A Southern California Winter Wonderland Awaits at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The season kicks off at the Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 20 at 4 p.m.

The centerpiece of the season is the spectacular Holiday Gingerbread Extravaganza, handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Daniel Dominquez, Assistant Pastry Chef Theresa Ebilane-Moore and their brilliant pastry team. With the theme of Celebrating Diversity in Humanity, the annual showpiece will highlight people from around the globe coming together in peace and harmony. More than 500 hours will go in to creating the incredible 18 foot confectionary display that is fashioned out of an astounding array of homemade gingerbread, colorful candy, sweet treats, baked goods, and other tasty confections. The Holiday Gingerbread Extravaganza makes its debut at the resort's Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting.

Perfect for a holiday getaway or for hosting out-of-town guests, the oceanfront resort's Inspirations of the Season Package will have guests relaxing by the Pacific in celebration of the holiday. The package includes:

• Overnight accommodations
• Full American breakfast for two through in-room dining or in Raya
• Resort Fee and overnight valet parking

Inspirations of the Season is available through January 4, 2017 with rates starting at $589 per night.

For the avid shopper, the resort has joined with South Coast Plaza to present an exclusive Luxury Shopping Experience showcasing extraordinary boutiques, personal shopping services, and upscale amenities at the renowned global shopping destination. Home to more than 250 prominent boutiques, South Coast Plaza offers an unparalleled collection of diverse retailers, along with its customized concierge services, making it Southern California's premier shopping experience. The Luxury Shopping Experience includes:

• Overnight accommodations
• Complimentary valet parking at South Coast Plaza
• Complimentary admittance to ACCESS, South Coast Plaza's VIP Hospitality Suite
• South Coast Plaza VIP Passport featuring exclusive offers from more than 100 stores and restaurants
• $100 South Coast Plaza Gift Card Voucher

With rates starting at $699 per night, the experience is available through January 31, 2017, for that after Christmas shopping spree.

SEASONAL EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES

The local community is invited to the annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 20 at 4 p.m. The celebration includes a festive live musical performance by The Jeeps, complimentary hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and candy canes, as well as the arrival of Santa to help light the tree. Guests may also experience a light dusting of snow.

The resort's furry friends can celebrate at the Yappy Howl-iday Celebration on Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself – Santa Claus. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local pets in need. Proceeds from food and beverage purchases benefit The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative.

Children will delight in complimentary Holiday Story Telling, offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 in the Eco-Adventure Center. A surprise visit by Santa is a highlight.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with Holiday Tea. With breathtaking ocean views, Tea is served in Raya and is offered Monday through Thursday; November 21 through December 22. Seating from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Holiday Tea is $72 per person.

For information and reservations, please visit ritzcarlton.com/LagunaHolidays.