Location: Corona del Mar: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Cost: Free!
For ages: All

To truly get you into the holiday decorating spirit, a stroll through Roger’s Gardens nursery in Corona del Mar to see the “Gallery of Trees” is always a good place to start.

Of course, Roger’s Gardens is open year-round, but at the holidays, it really shines. …

You can easily make a whole evening of going out to view the Gallery of Trees, purchasing a favored decoration or two, and then having dinner in one of Newport Beach’s fine restaurants. It’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Roger’s has a roomful of trees on display each year, with themes ranging from candy canes and “travel abroad” to “Midas touch” and crystal elegance.

Be sure to top off the holiday experience with a visit to Roger’s Christopher Radko Gallery, the only one of its kind (and the largest single-store Radko gallery in the world). Collectors swarm to this room year-round.

Outdoors, Roger’s Gardens has winter-blooming flowers, plenty of poinsettias, live Christmas trees for sale, and a model train running through a tiny garden.

Santa Claus visits for the kids from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends, posing in Roger’s Gardens outdoor gazebo (the original gazebo from Disneyland’s Main Street). You and your children are sure to leave whistling some holiday tunes. …

Where to park: Parking is plentiful in the lot off San Joaquin Hills Road

What to bring: Shopping money! Otherwise, just consider sunscreen and/or sunglasses and sunhat for daytime outdoor strolling; strollers welcome, but paths are narrow so umbrella strollers are best.

For more information: (949) 640-5800 or www.rogersgardens.com

Have you ever been to Roger’s Gardens at Christmas? Any fun tips to share?