NBA Legend Magic Johnson Rings In the Season with 14th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 30

The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), presents its annual holiday programming, carrying on the brand tradition of delivering exceptional luxury experiences worldwide.

In its 14th year of celebrating coastal holiday excellence, the St. Regis Monarch Beach will begin the season with its annual Sand Sculpture Dedication and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 30. The kick-off events will be hosted by NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and Dana Point's Mayor Lisa Barlett.

This year's sand sculpture is designed in conjunction with Dana Point's IlluminOcean, a festival of lights that electrifies the Dana Point Harbor with nautical, entertaining holiday displays. The nine-ton sand sculpture, which takes one week to build, fills the center of the hotel's lobby and has become a St. Regis tradition.

The entire season is filled with activities for the family including the Gingerbread House Academy, a weekly gingerbread house decorating class led by award-wining Pastry Chef Frederic Moreau, holiday afternoon tea, and multi-course family and fine dining options for resort guests and locals alike.

The St. Regis Monarch Beach is offering special seasonal packages for overnight stays at the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort. The IllumniOcean Package includes luxury accommodations for four, two IllumniOcean children's shirts, two sets of IllumniEYES 3D glasses for special IllumniOcean viewing, a hot chocolate amenity and valet parking.  The Suite Wondrous Holiday package creates family traditions and unique holiday experiences. The package includes luxury suite accommodations, an in-room Gingerbread Academy experience, holiday tea for two adults and two children, a St. Regis signature ornament, and a visit from a St. Regis butler to read holiday stories and deliver milk and cookies for the children. Pricing and availability can be found at www.stregismb.com.

This year's full event activities include:

Sand Sculpture Dedication and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Sunday, November 30 at 3:30 p.m.

During this festive evening, families can admire the massive nine-ton sand sculpture, take photos with Santa Claus, enjoy holiday entertainment and participate in a raffle to win exclusive St. Regis prizes with proceeds benefitting the Magic Johnson Foundation. One lucky child will be chosen to help with the Tree Lighting with NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, flipping the switch that brings the tree and holiday spirit to life. Photos with Santa begin at 3:30 p.m. and the Sand Sculpture Dedication and Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. New this year, a VIP reception with Magic Johnson before the tree lighting includes tray passed canapés, beer and wine, an exclusive viewing area of the evening's festivities and a takeaway gift. The VIP reception with Magic Johnson is $65 for adults, $25 for children.

Holiday Afternoon Tea

Thursday, Friday and Saturday; December 4-20

Guests looking for a celebratory experience can visit St. Regis Monarch Beach from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a lavish holiday tea buffet featuring an international variety of teas, finger sandwiches and sweet delicacies created by award-winning Pastry Chef Frederic Moreau. $59 for adults, $24 for children 5-12.

Gingerbread House Academy

Weekends; December 6-21

Children and families are invited to follow their sweet tooth and join in on the St. Regis tradition of decorating gourmet gingerbread houses. Pastry Chef Frederic Moreau and the St. Regis Monarch Beach pastry team will offer tips for decorating with the seemingly endless amount of candy and frosting available. $85 per gingerbread house, with a maximum of four people per house.

Photos with Santa

Weekends; December 6-21

Have your kids been naughty or nice? Voted as one of the top Santa's in the U.S. by TIME magazine, children can visit jolly ol' St. Nick at the St. Regis Monarch Beach from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the month of December and hand in their wish lists.  Photos with Santa are complimentary with a suggested $10 donation to Breast Cancer Angels.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Motif

Wednesday, December 24

Experience a four-course Christmas dinner accompanied by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Executive Chef Frederic Castan will feature a delectable array of traditional yuletide favorites and new inspirations. $95 for adults, $39 for children 5-12.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Stonehill Tavern

Wednesday, December 24

Embark on a five-course culinary journey on Christmas Eve with Executive Chef Raj Dixit at the helm of Michael Mina's acclaimed restaurant. Featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, this Forbes Four-Star restaurant creates contemporary twists on classic dishes. An à la carte menu is also available. $125 per person, $195 with wine pairings.

Christmas Day Holiday Brunch in Motif

Thursday, December 25

Enjoy an extended, progressive dining experience at the holiday version of Motif's renowned brunch. From 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas day, guests can indulge in international culinary creations ranging from pan-seared swordfish and chicken tandoori to delectable desserts like eggnog crème brûlée. $115 for adults, $35 for children 5-12.

New Year's Eve Dinner in Motif

Wednesday, December 31

Ring in the New Year with a five-course menu with spectacular ocean views created by award-winning Executive Chef Frederic Castan and the acclaimed restaurant's talented culinary team. $115 for adults, $35 for children 5-12.

New Year's Eve Dinner at Stonehill Tavern

Wednesday, December 31

Begin your celebration with a handcrafted, six-course tasting menu at St. Regis Monarch Beach's cornerstone restaurant. Ticket prices include entry to the New Year's Eve “Diamonds and Pearls” Party and midnight champagne toast in the Lobby Lounge. An à la carte menu is also available. $295 per person, $450 with wine pairings.

New Year's Eve “Diamonds and Pearls” Party

Wednesday, December 31

Dance the night away to live music from Flashback Heart Attack and dine at delicious culinary stations accompanied by timeless cocktails at the St. Regis Monarch Beach New Year's Eve bash. This year's theme is “Diamonds and Pearls.” Entry to the party comes at various packages:

• Full-Event Ticket ($225): Begin your evening at 8pm with full access to savory and sweet culinary stations, a welcome beverage and two complimentary drink vouchers.
• Cocktail Event Ticket ($145): Join the St. Regis Monarch Beach with music, dancing and a New Year's Eve countdown starting at 10:30 p.m. Ticket includes a welcome beverage and two complimentary drink vouchers.
• Overnight Event Ticket ($695+): Be safe and avoid a late night drive home by booking a night at the St. Regis Monarch Beach with luxury room accommodations and two full-event tickets to the New Year's Eve bash where you will enjoy the delicious culinary stations and party until 1:30 a.m. Book online or call 1-866-716-8135 and mention the promo code LXPKG1.
• VIP Access and Bottle Service available: Please call 1-866-716-8135 for pricing and information.

New Year's Day Brunch at Motif

Thursday, January 1

Kick-off 2015 with one of the best brunches on the California coast. Book a reservation at Motif for an epicurean spread featuring dishes from around the world and a St. Regis Signature Bloody Mary Station. Enjoy made-to-order pancake and omelet stations, fresh seafood, sushi and international dishes. $65 for adults, $24 for children 5-12.

For more information about St. Regis Monarch Beach visit www.stregismb.com or Facebook. Follow @StRegisMB on Twitter and Instagram.