals.

“As the holiday shopping season approaches, La Bella Moda offers fashion enthusiasts the perfect setting to see this season’s looks and be seen showcasing their own personal style,” said Pelican Hill Managing Director Giuseppe Lama. “New for this year’s events, some of Newport Beach’s top luxury retailers will offer pop-up boutiques during the shows.”

The weekly events include Coastal Casual Chic on Nov. 9, Festive Seasonal Fashions on Nov. 16, Glamorous Cocktail Collections on Nov. 23, and Holiday Jetset Styles on Nov. 30.

Tickets are $49 per person per event, including a prix fixe Prosecco brunch and complimentary gift bag. For reservations and more information, call (855) 467-6800 or visit www.pelicanhill.com/la-bella-moda.

Newport Harbor is one of the star attractions of Newport Beach, so it’s not surprising that several aquatic activities are being held in the harbor this month.

The annual Junior Newport Autumn Rowing Festival on Nov. 2 brings scores of high school rowing teams to town for a serious rowing competition.

The course is a 4,500 meter head race though Newport Harbor. Competitors begin the course in staggered starts, and compete for the best time. This means that spectators cannot always determine who is winning just by watching the race, although if one crew passes another, that means they’re rowing at an impressive clip.

The Rowing Festival races start at the Lido Bridge, goes past Lido Island, turns left and goes under the PCH bridge and into the Back Bay. It finishes at the Newport Aquatic Center.

Visit www.NewportAquaticCenter.com/events for details.

Another event held that same weekend, Nov. 1 and 2, is the 15th annual CHOC Regatta benefiting CHOC Children’s Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

Hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club and the Glass Slipper Guild, the CHOC Regatta raised more than $40,000 last year, with 95 boats participating (from 8 foot Sabots to large ocean going yachts).

Registration for boats 20 feet and under goes until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1; the races start soon after. Registration for boats over 20 feet goes until 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. Complimentary appetizers, a no-host bar and music will be provided for all racers, BYC members and guests.

Visit www.BalboaYachtClub.com for details.

Photo Credit: Fashion Island

Written By: Christopher Trela