Best Things To Do This Weekend In OC - December 18

There will be two kinds of people this weekend, those of us that scored tickets to see the new Star Wars movie and everyone else. Should you happen to be the latter, don't fret. There are plenty of fantastic options when it comes to finding worthwhile ways of spending your days away from the office. Whether your budget is strong or sensible, here's a cool little list of things to check out over the weekend.

Mac Sabbath
Constellation Room
3503 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.observatoryoc.com

Touted by the OC Weekly as one of the best tribute bands cruising California, Mac Sabbath is a collision of cultures that few expect would marry. Ronald McDonald assumes the role of Ozzy Osbourne with the supporting cast of the McDonald-Land friends filling the rhythm section of Black Sabbath to form, Mac Sabbath. Gimmicks aside, the band does a stellar job of recreating the classics with their parodied slant. If you are familiar with "Iron Man," you will love Mac Sabbath's "Frying Pan." If the timeless "Paranoid," does it for you, "Pair-a-Buns" will certainly ring as a hit. Coining their brand of "drive-thru metal" Mac Sabbath restores some showmanship to a rock concert all while remembering a little levity doesn't hurt.

ZOObilation
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 836-4000
www.santanazoo.org

A fantastic family destination, the Santa Ana Zoo has a regular rotation of seasonal celebrations, in addition to the over fifty different types of monkeys they house. Honestly, who doesn't love monkeys? To celebrate the holidays, ZOObilation transforms the zoo grounds into a holiday themed wonderland. Exploring the grounds and the enclosures during the evening under the twinkling lights, visitors can also shop for crafts and handmade gifts or take a ride on the zoo's famous train and carrousel. With tickets ringing in at all of ten dollars on the high end, this is one zoo visit that won't break the bank.
 

Winter Fest
OC Fair & Events Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.WinterfestOC.com

While this last week has been especially chilly, the snow has been scarce in Southern California over the last few years. Restoring a bit of the holiday feel with a healthy dose of the white stuff, Winterfest OC is turning the Fairgrounds into a winter playground. Guests can tube down Snowflake Summit, take photos and actually feed live reindeer, and of course, Santa is out in about. To warm up, an interactive craft station as ell as classic carnival rides are available as well. Winterfest OC will be open daily through January 3rd.

Banzai Surf School
22355 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714)499-3315
www.banzaisurfschool.com

Surfing during the winter is one of those rare things that can only happen in a few places around the world and Southern California is one of those places. Offering a wide array of options based on budget and skill level, Banzai is an independently owned and operated facility with a team of experienced surfers whose aim is to get you in the water. Boasting that a strong majority of students actually stand up on their board during their first time out, patrons can opt for one-on-one instruction or join a small group and learn socially. Fees include board rental, a quality wet suit, and loads of safety training.

4th Street Market
201 E. 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
www.4thStreetMarket.com

Here's the reality about Santa Ana's culinary destination, 4th Street Market. The place is a hulking 20,000 square feet of food. The options are almost frustrating as it's impossible to eat everything you want in same visit. However, you will try. Whether it's the Pulled Pork with Sunny egg breakfast creations from KTCHN DTSA, the tastiest of Fried Chicken at PFC, or the Short-rib poutine tater tots from Stockyard Sandwich Co., your eyes will most certainly be bigger than your stomach. Offering some local entertainment and shopping options to take some of the goodness home with you, spending an entire afternoon in a food court isn't something you could've done before 4th Street Market, but can now.