THROUGH DEC. 21
“SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL”
Following the same miserable character from Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “Scrooge! The Musical” is a touching twist on the classic tale with a bit more humor, drama, and music. Follow along as Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who despises all things Christmas and joy, embarks on the path of redemption one fateful Christmas Eve after being visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714-777-3033, https://chancetheater.com
THROUGH DEC. 30
IRVINE PARK RAILROAD CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Visit the North Pole right in the middle of Orange County at Irvine Park Railroad’s Santa’s Village, Christmas Train, and Train of Lights. The Santa’s Village experience includes visits from Santa, carnival rides and games, cookie decorating, crafts, ice fishing, and more. Take a trip on the railroad through elaborate light displays on the Train of Lights. Through Dec. 23, visitors can go on the Christmas Train to visit Santa at the North Pole and deliver their own wish list. Irvine Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714-997-3968, https://irvineparkrailroad.com
DEC. 17 THROUGH 21
117TH ANNUAL NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE
Yachts, boats, canoes, and kayaks will drift along the annual Newport Beach Boat Parade route decked out top to bottom with beautiful holiday decorations. Everything from inflatable figurines and projection shows to live music can be expected on the various floats. The 14-mile-long route transforms the entire harbor into a holiday celebration. This year’s parade theme is Magical Nights of Lights. Starting and ending at the tip of Lido Isle, Newport Beach, https://christmasboatparade.com
DEC. 18 THROUGH 21
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY”
Experience the classic holiday film as a live stage performance through the lens of a 1940s radio broadcast. An ensemble of performers will portray all of the characters from the film including George Bailey, and the show will feature all of the elements of a radio broadcast including sound effects. The charming production offers a blast from the past as it tells the heartwarming tale of a man finding community. Curtis Theatre, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, 714-990-7722, https://www.ci.brea.ca.us
DEC. 19 THROUGH 30
CAPISTRANO LIGHTS
The Mission San Juan Capistrano will be illuminated with beautiful holiday light displays, including a Christmas tree, full nativity scene, a lighted halo grove, and a scented citrus grove. The evening displays will also feature Dickens-era carolers, a harpist in the Serra Chapel, and a tree lighting. Guests can tour the mission with a Capistrano Lights audio tour that features gospel music and a reading of “Night Before Christmas.” Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949-234-1300, https://missionsjc.com
DEC. 21 AND 22
TIS THE SEASON!
The Pacific Chorale will be joined by members of the Pacific Symphony and the Southern California Children’s Concert Chorus to perform the annual holiday spectacular. The performance will include a range of holiday classics complete with orchestration and vocals. There might even be a surprise visit from the man of the season, Santa. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-755-5799, https://pacificsymphony.org
THROUGH DEC. 21
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE’S “THE NUTCRACKER”
When Clara receives a nutcracker doll as a gift at her family Christmas party, she has no idea the incredible adventures that await her in her dreams that night. She discovers that her nutcracker doll has come to life as a prince and together they see dancing snowflakes, dueling mice soldiers, and flowers that waltz. American Ballet Theatre has been performing its production of the Christmas classic on the Segerstrom stage for 10 years, complete with more than 100 performers, beautiful costumes, and elaborate set designs. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, https://scfta.org
THROUGH DEC. 21
SAWDUST WINTER FANTASY
Each year, the Sawdust Art Festival grounds become a whimsical winter wonderland complete with holiday decor, seasonal food, falling snow, carolers, and Santa Claus. Peruse art of all forms handcrafted by local artists while enjoying the holiday festivities. In addition to Christmas shopping and enjoying the festive decorations, visitors can catch live entertainment throughout the festival grounds including marionette shows and music. Sawdust Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-494-3030, https://sawdustartfestival.org
THROUGH DEC. 21
“SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL”
Following the same miserable character from Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “Scrooge! The Musical” is a touching twist on the classic tale with a bit more humor, drama, and music. Follow along as Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who despises all things Christmas and joy, embarks on the path of redemption one fateful Christmas Eve after being visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714-777-3033, https://chancetheater.com
THROUGH DEC. 30
IRVINE PARK RAILROAD CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Visit the North Pole right in the middle of Orange County at Irvine Park Railroad’s Santa’s Village, Christmas Train, and Train of Lights. The Santa’s Village experience includes visits from Santa, carnival rides and games, cookie decorating, crafts, ice fishing, and more. Take a trip on the railroad through elaborate light displays on the Train of Lights. Through Dec. 23, visitors can go on the Christmas Train to visit Santa at the North Pole and deliver their own wish list. Irvine Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714-997-3968, https://irvineparkrailroad.com
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
WINTER FEST OC
Find fun festivities for the whole family all month long at the fairgrounds. Falling snow, ice tubing, elaborate light displays, Santa meet and greets, live shows, and festive photo backgrounds are just some of the offerings that will be available. For an additional cost, visitors can go on carnival rides, ice skate, play in the inflatable obstacle courses, visit the igloo bar, or play mini golf. OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, https://winterfestoc.com
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
FIRE & LIGHTS FESTIVAL
At the picturesque Newport Dunes, more than 50 holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float along the shore in a dazzling display of lights. Thursday through Sunday each week, in addition to experiencing the light display, visitors can take photos with Santa, roast s’mores at the fire pits, play in the inflatable park, visit the igloo bar, and watch fire dancing performances. There will also be a Christmas tree lot with trees to purchase all season long. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949-729-3863, https://newportdunes.com
THROUGH DEC. 21
“FANCY NANCY SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS”
It wouldn’t be a Fancy Nancy Christmas without heaping amounts of tinsel, glitter, and sparkles. Little Nancy wants to buy a new sparkly tree topper, so she sells some of her gowns to raise money for the cause. She simply can’t wait to adorn her beautiful tree and indulge in festive decorations and Christmas cookies, but things don’t go the way she planned. The precocious children’s book character with an impressive vocabulary navigates saving the holidays in this silly musical for the whole family. Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 888-455-4212, https://chancetheater.com
THROUGH DEC. 28
“A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS: 10TH ANNIVERSARY LYTHGOE FAMILY PANTO”
Slapstick comedy and current pop hits collide with the classic story of Snow White in this witty Lythgoe Family pantomime play. For a decade, the production company has brought its twists on classic fairy tales to the Laguna Playhouse stage with ridiculous holiday-themed performances. This year, Snow White and the seven dwarves sing and dance to the likes of Lady Gaga with silly, sparkly costumes and puppetry. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, https://lagunaplayhouse.com
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