Here's the conundrum of the holiday season: There's so much pressure to "Enjoy!" "Connect!" "Celebrate!" - but less time than ever to make that all happen. What to do? In a word: Less. Less cooking, less cleaning, less prepping, less stressing. Sure, that means you need to do more of some things - but those "mores" should be easy and quick. That's where our Dining & Entertainment Guide comes in. Party planning, catering, holiday to-do's, special ways to make memories - they're all here. Grab your phone, make some calls and then spend more time with the people who make it all worth it.

Rustic Burger House - Old Town Junction

There's Nothing Rustic About these Personalized Menus
You already love Rustic Burger House's new look, menu and feel - and now here's something else that'll have you swooning: personalized menu crafting for events up to 100 guests. Hosted on site, choose from an affordable fixe prix package that includes beverages, desserts and event planning. Whatever you order, be sure to include their seasonal fall milkshakes on the menu. Your guests will sip up favorites like the White Chocolate Pumpkin Ale Milkshake.
Rustic Burger House 254-1300

The Old Town Junction Offers Santa Clarita A New Way to Party
This Main Street staple has only been in business for about a year, but in that short time, it has changed the landscape of dining - and catering - forever. From beginning to end, planning an event with Junction is a luxe, customized experience. No element is left to chance and creativity reins. If you're looking to make the best - and biggest - impression, go no further. Exquisite meals, like the Seafood Threesome pictured here, delight and surprise with quality, plating and flavor. Host your event in their private or semi-private spaces, or have their team craft their masterpieces at your location. Either way, this will be an experience for the record books.
The Old Town Junction 702-4888

Nothing Bundt Cakes - Oaks Club at Valencia

Nothing "Bundt" Sweet Satisfaction
Bundts from Nothing Bundt Cakes is like your favorite outfit - dress it up, dress it down - it's always the perfect fit! From the fanciest soirees to casual gatherings, Nothing Bundt's selection of bundtinis, tiered bundt cakes and more are what everyone craves - and with ingredients like real butter and cream cheese, we know why. If you're the rare SCVian who hasn't tried one, you're in for a surprise. Never too sweet, these light and bouncy cakes come in 10 delicious flavors - including gluten free.
Nothing Bundt Cakes 291-2424

Save Wrapping Paper, Ride a Horse
Here's a fun trend we can get behind: Give experiences, not gifts. That's been the premise behind Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center's fall and winter rides, which take your crew through the local river bed to discover Santa Clarita's flora and fauna. More popular each year, private group trail rides can accommodate your entire crew at a surprisingly-low $40 per person. Children, adults and seniors all love the calm mosey from the beautiful facility and back, relishing the opportunity to connect with both each other and nature. Book yours when the family is in town or make it a friends/family/office to-do to bring your team closer together. Just don't wait to get it on the books - premier dates fill early.
Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center 296-9995

Celebrate Together in Heritage California Style
With stacked-stone walls, heritage oaks, sturdy wood beams, stunning vistas and a fireplace that seems to whisper, "Relax and stay a while," The Oaks Club at Valencia has earned a reputation for classic California ambience - with service to match. A gourmet chef, staff that spoils your guests, indoor-outdoor spaces that beg to be posted on social media and so much more make The Oaks a top choice for events all year - but especially during the holidays, when refined holiday decor embellishes the charm even more.
The Oaks Club At Valencia 288-1995

Dangling Carrot - Charmaine's - Wolf Creek

Choosing is the Hardest Part at this Handcrafted, Small-batch Bakery
Dangling Carrot Confections in Canyon Country has SCVians making the drive from Castaic and beyond - because it's worth it! Yes, they use the freshest, real ingredients and craft it all by hand small-batch style, but the real story here is the nod to traditional flavors, tried-and-true recipes and quality. Custom orders are their specialty, with mouth-watering cakes and holiday favorites that wow guests. Drop in for a taste today - their cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes and more go deliciously with the old-fashioned Thrifty's ice cream or made-just-for-you coffee drinks they serve alongside.
Dangling Carrot Confections 523-7037

Go Festive with Florals
Is there anything more classic than a stunning floral centerpiece? (That was a hypothetical. The answer is, "No."). And while the sentiment is traditional, the style can be anything but when you work with a longtime pro like Charmaine of Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist. From exquisite rare blooms to affordable, joy-filled finds, Charmaine's will match your budget and your style. Don't delay in ordering your Thanksgiving centerpieces now.
Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist 297-3100

Holiday Guests Howl when Wolf Creek is Served
Talk about convenient: Wolf Creek's massive catering menu is easily found online, allowing you to pick and choose at leisure while you crunch (Really affordable!) numbers. Take it to go for smaller events, have them serve it for you for off-site parties or host your event in their well-appointed private-party space. No matter which you choose, guests will eat it up - literally - because no one knows how to please a variety of preferences like this family-owned and operated restaurant, which has served Santa Clarita for two decades.
Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company
263-9653


Salt Creek Grille's Gorgeous Holiday Spaces Fill Guests with Wonderment
Yes, Salt Creek has a reputation for consistently-delicious food and the best service anywhere, but when the holiday season rolls around, we want to go just to marvel at the jaw-dropping seasonal decor. Garland, bulbs and twinkling lights abound, making this a so-special place to treat the family to their Thanksgiving or Christmas high-end buffets - or host a private event on their patio or in their distinctive event room.
Salt Creek Grille 222-9999

Holiday Traditions Abound at Valencia Country Club
From the famous custom green-and-red Christmas-tree napkins to their much-anticipated seasonal menu with holiday
favorites, Valencia Country Club has earned a reputation for premier hosting of holiday events. The Club is dressed for the occasion with exquisite attention to detail - which, by no coincidence, is what they are also known for when it comes to events. Pro tip: Be kind to your guests' packed November and December weekends and host your special event on a weeknight in December.
Valencia Country Club 799-1271

For the "Hoppiest" of Holidays, Head to Wolf Creek Brewery
Whether you're touring the brewery, hosting a party (Take advantage of the catering offered by Wolf Creek Restaurant!) or just stopping by with friends for a few brews, this is the place to go when you want to wow out-of-towners with our town's brewing prowess. Experience a flight of award-winning suds while knowledgeable staff share tasting notes and tips on what to try next. If you're looking for a unique, affordable event spot that makes a real impact on guests, you've found it.
Wolf Creek Brewery 294-9977

Brewery Draconum - Azul Tequila

What's Brewing on Main Street
The brother/sister owners of Brewery Draconum have not only created a warm, welcoming ambience since they opened two years ago - they have received major kudos for their original craft-brew recipes, their broad selection of rotating regional beers and their well-rounded, elevated pub-style menu inspired by local chef Andres Moya. They use the freshest ingredients like house-ground meats and organic produce and many of their dishes are infused with their own house brews, making them even more unique. It's hard to beat Draconum's beautiful, expansive beer garden where you can eat, drink and mingle over a game of bocce ball, cornhole or giant-sized Connect Four. Check-out their Wednesday wine and beer specials or enjoy live music on Thursdays. We can't wait to try Brewery Draconum's limited-release "Birthday Suit" Brut IPA fermented with Viognier grapes, in honor of their second anniversary on November 16. To top off their celebratory weekend, they are having a Sunday Brewer's Brunch on November 17 from 10am to 1pm with live music, brewery tours and more! Regular menu resumes at 2pm. Call for reservations.
Brewery Draconum 568-9160

Don't let Old Relationships Go Up in Smoke
It's often our oldest and dearest friends who get the shortest end of the proverbial stick. Invest in the relationships that mean the most by setting aside time to reconnect and make new memories. Genuine Cigars on Town Center Drive is the perfect spot to catch a game - and catch up. A double-date-night favorite, non-smokers and cigar novices enjoy the experience just as much as aficionados, thanks to the refined ambience and relaxing setting. It's also where you can get the perfect gift for your cigar-loving friends.
Genuine Cigars 259-3555

Share their Cherished Family Recipes with your Own at Azul Tequila
Family-owned Azul Tequila boasts over 63 different tequilas, which makes sense when you discover that the owners are from Jalisco, Mexico - the birthplace of tequila! Abuelita approved, Azul serves up authentic Mexican cooking daily, using the freshest locally-sourced ingredients and their family's signature recipes. From chorizo-simmered bean dip, authentic street tacos and piping-hot fajitas paired with icy handcrafted margaritas to coming-soon tequila flights, this is the place for big flavors. Try a taste during Happy Hour from 3pm to 7pm or drop in on Taco Tuesdays, then get booking - premier holiday dates are filling fast.
Azul Tequila 254-5500

The Local Pub & Grill - Marstons Valencia

The Local Way to Party
You already know that The Local Pub & Grill is where to go for delicious drinks, high-end pub fare an near-nightly events like trivia and live music. What you may not know: It's also the place to party. Thanks to a massive beer selection, games galore and space to spread out, The Local has hosted hundreds of events ranging from business meetings and small birthday parties to big to-do's on their private patio. Family friendly, pooch friendly and budget friendly, The Local is a Santa Clarita win when it comes to event hosting.
The Local Pub & Grill 495-9192

Relax & let Chef Jim of Marston's Do the Cooking
Whether your celebration is a breakfast, lunch or dinner party, Chef Jim specializes in creating custom menus and is happy to work with you to make your event special. One of this season's favorites so far is smoked Chicken Mac and Cheese with mushrooms, squash, tomato, basil, cheddar cheese and a parmesan crust - a popular dish for large groups at an in-home party. And try the vegetarian-friendly Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts tossed in balsamic, honey and olive oil and served with a sweet-and-spicy calabrian aioli; it will surprise your guests and is perfect as an appetizer or a side. Don't be disappointed - make your plans early.
Marston's Restaurant 253-9910

Taste the Freshest Catch at Fish Tail Seafood Grill
Fish Tail has been named "Best Seafood Restaurant of the Year" six years in a row for a reason... and that reason lies in the ultra-fresh, perfectly-prepared fish that is the highlight of nearly every dish. Fresh fish deliveries are deliciously experienced in menu items like the grilled Chilean Sea Bass and Wasabi Noodles plate, Salmon or Ahi Tuna Hawaiian Style Poke Bowls, Poke and Avocado Stack, large variety of grilled fish and of course their "Famous" Fish and Chips. Right now, nosh on the White Fish Lunch Special - a Grilled White Fish Rice Bowl - for only $12.50 Monday through Friday from 11am to 2pm. Not feeling fish? The Sweet & Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl or a BBQ Beef Bowl are savory sea-free options.
Fish Tail Seafood Grill 295-FISH

Santa Clarita Ballet Company

A SCV Holiday Tradition The Santa Clarita Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker"
December 13 to December 15, the Santa Clarita Ballet Company will again bring "The Nutcracker" to the stage at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons - and it will be magical.
In their 25th year of bringing "The Nutcracker" to life, the Santa Clarita Ballet Company once again highlights the holiday season with this enchanting ballet. Fans of this timeless story of Marie and her beloved Nutcracker are invited to experience a magical adventure that begins at an elegant Christmas party where gifts are exchanged, guests dance and children marvel at the wonder and surprises before them. As if a dream, the story journeys into the festive Land of Sweets, but not before an exciting battle between toy soldiers and the formidable Rat King.
Twenty-five years ago, the Santa Clarita Ballet mounted its inaugural production of "The Nutcracker." In the time since, the Santa Clarita Ballet's Nutcracker has become a local holiday tradition that is enjoyed by over 3,400 people annually. It now boasts around 150 performers and has hosted professional guest artists from the New York City Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet and the Cuban National Ballet to name just a few. Likewise, Santa Clarita Ballet alumni have gone on to professional careers with State Street Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, the Washington Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet and the Ballet De Monte Carlo. "The Nutcracker" is an essential component in fulfilling Santa Clarita Ballet's dual missions: presenting affordable, high-quality ballet performances to the community while providing a dance training ground for the littlest mouse or an accomplished, career-bound Sugar Plum Fairy.
SC Ballet Company 251-0366

Through Saturday, November 2
The Master's University Music Recital Hall Presents "A Murder is Announced"
It isn't every day that a local newspaper foretells the time and place of a murder, especially in a sleepy village in the English countryside. Curious residents draw to the home of Miss Blacklock in anticipation, only to become entangled in the crime itself! Can a determined inspector and keen-minded Miss Marple unravel the mystery? Can they keep everyone safe and sort through the secrets hidden in plain sight? A classic Agatha Christie puzzle, "A Murder is Announced" is full of twists and turns, hidden identities, mixed motives and relentless pursuit of justice running Fridays and Saturdays, October 25 and 26, as well as November 1 and 2, at 3pm and 8pm. 362-2255