Crystal Cove Alliance's 19th Annual Seaside Holiday Celebration Showcases Vintage Holiday Theme for Local Families

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, November 06, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA) will ring in the season with a "Deck the Cove" winter festival, featuring California's only coastal holiday tree display. CCA, the official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, will host this complimentary all-day family event on Saturday, Dec. 5, on the shore at the Crystal Cove Historic District. Rumor has it Santa might even park his sleigh on the sand to greet children, take gift requests and pose for family photos.

Beginning at 10 a.m., guests can enjoy a festive bazaar with treasures handcrafted by local residents as well as old-fashioned holiday decorations. The highlight of the day will be the 19th annual tree-lighting ceremony at dusk, a holiday tradition that draws locals and visitors alike.

After the sun sets, Crystal Cove's shore will sparkle even more brightly under the twinkling lights and ornaments adorning the majestic evergreen tree. Mirroring the traditional spirit of the Historic District's early-to-mid-century era, the beachfront cottages will be converted into a winter wonderland with colorful lights, vintage decorations and colossal candy canes.

"This event is one of our most anticipated of the year as it evokes the historical and magical holiday spirit of Crystal Cove," says Laura Davick, CCA founder and interim president. "Grab your favorite holiday sweater and join us! There's no better way to appreciate the beauty of our seaside jewel than to celebrate the season here, alongside friends and family."
The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., concluding with the tree lighting at sunset, approximately 5 p.m. The holiday bazaar will feature artisan holiday gifts, and an art show and sale will spotlight established California Plein Air Artists. A complimentary lesson on how to wire-wrap sea glass from Crystal Cove will allow participants to transform sea glass into unique jewelry or holiday ornaments to enjoy at home.

Santa and strolling carolers will join the event around 4 p.m., and complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and home baked goodies will be provided by The Beachcomber Cafe.

All funds raised during the holiday season will support increasing accessibility to Crystal Cove State Park including the purchase of new beach wheelchairs used by more than 2,500 elderly and disabled visitors annually at the Historic District and the beach in Moro Canyon.

Guests can park at the Los Trancos parking lot on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway for $5 per hour or $15 for the day. A shuttle will also be available during the day for $1 each way. Carpooling is recommended.

Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA), the official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, is dedicated to preserving the cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove. Founded in 1999 by Laura Davick to stop a planned luxury resort from overtaking the area, CCA rescued the historic site and initiated one of the most successful public-private partnership models in the history of the California State Park system.

Today, CCA has expanded its focus to include all 3.2 miles of pristine coastline, more than 3,700 acres of backcountry habitat and 1,100 acres offshore in the Underwater Park. CCA has turned Crystal Cove into a laboratory for developing innovative educational programs and experiences that promote science and environmental literacy to more than 1.5 million visitors and students each year. CCA's conservation work insures access by a range of recreational enthusiasts while maintaining protection of critical habitat and protecting endangered and threatened species.

The partnership between Crystal Cove State Park and the Crystal Cove Alliance has led to the renovation of 29 historic beachfront cottages now open for overnight stays, as well as historic education programs designed for the public. CCA is proud of the park receiving the prestigious 2007 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. A leader in fundraising, restoration, education and concession services, CCA is devoted to creating a sustainable future for Crystal Cove. Seventeen historic cottages remain to be restored.

For more information, please visit http://www.crystalcovealliance.org or call 949-376-6200.

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