On Dec. 7 you'll find holiday cheer along the Coast Highway and in stores hosting Corona del Mar's Christmas open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half a mile inland the yule season has been in full swing since the beginning of the month at Roger's Gardens. To join in its annual Christmas Fantasy, return north on MacArthur Boulevard (California 73) and turn right on San Joaquin Hills Road.
The 7 1/2-acre nursery of plants and flowers has been draped indoors and out with holiday decorations. Nightly from dusk until 9 p.m. 500 candles are lighted to guide visitors along the garden pathways.
One path leads to a gazebo moved from Disneyland's Main Street as headquarters for Santa Claus. Look for the topiary trees that have been pruned into the shapes of a reindeer and other animals. Ornament-laden Christmas trees will give you ideas for decorating your own. Roger's Gardens opens at 9 a.m. daily.
Visitors can choose from several restaurants along Pacific Coast Highway, including Rothchild's, Hemingways, The Park, Five Crowns, Carmelo's, Gen Kai and Trees.
Round trip from Los Angeles for a garden holiday in Corona del Mar is 95 miles.
