Let’s face it. December can be a frustrating month for adults. But for most kids? It’s one of their favorite times of the year. The Montage recognizes this, and for the month of December the Laguna Beach, Orange County, resort, set along the dramatic cliffs of southern California, is offering several special children’s programs for kids ages 2 to 12, from Santa’s Workshops to a just-for-children New Year’s Eve party. Here are some highlights:
Santa’s Workshops
Santa’s Workshops sessions take place on the weekends Dec. 4 to 6, 11 to 13, and 17 to 24. Kids can create gifts for family members as well as learn how to build a gingerbread house, decorate cookies, create Hanukkah crafts, and participate in a candy cane scavenger hunt.
The workshops are offered as part of Paintbox, Montage’s children’s program featuring daily supervised indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts and more to inspire creativity and imagination.
- Paintbox (ages 5 to 12) half-day sessions are offered 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m., $60 per child; full-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., are $90 per child. All sessions include lunch and snacks.
- Paintbox Petite (ages 2 to 5), launched in October and is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the cost is $20 per child, per hour, with a two hours minimum; 24-hour advance reservations requested. Snacks are offered, and special meals can be arranged. Children need not be potty trained.
Sunset Traditions
Gather your family by the fire pit at sunset and enjoy holiday-themed tales complete with hot cocoa and cookies. Available Dec. 11 to 12, 18 to 19, and 24; complimentary; no reservations required.
Santa Claus Tuck-In
Santa Claus will visit younger guests in-room to read a bedtime story, offer milk and cookies, and wish them sweet dreams. Available Dec. 11 to 24; $50 per room; 24-hour advance reservations requested.
Holiday Stocking Delivery
Parents can arrange to have a Personalized Holiday Stocking delivered from Santa. Available Dec. 11 to 24, $85 per stocking; 48-hour advance reservations required.
Christmas Eve Magic
Following the annual reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, join a twilight search to spot Santa’s sleigh. Children can write a special message to Santa and decorate Christmas cookies to take back to their rooms and leave for St. Nick. Dec. 24, 7 p.m.; complimentary to resort guests; no reservations required.
Children’s Night Out
For children ages 5 to 12, Paintbox has created eight nights in December featuring games and activities, dinner, a full-length movie and more, such as Friday’s Paintbox Pizza Creations and Saturday’s S’mores by the fire pit. Available Dec. 4 to 5, 11 to 12, 18 to 19, 25 to 26 from 6 to 10 p.m.; $60 per child.
Paintbox’s New Years Eve Celebration
Children ages 5 to 12 can ring in the New Year with their very own festive dinner party with entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, karaoke, video games, featured film of the evening and more. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; $100 per child; reservations required.
Montage Laguna Beach holiday rates start at $395 per night. Call 949-715-6000 or 866-271-6953, or visit www.montagelagunabeach.com.
