It’s hard to believe Christmas is less than two weeks away! Many Newport Beach restaurants are honoring the holiday season with special dishes, cocktails, and pre-fixe menus. Here are a few of the options available:

Balboa Bay Resort is a great spot to visit over the holiday season. From Boat Parade viewing parties and meals, to Christmas dinner, to their incredible New Year’s Eve dinner and concert celebration, the resort’s waterfront setting is the ideal location to embrace the season. Their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner selections are intimate and relaxing.

If you’re in the mood for something more casual, Muldoon’s Irish Pub at Fashion Island is hosting their annual “Irish Dickens Christmas Celebration” Dec. 15-24. Each year, they deck the halls like a fairytale Christmas and don fashions from the days of the Charles Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol!” Holiday specialties include their signature mulled wine called Wassail, homemade egg nog, roast duck, and more! This is a truly festive atmosphere that’s not to be missed if you’re a fan of the classic holiday story.

If you have a sweet tooth, Provenance has an array of new desserts and dessert cocktails that you can cozy up to this winter. Considered a hidden gem tucked away in Newport Beach’s Eastbluff Village Center, Provenance’s new desserts feature seasonal classics such as apple pie, pumpkin and gingerbread presented with a bold twist. Chef Cathy’s menu showcases fresh, flavorful ingredients, many of which are grown in the restaurant’s own 1,300-square-foot organic raised-bed garden.

For an upscale dinner that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, the holiday take-out menu from Five Crowns is second to none. Full prime rib meals, with all the traditional accompaniments can be ordered ahead for pick-up on Christmas Eve

21 Oceanfront will be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The waterfront restaurant dons extensive holiday décor and festive lights. The three-course Christmas Eve offering includes a huge variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, and is $79 per person. Reservations are available from 4-9pm.

Whether you’re looking for an amazing few or a laid-back vibe, there’s something for everyone!

Written by Debbie Miller