Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor. The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, and this year’s theme is “Seas the Holidays.”
Dec. 14-18.
christmasboatparade.com
American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Alexei Ratmansky’s sumptuous production takes audiences on a dreamlike adventure. Enjoy sets and costumes by Tony-winning designer Richard Hudson as the ballet unfolds to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Dec. 9-11, 14-18 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets start at $29. scfta.org
Special events
SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL’S 26TH ANNUAL WINTER FANTASY: Festival grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland where 175 artists create, display and sell original artworks. Experience holiday entertainment, outdoor cafes, art classes and demonstrations, a petting zoo, and visits with Santa. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 18 at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Admission is $4-$8. sawdustartfestival.org
OLATE DOGS SANTA PAWS HOLIDAY SHOW: The Olate Dogs are the winning participants from Season 7 of “America’s Got Talent,” scooping up the $1 million prize and headlining The Palazzo in Las Vegas. Led by Richard Olate and his son Nicholas, the Olate Dogs are a high-energy, fast-paced canine theatrical act filled with amazing dog tricks, human acrobatics and humor. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave. Tickets are $25-$50. citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
CELEBRATE LAS POSADAS!: This colorful Mexican holiday celebrates the nine days leading up to Christmas. Join in for festive activities, art and events. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16 at Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine. Admission is free-$12.50. pretendcity.org
FAN APPRECIATION AND HOLIDAY SHOW FROM THE FRET MELTERS: The Lord of the Strings concert series features acoustic guitarist Peppino D’ Agnostino and fingerpicking master Richard Smith performing together for the first time. During the concert, guests will enjoy wine selections and are allowed to bring in light bites from one of SoCo’s culinary partners. 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at LCA Wine at SoCo, 3315 Hyland Ave., Suite H, Costa Mesa. Tickets are $30. southcoastcollection.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION: Features crafts for kids, food, ringing of the historic bells and “Santa’s Workshop,” with cookie and ornament decorating for kids (free while supplies last). Performance groups include Dickens carolers, chamber singers, orchestra musicians and mariachis. Event follows the annual tree-lighting ceremony in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway. Admission is $5. missionsjc.com
‘LIGHT A LIGHT OF LOVE’: Celebration in Huntington Beach on Dec. 4 featuring the formal Pier and Main Street Snowflake Lighting at 6 p.m., the Children’s Holiday Parade at 4:30 p.m. down Main Street from Orange Avenue to Pier Plaza, Youth Shelter Craft Booths at Pier Plaza, Surf City Santa Visits the Beach at Pier Plaza following the parade, and Pier Plaza Entertainment with performances from youth organizations and high school groups from 3:30 to 7 p.m. cspinc.org
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Nineteenth-century London comes to life as you recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas with this timeless Dickens classic and all your favorite characters – Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come – and, as always, Hal Landon Jr. as everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Through Dec. 24 at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets are $62. scr.org
FESTIVAL OF KWANZAA CELEBRATION: Each day a candle is lit on the Kinara with a celebration of a new principle through a variety of activities. Also make gifts for family and friends and work at the family stand. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 1 at Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine. Admission is free-$12.50. pretendcity.org
‘TIS THE SEASON!’: Merriment and music abound when Pacific Chorale brings its holiday cheer to you, joined by members of Pacific Symphony and the charming voices of the Southern California Children’s Chorus, in an evening of musical Christmas delights. Dec. 18-19 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets start at $29. scfta.org
ANNUAL NOON-YEAR’S CONFETTI COUNTDOWN: Celebrate the new year at different times throughout the day as the sun travels across time zones. There will be four confetti countdowns to celebrate the new year in Bangladesh, Dubai, Athens and London, as it turns to midnight in these cities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine. Admission is free-$12.50. pretendcity.org
DISNEY ON ICE: Rev up for nonstop family fun with four of your favorite Disney stories with “Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment.” This action-packed ice spectacular showcases beloved characters from “Cars,” “Toy Story 3,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Frozen.” Dec. 21-25 at Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim. Tickets start at $25. hondacenter.com
‘CHRISTMAS IN KID CITY’: Drop your children off for a journey through a Christmas Wonderland where they will get to experience the true Christmas story. Children 3 years old and potty trained up to fifth grade are invited. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo. $12 per family. mookidcity.com
KIDZ BOP KIDS ‘LIFE OF THE PARTY TOUR’: The No. 1 kids’ music brand is taking its 15th birthday celebration on the road with this tour that features the biggest pop songs of the year and awesome new dance moves. The Kidz Bop Kids have been named Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kids’ Artists” for the sixth consecutive year. 5 p.m. Dec. 18 at City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave. citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
Exhibits
WINTER WONDERFEST: Snow has come to Orange County with themed attractions and science at Discovery Cube. Learn the science behind sledding down ice ramps and how snow angels are formed, then put your knowledge to action with real sledding and snow angel making. Dec. 17-Jan. 8 at Discovery
Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana.
discoverycube.org
Theme park news
Disneyland
Every holiday season, the Disneyland Resort is a magical place to make memories with family and friends. This year, those memories will be brimming with Disney music and stories from the new holiday-themed “World of Color-Season of Light,” while the new “Festival of Holidays” will inspire guests to discover holiday celebrations from many cultures. With those additions, plus the debut of Princess Elena of Avalor, all is merry and bright at the Disneyland Resort. Through Jan. 8.
disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott’s Berry Farm
The park becomes Knott’s “Merry” Farm for the holidays to celebrate with decorations and entertainment. Military Days are in effect through Dec. 16, when active, retired or veteran U.S. military personnel receive free admission for themselves and one guest. knotts.com
Sports
DEC. 7: The Ducks host the Carolina Hurricaness at 7:30 p.m.
DEC.9: The Ducks host the San Jose Sharks at 7 p.m.
DEC.11: The Ducks host the Ottawa Senators at 1 p.m.DEC. 27: The Ducks host the San Jose Sharks at 7 p.m.
Dec. 11: The Rams host the Atlanta Falcons at 1:25 p.m.
DEC. 24: The Rams host the San Francisco 49ers at 1:25 p.m.
