December 9, 2025

Seasons greetings, . Nothing says “holiday spirit” like a man in a velvet tracksuit judging your behavior, right? Well, if Santa really knew who was naughty, most of us would be getting coal. In this week’s Buzz:

Awe-inspiring. Glorious. Festive. Dazzling. Choose any adjective and it’s likely not enough to adequately describe the annual holiday lights on La Paz Rd. Utilizing more than 4,000 strands of tiny LED lights, 10,000 feet of extension cords and four miles of electrical tape, the display takes the city’s Public Services Department almost two months to complete in time for Santa’s Arrival at City Hall. This year, that event was on November 30, and the lights will stay on through January 1, adding a healthy dose of holiday cheer to Mission Viejo residents and visitors alike. Added bonus: The light show also assures that Santa won’t miss our community while flying in his sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Santa returns to Oso Creek Golf Course to enjoy brunch with your family on Sunday, December 14. Take photos with St. Nick on a golf cart, decorate a Christmas cookie, and make a holiday ornament and other crafts, all while listening to live music. A grand buffet will include a gourmet meat-and-cheese station, fresh fruit display, salad station, omelet station, chef-manned carving station, a wide selection of breakfast specialties, and much more. Adults: $89.95, plus tax and gratuity. Kids (5-12): $39.95. Children 4 and under are free. Choose from two seatings: 10 AM or 12:30 PM. More info.📍27601 Casta del Sol.

Here’s another one-of-a-kind holiday photo op—with a vintage red Ford F-150 truck. Bring the family to this Saturday’s Mission Viejo Farmers Market to grab a Christmas card moment or a festive keepsake. $5 per photo. More info.📍 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.

A two-story home on Arena Ln, near the intersection of Marguerite Pkwy and Trabuco Rd, caught fire on November 26 at approximately 4:30 AM, prompting a swift response from the Orange County Fire Authority. All family members were safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. Crews extinguished the blaze within 30 minutes and conducted thorough checks to prevent the fire from spreading. Salvage operations were performed to protect the family’s belongings. No injuries were reported in the incident.

‘Tis the season for giving, and why not give to help out some local heroes? You can make the holidays brighter for the families of U.S. Marines by donating new, unwrapped toys through December 23. There are specially marked boxes throughout the city to accept your gifts, including at City Hall, the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, and the Sierra, Felipe and Montanoso recreation centers. Online donations are also accepted. More info.

For more than two decades, District 4 Councilmember Trish Kelley has championed Mission Viejo as a City of Character and an ideal place to raise a family. Her first run for city council, in 2002, was driven by a desire to save the Sierra Recreation Center from demolition. “I didn't want to see a great swimming pool, fitness center and recreation center that served so many children and families be destroyed,” she says. With that mission accomplished, Trish went on to serve as mayor six times, always focused on enhancing quality of life in Mission Viejo. She’s currently working hard to advance the vision for the Los Osos entertainment complex before terming out next year.

Celebrate the season with an evening of music at the Mission Viejo High School Holiday Choir Concert on December 11 at 7 PM. The choir and soloists have been preparing a warm, lively program featuring both new and classic holiday favorites. It’s a chance to pause during this busiest of seasons to appreciate the hard work and talent of students in our community. Bring family and friends for a night of beautiful music and festive spirit. The concert is in the Performing Arts Theater, and everyone is welcome. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. More info. — Myrra Uppuluri

Kelly McAlister, an English and AVID teacher at Mission Viejo High School, has been named a 2025 Carlston Outstanding Teachers of America award recipient by Above & Beyond Teaching. The prestigious honor recognizes exceptional California educators working in challenging environments. McAlister was nominated by former students, many of them first-generation college attendees, who praised her transformational teaching and high expectations. “It is an honor to be recognized for doing what so many teachers do daily: guide, empathize, inspire and teach,” McAlister said, calling the student-nominated award “a gift of a lifetime.”

ATTENTION STUDENT WRITERS!  If you attend any middle or high school in Mission Viejo and would like to report on the activities, events and people at your school for the Buzz, let us know. It’s a great way to earn a byline and we’d love to have you contribute! Reach out to me at [email protected].

$1,469,000, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,301 sq. ft.

Located in South Galicia, this energy-efficient home has owned solar panels, new PEX water pipes, new water heater and double-pane windows. Step through the front door into a living room with vaulted ceilings and abundant light. The recently updated kitchen features a new microwave, stove and sink, and opens to an expansive family room. The primary bedroom is a true retreat, featuring a fireplace, balcony, walk-in closet, and a refreshed primary bathroom with dual sinks and a spacious glass door walk-in shower. There are also fireplaces in the family room and living room, creating a cozy atmosphere throughout the home. More info.

Listing agent: Missy Sandefur, 949-627-1120, Jason Mitchell Real Estate California

Refer five friends, family members or neighbors to our growing swarm of Buzz subscribers and we’ll hook you up with one of our brand-new, limited-edition Mission Viejo Buzz caps. They’re seriously cool and you can’t get them anywhere else!

Click below to help spread the word!

Share the Buzz

Having a yard or garage sale? Got stuff you want to sell or give away? List it here for free! Simply send your listing, including contact information and a photo to [email protected].

I continue to be grateful for every Buzz reader as we near the end of 2025 and the first eight months of the Buzz’s existence. I can’t wait to see what we do together in 2026!

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

Copyright (C) 2025 | Lissak Communications. All rights reserved.

Proofreader: Stella LissakWant to change how you receive these emails?

You can unsubscribe.