Do the holidays up right

Seeking to celebrate the season but have no idea where to start? Our annual guide to all things holiday will help guide the way, regardless of where you live, work or play.

First up: the food.

For those shuddering at the thought of preparing a meal on Sunday, several top restaurants will be open for brunch and dinner, Choose from many options like a four-course champagne brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or dinner from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at Las Brisas, 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach; a three-course meal at the Californian at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, that includes entrée selections like roast turkey or an all-natural filet; and a brunch buffet with special holiday items at the Palm Terrace Restaurant in the Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

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Laguna Beach

Decorate a dreidel cookie and enjoy the lighting of the "way cool surfboard menorah" at Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach's Hanukkah bash at 2 p.m. Sunday on Main Beach. Enjoy live Israeli music and dancing, and the see-it-to-believe-it antics of Rusty D.

Information: (949) 499-0770 or chabadoflaguna.com.

George Bailey meets Clarence the Angel once again in a one-man retelling (with all characters acted out) of "This Wonderful Life," onstage through Saturday at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Tickets are $35 and up.

Information: lagunaplayhouse.com.

For a Christmas Eve celebration with a community feel, stop by Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, for a 7 p.m. service featuring candlelight and carols by musicians like Jason Feddy, Nick Hernandez and Mary Scifres. They will be joined by pianist Pam Wicks and poet John Gardiner. Labyrinth walkers are invited to take the circuit from 5 to 7 p.m. for an introspective experience.

Information: (949) 494-8061.

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Irvine

Create or continue a family tradition by attending "The Nutcracker" at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, presented by Festival Ballet Theatre and featuring guest artists from American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet. April Daly and Fabrice Calmels of the Joffrey will take top honors this week at the family friendly show. Tickets are $40 for adults, $37 for seniors and $35 for children.