Nutcracker Festival
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:30am-7:30pm

Holiday Street Fair held at the Center Street Promenade. The celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony, rides for children, entertainment, food and a visit from some special guests. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Anaheim Merchants Association, the Nutcracker Holiday Committee, the City of Anaheim and the Anaheim Community Foundation.

INFORMATION:
714-956-3586

Christian Singles Giant New Year's Eve Dance Party - Anaheim
December 31, 2009
8 pm to 1 am

Mark your calendars NOW for the Spectacular Events "3 in 1" New Year's Eve Dance Party for Christian Singles (up to 700 attend each year). For ages 19 to 91. No alcohol

Two buildings for dancing with a different DJ in each building. Price includes dance lessons in each building.

$29 Earlybird by Nov 10
$39 after Nov 10
$50 at the door

LOCATION:
White House Event Center in Anaheim
Beach & Ball inside the Hobby City parking lot

INFORMATION:
Call 714/210-3337 with your credit card, or PayPal (at least 48 hours prior) Ask for a FREE Christian Singles Fun Pack.

Nutcracker Craft Boutique
Friday, November 20, 2009, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Offering shoppers one-of-a-kind items perfect for the holiday season. Over the two days, 250 vendors will be on site displaying and selling beautiful handcrafted holiday gifts, decorations, food and collectibles. Shoppers can come one day or both to shop for one-of-a-kind items. Due to large numbers of shoppers, strollers cannot be accommodated at this event.

Admission $2.00

LOCATION:
The Brea Community Center
695 E. Madison Way (Corner of Madison & Randolph)

INFORMATION:
714-990-7771

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 3, 2009

Light up the holiday at the City of Brea’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration. Live music and entertainment will put everyone in the holiday mood. Watch the holiday tree light up the evening and see children’s eyes sparkle when Mr. & Mrs. Santa drop in for a visit. Refreshments will be served and there will also be professional photos with Santa for only $5 for a 5x7.

LOCATION:
Brea Civic & Cultural Center
1 Civic Center Circle

INFORMATION:
(714) 990-7771

Candy Caneland Craft Faire
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

A community holiday carnival that includes food and game booths sponsored by local non-profit groups, entertainment, a “real snow” slide, Santa and more! This annual carnival attracts several thousand people each year.

LOCATION:
Ehlers Community Recreation Center
8150 Knott Ave

INFORMATION:
(714) 236-3860

Turkey Trot
November 26, 2009

California's Largest Thanksgiving Day Run Event - The Dana Point Turkey Trot - One of America's Most Scenic Runs... hosted by The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Tour the beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point.

Enjoy pounding surf, rugged cliffs, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and pass the historic tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor.

Holiday in the Harbor
Friday, December 4, 2009
4 - 8 pm

Join us to celebrate the holiday season. Santa will hear your Christmas wishes and is available for photos (bring your camera). There are many fun activities planned, including photos with Santa, performances by various characters, and holiday crafts, people painting, and a caricature artist. So, bring friends and family down to enjoy the Harbor’s Holiday spirit.

LOCATIONS:
The three areas of the Harbor, Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariner’s Alley will all host holiday activities geared to families and children. Activities start on the grass in front of Harpoon Henry’s at 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor (and Dana Point Harbor Drive).

INFORMATION:
(949) 496-2979

Boat Rides with Santa
Friday, December 3rd & Saturday, December 4th, 2009
10:00AM - 3:00PM

Free Event! Come aboard the “Sum Fun” for a twenty-minute Harbor cruise with Santa and his helpers. Santa will be hearing those holiday wishes as you cruise the Harbor. The El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will be on hand to take your photo for a $1 donation. What a unique and fun way for kids of all ages to visit with Santa, so dress warm. Location: East end of Dana Point Harbor at Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks, between the Jolly Roger and the Wind & Sea. No reservations needed!

LOCATION:
Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks
34675 Golden Lantern - between the Jolly Roger and the Wind & Sea.

INFORMATION:
(949) 923-2255

ANNUAL BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS
December 11-12 & 18-19, 2009
7:30pm

This year, the theme for the 35th Annual Boat Parade of Lights is ‘SANTA’S SURFIN SAFARI'. Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for awards. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of our restaurants to view it from a cozy and warm spot. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

LOCATION:
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern

** Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers boat rides so you too can experience the fun of actually riding on a boat and joining in the parade. Reservations can be made at www.danawharf.com

Call and make your reservations at (949) 496-5794.

For more information or a boat or sponsor entry form call THE Harbor Info line at (949) 923-2255

Swedish Christmas Fair
Sunday, November 29, 2009

A traditional and authentic Swedish Christmas, complete with a St. Lucia procession brought to you by the SWEA of Orange County.

Wonderfully decorated exhibits, food, arts and crafts, traditional music, dancing and activities for children will be available as well as visits from both St. Lucia and the Swedish Santa Claus or "Jultomten".


LOCATION:
Costa Mesa Community Center
1845 Park Ave.
Costa Mesa.

A Christmas Carol
November 28 - December 26, 2009

Orange County's happiest family tradition is 30 years old! Once again, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge himself will bring 19th-century London to life in Orange County's favorite Christmas tradition.

South Coast Repertory
(714) 708-5555

The Polar Express
December 5, 2009
2:00-4:00 p.m.

Weichman Realtors will be hosting the 3rd Annual Polar Express along with Santa Claus and his Elves. Train ride, pictures with Santa, coloring contest and face painting.

LOCATION:
Goat Hill Junction /Fairview Park
2480 Placentia Avenue
Costa Mesa

INFORMATION:
Call the Polar Express Hotline to RSVP at:
877-444-2177 ext. 2009

Nutcracker for Kids
December 12, 2009
10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet — performed in a condensed version created just for kids. This seasonal favorite finishes with a grand holiday finale.

LOCATION:
Orange County Performing Arts Center - Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

INFORMATION:
714-755-5799

Handel's Messiah
December 13, 2009

It's hard to image a holiday season without "Messiah," the most famous oratorio in the world. Through some of the most beautiful music ever written, "Messiah" conveys a message of hope to everyone who hears it, year after year after year. Thrill to blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and the electrifying, uplifting "Hallelujah" chorus.

LOCATION:
Orange County Performing Arts Center - Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

INFORMATION:
714-755-5799

Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, November 21, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Start your holiday shopping early! Free Admission

LOCATION:
Cypress Community Center
5700 Orange Avenue

HOLIDAY SING
December 10, 2009
6 pm

Visit with Santa, Refreshments, School Group Performers, Train Rides, Lighting of the Holiday Tree. Free Admission

Dress in warm clothing and seat cushions are recommended. (In case of rain, this event wil be held at the Cypress Senior Center.)

LOCATION:
On the south steps of the Council Chambers
On the corner of Orange Avenue and Grindlay Street

Downtown Fullerton Annual Winter Festival
December 5
Noon - 6pm

Bounce houses, Snow, Face painting, Classic cars, Craft booths, Food booths, Holiday entertainment, live bands, caroling and more!

This free event is sponsored by the Fullerton Downtown Business Association in association with the City of Fullerton, the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, and local business owners.

Location:
Downtown Fullerton

Tickets 714-738-6317

Huntington Beach Smooth Jazz Series

Nick Colionne & Maysa Smooth Jazz Christmas
November 28, 2009

LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Library Theatre

New Year's Eve Gala with Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore & Kim Waters
December 31, 2009

Dance all night to the sounds of DJ JONATHAN PHILLIPS

LOCATION:
Hyatt Regency
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach
(714) 377-7574

Holiday Parade and Pier Lighting in Huntington Beach
December 06, 2009
1-7 pm

Come celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at the Light a Light of Love Celebration. Activities will include a children’s parade on Main Street, entertainment at Pier Plaza, Taste of Main Street and a snowflake lighting ceremony at the pier.

LOCATION:
The Main Street Holiday Celebration and Pier Lighting and Parade take place at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach.

INFORMATION:
714-960-9276

"Home for the Holidays" - Auction and Dinner Event
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
6 pm

Huntington Beach's Soroptimist International annual "Home for the Holidays" auction and dinner event. The volunteer club has raised funds annually to support the Huntington Beach Community Clinic, Project Self Sufficiency and other local charities for over a decade while providing the community with its "kick-off" holiday shopping event.

It will be an evening of music, dining, friends and good cheer, with silent and live auctions.

LOCATION:
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

714-969-7100

The Nutcracker Ballet
December 12-24, 2009

This traditional, delightful Christmas ballet is presented in its original, full-length version for your holiday enjoyment.

LOCATION:
Golden West College Mainstage Theater
15744 Golden West Street

INFORMATION:
714-895-8150

Cruise of Lights
December 17-23 2009

Take a narrated cruise through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to see the holiday lighted homes and decorations in this annual event .
Location: Park in the Huntington Harbour Mall lot (corner of Algonquin and Saybrook) and get on the designated buses that travel a short distance to the boat launch area.

Advanced ticket purchase call: (714) 840-7542

Ice Rink at the Spectrum
Opens November 1, 2009

Outdoor skating rink at the Irvine Spectrum.

Irvine Spectrum
949-456-6937

"The Nutcracker" At the Barclay Theater
Friday, December 12-24, 2009

This Yuletide tradition features internationally acclaimed guest artists from American Ballet Theatre. Family-friendly and affordable the full-length traditional production, choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, honors the international themes and fantasy aspects of the popular story ballet that features a cast of more than 180 Southern California children and professional dancers.

LOCATION:
4242 Campus Drive

INFORMATION:
(949) 854-4646

The Maple Youth Ballet proudly presents The Nutcracker
December 19-22, 2009

From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with dancing snowflakes, a dashing prince, and Tchaikovsky's majestic score based on one of the world's most beloved ballets.

Most performances sold out last year—buy tickets early to ensure the best seat selection!

LOCATION:
Northwood Performing Arts Theatre in Irvine

INFORMATION:
949-660-9930

Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Four weekends November 21-December 13, 2009

This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Admission includes art projects for all ages, a real snow play field, holiday entertainment, 3 outdoor cafés, artist demonstrations including glass blowing and daily visits with Santa!

General Admission:
$6.00 Adults, $3.00 children 6-12

LOCATION:
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd

INFORMATION:
949-494-3030

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 12, 2009
10:00 a.m.

Featuring marching bands, equestrian units, youth groups, vehicles, civic groups, schools, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa.

LOCATION:
Crown Valley Parkway
between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join your friends and family for this annual holiday favorite. Every year this event brings the La Palma community together to ring in the holiday season! Enjoy the musical talents from our local schools and join in during the Community Carol Sing Along. Join Santa and his elves in the activities area before the event.

This area will feature crafts, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, and of course, the young and young-at-heart won’t want to miss an early visit from Santa Claus!

LOCATION:
Central Park Amphitheater

INFORMATION:
(714) 690-3350

Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Nov 20 - Nov 21 2009

Celebrating the beginning of the holiday season by illuminating Fashion Island’s majestic tree with over 17,000 lights and ornaments. This event will be accompanied by Santa's arrival and a song and dance spectacular featuring talented singers and dancers from The Orange County High School of the Arts.

The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in the Bloomingdale's Courtyard.

LOCATION:
Fashion Island
(949) 721-2000

101st Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2009
Newport Beach
December 16-December 20, 2009

FREE to the public. The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights from December 16-December 20 2009. The parade starts at Collins Island at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half hours over 250 ships participate in the parade along with hundreds of water front estates. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. FREE for spectators, entry fee for participating boats. Over 1 million people view the parade each year.

For those of you that would like to be in parade Newport Landing offers 2 general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.

LOCATION FOR CRUISES:
Newport Landing Sportfishing
309 Palm - Suite A
Newport Beach Ca 92661

INFORMATION:
949-675-0551

Irvine Park Railroad – 14th Annual Christmas Train to Meet Santa Claus
November 27-29, 2009
December 4-6, 11-23, 2009

Take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. In addition to riding the Irvine Park Railroad, activities include story time with Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookie decorating, a Santa Claus moon bounce, Christmas coloring corner, carnival games, picture stands and more. Hot food and snacks are available for purchase.

The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $8.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free. Prices for activities vary. For directions, costs and additional information or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.irvineparkrailroad.com

LOCATION:
Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

INFORMATION:
(714) 997-3968

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Processional
Sunday, December 6, 2009
3:30 - 7 pm

Enjoy traditional holiday music performed by Orange choirs and orchestra. Stroll around Plaza Park and enjoy food from non-profit organizations food booths.

LOCATION:
Plaza Park, Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street

INFORMATION:
Special Events Hotline - 714-744-7278

Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet at El Adobe
Thursday, November 26, 2009
11:00am-7:00pm

Turkey & all the trimmings, plus salads & relishes, Mexican specialties, and more!

LOCATION:
31891 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano

INFORMATION:
Reservations (949) 493-1163

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 5, 2009
4:15 PM - 9:00 PM

San Juan Hills & Capistrano Valley High School Orchestras and our very own Ballet Foklorico will perform on stage. The kids from the Mc Coy-Rigby Conservatory of the Arts have designed a stage production filled with song and dance.

The official lighting of our Christmas Tree takes place at 5:45pm after which a candle light procession will lead guests out of the park and over to the San Juan Capistrano Missin and Downtown area for more festivities.

LOCATION:
Downtown San Juan Capistrano

INFORMATION:
949-493-5911

Puttin on the Glitz
Saturday, November 28, 2009
5pm-9pm

Proudly presented by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association, our time honored tradition, Puttin’ on the Glitz! Come and bring the whole family to an evening of holiday cheer and enchantment. Santa will be available for photos, there will be live entertainment and the downtown shops will remain open late to help with your holiday shopping list! So what better way to kick off the holiday season by joining in on the festivities as the Downtown Business Association is Puttin’ on the Glitz!

INFORMATION:
(949) 218-5378

CANDY CANE CARNIVAL
Saturday, December 5, 2009
3pm-7pm

This holiday spectacular will convert the Community Center into the North Pole, complete with polar bears and penguins, a BIGGER snow hill for sledding, and a newly added snow play area for tots! Mrs. Claus’ Bakery will be open for cookie decorating, along with the Candy Cane Factory where you can watch (and eat!) fresh candy canes being made. Costumed characters and entertainers, carnival games, face painting, and, of course, the season wouldn’t be complete without falling snowflakes and Santa visits (bring your camera!). Don’t miss Santa’s reading of “The Night Before Christmas” followed by the lighting of the City’s Holiday Tree at 6pm. Stick around for dinner with the elves, or munch on popcorn and snacks.

LOCATION:
Community Center

INFORMATION:
(949) 361-8264

CHRISTMAS GIFT PROGRAM
December 12, 2009
11 am

Join the family Assistance Ministries for this wonderful Christmas event. Presents will be handed out to needy children of our community and lunch will be served.

LOCATION:
Community Center

INFORMATION:
If you are interested in donating gifts please call the Family Assistance Ministries at 492-8477

Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival - Santa Ana
Nov 23, 2009 – Jan 3, 2010

Inside the kitchen, much more is going on than pouring and mixing – it’s science at work! Discovery Science Center’s The Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival features a variety of family-friendly holiday interactives including: hands-on kitchen science activities, decorating demonstrations and award-winning gingerbread houses on display. Who knew science could be so tasty? Don’t miss the chance to enter the annual gingerbread competition for fabulous prizes!

LOCATION:
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

INFORMATION:
714-542-2823

Historic French Park Holiday Home Tour - Santa Ana
December - date TBA

Tour some of Orange County's oldest and finest homes! The 19th Century movers and shakers of Orange County made their homes here the turn of the century... today, this National Register of Historic Places neighborhood opens their doors for you to catch a rare glimpse of their holiday glory. French Park's architecture showcases Eastlake Victorian, Craftsman bungalow, and Colonial, NeoClassical and Spanish Revival styles.

LOCATION:
Historic French Park neighborhood
Santa Ana, California

Bowers Museum Presents LAS POSADAS MEXICAN CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Sunday, December 13, 2009
5:00 pm

Witness the traditional Mexican festival that re-enacts Mary and Joseph seeking refuge in Bethlehem. Enjoy singers, dancers, musicians, a piñata and Santa Claus plus traditional tamales and hot chocolate. Co-sponsored by the Hispanic Arts Council.

LOCATION:
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana

INFORMATION:
(714) 567-3679

KWANZAA CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 26, 2009
1 pm

Kwanza, derived from Swahili; means "first" and comes from the saying mantunda ya Kwanza, or "first fruits." The extra "a" represents African-American values. The celebration honors seven days in which seven basic principles are recognized.

LOCATION:
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana

INFORMATION:
(714) 567-3679

Annual Holiday Parade
Friday, December 4, 2009
7 pm

The Parade will proceed from Ocean to Pacific Coast Highway. Get there early to save a seat. There will be clowns, bands, floats, local dignitaries and a visit from Santa!.

INFORMATION:
562-799-0179

Tree Lighting
Friday, December 4, 2009
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The City of Tustin Parks and Recreation Department invites you to join in the holiday fun as they celebrate their Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. The evening will include photos with Santa and performances by Community Groups

LOCATION:
City Hall -300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780

INFORMATION:
714-573-3326

Great Inland Boat Parade and Holiday Celebration
TBA

This fun filled event consists of a parade of Christmas decorated land yachts (anything from a small boat pulled by a car to a horse wagon!) followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony.

LOCATION:
Villa Park Towne Centre

INFORMATION:
714-998-1500

The Rose Theater Christmas Concert
December 20, 2009
2:30 pm

Featuring Sounds of the Season. General Admission: $15 Students & Seniors: $10

LOCATION:
The Rose Theater
14140 All American Way
Westminster, CA

INFORMATION:
714-793-1150

Annual Handel's Messiah community sing-along
Sunday November 29, 2009
2 concert seatings: 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Free concert in the East Room of the Richard Nixon Library. The audience is invited to sing along with the Master Chorus and Orchestra in the favorite Messiah choruses, which include Glory of the Lord, Thou that tellest Good Tidings and more.

If you are a singer, please bring your own music scores (G. Schirmer edition). Music scores are available to borrow or purchase (supplies are limited). If you aren't a singer, you're invited to sit back and enjoy the music!

LOCATION:
Richard Nixon Library

INFORMATION:
714-996-1960