Events in California in early November offer concerts, festivals and tours celebrating the cultural heritage and history of California.
 

December 2007 Calendar

ALTADENA - Christmas Tree Lane Tree Lighting Ceremony. This annual tradition at a location that holds status as a National Historic Register attraction is held on the Altadena Library lawn. Time: 5 to 7 p.m.  

ANAHEIM - The Nutcracker Ballet.  The Sunrise Ballet Theatre 19th annual performance. Location: Servite Theater, 1952 West La Palma Avenue, between Euclid and Brookhurst. Time: December 8 - 4 p.m. All seats/all ages $16. hirschlballet.com

AUBURN - Country Christmas. The 21st annual Old Town Country Christmas  turns back the clock to days gone by with Christmas in the foothills. Lighted by Coleman Lanterns, streets are lined with crafters and food vendors, a bonfire to keep you warm, entertainment, pony rides and hayrides and strolling carolers are always a favorite. Over 50 shops and restaurants are open, admission is free and a free shuttle is provided from the fairgrounds. Time: Between 5pm to 9pm, Old Town Auburn, CA.  For information: 530/888-1585

BISHOP - Annual Bishop Christmas Parade on Main Street. Christmas Parade starts at 10 am. Horses, bands, floats, and more! Fun for the entire family. Sponsored by the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 760-873-8405. bishopvisitor.com 

CARMICHAEL - Holiday House Display - More than just lights, many say this event rivals the Bellagio water show in Las Vegas. Over 2 million computer-controlled actions or "states" per song create one of the best light and music shows you'll find. Visitors are invited to bring canned good donations. Time: Sunday - Thursday 6pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday 6pm-10pm. Location: 6425 Meadowhill Court, Carmichael, CA 95608. Directions: Go North on Fair Oaks Blvd from Arden Way. Turn Right on Landis Ave, Turn Right on Deodar Street, Turn Left onto Meadowhill Court. Cost: Free!  Through Dec. 31, 2007. lightupxmas.com

CERRITOS - Merry-Achi Christmas stars Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and Pafico Dance Company.  Colorful costumes, dance and music make this holiday incredibly bright and festive.   Location: Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 12799 Center Court, Cerritos, CA. Time: 8 p.m. nightly. Cost: $34.50 - 66. cerritoscenter.com. Call: (800) 300-4345.

CORONADO - Skating by The Sea. Three-hour skating sessions will be offered daily from 2 to 5 pm and 6 to 9 pm. A special matinee skating sessions from 11 am to 1 pm will occur on weekends and holidays. 3-hour session: $20/adults; $15/ages 10 years and under; 2-hour matinee session $15/adult; $10/ages 10 years and under. Skate rental is $5 per person. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA.  Call: 800 Hotel Del or  (619) 435-6611

ESCONDIDO - Christmas Parade Escondido. The annual Escondido Christmas Parade, on Broadway, between Escondido High School & Grape Day Park. 2nd Saturday Art Walk, 25 galleries, studios, museums, local theaters, & the Escondido Antique District open their doors to the public from 5 - 9 p.m. FREE Horse & Carriage Rides, in front of Mingei Museum, 155 W. Grand Avenue 6 - 8 p.m. Free photo with Santa. 6 - 9 p.m. Live Jazz, in front of Bank of Escondido, 200 W. Grand Avenue. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy this  live music .Time: Parade runs from 9 a.m. - noon. Other activities run throughout the day and into the night.  escondidojaycees.org

EUREKA - Christmas Truckers Convoy - Thousand of people line the streets on the second Saturday each December & delight at the spectacle of a hundred huge trucks adorned in holiday lights, Parade winds through the town with music & horns blaring Jingle Bells. Route: Begins at Redwood Acres, travels down Myrtle Ave to 6th street, turns onto H street then to Harris and returns to the fairgrounds. Cost: Free.  Location: Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris Street, Eureka, CA 95503. Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Call: 707-442-5744.

GARDEN GROVE - The Glory of Christmas Musical. A blend of Christmas carols, pageantry, live animals, flying angels, and special effects unfold in the nativity story. Location: Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, CA. Time: 4:30, 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Cost: $20-55. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Huntington Beach Christmas Boat Parade will take place along the channels and waterways of Huntington Harbour.  To park, you must find spots outside the islands. They are closed to car traffic (except residents) during this event. Time: Begins at dusk, around 5:30 p.m. Lasts about two hours.  Cost: Free to watch.

LAGUNA BEACH -  Sawdust Winter Fantasy 2007 Festival. Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival features over 175 artists and creators with original, handcrafted gift items that include: hand blown glass, ceramics, clothing, ornaments, jewelry, painting, sculpture and so much more. Admission includes complimentary art project for all ages, entertainment, 3 outdoor cafés and artist demonstrations including glass blowing. Call (949) 494-3030 Address: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA. Cost: $5.75/person; $4.75 seniors, $3 children 6 - 12 (under 6 free). Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. sawdustfestival.org

LOMPOC - Founding Day Celebration of La Purisima Mission.  The park and Prelado de los Tesoros celebrate the founding of La Purisima Mission by providing an evening of candlelight and music. 400 luminarias lead guests to the church for a musical performance by a local group. After the performance, guests are invited to La Sala to enjoy fellowship and refreshments. Because of limited seating, free tickets for this event become available November 1st. Please contact the park office before November 1st to find out how to acquire tickets. The office phone number is (805) 733-3713.  Location: Highway 246 near Lompoc. lapurisimamission.org

LONG BEACH - Christmas Candlelight Tours: Unexpected Guests for the Holidays Rancho Los Cerritos. Step back in time to December 23, 1878 as the Bixby’s host unexpected guests lost in route to Los Angeles. Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Rancho Los Cerritos and meet the Bixby family, friends and workers on this active sheep ranch in the years before Long Beach was founded. A costumed docent will guide guests through the adobe house by lamplight where they can compare today’s traditions with yesterday’s by learning about 19th century holiday festivities and social attractions, all the while sampling daily life, economic viewpoints and the changing landscape of the Los Angeles region. The 163-year-old adobe will be adorned with Victorian greenery and decorations throughout the holiday season and can be toured during public hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Rancho will be closed December 24, 25 and 31, 2007 and January 1, 2008.  Historic Site, 4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach 90807. Located northwest of the intersection of San Antonio Drive and Long Beach Boulevard. Tours begin every few minutes between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale November 1, 2007. Cost includes light refreshments and music. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information call (562) 570-1755 or visit our website at  rancholoscerritos.org.

LOS ANGELES - Nutcracker Ballet . Westside Ballet is one of the longest running Nutcracker Ballet productions in California. Performance times: 2 and 7:30 pm. Location: Wadsworth Theater, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Tickets: $25 / ticketmaster.com

MARINA DEL REY - Holiday Boat Parade - The Friday evening boat parade will be run between 7 and 9 P.M. and the Saturday evening parade between 6 and 8 P.M. Traditional fireworks that annually noted the beginning of the boat parade will be shot off the south jetty of the marina at 5:55 P.M. Saturday. Call: 310-670-7130. Burton Chace Park is a great place to plan a family or holiday party viewing event! Parking: Public Lot 01 Fisherman’s Village 13737 Fiji Way Public Lot 08 4220 Admiralty Way  Public Lot 04 Near Burton Chace Park  13500 Mindanao Way Public Lot 09 14101 Panay Way  Public Lot 05 4545 Admiralty Way Public Lot 10 4101 Admiralty Way  Public Lot 07 4350 Admiralty Way Public Lot 12 14151 Marquesas Way  Public Lot 13 4601 Via Marina.  mdrboatparade.org 

MONTEREY -  Christmas in the Adobes. Evening candlelit walking tours of historic Monterey and the adobes. Participating buildings are decorated with period ornamentation. Refreshments and entertainment. Experience Monterey's beautiful historic buildings illuminated by candlelight and enhanced with period decorations, musical entertainment, costumed volunteers and refreshments. Annual Christmas in the Adobes Monterey. Location: 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA Call: 831-647-6226. parks.ca.gov/mshp

MURPHYS - Murphys Art Walk. 2nd Saturday of each month seven galleries open their doors with art, wine, food, and fun. Call: (209) 728-8640. gocalaveras.com

OAKHURST - Artspace Holiday Celebration. Annual Williams Gallery West celebration. Time: 11 AM to 5 PM. Address: 40680 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Call: 559-683-5551. Email: info@galwest.com

OAKLAND - Christmas Revels. The California Revels celebrate Winter Solstice with a play in the tradition of  19th century English countryside with music, dance and drama. Includes performance by Geoff Hoyle (Lion King). Tickets: $15 -$50 approx. Time: 1 and 5 PM. Location: Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, Ca. calrevels.org  

ORCUTT - Orcutt Christmas Parade.  Marching bands, Santa Claus, and classic, collector cars. Time: 1pm in Old Orcutt at Park Street and follows Broadway to Clark Street and Twitchell. The parade ends at May Grisham School. Santa Maria Style Barbecue to follow. Park Street Old Orcutt CA. Call: 805-937-7515

OXNARD - Victorian Christmas House Tours.  Take a tour of the houses in Heritage Square all dressed up for Christmas! Docents, dressed in period clothing, guide visitors through the 1800’s-style Victorian houses that are filled with history and interesting tales. Refreshments are included in the admission price. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Heritage Square, Oxnard, CA. For more information, call 805/483-7960.

OXNARD - 42nd Annual Parade of Lights. The annual lighted boat parade celebrates Christmas “California Style.” Boats are decorated in the set theme and parade throughout Channel Islands Harbor. Pre-activities take place in the afternoon. Great viewing is available from all points of the Harbor and at the area restaurants. Time: 7 p.m. – Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd. For more information, call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitor’s Center at 805/985-4852. Free. channelislandsharbor.org.

PACIFIC PALISADES - Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic. Former French Open doubles champions Luke and Murphy Jensen host the inaugural Bank of the West Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic. Nine-time Grand Slam winner Monica Seles, three-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Capriati, actor David Duchovny and musician Gavin Rossdale are among the tennis and entertainment stars. The fun-filled day of tennis and an “Evening with the Stars” gala will raise money for a number of Jensen designated youth-oriented charities, including Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Down Syndrome, the National Down Syndrome Society and The Riviera Foundation. Schedule: Tennis pro-am from 9-11:30 a.m. on Dec. 8, followed by a kids’ clinic from 12-1:30 p.m. A pro-celebrity tennis exhibition will be played from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The activities climax with the “Evening with the Stars” gala from 7-11 p.m. at The Riviera Country Club. The gala will feature top entertainment and a live auction. Location: The Riviera Tennis Club, Pacific Palisades, Calif.  Tickets: 877-888-6433.

SALINAS - Streets of Bethlehem Living Nativity. Over 300 actors, animals, music and a Christmas tradition re-enacted in the streets of Salinas by First Christian Church. Time: 6 - 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: First Baptist Church of Salinas. Address: 1130 San Vincente Ave., Salinas, CA. Call: (831) 422-9872.  1stbaptist.net

SAN FRANCISCO - Embarcadero Ice Skating.  Daily through January 15, 2008.  Location: Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94111. Ages: 3 and up. embarcaderocenter.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice skating rink is open through 1/13/08 in the stately-palm court and features over 8,000 square feet of ice in an arena and circular outer rink. Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. weeknights; Noon to Midnight on weekends; Special holiday hours, subject to change...call to confirm. Cost: $12-$14. Skate all you want first-come, first-serve. No in and out privileges.  Admission includes ice time and rental skates with skate sizes ranging from toddler 8 to men's 13. Location: Circle of Palms, 170 S. Market St., San Jose, California. Call: (408) 279-1775 ext. 45. sjdowntown.com

SAN PEDRO - The Nutcracker. San Pedro City Ballet's The Nutcracker.  Time:  7:00 p.m. Tickets: General assigned seats: $25 adults, $15 seniors & children 12 and under. Premier seats: $35 adults, seniors, children. Where: The Warner Grand Theatre 478 W. 6th St ., San Pedro, CA. warnergrand.org

SAN RAFAEL - The Nutcracker by Marin Ballet. Marin Ballet Nutcracker is a full-length production with two new scenes choreographed by former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer, Julia Adam, and new set and costume designs. Now in its 45th year. Wow! Location: Marin Veteran's Auditorium, Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael, CA. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $35, $23 youth under 12. Call: (415) 499-6800. marincenter.org

SANTA ANA - Nutcracker Ballet. Anaheim Ballet Nutcracker in the spectacular venue, the OC Pavilion, is sure to delight all ages. the holidays bring us back to our traditions and one of the warmest of all is the Nutcracker ballet. The Nutcracker is a cornerstone of seasonal family entertainment and tradition. For holiday cheer, nothing beats the spectacle of towering Christmas trees, waltzing flowers, battling toy soldiers and menacing mice. The Nutcracker story remains a source of inspiration for audiences of all ages and interests. The enduring theme remains unchanged, good overcomes evil, but Anaheim Ballet's staging of the family classic is constantly updated, which keeps the production remaining fresh, even for returning audiences.  Performances are Saturday December 8th at 2 and 8 p.m. Ticket prices: $30 to $40. The OC Pavilion is located at 801 N. Main Street Santa Ana , CA 92701 . Phone number is 714-550-0880 ocpavilion.com

SACRAMENTO - The Nutcracker performed by Sacramento Ballet, the annual event is better than ever.  Time: 2 p.m. Location: Sacramento Community Theater, Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA. Cost: $20 - 60 approx. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264.5181. sacballet.org. 

SACRAMENTO - An Emmigrant's Christmas. Get into the spirit of Christmas circa 1846, as docents demonstrate pioneer crafts and traditions. Location: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St., Sacramento, CA  Call: (916) 445-4422 parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

SAUSALITO - The 20th Annual Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade, along the Sausalito Waterfront beginning at the north end of town, off Clipper Yacht Harbor and proceeding south passing the Spinnaker Restaurant into the cove at the Sausalito Yacht Club, where the judges will be stationed, and Gabrielson Park, continuing out around the ferry landing past Scoma's & Horizon's Restaurants, passing the Sea Lion Sculpture and the Gaylord's Restaurant rounding the "blue-light special" spotter boat at the south end of the parade and returning along the waterfront. Time on Saturday is 6:00 PM. Entry is FREE and the awards ceremony follows at the Sausalito Yacht Club, 8:30 PM with party. For an entry form visit the Sausalito Yacht Club website:  syconline.org.  The event is co-cosponsored by: The Sausalito Yacht Club, Sausalito Chamber of Commerce.

SEAL BEACH - Red Car Museum is open. Noon to 3 p.m. Visit the past with a look at this historic rail car that used to drive between Los Angeles and Seal Beach daily. Transformed into a museum with videos, pictures and a great collection of memorabilia, it is well worth a stop and look. Open 2nd & 4th Saturdays, the museum provides the most comprehensive look into the history of Seal Beach. Donations are accepted. Location: Electric Avenue near Main St., next to Mary Wilson Library.  Call: (562) 683-1874.

UNIVERSAL CITY - Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk Christmas includes Santa visits and fun holiday atmosphere with local street performers all day, high-energy bands and choirs performing nightly. Take your picture with Santa by the CityWalk Christmas tree located in Cinema Plaza. Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City , CA 91608.Time: 12:00pm – 8 pm. universalstudioshollywood.com

VISTA -  La Hacienda Holiday. 2nd Annual Vista holiday celebrates the season. The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe will be decorated in traditional hacienda seasonal style and open for living history tours. Historic vignettes depicting life at the rancho from the 1800s to the present will tell the history of one of Southern California’s captivating places. Storytellers will roam, mariachis will play, dancers will perform. In the children’s activity area kids can make tool leather or create corn husk wreath ornaments. Demonstrations will include the lighting of the luminarias, roping, and weaving. Food vendors will sell tamales, hot chocolate, cider, nachos, and pan dulce. Time: 4 to 7 p.m. Admission: $5 adult; $3 seniors/children; $10 family.  The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe is located at 651 E. Vista Way in Vista, CA. Call: (760) 639-6164. cityofvista.com

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