While there’s no white blanket covering Orange County and there’s more in the way of rain than anything else if we’re getting weather, there’s no reason not to enjoy the wintertime. Head to any of these top 5 activities to celebrate the winter season by warming up or chilling out.

When the New Years celebrations are in the rear view and the air starts to chill, you know it’s time for dungeness crab — and so does Chef Jacqueline Nabong at Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille. She’s developed three great new dishes for the menu that take advantage of the season’s bountiful crab.

Chocoholics, beware! If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your chocolate urges, then the Island Hotel is the place to get your fix. From Feb. 4-26th, they’re celebrating with their famed Cocoa Lounge, where it’s definitely encouraged to have dessert before and after dinner.

While it might be warming up for the weekend, there’s no doubt that the winter chill will be hanging around a few more weeks. And if you feel that chill down your back, all you need to reach for is one of Oprah’s Fashion Must-Haves for Fall 2011, the Nomad scarf from L.A.-based Fluxus.

What’s in a name? If a major Orange County institution is changing their name, you know it’s a big deal — and on Jan. 12th, the Orange County Performing Arts Center underwent a name change to become the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. As the center begins to celebrate 25 years of bringing the best of broadway, dance, drama and more to the center, the generosity of the Segerstrom family comes front and center.

For some major name eats, there’s no need to make the drive up the 405 — whether you plan on LA’s gastro greats or plan on hopping on a plane at LAX. There are some big names right here at home. Though the chefs might not be behind the burners every single day, you’ll be able to taste their influence at any of these top 5 picks for celebrity chef spots in Orange County.

You already know that Seasons 52 is a great place to indulge without breaking your fitness goals, whether you’re looking for a great meal or just a quick bite to refuel during a South Coast Plaza shopping binge. Just in time for Valentine’s Day (or any day) they’re introducing a brand new mini indulgence that’s sure to have you seeing red.

Resolve to try new wine this year! Sure, you’ve got your favorite pours, but with Prego Ristorante’s first wine dinner of 2011, you can sample tastes from Rocca delle Macie and enjoy the great Italian fare at Prego. They’re pulling out all the stops for the first wine dinner of the year, so make your reservations quick — with a great menu and a great pairing it’s sure to fill up fast.

Going crazy looking for a new place to get your taco fix? There’s no need to be chasing a truck around using your GPS and Twitter and there’s definitely no reason to be driving across the county looking for good eats. For tacos that are anything but normal — not to mention with a location that’s not moving every day — head to Taco Asylum to sate your cravings.