Is your Huntington Beach library card gathering dust? You’re missing out on free movies, music, and audiobooks that could save you hundreds a month.

In this episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach, Lane Stone dives into the "digital goldmine" hidden in your wallet. Plus, with the rainy Christmas weather hitting the coast, we’re sharing a curated list of the best spots in HB to grab a warm bowl of ramen or a cozy latte. We also take a trip back to 1834 to uncover a mysterious ship that returned to the HB Pier 150 years later.

In This Episode:

• The Digital Library: How to use Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla for free.
• Rainy Day Eats: From the "Gold Standard" of ramen at HiroNori to comfort food at Mama’s.
• HB History: The story of the Brig Pilgrim and its foggy return in 1987.
• Giving Back: Meet Nala, the Adoptable Pet of the Month, and a shoutout to our local World Junior Surf Champ, Bailey Turner.

Resources Mentioned:

• Library Apps: Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, The Palace Project
• Where to Eat:
  • Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails
  • HiroNori Craft Ramen
  • Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
  • Sweet Elle Cafe
  • Bluegold & LSXO
  • Riip Beer & Pizzeria
• Community: OC Animal Care Adoption

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Sackin-Stone Team: https://sackinstoneteam.com

LANE STONE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneinoc

Welcome to this week’s episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach.
Lane Stone covers everything you need to know heading into peak holiday season. From classic Christmas light traditions and seasonal events to drones in the wetlands, a DUI checkpoint, and easy ways to give back locally, this episode is your full HB rundown.

We kick things off with holiday lights and can’t-miss seasonal events. From the iconic Cruise of Lights in Huntington Harbour to some of the best Christmas light neighborhoods across Orange County, we break down where to go, what’s worth it, and how to plan it without losing your mind.

If you want the exact addresses, the Sackin-Stone Team created a Best Christmas Lights Orange County Google Map with 130+ hand-picked locations. It includes synced light shows, themed houses, and full neighborhoods that go all in. The map will be updated throughout the season so you can plan ahead. View the map here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZQLpuHr5wWaGNNB9

We also hit other holiday staples like the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, the Snoopy House in Costa Mesa, and Tanaka Farms’ Festival of Lights. If you’re building a light route for the week or the weekend, that map makes it easy to hit multiple stops without backtracking or guessing.

Next, we spotlight ways to give back right here in Huntington Beach. The Huntington Beach Fire Department’s Spark of Love Toy Drive is underway, and we share how and where to donate, plus what types of gifts are needed most this year.

We wrap with the biggest local headlines. The Circuit shuttle is officially ending, a City Hall lawsuit has been dismissed, a DUI checkpoint is scheduled this week, and mosquito-control drones are being deployed in the Bolsa Chica wetlands to reduce breeding grounds without disrupting the ecosystem.

In this episode, we cover:

Holiday Lights & Seasonal Events
The 63rd Annual Cruise of Lights in Huntington Harbour, must-see Christmas light displays across Orange County, drive-through favorites, and iconic holiday events happening now through Christmas.
Full list of addresses available on the Best Christmas Lights Orange County map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZQLpuHr5wWaGNNB9

Community & Giving Back
How to support the Spark of Love Toy Drive with the Huntington Beach Fire Department and help local families this holiday season.

In the News
The Circuit Shuttle ending December 31, the dismissal of Huntington Beach’s sanctuary law lawsuit, an upcoming DUI checkpoint, and new mosquito-control drone technology being used in Huntington Beach wetlands.

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Sackin-Stone Team: https://sackinstoneteam.com

LANE STONE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneinoc

This week on Unlocking Huntington Beach, Langston is joined by special co-host Amber Doherty to give you the ultimate guide to the holiday season in HB!

Whether you are looking for family-friendly fun like the Cookie Crawl and Winterfest, or planning a night out for New Year's Eve, we break down exactly where to go. We also cover some major local business news—including a sad goodbye to a Pacific City staple and a warm welcome to some new "dirty soda" and sandwich spots—and wrap up with an update on the city's new Mayor.

Tune in to find out where to see snow in Huntington Beach, where to catch Elvis this Christmas, and the best spots to view the 68th Annual Boat Parade!

In this episode, we cover:

• Holiday Events: Pacific City Cookie Crawl, Winterfest at Bella Terra, and Rockin' Christmas at Old World.
• Best Decor: Why you need to visit Cruisers and Matter of Craft this month.
• Boat Parade: The best public viewing spots for the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade.
• NYE 2025: Party options at The Bungalow, Paséa Hotel & Spa, and the Downtown Bar Crawl.
• Local Business News: Closures and new openings (Old Crow, Kickstand Soda Shop, Mendocino Farms).
• City Update: Meet the new Mayor of Huntington Beach.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro & Holiday Overview
• 00:30 - Cookie Crawl & Grinch Movie Night at Pacific City
• 01:19 - Winterfest: Snow comes to Bella Terra
• 02:00 - Elvis, Holidays, & Wiener Dog Races at Old World
• 02:50 - Best Holiday Vibes: Cruisers & Matter of Craft
• 04:20 - 68th Annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
• 05:14 - New Year's Eve Events (Bungalow, Paséa, Bar Crawl)
• 08:10 - Business News: Old Crow Closing & New Openings
• 10:30 - City News: New Mayor Announcement
• 11:33 - Outro & Socials

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Pacific City & The Bungalow
• Bella Terra
• Old World Huntington Beach
• Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill
• Matter of Craft
• Paséa Hotel & Spa
• Kickstand Soda Shop
• Mendocino Farms

Special Guest:

• Amber: @amber_d_inoc

Music by local musician Justin Keenis.

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LANE STONE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneinoc

Welcome to Episode 3 of Unlocking Huntington Beach! This week, Lane Stone dives into the holiday spirit and covers the latest news shaking up the city.

We kick things off with a look at the new CEO of Visit Huntington Beach, John Erdy. We discuss his background with Mammoth Lakes, his plans for "crowd balancing" ahead of the Olympics and World Cup, and what this means for locals.

Plus, we are giving you the ultimate guide to Christmas lights in HB. From South Huntington Beach to the Harbor, get your GPS ready because we are listing the best streets to visit this December.

In this episode, we cover:

• The New Guard: Meet John Erdy, the new CEO of Visit Huntington Beach, and hear about his vision for revenue and crowd management.
• Holiday Lights Tour: A curated list of the best neighborhoods and homes for Christmas light displays (addresses below!).
• Events: Details on the "Light a Light of Love" parade and pier lighting ceremony happening Dec 7th.
• Hidden Gems: Inside Oak and Ember, the new holiday-themed speakeasy at Paséa Hotel & Spa (we even tell you the password to get in).
• Local Business: How to join the monthly morning networking group on Beach Blvd.

🎄 2025 HB Christmas Light Guide (Mentioned in this Episode):

• La Cresta Circle: (Indianapolis between Bechard & Brookhurst)
• Spinnaker & Horizon Drive: (Enter Spinnaker from Brookhurst)
• 19792 Trident Lane: (South HB)
• 20341 Brentstone: (Near Meredith Gardens area)
• Huntington Harbour: Cruise around Davenport Island for incredible displays.

Speakeasy Details:

• Location: Oak and Ember (The Treehouse at Paséa)
• Password: "Whisper"

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review!

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LANE STONE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneinoc

A Thanksgiving-week breakdown featuring free holiday meals for HB families, the best local dining options for turkey-day, family-friendly hikes and views, and the must-visit small businesses for Small Business Saturday. Lane highlights how to enjoy the long weekend while supporting the Huntington Beach community we love.

POPULAR HB TRAILS

Huntington Beach Santa Ana River Trail

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Brightwater Trailhead

Bolsa Chica Wetlands West Trail

Shipley Nature Center

THANKSGIVING DINING IN HB

The Waterfront Beach Resort

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine

Cabo Wabo Beach Club

Cabo Wabo Sand Bar

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Ballroom

Watertable

Paséa Hotel & Spa – Lōrea

Pacific Hideaway (Kimpton Shorebreak)

Duke’s Huntington Beach

Old World German Restaurant

Longboard Restaurant & Pub

Mama’s on 39

King’s Fish House – Bella Terra

HOLIDAY PROMOS, DEALS & ACTIVITIES
Activities

Open Aerial Yoga

Harbour Lights Cruises

Dining Promos

Baci Italian Restaurant

Banzai Bowl

Beachwood Pizza & Beer

Cabo Wabo Beach Club

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine

Hyatt Regency HB

La Capilla Mexican Grill

Lōrea

Masala Waves

Miguel’s Jr

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge

Pacific Hideaway

Paséa H

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Sackin-Stone Team: https://sackinstoneteam.com

LANE STONE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneinoc

A look at Huntington Beach heading into the holidays: the Paséa igloos opening, the Harbour’s new 24/7 ambulance upgrade, fresh restaurant openings, and the local stories shaping life in HB right now. Lane gives the quick hits and the must-knows. It’s your fast weekly update on what’s happening in Surf City.

FOLLOW US
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Sackin-Stone Team: https://sackinstoneteam.com

LANE STONE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneinoc