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A Winter Wonderland of Lights Arrives at Wild Rivers Waterpark

Issue # 0536

Author

Joshua Tjia
15 Dec

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚔🎁 Irvine Police Share Holiday Vehicle-Safety Tips as Parking Lots Get Busy

🥦🥕 Supporting OC Families This Holiday Season: Where to Get Food Assistance & How to Give Back

❄️✨❄️ A Winter Wonderland of Lights Arrives at Wild Rivers Waterpark

🎄🎶 Enjoy Live Holiday Music All Week at Irvine Spectrum Center

👕⛸️ Join Irvine Inline for a Night of Holiday Skating & Ugly Sweater Fun, Dec. 19

🎨🩺 UCI Health — Irvine Uses Local Art to Bring Comfort, Calm, and Community Into Every Hallway

🌳📚 Holiday Outdoor Storytime at Irvine Ranch Historic Park This Sunday

🎹🎶 Live Piano in Irvine: Tariverdiev Piano Tribute Concert on Dec. 21

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ Meet Mochi — A Shy Sweetheart Ready to Blossom in a Calm, Loving Home

🏀 UCI Women’s Basketball Rolls Past CBU; Hernandez Reaches 1,000 Points

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 IVC Women’s Basketball Cruises Past Citrus, 88–41, to Move to 10–1

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚲🏍️ Before You Buy: Make Sure Your E-Ride Is Safe and Street-Approved

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What nationality is Santa Claus?

North Polish.

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

Irvine Police Share Holiday Vehicle-Safety Tips as Parking Lots Get Busy

The Irvine Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert during the busy holiday season, as crowded parking lots can increase the risk of vehicle theft. Simple precautions can make a big difference. Police also encourage the community to watch for suspicious behavior and report anything unusual by calling dispatch at (949) 724-7000.

Safety Tips

  • Lock your vehicle every time, even for quick errands

  • Take your keys and key fobs with you

  • Don’t leave your car running unattended

  • Remove valuables or shopping bags from plain sight

  • Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas

  • At home, use your garage if you have one and keep your vehicle locked

What to Watch For

  • People checking car door handles

  • Vehicles slowly cruising through neighborhoods late at night

  • Individuals lingering near parked cars

Supporting OC Families This Holiday Season: Where to Get Food Assistance & How to Give Back

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is offering help to anyone in need of food this holiday season.

A Winter Wonderland of Lights Arrives at Wild Rivers Waterpark

Dream Glow Festival has turned Wild Rivers Waterpark into a glowing holiday wonderland with over 1,000 lanterns and light displays now through Dec. 30. Enjoy the lights nightly from 4:30–10 PM, with options like expedited entry, desserts, and special add-ons. It’s a bright, immersive celebration of art and culture—perfect for a festive night out.

Find more information here

Enjoy Live Holiday Music All Week at Irvine Spectrum Center

Irvine Spectrum Center is celebrating the season with festive live music near H&M, offering a mix of evening and afternoon performances. Enjoy talented local artists, holiday-themed groups, and returning favorites as you shop, stroll, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.

🌙 Evening Performances (5:30–8:00 PM)

  • Thursday, Dec. 18: Chelsey Sanchez

  • Friday, Dec. 19: Chloe DeMoore

  • Saturday, Dec. 20: Carolers

  • Sunday, Dec. 21: Sabrina Rose

  • Monday, Dec. 22: Avery Brostrom

  • Tuesday, Dec. 23: BJ Jezbera

☀️ Afternoon Performances (1:00–3:30 PM)

  • Saturday, Dec. 20: Robert Simon

  • Sunday, Dec. 21: Sabrina Rose

  • Monday, Dec. 22: Corey Angeli

  • Tuesday, Dec. 23: LENOTA Quartet

  • Wednesday, Dec. 24: Gravity Holiday Trio

  • Saturday, Dec. 27: Sabrina Rose

Join Irvine Inline for a Night of Holiday Skating & Ugly Sweater Fun, Dec. 19

The Rinks – Irvine Inline is hosting a fun and festive Ugly Sweater Skate Night on December 19 from 6–9 PM, offering a special 2-for-$25 admission deal plus $5 skate rentals. Guests can snap a photo by the Christmas tree and join the Ugly Sweater Contest. It’s a great night to bring a friend, lace up your skates, and enjoy some cheerful holiday fun on wheels!

UCI Health — Irvine Uses Local Art to Bring Comfort, Calm, and Community Into Every Hallway

UCI Health — Irvine has installed more than 1,400 carefully selected artworks throughout its new medical campus, using nature-inspired scenes and familiar Southern California landscapes to create a calm, welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

  • Curated through the “Nature and Nurture” program with input from healthcare leaders, local artists, and co-workers, the collection is designed to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and reflect the community’s identity.

  • Each building features its own theme—from natural ecosystems to local landmarks to human connection—making the hospital a space that supports comfort, belonging, and well-being.

Holiday Outdoor Storytime at Irvine Ranch Historic Park This Sunday

Enjoy a festive outdoor storytime at Irvine Ranch Historic Park on Sunday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m., featuring holiday stories, songs, and a free take-home craft for kids. Families can also sign up for an Irvine Public Library card — a great holiday gift to yourself.

Live Piano in Irvine: Tariverdiev Piano Tribute Concert on Dec. 21

Enjoy a special evening of live piano improvisation at Tribute to Mikhael Tariverdiev on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6 PM. Featuring pianist Anton Smirnov, this 50-minute concert celebrates Tariverdiev’s timeless masterpieces including Seventeen Moments of Spring, Irony of Fate, Last Romantic, and more.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. December 16, 7 PM: Jazz the Halls, TBD

  2. December 18, 7 PM: Holiday Concert, IHS PAC

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Meet Mochi — A Shy Sweetheart Ready to Blossom in a Calm, Loving Home

Mochi is a sweet but shy cat who warms up slowly, preferring quiet spaces, and gentle people. Once she trusts you, she’ll happily curl up on your lap, offer cuddles, and enjoy playtime. She’s looking for a calm, patient home where she can continue building confidence.

You can meet Mochi and other adoptable pets at the Irvine Animal Care Center during weekend adoption hours from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

UCI Women’s Basketball Rolls Past CBU; Hernandez Reaches 1,000 Points

UC Irvine women’s basketball notched a strong 77–57 win over CBU, highlighted by senior Hunter Hernandez scoring her 1,000th career point as part of a game-high 27. The Anteaters extended their win streak to eight, staying unbeaten at home.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Fri, Dec 19 – vs Belmont, 6:00 PM

IVC Women’s Basketball Cruises Past Citrus, 88–41, to Move to 10–1

Irvine Valley rolled to a dominant 88–41 road win over Citrus, improving to 10–1. All five starters scored in double figures, with Symantha Barnett leading with 20 points and Gianna DeForest adding a double-double.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Basketball

  • Tue, Dec 30 - vs LA Valley, 5:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With December Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2025

Tuesday, December 16

  • Soccer, Girls - 5:00 PM vs Corona Del Mar

  • Basketball, Boys - 6:30 PM vs Savanna

Friday, December 19

  • Basketball, Girls - 5:00 PM vs Laguna Hills

  • Soccer, Boys - 5:00 PM vs St. Margarets Episcopal

Before You Buy: Make Sure Your E-Ride Is Safe and Street-Approved

The Irvine Police Department is reminding parents during the holiday season to double-check any e-device gifts before buying, as some e-motorcycles are illegal on City roads. A quick look at the product’s classification can prevent frustration later—IPD recently removed two illegal e-motos from the streets.

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

November 14 - December 30 Dream Glow Festival 4:30 - 10 PM

November 28 - December 28 Hikari: Festival of Lights

November 28 - December 30 Santa's Village

December 19 The Rinks: Ugly Sweater Skate 6 - 9 PM

December 21 Tis the Season!

December 21 Tribute to Mikhael Tariverdiev 6 - 7 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

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