Holiday Celebration at Del Mar Plaza

Del Mar Plaza is home to over thirty trend-setting shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Its quaint, seaside charm has maintained throughout the years, and the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean continue to make it a timeless experience. The holiday season retains this seaside spirit, with added decadence encompassing its multiple levels.

As an all-inclusive stop to take on even the longest of holiday shopping lists, Del Mar Plaza is home to top eateries and shops, as well as outdoor walkways with live music and a magical ambiance. Every detail from the European-inspired water fountains to the store window-fronts is set to transform into a winter wonderland. Discover some of the best Plaza spots that will light up just in time for the holidays.

Dining

Whether searching for a spot to kick back and refuel post-shopping spree, or looking for a final upscale destination, dining in the Del Mar Plaza is as abundant as it is eclectic. Restaurants welcoming in locals and visitors alike include Enoteca Del Fornaio, Flavor Del Mar, Il Fornaio, and Smashburger.

Il Fornaio, the classic Italian restaurant and bakery, asks entertainment enthusiasts to try their Fellini and Bellini Sundays, starting at 5pm. The decadent evenings include a free showing of a classic Italian film with $3 Bellini specials. For those looking to master the art of meal-creation, Il Fornaio Del Mar will also host a cooking class, every third Saturday of the month in November and December. From 12-2pm, various courses will offer eager guests instruction, canapés, a glass of prosecco, food sampling and a small thank you gift. A uniquely special Thanksgiving Cooking Class will take place on Nov. 19th, as instruction on creating a memorable Thanksgiving meal with an Italian twist is taught by the Chefs of Il Fornaio Del Mar. Likewise, the Dessert Cooking Class will offer new holiday dessert recipes with guidance from Chef Roberto Gerbino on Dec. 17th. All cooking classes are $30 per person. For reservations to the cooking classes, please call 858.755.8876.

Il Fornaio’s traditional Italian attitudes embrace the pairings of fine wine with their meals. For a hearty night out, December’s Wine Dinner on Dec. 1st will feature a five-course meal paired with wines from the Simi Winery. The dinner starts at 6:30pm and is $55 per person. For more information or to make reservations call 858.755.8876.

In a more casual dining setting, Smashburger in Del Mar Plaza has a range of seasonal promotions honoring the local community. During the month of November, Smashburger will donate $1 from every San Diego Smashburger sold at the Del Mar location to the Torrey Pines High School Band. From Nov. 11-13th, all military active duty and veterans will receive free fries, including French Fries, Smashfries or Sweet Potato. Lastly, from November 14th through New Year’s, patrons can leave with $5 in Smashbucks for every $25 gift card purchased.

On Thursday, Nov. 17th, Pacifica Goes PINK kicks off the Breast Cancer Walk from 7am-3pm, where guests can enjoy 15% off breakfast or lunch at Pacifica Breeze Cafe. Pacifica Del Mar, renowned for their seafood and ocean-inspired menus, will offer a benevolent Pink Happy Hour from 4-6pm that will host complimentary eats and drinks, as well as $6 martinis. RSVP is required for the complimentary eats and drinks, so RSVP now.

SHIMBASHI Izakaya will welcome guests from Nov. 21st-Dec. 24th to try their special holiday menu. The Japanese tapas and sake bar will offer Rainbow Carpaccio, Salmon Steak, Chicken Kara-age Sushi Roll and much more on their seasonal menu. After the Christmas festivities, they will host a special menu for the new year, from Dec. 26th- Jan. 15th. Ring in 2012 with two layers of Jyu-bako served with Miso Soup and green salad.

Live Music in the Plaza

The warmth of the holidays comes from more than just mittens and ear muffs. Musical notes swirling in the air turn the shopping and dining at Del Mar Plaza into an experience, not just another slash through the to-do list. The Plaza is alive with music this season, every Thursday from 5-7pm on the Plaza Ocean View Deck with weather permitting. The mini-series of concerts begins on November 10th, with live music from Susan McCrea & Soul Seduction. The weekly events will feature various performers all month long, including sets by Mike McGill, Debora Galan, Haskell Collins, and a live performance from solo-star Michael Tiernan on December 29th. A full list is available on the Del Mar Plaza calendar.

Shopping

Of course, many of us will voyage to the Plaza to find gifts at one of the thirty high-end shops. From women’s boutiques to menswear and holiday shops, the Plaza is all about helping guests find the perfect gift, in a non-stressful environment. The Plaza released a 2011 Holiday Gift Guide featuring their best sellers for the season.

Some of the ideas from the retailers include a Lanvin black and sapphire colored stone necklace, available at Gerhard. A classic menswear suggestion in the guide is the Scott Barber Fall/Winter Collection of seasonal shirts from Garys. Meanwhile, Saratoga Saddlery gives sparkle this season in the newest, elegant cowboy boot made by Lucchese. Other top stores included in the gift guide for effortless holiday shopping are Sunglass Hut, Peaches En Regalia, Ooh La La, White House/Black Market, and Urban Girl Accessories.

Enjoy the holiday shopping and dining experience at Del Mar Plaza, located at 1555 Camino Del Mar in Del Mar. For more information and places to shop, please visit delmarplaza.com.