Rancho Santa Margarita Christmas Light Display

Tonight we trekked down the 241 toll road ($1.50 each way) to see the Christmas light displays on a cul-de-sac in RSM anchored by 20 El Corzo. We parked our car nearby and walked around from house to house and k had a lot of fun! I really enjoyed the attention to detail that a lot of the displays showed. The thought and work that this group of neighbors put into their displays is quite evident. We went early, just after 5 p.m., so not all of the lights were on yet. However, I think everyone had their lights on by 5:20, so we were able to see everything lit up, without all of the crowds.


Seriously, where do they keep all of these decorations when they are not on display?? This is the anchor house, which I believe started it all. They also had music piped through outdoor speakers.


Can you find Nemo?

D's favorites: the gondolas (they move back and forth!)


and the snowboarders in a half-pipe

(they're mechanized, too).

k liked the singing penguin and santa on one neighbor's doorstep...here she is pretending to be a penguin.



n seemed quite interested in everything, too!

It was kind of interesting that in the midst of all of the santas, snowmen, reindeer, etc., there was a tasteful nativity scene at one of the homes. A nice reminder of the real reason for our celebration.


Afterward we went down Portola looking for a place to eat. This is highly unlike us, as we usually know exactly where we want to eat and do research beforehand. However, we took a gamble and decided on La Sirena Grill. D had the carne asada burrito and I had the grilled vegetable quesadilla. A little pricey for a fast-casual joint, but we enjoyed it. Everything tasted fresh, and not greasy. I really liked the generous scoop of fresh guacamole that came with both of our dishes. Afterward we shared Golden Spoon underneath the heat lamps in the nice outdoor seating area of the shopping center. It felt nice and cozy, even in the middle of December!