Winter Fantasy: Laguna’s Own Holiday Cheer
Every December in Laguna, Winter Fantasy brings the holiday spirit to town. The location of the summer’s Sawdust Festival transforms into a magical experiential art show with an abundance of sights and sounds that evoke cheer. With live music, a petting zoo, thousands of lights and decorations, and yes, even Santa and “fake snow” (aka: photo ops galore!) Winter Fantasy is 12 days packed with fun.
Winter Fantasy differs from the summer festival not only in looks, but also in artists and exhibitors. There is no residency rule, meaning artists from outside Laguna Beach may exhibit their warings. (Over 180 national and international artists are expected to participate at this year’s 29th annual show — with 15 new artists added to the mix!) Expect to find a wide range of different mediums including blown and fused glass, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and textiles, woodwork, mixed media, sculpture, painting, and photography.
Franky Duschane, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the event, recommends skipping the bustle of the malls and the uncertainess of online shopping to find a unique and special gift for your friends and family in the booths of Winter Fantasy.
“Shopping at Winter Fantasy creates a tactile rich experience that transcends beyond the purchase,” explains Duschane. “It connects you to the artist who made the item and generates a memory.”
Duschane explains that when we support Winter Fantasy, it’s more than just having fun -- it’s about backing the arts. “Winter Fantasy occurs during a quiet time in Laguna, providing a local venue in the tourism off-season for community members to come together for the holidays in celebration of the arts. It provides a platform for artists to earn an income in what could potentially be an otherwise slow season.”
Along with tons of unique gifts, Winter Fantasy also offers winter themed art classes and ceramics. Music can always be heard throughout the festival grounds, with roaming singing carolers, community performances, and even a marionette puppet show -- truly fun for the whole family.
So shop small this season and support the arts at Winter Fantasy. Even if you’ve been going since you were young, it’s always a magical time, no matter what age you are.
Mari Verdugo a fourth generation Laguna Beach native, writer, and photographer who does all her holiday shopping at the Winter Fantasy. Find her at @marielenaphoto or on her website.
Photo by: Mary Hurlbut Photography
Join the fun as Officer Blue, the beloved Doodle dog from Laguna Beach, hosts a dog party with his furry friends at Surf City Airstream. The event, captured by Laumea Photography, featured police-themed décor by The Picnic Style and delicious treats from Graze Craze in Laguna Hills. Guests wore aviator sunglasses and received signed copies of Blue's book, written by Victoria and Corbin Thomas.