BAKERSFIELD - Monstertruck Spectacular. Del Taco monstertruck Spectacular in Bakersfield featuring: Big Blown Bad Boy Monster trucks just like you see on TV, plus mud boggs, tuff trucks and quad races for the locals. Event takes place rain or shine and no refunds.  Time: 6 p.m. Cost: $12 - $25. Location: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P Street, Bakersfield , CA. Call: (661) 825-5484

BENICIA - The Jokers of ACE 2's Comedy for a Cause. Bengt Washburn is featured in this hilarious evening of entertainment. Time: 8 p.m. Location: Hayley Horn Auditorium, Benicia High School, 1101 Military West, Benicia, CA. Cost: $10! Call (707) 771-0140. RedDragonflyProductions.com

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase.

CAMBRIA - Cambria Arts and Crafts Fairs. Free Admission and live music both days. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Vet's Hall Parking Lot, at 1000 Main Street, in Cambria, California, 93428 (right on Hwy 1 just a few miles south of Hearst Castle). thecraftfair.org

CONCORD - Gyro's 4D Fear Factory. This Halloween Haunt is just what you need to launch your celebrating. Time: 7 - 12 Midnight.  Cost: $23.99.  Location: Waterworld California, 1950 Waterworld Parkway, Concord, CA. Call: (866) 901-FEAR (3327). 3dfearfactory.com

COSTA MESA - Woodworking Show. Enjoy the Parade of Products. Time: Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: General $8. Children 12 and under are free. Location: Buildings 10 and 12, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (801) 544-9125. ocfair or thewoodworkingshows.com

COSTA MESA - The Barber of Seville Opera. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $50 - 275. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - "Fall Surf Slam" hosted by Ronnie Kovach. Annual event is a shore fishing derby, sure to be Fun for the whole Family, with raffle prizes and an awards ceremony to follow. The event takes place in the city of Hunting Beach at Zack's Too. Time: Event is from 7 am to 12 pm, check in starts at 5:30 am. Cost: $25 for pre-registration and $35 on-site. This includes an Anglers breakfast and wrist band for admission. Location: Pacific Coast Highway near Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (714) 375-9888. fishingexpeditions.com

FULLERTON - Pumpkin Launch. Pumpkin Launch 2008 is a day of family-friendly activities that include carved-pumpkin contests (bring your own carved pumpkin), a catapult contest, music, entertainment, and the chance to watch engineering students launch pumpkins from their home-made Pumpkin Launchers. Location: Titan Stadium 800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA. Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: Admission is Free. Contact Julie Smith at Discovery Science Center: (714) 913-5018. Email: Jsmith@discoverycube.org. discoverycube.org

LAKE ELSINORE - Toxic Terrors The Haunted Stadium. Three extreme walk-through attractions combine state-of-the-art effects with ultra-realistic environments, placing YOU in incredibly terrifying situations where you must make decisions, face your fears, and risk your own fate. This haunted stadium is infected with zombies and mutated creatures in a toxic nightmare. Location: Diamond Stadium, 500 Diamond Dr., Lake Elsinore, Time:  7 p.m. – 12 a.m. Midnight. Ticket: $15; $13 for groups 10+. toxicterrors.com

LANCASTER - Disney Spectacular Music Revue. Cedar Street Theatre features musical selections from Beauty & The Beast, The Lion King, and other Disney favorites. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $14 - 18. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

LONG BEACH  - Shipwreck - 14th annual Halloween Terrorfest at Queen Mary ship. Explore 7 terrifying mazes on and off the ship. Revamped for new thrills in 2008. Time: 7 p.m. to 12 Midnight. Cost: $34. Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA. queenmary.com

LOS ANGELES - Tamale Festival. 4th annual event features tamale contests and music all day long, plus entertainment and dance. 2122 W. 7th St. (MacArthur Park), Los Angeles, CA. Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: Free admission. eastlosangeles.net

LOS ANGELES - The Real Black Dahlia. Esotouric offers a tour with narration voted one of the best entertainment values in Los Angeles.  Check in is at 11:30am for a 12pm sharp departure from Millennium Biltmore Hotel on Pershing Square at Olive in downtown Los Angeles. Call: (310) 995-4591. Price: $58. esotouric.com

LOS ANGELES - Bold Caballeros y Noble Bandidas Exhibit. Autry National Center of the American West  explores the development of Mexican popular culture and United States-Mexico relations in an exhibit that  runs through May 10, 2009. Admission: $9 adult, $5 student or senior, $3 ages 3–12. Admission is free on the second Tuesday of every month and free for veterans or children 2 and under year-round. Location: Autry National Center of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027.  Call: (323) 667-2000. autrynationalcenter.org

LOS ANGELES - Celebrate the Day of the Dead. Food, craft activities featuring local artists Lalo Garcia and Luis Villanueva, and a custom-built altar that you can help decorate! Plus, you’ll have a chance to purchase a copy of The Cisco Kid: American Hero, Hispanic Roots and have it signed by Bold Caballeros y Noble Bandidas. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Casa de Adobe, 4605 Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA

NEWMAN  -  Sourdough Slim Western Show.  Music, comedy and western-style good times. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $17/person. Location: West Side Theatre, Main Street, Newman, CA.  westsidetheatre.org

ORANGE - Pumpkin Patch. A huge pumpkin patch and train ride are part of the fun in this 3rd annual event that includes train rides, hay rides, a haunted house, pony rides, thousands of pumpkins and more. Admission into the pumpkin patch is FREE. Prices for other activities vary. Location: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA. Cars are charged $3 parking. irvineparkrailroad.com

RIDGECREST - Sierra Art Guild's Fall Show and Sale. 18 artisans show their paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculpture, weaving, pottery, stained glass, wearable art clothing, tapestries and wall art. Event runs through Nov. 2. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Carriage Inn, 901 N. China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA. Call: (760) 446-2060.

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour visits some of San Francisco's most notorious haunted places. Tree lined streets in a safe quiet neighborhood with beautiful historic Victorian architecture includes one moderate hill, in a one-mile walk with an easy pace. Departing year-round, rain or starshine, from an authentic restored Victorian, the magnificent Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter, on the corner of Sutter and Octavia. Cost: $20/person. $10/under 16. Kids under 8 not recommended. Reservations not required. Walk is approx. one mile. Dress warm. Time: Begins at 7pm, ends close to 10pm and operates seven nights a week. Call: (415) 922-5590. sfghosthunt.com

SANTA ROSA - Three Days Before the Election with Bill Maher. Comedy, satire and political commentary are included in this entertaining show. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $19.50 - 65.50. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

TAFT - Cowboy Comedy Hour. 10th annual event benefits the Historic Fort. It will be an evening with cowboy poets, country music, raffle, silent auction, western barbecue and dancing. Happy hour begins at 5:00pm, barbecue at 6:00 pm and entertainment & dancing at 7:00 pm. This event is supported by the poets & writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from the James Irvine Foundation. Cowboy poets will be Dick Gibford, Molly Flanagan and Gary Robertson. Music will be provided by Jerry Hall and Trick Shot. Time: 5 p.m. Location: The Historic Fort, 915 N 10th St., Taft, CA. Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door. Call: (661) 765-7371.

TEMPLETON - Heirloom Winter Squash Tasting and Workshop at Jack Creek Farms. Transform winter squash into fabulous autumn dishes. The folks at Jack Creek Farms will give you tips and detailed instructions on how to make a variety of dishes using heirloom winter squash. There will be a presentation, a cooking demonstration, and an opportunity to sample at least 5 different varieties of winter squash. Take home  easy recipes. Admission is free.  Time: 1 p.m. Location: 5000 Highway 46 West, Templeton, CA. Call: (805) 238-3799. jackcreekfarms.com

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - CityWalk Event: Meet the Stars of Days of Our Lives Soap Opera. Meet all your favorite Days of our Lives stars, including: Eric Martsolf, Kristian Alfonso, Deidre Hall, Mary Beth Evans, Joe Mascolo, Molly Burnett, Galen Gering, Shawn Christian, Jay Kenneth Johnson, John Aniston, Darin Brooks, Shelley Hennig, Nadia Bjorlin, Jim Reynolds, James Scott, Thaao Penghlis, Arianne Zucker, Blake Berris, Peter Reckell, Bryan Dattilo, Peggy McCay, Alison Sweeney, Rachel Melvin, Kevin Dobson, Terrell Ransom, Jr., Stephen Nichols, Suzanne Rogers, Drake Hogestyn, Lauren Koslow, Renee Jones and Leann Hunley. Salem Trivia Challenge and a Character Look-A-Like contest, gift bags for the first 400 fans to arrive and many more fun activities will be included. Time: 10 a.m. Location: CityWalk Cinema Plaza, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA.  Call:(818) 622-1111. citywalkhollywood.com

YUBA CITY - Sikh Celebration. 29th annual event includes an Open House today. The annual parade is held on Sunday. Time: Noon to 3 p.m.  Cost: Free admission. Location: Yuba City Sikh Temple, 2468 Tierra Buena Rd, Yuba City, CA.

CAMBRIA - Cambria Arts and Crafts Fairs. Free Admission and live music both days. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Vet's Hall Parking Lot, at 1000 Main Street, in Cambria, California, 93428 (right on Hwy 1 just a few miles south of Hearst Castle). thecraftfair.org

CANOGA PARK - Dia de los Muertos Festival. 8th annual Day of the Dead Festival features a car show, Aztec dancers with a blessing, lots of rock and pop music, and a procession to Our Lady of the Valley Church. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Sherman Way between Sherman and Vassar, Canoga Park, CA. Cost: Free admission. Call: (818) 346-4892. mainstreetcanogapark.org

COSTA MESA - Woodworking Show. Enjoy the Parade of Products. Time: Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Admission: General $8. Children 12 and under are free. Location: Buildings 10 and 12, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (801) 544-9125. ocfair or thewoodworkingshows.com

ENCINO - Old Time Jam Session. Bring your fiddles, banjos, guitars and musical talent to jam like communities used to. Old Time Jam Session is led by Steve Lewis. Time: 1 to 4 pm. Location: CTMS Center for Folk Music In Encino Park, 16953 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316. Cost: Free to the public. Call (818) 817-7756. ctmsfolkmusic.org

FELTON - Sourdough Slim Western Show.  Music, comedy and western-style good times. Time: 7:15 p.m. Cost: $15/person. Location: Don Quixotes International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA. sourdoughslim.com

GUALALA - Día de los Muertos. Day of the Dead Celebration at Gualala Arts will honor the dear departed in an afternoon of music and classic south-of-the-border treats. Time: 3 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Loction: Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Road, Gualala, CA. Call (707) 884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

LAKE ELSINORE - Toxic Terrors The Haunted Stadium. Three extreme walk-through attractions combine state-of-the-art effects with ultra-realistic environments, placing YOU in incredibly terrifying situations where you must make decisions, face your fears, and risk your own fate. This haunted stadium is infected with zombies and mutated creatures in a toxic nightmare. Location: Diamond Stadium, 500 Diamond Dr., Lake Elsinore, Time:  7 p.m. – 12 a.m. Midnight. Ticket: $15; $13 for groups 10+. toxicterrors.com

LANCASTER - Disney Spectacular Music Revue. Cedar Street Theatre features musical selections from Beauty & The Beast, The Lion King, and other Disney favorites. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $14 - 18. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

LOS ANGELES - Tamale Festival. 4th annual event features tamale contests and music all day long, plus entertainment and dance. 2122 W. 7th St. (MacArthur Park), Los Angeles, CA. Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: Free admission. eastlosangeles.net

ORANGE - Pumpkin Patch. A huge pumpkin patch and train ride are part of the fun in this 3rd annual event that includes train rides, hay rides, a haunted house, pony rides, thousands of pumpkins and more. Admission into the pumpkin patch is FREE. Prices for other activities vary. Location: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA. Cars are charged $3 parking. irvineparkrailroad.com

RIDGECREST - Sierra Art Guild's Fall Show and Sale. 18 artisans show their paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculpture, weaving, pottery, stained glass, wearable art clothing, tapestries and wall art. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Carriage Inn, 901 N. China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA. Call: (760) 446-2060.

SAN DIEGO - Fall Back Festival. Eighth Annual Fall Back Festival is a Children’s Cultural and Historic Street Faire, in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The kids will go plum crazy participating in historical activities such as a tour around town on hayride or wearing an old-fashioned costume. Puppet stage, authentic Native American dancing and storytelling, pony rides and the pie and ice cream eating contests to win all kinds of loot are just a few fun activities. If the little ones still aren’t tuckered out, they can watch a demonstration of antique farm equipment. Western bands perform on stage, making this an adult-friendly event, as well. Adults and children can join in this shindig for only $5 and baby buckaroos under two are free. Time: 11 AM to 4 PM. mcfarlanepromotions.com

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour visits some of San Francisco's most notorious haunted places. Tree lined streets in a safe quiet neighborhood with beautiful historic Victorian architecture includes one moderate hill, in a one-mile walk with an easy pace. Departing year-round, rain or starshine, from an authentic restored Victorian, the magnificent Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter, on the corner of Sutter and Octavia. Cost: $20/person. $10/under 16. Kids under 8 not recommended. Reservations not required. Walk is approx. one mile. Dress warm. Time: Begins at 7pm, ends close to 10pm and operates seven nights a week. Call: (415) 922-5590. sfghosthunt.com

SANTA BARBARA - Empty Bowls. Santa Maria Empty Bowls Luncheon participants for a donation of $25 choose a beautiful handmade bowl, enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread, and water, and then take home the bowl as a

reminder of the meal’s purpose to help feed the hungry in our community. Time: 11 am - 2 pm. Cost: $25 person. Location: Rockwood Woman's Club, 670 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA. Call: Diane Durst(805) 967-5741 x 104. foodbanksbc.org

YUBA CITY - Sikh Parade and Celebration. 29th annual parade is a colorful event. Time: 11 a.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Yuba City Sikh Temple, 2468 Tierra Buena Rd, Yuba City, CA.

Today the American citizens can vote for their choice for President of the United States..

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour visits some of San Francisco's most notorious haunted places. Tree lined streets in a safe quiet neighborhood with beautiful historic Victorian architecture includes one moderate hill, in a one-mile walk with an easy pace. Departing year-round, rain or starshine, from an authentic restored Victorian, the magnificent Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter, on the corner of Sutter and Octavia. Cost: $20/person. $10/under 16. Kids under 8 not recommended. Reservations not required. Walk is approx. one mile. Dress warm. Time: Begins at 7pm, ends close to 10pm and operates seven nights a week. Call: (415) 922-5590. sfghosthunt.com

CHICO- Rock Musicians John Sebastian & David Grisman Concert.  Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $22 - 27.  Location: California State University, Chico, Laxson Auditorium, 2nd & Normal Ave., Chico, CA. Call: (530) 898-6333. chicoperformances.com

COSTA MESA - Bill Medley in Concert. Part of the Righteous Brothers duo, Medley's signature voice is featured in this concert of greatest hits. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $25 - 185. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

LOOMIS - Cowpoke Fall Gathering. Opening night Open Mic. Story Telling, Old Time Music and Western Humor in the fabulously restored Blue Goose Fruit Shed. Location: 3550 Taylor Rd., Loomis, CA. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Call, if you want to perform: (916) 652-6290. soplaceheritage.org

PALM DESERT – The Art of Food & Wine. A unique four-day celebration attracting thousands of art and culinary enthusiasts from across California and around the country each year to enjoy the very best in art, food and wine education and hospitality.  The event features food and wine tastings and competitions, wine pairing dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, culinary seminars, art, music, shopping and golf - all nestled in Southern California's beautiful Coachella Valley . Festival runs Nov. 6-9 throughout Palm Desert . Hours and ticket prices vary on event. For more information, call 1.866.96.TASTE. artoffoodandwine.com.

BAKERSFIELD - The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater. The world famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is combines comedy and juggling skills of international award winner Gregory Popovich, and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets.  16 performing cats and 10 dogs were once strays, rescued from animal shelters. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $13.50 - $43.50. Location: Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H Street, Bakersfield, CA. Call: (661) 324-1369.

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase. VERANDA presents The Great House at Historic Greystone Estate. The  7th Annual Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate offers a rare opportunity to tour the mansion’s estate rooms, richly decorated by more than 30 top designers from the LA area. Guests can view landscape vignettes that showcase new planting trends and listen to lectures on the mansion’s architecture, history and gardens. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Road, Beverly Hills, California. Cost: $30 -50. Call: (310) 550-4796. beverlyhillsgardenshowcase.org

COSTA MESA - Bill Medley in Concert. Part of the Righteous Brothers duo, Medley's signature voice is featured in this concert of greatest hits. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $25 - 185. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

LAKEPORT - First Friday Fling. Live entertainment, Lake County wine sampling and local original art. Sponsored by the Lake County ARTS Council. Main Street Gallery, Lakeport, CA. Time: 5:30 PM - 7 PM. Cost: Free.  Call: (707) 263-6658. lakeportchamber.com

LOOMIS - Cowpoke Fall Gathering. Reception, Apple Pie Contest, Western BBQ, Drawings and more. Great entertainment on opening night includes Yvonne Hollenbeck, Pat Richardson, J Parson, Bill Brewster and Jeralynn Strong. Location: 3550 Taylor Rd., Loomis, Ca. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $35. soplaceheritage.org

MARYSVILLE - Hansel and Gretel. Borgamaria Lyric Opera presents the charming fairytale "Hansel and Gretel". Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission. Location: Lee Burrows Performing Arts Center, 630 E Street, Marysville, CA. Phone: (530) 742-2787. yubasutterarts.org

MONTEREY -  Great Wine Escape Weekend. The 12th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend will be held throughout Monterey Wine Country through November 9th. As the food and wine event of the year for Monterey County, it features over 45 Monterey wineries, local and national celebrity chefs, and the ultimate travel experience in an unparalleled setting. Grand tastings, winemaker dinners, wine and culinary demonstrations, and special tours are highlights of the weekend. Call (831) 375-9400. montereywines.org

PALM DESERT – The Art of Food & Wine. A unique four-day celebration attracting thousands of art and culinary enthusiasts enjoy the very best in art, food and wine education and hospitality.  The event features food and wine tastings and competitions, wine pairing dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, culinary seminars, art, music, shopping and golf - all nestled in Southern California's beautiful Coachella Valley . Festival runs Nov. 6-9 throughout Palm Desert . Hours and ticket prices vary on event. For more information, call 1.866.96.TASTE. artoffoodandwine.com.

SAN RAMON -  9th Annual Celebrity Crab Fest. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Location: San Ramon Marriott Hotel
2600 Bishop Ranch Rd, San Ramon, CA. Cost: $120/person. Call: (925) 556-2525. biletnikoff.net.

TORRANCE - Debbie Reynolds.  A Hollywood legend has appeared in movie musicals, most notably Singin' in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $28 / $24. Call: (800) 832–ARTS (2787). Location:  Location: Marsee Auditorium, El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Ca. elcamino.edu 

BAKERSFIELD - Red Bear Circle Native Gathering. This is a cultural event with music, dancing, Native arts and crafts and educational displays. All drums, singers and dancers are welcome. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission, free parking. Location: California State University, Bakersfield campus, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA. Call:  (661) 654-3098.

BENICIA - San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers Concert. The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers is a unique blend of fiddles, flute, piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitars, percussion, cello and harmonica. They will be performing Celtic music from around the world, including Quebec, Finland, Scotland and Ireland. This celebration of Celtic music from around the world includes musicians and dancers who will be in the aisles to encourage audience participation. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 Donation; Free for children 14 and under. Location: Community Congregational Church, 1305 West 2nd St., Benicia, CA. Call: (707) 745-0674. cccucc.org

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase. VERANDA presents The Great House at Historic Greystone Estate. The  7th Annual Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate offers a rare opportunity to tour the mansion’s estate rooms, richly decorated by more than 30 top designers from the LA area. Guests can view landscape vignettes that showcase new planting trends and listen to lectures on the mansion’s architecture, history and gardens. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Road, Beverly Hills, California. Cost: $30 -50. Call: (310) 550-4796. beverlyhillsgardenshowcase.org

COSTA MESA - Bill Medley in Concert. Part of the Righteous Brothers duo, Medley's signature voice is featured in this concert of greatest hits. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $25 - 185. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

DANVILLE - Hats Off America 10K Red T-shirt Run. Help raise awareness of families of soldiers who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Time: 10 a.m. Location: Sycamore Valley Park, 2101 Holbrook Dr.,  Danville, CA. Call Sparky: (925) 855-1950.

FRAZIER PARK - Arts & Crafts Fair. Ridge Route Communities Museum and Historical Society is sponsoring a unique crafts fair with all hand-crafted items. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Frazier Park Community Building, Park Drive, Frazier Park, CA. Call: (661) 245-2339. rrchs.org

FULLERTON - Night in Fullerton. This 44th annual event sponsored by City of Fullerton Parks & Recreation Department is an annual presentation of cultural activities in a variety of forms. It offers an evening of some of the finest art, music, dance, and drama, through cooperative efforts of various cultural organizations, schools, artists, and dedicated volunteers. Time:  5:00-9:00 P.M. cityoffullerton.com

LANCASTER - Debbie Reynolds in Concert. Actress, singer and dancer performs many of her signature tunes. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $50 - 57. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

LOOMIS - Cowpoke Fall Gathering. Performers in two outstanding performances include Yvonne Hollenbeck, Pat Richardson (both artists at 1 & 7 p.m. shows); also John Kintz & Ernie Sites at the 1 p.m. show; and also J Parson & John Martin at 7 p.m. show. Cost: 1 p.m. show is $20/adult, $10/ age 14 and under; 7 p.m. show is $35/admission, flat fee. Location: 3550 Taylor Rd., Loomis, Ca. soplaceheritage.org

LOS ANGELES - Japanese American National Museum Free Admission Day. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free.  Location: 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, California. Call: (213) 625-0414. janm.org

LOS ANGELES - Star Party. Held monthly for the whole family to look at the sun, moon, Jupiter and other objects with variety of telescopes, talk to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment. Time: 2 to 10 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Griffith Observatory 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 664-1191

LOS ANGELES - The Birth of Noir.  Esotouric features five of their darkest bus tours in November 2008. The Birth of Noir: James M. Cain's Southern California Nightmare is but one example. This vintage-clothes optional edition of the literary tour offered in conjunction with movie listings website Film Radar explores how New Yorker editor Cain invented the Noir genre in a series of L.A.-inspired short stories, novels and screenplays, including "Mildred Pierce," "Double Indemnity" and "The Postman Always Rings Twice." Cost: Most tours cost $58/person; with a Noir November sampler pack, any three of the five tours for $135. Call: (323) 223-2767 esotouric.com

MARYSVILLE - Hansel and Gretel. Borgamaria Lyric Opera presents the charming fairytale "Hansel and Gretel". Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission. Location: Lee Burrows Performing Arts Center, 630 E Street, Marysville, CA. Phone: (530) 742-2787. yubasutterarts.org

MONTEREY -  Great Wine Escape Weekend. The 12th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend will be held throughout Monterey Wine Country through November 9th. As the food and wine event of the year for Monterey County, it features over 45 Monterey wineries, local and national celebrity chefs, and the ultimate travel experience in an unparalleled setting. Grand tastings, winemaker dinners, wine and culinary demonstrations, and special tours are highlights of the weekend. Call (831) 375-9400. montereywines.org

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

PALM DESERT – The Art of Food & Wine. A unique four-day celebration attracting thousands of art and  culinary enthusiasts enjoy the very best in art, food and wine education and hospitality.  The event features food and wine tastings and competitions, wine pairing dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, culinary seminars, art, music, shopping and golf - all nestled in Southern California's beautiful Coachella Valley . Festival runs Nov. 6-9 throughout Palm Desert . Hours and ticket prices vary on event. For more information, call 1.866.96.TASTE. artoffoodandwine.com.

ROSEVILLE - Fun Days at Maidu Interpretive Center - Indian Museum. Live animal shows, tours, and traditional native American stories told by Rick Adams. Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $14/family, group. Location: 1960 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville, CA. Call: (916) 774-5934.

SANTA ROSA - Classical Two Concert. Conductor Bruno Ferrandis leads the Santa Rosa Symphony with featured violinist Gilles Apap. Selections include: Ligeti's Lontano; Berg's Violin Concerto; and Schubert's Symphony No. 9.   Time: 2 p.m. performance is general seating for $10/person. 8 p.m. Cost: $20 -50 approx. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

SANTA YNEZ - Viva Vaquero Show and Sale. The 24th annual Vaquero show celebrates California's earliest cowboy, the Vaquero. Noted artisans and collectors from the Western U.S. display and sell cowboy and western apparel, horse equipment and memorabilia at The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society and Carriage Museum event. There's a raffle for a silver-trimmed bridel fitted with a silver show bit and mohair hand-braided mecate. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $5. Location: Corner of Sagunto and Faraday Streets, Santa Ynez, CA. Call: (805) 688-7889. syvm.org

TORRANCE - Battlefield Band Concert. Scottish & Celtic music includes bagpipe, fiddle, synthesizer, guitar, cittern, flute, bodhran and accordion. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $18 -22 . Call: (800) 832–ARTS (2787. Location:  Location: Marsee Auditorium, El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Ca. elcamino.edu

VACAVILLE - House of Floyd. Pink Floyd tribute band serves up the music that defines classic rock. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $20 - 30.  Location: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville, CA. Call: (707) 449-6217. vpat.net

WALNUT CREEK - Walnut Creek on Ice (tentative). Outdoor ice skating rink.

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase. VERANDA presents The Great House at Historic Greystone Estate. The  7th Annual Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate offers a rare opportunity to tour the mansion’s estate rooms, richly decorated by more than 30 top designers from the LA area. Guests can view landscape vignettes that showcase new planting trends and listen to lectures on the mansion’s architecture, history and gardens. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Road, Beverly Hills, California. Cost: $30 -50. Call: (310) 550-4796. beverlyhillsgardenshowcase.org

CYPRESS - Children of the World Concert. As part of its 2008-2009 U.S. tour, World Help presents Children of
the World choir, comprised of orphaned and disadvantaged children from several different countries. Their purpose is to generate compassion and inspire individuals to get involved in helping over 15 million children who have been orphaned and their lives drastically impacted by AIDS. A special video presentation will take you into the heart of this crisis and show you how to make a difference. Time:  8:45 & 10:30 a.m. Cost: No charge. Location: 6143 Ball Road, Cypress, CA. Call: (714) 952-3001 or email: steven@cypresschurch.net

EAGLE ROCK -  Eagle Rock Veteran's Day Parade. Eagle Rock Veterans and Councilmember Jose Huziar host the annual Veteran's Day Parade along Eagle Rock Blvd. At 11:30am a memorial will be held and at 1:30pm the parade starts. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free. Call: (323) 254-5295

FULLERTON -  Theatre Organ Concert. Concert featuring Clark Wilson, organist for the silent horror movies presented on Halloween night at Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.Location: Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA.  Ticket: $15 adult, free ages 12 and under. Time: 2:30 p.m. Call Orange County Theatre Organ Society: (714) 870-2813.

MARYSVILLE - Hansel and Gretel. Borgamaria Lyric Opera presents the charming fairytale "Hansel and Gretel". Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission. Location: Lee Burrows Performing Arts Center, 630 E Street, Marysville, CA. Phone: (530) 742-2787. yubasutterarts.org

MONTEREY -  Great Wine Escape Weekend. The 12th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend will be held throughout Monterey Wine Country through November 9th. As the food and wine event of the year for Monterey County, it features over 45 Monterey wineries, local and national celebrity chefs, and the ultimate travel experience in an unparalleled setting. Grand tastings, winemaker dinners, wine and culinary demonstrations, and special tours are highlights of the weekend. Call (831) 375-9400. montereywines.org

PALM DESERT – The Art of Food & Wine. A unique four-day celebration attracting thousands of art and culinary enthusiasts enjoy the very best in art, food and wine education and hospitality.  The event features food and wine tastings and competitions, wine pairing dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, culinary seminars, art, music, shopping and golf - all nestled in Southern California's beautiful Coachella Valley . Festival runs Nov. 6-9 throughout Palm Desert . Hours and ticket prices vary on event. For more information, call 1.866.96.TASTE. artoffoodandwine.com.

SANTA YNEZ - Viva Vaquero Show and Sale. The 24th annual Vaquero show celebrates California's earliest cowboy, the Vaquero. Noted artisans and collectors from the Western U.S. display and sell cowboy and western apparel, horse equipment and memorabilia at The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society and Carriage Museum event. There's a raffle for a silver-trimmed bridel fitted with a silver show bit and mohair hand-braided mecate. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $5. Location: Corner of Sagunto and Faraday Streets, Santa Ynez, CA. Call: (805) 688-7889. syvm.org

SANTA ROSA - Classical Two Concert. Conductor Bruno Ferrandis leads the Santa Rosa Symphony with featured violinist Gilles Apap. Selections include: Ligeti's Lontano; Berg's Violin Concerto; and Schubert's Symphony No. 9.   Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $27-50. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

SANTA ROSA - Classical Two Concert. Conductor Bruno Ferrandis leads the Santa Rosa Symphony with featured violinist Gilles Apap. Selections include: Ligeti's Lontano; Berg's Violin Concerto; and Schubert's Symphony No. 9.   Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $27 - 50.  Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org 

COSTA MESA - San Francisco Ballet. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 - 100. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Surf City Nights. Time: 5 - 9 p.m. Location: Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Ave. Cost: Free admission. Contact: hbdowntown.com

CHICO- Preservation Hall Jazz Band Concert.  Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $18.  Location: California State University, Chico, Laxson Auditorium, 2nd & Normal Ave., Chico, CA. Call: (530) 898-6333. chicoperformances.com

COSTA MESA - San Francisco Ballet. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 - 100. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

PASADENA - Gamble House Tour. Behind the Velvet Ropes 2½ hour  docent-led tour. Admission is $40 per person. Call: (626) 395-9783, or leave a message at 626 793-3334 ext. 10. Location: The Gamble House, 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena CA 91103. gamblehouse.org

MORRO BAY - Embarcadero Art Walk. Spend an enjoyable evening touring the many Art Galleries along the waterfront on the Embarcadero in beautiful Morro Bay. Sample great food and wine and converse with the artists. Takes place The Second Friday of every month. Time:5 to 8 p.m. Admission: Free. Location: Waterfront, 1100 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA. Call: (805) 772-1068. morrobay.org

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Pucker Up for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Southern California's largest wine and culinary event. 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, personalities, and more! Cost: $35 & up. Location: Embarcadero Park North, San Diego, CA. Call (619) 342-7337. worldofwineevents.com

SANTA ROSA - James & The Giant Peach. Family entertainment stage show. Time: 6:30 p.m. Cost: $11 - 16. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

COSTA MESA - San Francisco Ballet. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 - 100. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

FORT BRAGG - Pirates at the Wharf! Mendocino Coast Chamber's Annual Auction Dinner will e held at Silvers at the Wharf. Time: 6-9 p.m. Location: Noyo Harbor on the Wharf, 32260 North Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg, CA. Call  (707) 961-6300

OJAI - Dana & Sue Robinson Concert. Performance at Ojai Concert Series. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $16/door. Location: Downtown Ojai at Woman's Club, 441 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA. ojaiconcertseries.com

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

MARYSVILLE - Hansel and Gretel. Borgamaria Lyric Opera presents the charming fairytale "Hansel and Gretel". Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission. Location: Lee Burrows Performing Arts Center, 630 E Street, Marysville, CA. Phone: (530) 742-2787. yubasutterarts.org

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Pucker Up for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Southern California's largest wine and culinary event. 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, personalities, and more! Cost: $35 & up. Location: Embarcadero Park North, San Diego, CA. Call (619) 342-7337. worldofwineevents.com

STANFORD - Dining Room, Home, Tomb, Decaying Hole and Empty Room, a Play. Directed by Ileana Drinovan, this play is set outdoors at the steps of the Stanford Mausoleum (built in the late nineteenth century, and containing remains of Leland Stanford, Jr. and his parents Leland and Jane Stanford.) Inspired by T.S. Eliot's 1922 poem, "The Waste Land," it is a grueling and terrifying look at the "waste land" of evil that can develop within us. This piece is an original arrangement that artfully combines Eliot's poetry and Seneca's dramatic works, "Thyestes" and "Agamemnon." Beginning at dusk, "Dining Room, Home, Tomb, Decaying Hole and Empty Room" progresses toward its dark conclusion as the daylight, too, fades into night. Time: 5 p.m., show starts at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $15 General. Location: Stanford Mausoleum, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA. Call:  (650) 725-5838. events.stanford.edu livelyarts.stanford.edu

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Friday

BAKERSFIELD - Carrie Underwood in Concert. Carrie Underwood’s headline Carnival Ride Tour will be featured. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $33.50 to 53.50. Location: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. Call: (661) 852-7300.

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase. VERANDA presents The Great House at Historic Greystone Estate. The  7th Annual Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate offers a rare opportunity to tour the mansion’s estate rooms, richly decorated by more than 30 top designers from the LA area. Guests can view landscape vignettes that showcase new planting trends and listen to lectures on the mansion’s architecture, history and gardens. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Road, Beverly Hills, California. Cost: $30 -50. Call: (310) 550-4796. beverlyhillsgardenshowcase.org

COSTA MESA - San Francisco Ballet. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 - 100. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

LONG BEACH - Fireman's Ball. Sunset Beach 60th annual dance includes live music with the Elmstreet Band. Cost: $15 donation at the door. Location: Golden Sails Hotel, Crystal Ballroom, 6285 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, CA. Call: (562) 233-9933.

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

MARYSVILLE - Hansel and Gretel. Borgamaria Lyric Opera presents the charming fairytale "Hansel and Gretel". Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission. Location: Lee Burrows Performing Arts Center, 630 E Street, Marysville, CA. Phone: (530) 742-2787. yubasutterarts.org

MORRO BAY - Embarcadero Art Walk. Spend an enjoyable evening touring the many Art Galleries along the waterfront on the Embarcadero in beautiful Morro Bay. Sample great food and wine and converse with the artists. Takes place The Second Friday of every month. Time:5 to 8 p.m. Admission: Free. Location: Waterfront, 1100 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA. Call: (805) 772-1068. morrobay.org
SAN DIEGO - San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Pucker Up for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Southern California's largest wine and culinary event. 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, personalities, and more! Cost: $35 & up. Location: Embarcadero Park North, San Diego, CA. Call (619) 342-7337. worldofwineevents.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 p.m. to Midnight. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SAN MATEO - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 South Delaware, San Mateo, CA. havestfestival.com

SANTA ROSA - Direct from Vegas The Rat Pack. Three performers recreate the classic music and comedy of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $25 - 45. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

STANFORD - Dining Room, Home, Tomb, Decaying Hole and Empty Room, a Play. Directed by Ileana Drinovan, this play is set outdoors at the steps of the Stanford Mausoleum (built in the late nineteenth century, and containing remains of Leland Stanford, Jr. and his parents Leland and Jane Stanford.) Inspired by T.S. Eliot's 1922 poem, "The Waste Land," it is a grueling and terrifying look at the "waste land" of evil that can develop within us. This piece is an original arrangement that artfully combines Eliot's poetry and Seneca's dramatic works, "Thyestes" and "Agamemnon." Beginning at dusk, "Dining Room, Home, Tomb, Decaying Hole and Empty Room" progresses toward its dark conclusion as the daylight, too, fades into night. Time: 5 p.m., show starts at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $15 General. Location: Stanford Mausoleum, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA. Call:  (650) 725-5838. events.stanford.edu livelyarts.stanford.edu

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Saturday

SAN MATEO - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 South Delaware, San Mateo, CA. havestfestival.com

SANTA ROSA - Joan Baez Concert.  Time: 8 p.m. Cost: 15.50 - 45.50 Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

STANFORD - Dining Room, Home, Tomb, Decaying Hole and Empty Room, a Play. Directed by Ileana Drinovan, this play is set outdoors at the steps of the Stanford Mausoleum (built in the late nineteenth century, and containing remains of Leland Stanford, Jr. and his parents Leland and Jane Stanford.) Inspired by T.S. Eliot's 1922 poem, "The Waste Land," it is a grueling and terrifying look at the "waste land" of evil that can develop within us. This piece is an original arrangement that artfully combines Eliot's poetry and Seneca's dramatic works, "Thyestes" and "Agamemnon." Beginning at dusk, "Dining Room, Home, Tomb, Decaying Hole and Empty Room" progresses toward its dark conclusion as the daylight, too, fades into night. Time: 5 p.m., show starts at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $15 General. Location: Stanford Mausoleum, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA. Call:  (650) 725-5838. events.stanford.edu livelyarts.stanford.edu

VENTURA - Who Got Framed?! Art Fundraiser. Buenaventura Art Association's 3rd Annual art event at the Harbor Village Gallery includes a large spread of delicious food, plus local wines available for purchase.  Time: 5 – 9 pm. Location: Harbor Village Gallery, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 117C, Ventura, California 93001. Call: (805) 648-1235. buenaventuragallery.org
WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Sunday

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase. VERANDA presents The Great House at Historic Greystone Estate. The  7th Annual Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate offers a rare opportunity to tour the mansion’s estate rooms, richly decorated by more than 30 top designers from the LA area. Guests can view landscape vignettes that showcase new planting trends and listen to lectures on the mansion’s architecture, history and gardens. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Road, Beverly Hills, California. Cost: $30 -50. Call: (310) 550-4796. beverlyhillsgardenshowcase.org

COSTA MESA - San Francisco Ballet. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $20 - 100. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

COSTA MESA - Free Train Rides. Orange County Model Engineers club operates 1/8th scale trains in Fairview Park that the public are invited to watch and ride. The 12 minute journey includes a trip around the park, picnic tables for parties and a gift shop with train and logo related items for children and adults. Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Paul Smith Pianist in Concert.  Performing at Jazz at the Center, Paul Smith is recognized as a world class pianist and master of improvisation. Now 83 years young, Paul dazzles the audience as he performs with bassist Jim DeJulio and drummer David Tull in an intimate cabaret style setting. Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m., Cost: $25. Call (714) 374-1650. Location: 538 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA.

LANCASTER - NBC's Last Standing Comic Live Tour Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $40 - 45. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

MARYSVILLE - Hansel and Gretel. Borgamaria Lyric Opera presents the charming fairytale "Hansel and Gretel". Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission. Location: Lee Burrows Performing Arts Center, 630 E Street, Marysville, CA. Phone: (530) 742-2787. yubasutterarts.org

SAN JOSE - Bowl for Bucks. Souza's Bowl "4" Bucks is open to all Amateur Bowlers with a current average. Time:  Nov. 15 - 1pm & 3pm;  Nov. 16 - 11am & 1:30pm. Location: Cambrian Bowl, 14900 Camden Ave., San Jose, CA. Call: (408) 377-2354 or (831) 688-5854. leaguelineup.com/bowl

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: Noon to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SAN MATEO - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 South Delaware, San Mateo, CA. havestfestival.com

SANTA ROSA - ARC Native American Trio. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $20 - 40. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

SONOMA - Well Being Expo. Celebrate heath and wellness with over 70 healing and intuitive arts practitioners, artists and artisans. Spend your day shopping, receiving health and wellness counseling, eating, and maybe getting a hand or tarot card reading. Food prepared by Alex Purroy, 5 star chef and owner of Doce Lunas Restaurant in Kenwood. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Free admission to the public! Location: Sonoma Memorial Veteran's Hall - 126 First Street West, Sonoma, CA.

Monday

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display Open House. On view daily in the hotel lobby of Ayres Hotel, guests can visit and view delightful gingerbread house designs. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

RIDGECREST -  Bell Sorella, Soprano Ensemble. Nova and Susanna Jimenez (sopranos) and Shinobu Kameyama (pianist) comprise the award-winning soprano ensemble Bella Sorella (beautiful sister). The group performs classical operatic and contemporary musical styles in melodic and powerful duets creating a mix they call "Popera." Their repertoire spans seven languages. A violinist has recently joined the group, adding more sonic richness. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $22.  Location: Parker Performing Arts Center/Burrough High School, 500 East French Ave, Ridgecrest, CA. Contact: (760) 375-5600
SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Tuesday

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display Open House. On view daily in the hotel lobby of Ayres Hotel, guests can visit and view delightful gingerbread house designs. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Surf City Nights. Time: 5 - 9 p.m. Location: Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Ave. Cost: Free admission. Contact: hbdowntown.com

LANCASTER - American Ballet Theatre II. Dance company performs Balanchine, to Swan Lake excerpts. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $25 - 30. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink Grand Opening Party. Public Skating, Music, Exhibitions, Special Guests, Food, Drinks, special guests Mayor Mike Gin, World champion ice skater Randy Gardner & Scott Williams, and the Los Angeles Ice Theater. Public invited to welcome this seasonal ice rink located next to the Pacific Ocean through  Time: 4 to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN JOSE -  Santana Row Tree Lighting Ceremony. Light Up the Row, Santana Row’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony launches the holiday season with guest appearances by NBC 11's Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon. They will be hosts of the program, Light Up the Row, which will feature live holiday entertainment, special performances by local theatre groups and the lighting of more than 500,000 twinkling lights adorning the neighborhood! Additional festivities will take place throughout Santana Row with live music, choirs, carolers, stilt walkers, hot chocolate sampling and activities for children and families. Time: 6:30-9 p.m., Cost: Free. Location: 3055 Olin Ave., San Jose. CA. Call: (408) 551-4611. santanarow.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775
WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Wednesday

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display Open House. Time: Daily. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night which begins after dark.  Time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SANTA ROSA - East Village Opera Concert. Irreverent pop, classical and opera performance. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $15 - 25. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Thursday

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

COSTA MESA - Tree Lighting Ceremony. The 27th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony invites guests to watch Santa’s arrival as holiday music warms the air during the lighting of the 96-foot tree. Students from the Orange County High School of the Arts will perform at the tree lighting ceremony. Attendees receive a special gift from Santa’s helpers. The tree is located at Town Center Park, Costa Mesa, Calif. (adjacent to The Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel near intersection of Bristol Street and Anton Boulevard. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: Free to the public. Location: 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, California.

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display Open House. Bring the kids for a delightful evening of fantasy with decorated gingerbread houses to look at, refreshments, holiday music and entertainment at the Ayres Hotel lobby. Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

LANCASTER - 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Comedy stage performance is a musical for mature audiences.  Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $35 - 40. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night.  Time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775
WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Friday

CHICO- Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul Concert.  Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 - 25.  Location: California State University, Chico, Laxson Auditorium, 2nd & Normal Ave., Chico, CA. Call: (530) 898-6333. chicoperformances.com

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display. On view daily in the hotel lobby of Ayres Hotel, guests can visit and view delightful gingerbread house designs. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

LOS ANGELES - The Takacs Quartet with Muzsikas and special guest Marta Sebestyen in Concert. Bartok and folk music are featured in this event. Time: 8 p.m.  Location: UCLA's Royce Hall Auditorium, 68 Kerckhoff Hall, Los Angeles, CA. Tickets: $26 - 50. Call: (310) 825-2101. calendar.ucla.edu

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

NEWPORT BEACH - Tree Lighting Ceremony. Fashion Island's 115 ft. Christmas tree is illuminated with over 17,000 lights and ornaments. Enjoy a live performance and the arrival of Santa! Time: 6 p.m.  Location: Fashion Island Newport Beach, 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA. Call: (949) 721-2000. shopfashionisland.com

PLEASANTON - Downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening. Holiday festivities at downtown shops, restaurants and businesses include decorations, twinkling lights, banners, beautiful window displays and holiday treats. Visits with Santa and encounters with Elves who hand out purple candy canes and peppermint lollipops;  carolers, choruses, bell ringers, flutes; fire juggling acrobat Dana Smith and his dog Lacey; balloon sculptors; face painters; and Crackers the Clown will all be on hand to celebrate the magic of the season.  Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Main Street (approx. 830 Main), Pleasanton, CA. pleasantondowntown.net

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating.  Time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SACRAMENTO - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. havestfestival.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to Midnight. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SANTA ROSA - Lisa Lampanelli Comedy. This comedy show is being filmed.  Time: 7 & 10 p.m. Cost: $39.50. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Saturday

BEVERLY HILLS - Beverly Hills Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Kick off the holiday season at the annual Beverly Hills and UNICEF Lighting Ceremony  with live musical acts, family activities and Santa along Rodeo Drive, beginning at 3:00 pm. Then at 6:00 pm, prepare to be wowed with entertainment and special guests on the main stage just before the official lighting in which Celebrity personality, Nicole Richie, and Joel Madden, lead vocalist for the critically acclaimed band, Good Charlotte, arrive just in time to pull the lever at 7:00 pm – the UNICEF crystal snowflake and 20 Baccarat chandeliers will positively sparkle on Rodeo Drive, backlit by spectacular fireworks from the rooftop of the Beverly Wilshire hotel. Everyone has a backstage pass to the Two Rodeo After Party immediately following the Lighting Ceremony.  Santa will stick around for Q&A and photo ops, all while enjoying a treat or two along the Via amidst a dusting of snow. Location: Rodeo Drive (200 block), Beverly Hills, CA. Cost: Free. Call: (310) 248-1015. beverlyhills.org

CALIFORNIA CITY -  Annual Holiday Craft Fair. Holiday craft items plenty of stuff for your Christmas decorations. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $20/vendor; public free admission. Location: California City Central Park, 10400 Heather Ave., California City, CA. Call: (760) 559-5768.

CAMERON PARK - Turkey Trot. 18th annual run/walk turkey trot includes 1.2 or 3.6 mile distances for kids and adults. Time: 9 a.m. Cost: $27. Location: Cameron Park Lake, 2989 Cambridge Road, Cameron Park, CA. Call: (530) 677-2231. cameronpark.org

COMMERCE - Citadel’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities include LIVE performances by Demi Lovato and Elliott Yamin. Hosted by Hot 92.3’s Al B. Sure and FOX 11’s Rick Lozano, this is holiday fun for the whole family! Time: 5 p.m. Location: 100 Citadel Dr., Commerce, CA.citadeloutlets.com

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

ESCONDIDO - Walking Tour of Old Escondido. This walking tour of Old Escondido West is a great outdoors experience. Time: 11 a.m. Location: Southeast corner of Grand & Broadway, Escondido, CA. Call:  (760) 743-8207. escondidohistoricalsociety.org

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display. On view daily in the hotel lobby of Ayres Hotel, guests can visit and view delightful gingerbread house designs. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

MONTEREY - Tree Lighting at Del Monte Center. Enjoy live holiday entertainment, cookies, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa who lights the gorgeous holiday tree. Bring three cans of food for Food Bank of Monterey County for a chance to win a $500 Del Monte Shopping Center gift card. Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Del Monte Shopping Center, Off Highway 1 at Munras Ave., Monterey, CA. shopdelmonte.com

NAPA - Urban Italian with Chef Andrew Carmellini. Cooking demonstration, lunch with wine, and  book signing are included in the price of this luncheon in which guests explore what chefs cook in their own kitchens. Join Chef Carmellini (winner of the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef: New York City award), for a delicious 3-course lunch and hilarious tales from his culinary journey. Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $45. Location:COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, 500 First Street, Napa, CA. Call: (888) 512-6742. copia.org

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night.  Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com
ROSEVILLE - Holiday Parade. 42nd annual Sylvia Besana Annual Holiday Parade parade travels down Vernon Street then turns on Folsom, ending at lot between Roseville Commons and Roseville Square.  It includes pageantry, floats, bands, Santa Claus and fun. Time: 10 a.m. Location: 6th & Vernon, downtown Roseville. Free to watch. Call: (916) 783-8136.  rosevillechamber.com

SACRAMENTO - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. havestfestival.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: Noon to Midnight. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SANTA MARIA - Turkey Trot Family Fun Run. Annual Turkey Trot Family Fun Run includes a 2.5-mile loop course, while shorter distances will be available for kids ages 7-12. Location: Hagerman Sports Complex, 3300 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA. Cost: $10 per participant, includes T-shirt. Time: 9 a.m. Call: (805) 925-0951, ext. 355. ci.santa-maria.ca.us

SANTA ROSA - American Philharmonic: Romantic Russians Concert. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

YREKA - Siskiyou Holiday Craft Fair. The Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds Siskiyou Holiday Craft Fair includes craft vendors, concessions and Kids Corral craft corner. The craft corner will include a babysitting service, holiday crafts, movies and a visit by Santa Claus himself! Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $3/30 minutes babysitting on site. Location: Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds, 1712 Fairlane Rd. Yreka, CA. Call: (530) 842-2767. sisqfair.com

Sunday

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 1 & 6:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

ENCINITAS - Fall Festival. 18th annual event hits the streets of Encinitas for crafts, shopping, food, entertainment and fun. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. encinitas101.com

HAWTHORNE - Food & Wine Tasting Spectacular.  Surrounded by the comfortable elegance and rich amenities that are the hallmarks of every Ayres Family European-style hotel, the Food and Wine Tasting Spectacular will tease and titillate the taste buds with fine foods and wines from outstanding restaurants and caterers. A Silent Auction and special musical entertainment will also be featured.   Time: 4 to 8 p.m. Ticket: $35/person 21years and over only. Contact Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

HAWTHORNE - Gingerbread Display. On view daily in the hotel lobby of Ayres Hotel, guests can visit and view delightful gingerbread house designs. Cost: Free admission.  Location: 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA. For info, call: Lynda at (310) 670-2870.

LANCASTER - East Village Opera Company on Stage. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $27 - 32. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661)723-5950. lpac.org

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

MAMMOTH LAKES - 2nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually in Mammoth Lakes California. 11 days of film screenings, parties and music at multiple venues in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. (Last year's event was hosted he festival will primarily screen films at the Forest Ranger Auditorium at the Visitors Center on Hwy 203 and in the Village. Over 60 films will be screened at this second annual event. Categories include: documentary; foreign film; comedy/musical; and drama. Event runs November 13 – 23, 2008. Cost: $25 pass. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. Call: (760) 965-4072. mammothfilmfestival.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night.  Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SACRAMENTO - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. havestfestival.com

SAN FRANCISCO - Pier 39 Holiday Tree Lighting. It's a multi-cultural celebration at PIER 39's Holiday Tree Lighting with Bay Area groups performing seasonal favorites from around the world. Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa are the backdrop for a majestic tree complete with 400 glistening ornaments, 500 bows and 2,000 twinkling LED lights. Tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. in the Entrance Plaza by NBC Bay Area's Chief Meteorologist, John Farley. Time: 1 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free. pier39.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: Noon to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SANTA ROSA - American Philharmonic: Romantic Russians Concert. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Tuesday
 

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Surf City Nights. Time: 5 - 9 p.m. Location: Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Ave. Cost: Free admission. Contact: hbdowntown.com

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival Drive-Thru's Kick Off Bike Night. 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park is a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. It  is a holiday tradition that attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. Committed to providing a green LA holiday, a pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through December 7 with Bike Night launching. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run December 8 through December 30. Shuttle buses will be available weekends and December 19-30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Time: 5 to 10 p.m.  Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. dwplightfestival.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night. Ruby's Diner 50's Night features 50's Music, Skating, and Games! Best 50's Costume wins Ruby's Burger, Fries, and Soft Drink! Time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread. Discovery Science Center annual exhibit. Study it and build a gingerbread  creation in the Science of Gingerbread. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 - 13, plus $3 parking. Location: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA. discoverycube.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Wednesday

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival Walking Nights. 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park is a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. Committed to providing a green LA holiday, a pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through December 7. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run December 8 through December 30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Time: 5 to 10 p.m.  Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. dwplightfestival.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night.  Time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN DIEGO - Skating by the Sea. Hotel del Coronado resort offers outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific! Time: 2 to 5 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $20/adult; $15/child age 10 & under; matinee session: $15/adult; $10/child; Skate Rental: $5. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado Island, CA. hoteldel.com

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour visits some of San Francisco's most notorious haunted places. Tree lined streets in a safe quiet neighborhood with beautiful historic Victorian architecture includes one moderate hill, in a one-mile walk with an easy pace. Departing year-round, rain or starshine, from an authentic restored Victorian, the magnificent Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter, on the corner of Sutter and Octavia. Cost: $20/person. $10/under 16. Kids under 8 not recommended. Reservations not required. Walk is approx. one mile. Dress warm. Time: Begins at 7pm, ends close to 10pm and operates seven nights a week. Call: (415) 922-5590. sfghosthunt.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread. Discovery Science Center annual exhibit. Study it and build a gingerbread  creation in the Science of Gingerbread. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 - 13, plus $3 parking. Location: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA. discoverycube.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Thursday

ARCATA - Thanksgiving Day Walk. Meet at Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center with Art Barab for a walk. Time: 10 a.m. to Noon. Location: 569 South G St., Arcata, CA. Cost: Free. Call:
(707) 826-2359

BUENA PARK- Knotts Berry Farm Tree and Holiday Decor. Knotts theme park is aglow with holiday decor. Hours: Open daily except Christmas. Cost: $23-52. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. knotts.com

BUENA PARK- Knotts Christmas Crafts Village. Holiday decor, gifts, strolling carolers and visits from Santa are included in this unique once-a-year shopping extravaganza.  Hours: Open daily except Christmas. Cost: Free admission to Crafts Fair on weekdays. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. knotts.com

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

DANA POINT - Dana Point Turkey Trot. Time: 6 a.m. Cost: $12-50. Location: Dana Point Harbor, Golden Lantern at Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA. turkeytrot.com

DANA POINT - Thanksgiving Dinner. Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa is hosting a special holiday meal in VUE restaurant in honor of Thanksgiving. Guests can enjoy VUE’s Thanksgiving Celebration and live entertainment from noon to 8 p.m. and is available for adults at $69.95 and for children (ages 6-12) at $25.95. Prices do no include tax and gratuity. This is a pre fixe meal, not a buffet. Location: 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA. Reservations: (949) 487-7516.

DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights Drive-Thru Display. Del Mar's lighted Christmas show is the largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast. There are more than 400 twinkling displays located around the racetrack at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Event runs nightly through Jan. 4, 2009.  Time:  Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 to 11 p.m. Cost: $14/ car up to 5 people; $19/ vehicle of 6 or more people; $49/ bus. Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., exit Interstate 5 at Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA. Call: (858) 755-1161. sdfair.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Thanksgiving Day Extravaganza.  Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort is preparing a special meal with sumptuous food, three seatings and live entertainment across from the beach. Seatings include: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. in the Cielo Mare Ballroom. Cost: $75 adult; $19.95 child.  Tax and gratuity are extra. Reservations:(714) 845-8444. Address: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

LONG BEACH - Turkey Trot 5K, 10K & Kids 1/2 Mile Run. Location: Starts & finishes at Belmont Shore Pool. Time: First walk/run begins at 7:30 a.m. Cost: $15 -45. turkeytrot.us

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival Walk Only Nights. 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park is a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. A pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through December 7. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run December 8 through December 30. Shuttle buses will be available weekends and December 19-30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Time: 5 to 10 p.m.  Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. dwplightfestival.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

MT. SHASTA -  Christmas Tree Lighting. The holiday season officially begins in front of city hall with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Carols sung by candlelight and a visit from Santa are all part of this event.
Call: (800) 926-4865.

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating and Movie Night.  Time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN DIEGO - Skating by the Sea. Hotel del Coronado resort offers outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific! Time: 2 to 5 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $20/adult; $15/child age 10 & under; matinee session: $15/adult; $10/child; Skate Rental: $5. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado Island, CA. hoteldel.com

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour visits some of San Francisco's most notorious haunted places. Tree lined streets in a safe quiet neighborhood with beautiful historic Victorian architecture includes one moderate hill, in a one-mile walk with an easy pace. Departing year-round, rain or starshine, from an authentic restored Victorian, the magnificent Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter, on the corner of Sutter and Octavia. Cost: $20/person. $10/under 16. Kids under 8 not recommended. Reservations not required. Walk is approx. one mile. Dress warm. Time: Begins at 7pm, ends close to 10pm and operates seven nights a week. Call: (415) 922-5590. sfghosthunt.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: 2 p.m. to Midnight. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

Friday

BAKERSFIELD - It's a Merry Christmas at Stars. The Stars Christmas show is written to be a light-hearted and fast moving revue that charms and amuses the large number of individuals and groups who come to see it. Time: 6:30 p.m. Cost: $31- $54. Location: Stars Theater, 1931 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA. Call: (661) 325-6100.

BASS LAKE - Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting arts and crafts fair. The event includes live musical entertainment and a festive holiday atmosphere with plenty of gift-buying opportunities for all ages. Times: Friday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Location: Pines Resort,  'Pines Village,' Bass Lake, California, just 8 miles northeast of Oakhurst and Hwy 41, 54432 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604. Cost: Free admission. thecraftfair.org

BERKELEY - Golden Dragon Acrobats. The company has traveled to over 65 countries on five continents and is recognized internationally as one of the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring companies. Time: 8 p.m. Cost:  $24 - $46. Location: UC Berkeley, Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, CA. Call: (510) 642-9988. calperformances.org

BUENA PARK- Knotts Christmas Crafts Village. Inspirational products, holiday decor, handpainted glass, tole painting, jewelry, children's crafts and dolls, personalized gifts, stained glass, handblown glass, soaps & such, embroidery, ceramics & pottery and much more will be sold by crafters at this fair.  Hours: Open daily except Christmas. Cost: Free admission to Crafts Fair on weekdays. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. knotts.com

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights Drive-Thru Display. Largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast features more than 400 twinkling displays at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Event runs nightly through Jan. 4, 2009.  Time:  Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 to 11 p.m. Cost: $14/ car up to 5 people; $19/ vehicle of 6 or more people; $49/ bus. Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. Call: (858) 755-1161. sdfair.com

FREMONT - Train of Lights is an actual train that offers a holiday light display in a 75 minute ride between Niles and Sunol. The brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from either Niles or Sunol runs through Dec. 29, seating is limited.  Time: 4:15 & 6:45 p.m. from Niles & 4:30 & 7 p.m. from Sunol. Cost: $25. Location: Niles Station, 37001 Mission Blvd., Freemont, CA.  Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol, CA. Call: (510) 996-8430. ncry.org

FREMONT - Niles Festival of Lights. Fremont's historic Niles district celebrates traditions with a tree lighting ceremony and annual parade of lights, complete with unique acts such as  flame-tossing jugglers, Mexican dancing horses, tap dancing trees, and the big man in red, St. Nick. Live music and snacks are also included. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Niles Boulevard at H Street, Fremont, CA. Call: (510) 792-8023. niles.org

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: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20-45. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival Walk Only Nights. 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park is a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. A pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through December 7. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run December 8 through December 30. Shuttle buses will be available weekends and December 19-30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Time: 5 to 10 p.m.  Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. dwplightfestival.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

OAK GLEN - Apple Butter Festival. Hands-on demonstration of apple butter making the old-time (and slow!) way - outdoors in a big copper kettle. Learn how to “start the snitz” and “add the money”, plus enjoy pioneer crafts and games, music, carriage rides, and lots more. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Call Rileys at Los Rios Rancho: (909) 797-1005 or  losriosrancho.com

OAKLAND -  Jack London Square Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Oakland’s 70-ft. Holiday Tree, pictures with Santa, arts & crafts fair, live entertainment. Kids' Jump Houses and games offer free entertainment. Time: 1 to 7 p.m. Lighting Ceremony is at 6 p.m. Location: Jack London Square (Broadway and Pavilion), Oakland, CA. jacklondonsquare.com

ORANGE - Christmas Train to Santa's Village. Hop aboard the train in Irvine Regional Park for a starlit, holiday ride to Santa's Village where you can meet Santa, take photos and enjoy many activities. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: $8, Free under 24 months. Parking for Christmas Train is free after 5 p.m. Santa photos can be purchased, or bring your own camera. Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA.  Call: (714) 997-3968. irvineparkrailroad.com

PASADENA -  Pasadena’s Biggest Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival. The event kicks-off the season with the Rose Queen guest appearance, holiday sing-a-long and the official start of the Charles Cherniss Tournament of Toys. Be there when Santa arrives to light the dazzling 35-foot One Colorado Christmas tree! Location: in the Courtyard at One Colorado, Pasadena, CA. Time: 6 p.m. onecolorado.com

PLACERVILLE - Festival of Lights on Historic Main Street. The old-fashioned festivities begin around 5:30PM at various locations on Main Street with music, entertainment, Santa, stagecoach rides, Holly Jolly Trolley rides to outlying parking lots, and the tree-lighting at 6PM at the Courthouse. Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Call (530) 672-3436. placerville-downtown.org

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating. Santa will be available for pictures from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Skate time: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com
RIDGECREST - Star Party. Star Parties are an activity where members and guests come together to view the skies. If you have a telescope, bring it, if not, come and look through someone else's. They are held at a site in the open desert south of Ridgecrest. Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Open Desert, Ridgecrest, CA. Go south on China Lake Boulevard 6.5 miles from its intersection with Ridgecrest Boulevard. Continue straight across Highway 395 and you will be on Brown Road (old highway 395). Follow Brown Road as it curves to the right and goes west. After 2.3 miles there will be a 30-inch orange cone on the left. Turn left and follow the dirt road marked by 12-inch cones. The China Lake Astronomical Society star party is 0.5 miles along this road. Signs and cones will be put out about a half hour before viewing starts.Call: (760) 375-7247.

ROSEVILLE - An Old Fashioned Holiday Exhibit Opening. Open House and the opening of our special exhibit at the museum. Time: Noon 12 to 4 p.m. Location: Carnegie Museum Roseville Historical Society, 557 Lincoln St, Roseville, CA. Call: (916) 773-3003. rosevillehistorical.org

SAN DIEGO - Skating by the Sea. Hotel del Coronado resort offers outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific! Time: 2 to 5 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $20/adult; $15/child age 10 & under; matinee session: $15/adult; $10/child; Skate Rental: $5. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado Island, CA. hoteldel.com

SAN FRANCISCO - The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Public invited to the re-creation of the novel Charles Dickens novel with festive costumes, A Christmas Carol, includes live entertainment, food, music, and family fun.  Runs weekends through Dec. 21, 2008. Cost: Adult Advance Tickets $17; Child (5-11) $10. Day of: Adult: $22; | Child $10. Time: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Location: Cow Palace, East Exhibit Halls, Geneva Ave., San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 404-4111. cowpalace.com

SAN FRANCISCO - Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. Holiday festivities include a visit from Santa Claus and musical entertainment. Time: Tree Lighting at 5:30 to 6 p.m.; Santa Claus Visit 5:30 to 8p.m. Call: (415) 775-5500.

SAN JOSE - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: San Jose Convention Center, 408 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. havestfestival.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: Noon to Midnight. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SAN RAFAEL - Parade of Lights, Tree Lighting Ceremony & Winter Wonderland. 29th Annual Parade of Lights in Downtown San Rafael begins at Fourth and “E” Streets at 5pm. Participants in the Parade of Lights will end at Courthouse Square.  This is the 19th annual free snow sledding on A Street between Fourth & Fifth Streets. The snow will be open to the public from noon to 4pm, closed during the Parade of Lights and Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony, re-opened at approximately 6pm, and closed again at 8pm. There is also a Holiday Market  from 4p to 8pm, located on Fourth Street between Lootens Place and B Street. Holiday entertainment and musical performances at different locations on Fourth Street between Lootens and “A” will be featured. Cost: Free admission. downtownsanrafael.org

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread. Discovery Science Center annual exhibit. Study it and build a gingerbread  creation in the Science of Gingerbread. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 - 13, plus $3 parking. Location: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA. discoverycube.org

SEAL BEACH - Christmas Tree Lighting. Seal Beach will host an annual holiday tree lighting in Eisenhower Park overlooking the beach and pier on Ocean at Main, Seal Beach, CA. Time: 4 p.m. Cost: Free admission. sealbeachchamber.org

SONORA - Sonora Christmas Festival. 34th Annual Christmas celebration is held at Sonora's Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $7.  Location: 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA. Call: (209) 533-3473. fireonthemountain.com

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

YOUNTVILLE -Festival of Lights. 19th annual light festival is a holiday faire featuring food, wine and entertainment throughout this Napa wine country city. Santa Claus will be on hand with visits for the children, and there will be carolers strolling, along with horse-drawn carriage rides. After dark Yountville magically lights up with thousands of twinkling lights adorning trees and shops along Washington Street. V Marketplace will be open until 8pm for holiday shopping. Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call: Yountville Chamber of Commerce, (707) 944-0904.

Saturday

ANAHEIM - Disneyland's Holiday Celebration includes Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, Santa’s Reindeer Round-up, A Christmas Fantasy parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday and It’s a Small World holiday. Time: 8 a.m. to Midnight. Location: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA.

BAKERSFIELD - It's a Merry Christmas at Stars. The Stars Christmas show is written to be a light-hearted and fast moving revue that charms and amuses the large number of individuals and groups who come to see it. Time: 6:30 p.m. Cost: $31- $54. Location: Stars Theater, 1931 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA. Call: (661) 325-6100.

BASS LAKE - Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting arts and crafts fair. The event includes live musical entertainment and a festive holiday atmosphere with plenty of gift-buying opportunities for all ages. Times: Friday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Location: Pines Resort,  'Pines Village,' Bass Lake, California, just 8 miles northeast of Oakhurst and Hwy 41, 54432 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604. Cost: Free admission. thecraftfair.org

CAPITOLA - Surfing Santa arrives. Santa and his Reindeer surf into Capitola main beach at noon. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa's wave-riding arrival. Once Santa has dried off, he will visit with all the children and hear their holiday wishes. Location: Main Beach in Capitola Village. Time: Noon, 12 p.m.

COSTA MESA - Crossroads of the West Gun Show. Time: Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $11, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. Location: Buildings 10, 12, 14 and 16, and Parade of Products and Main Mall, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (801) 544-9125. ocfair or crossroadsgunshows.com

COSTA MESA - Fiesta Navidad. Join Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano as they perform Fiesta Navidad at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The mariachi tradition of Nati Cano and Mariachi Los Camperos is one of the finest in the world. Fiesta Navidad takes you on a musical journey through the various regions of Mexico while exploring holiday customs through music, song, and dance. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $30 -95. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org
DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights Drive-Thru Display. Over 400 twinkling displays at Del Mar Fairgrounds.  Time:  Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 to 11 p.m. Cost: $14/ car up to 5 people; $19/ vehicle of 6 or more people; $49/ bus. Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. Call: (858) 755-1161. sdfair.com

EUREKA - Craftsman's Days. Living history and artisan fair where guests learn about the traditional arts of blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics and much more. Demonstrations in the traditional arts include blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning.  Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park, 1 X Street, Eureka, CA . Call: (800) 248-4259. blueoxmill.com

FAIRFIELD - Jelly Belly Tree Lighting Ceremony. Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas Tree! Lots of family friendly entertainment, music and fun! A highlight of the evening is welcoming Santa Claus, himself, to the Visitor Center! Activities begin at 5:30pm The Visitor Center will be open until 7:30pm. Tours and the Jelly Belly Cafe will observe extened hours. Location: Jelly Belly Visitor Center, One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA. jellybelly.com

FREMONT - Train of Lights is an actual train that offers a holiday light display in a 75 minute ride between Niles and Sunol. The brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from either Niles or Sunol runs through Dec. 29, seating is limited.  Time: 4:15 & 6:45 p.m. from Niles & 4:30 & 7 p.m. from Sunol. Cost: $25. Location: Niles Station, 37001 Mission Blvd., Freemont, CA.  Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol, CA. Call: (510) 996-8430. ncry.org

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: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20-45. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

HOLLISTER - Lights on Celebration Tree Lighting and Parade. This annual event features a ceremonial lighting of downtown buildings and trees, a parade, merchant open house, Santa's Village, live entertainment, and the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Time: 5 p.m. Location: Downtown Hollister, CA. Call: (831) 636-8406. downtownhollister.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Smooth Jazz Holiday Concert. Features Norman Brown's Jazz Christmas with musicians Eric Darius, Jeff Lorber, and SHILTS. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $55- 145. Location: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (714) 377-7574. bbjazz.com

JULIAN - Living Christmas Tree Lighting. Julian celebrates the holiday season with a program of Christmas carols sung by local vocalists.  Santa arrives aboard a fire engine just before 6, when the tree is lit. The tree lighting set to take place in Julian’s Pioneer Park at 6 p.m., marks the beginning of the annual Julian Country Christmas celebration, three weeks of holiday festivity. Time: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Location: Pioneer Park, Julian, CA. Call: (760) 765-1857. julianca.com

LAKE ISABELLA - Lake Isabella Christmas Parade. Santa Claus ushers in the holiday season with an old fashioned community parade. Time: 9 a.m. to Noon. Cost: Free. Location: Lake Isabella, CA. Call: (760) 379-5236.

LONG BEACH - Chicago City Limits Comedy Performance. This is New York's longest running comedy revue.  Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $35. Location: Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, CA. Call: (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival Walk Only Nights. 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park is a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. A pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through December 7. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run December 8 through December 30. Shuttle buses will be available weekends and December 19-30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Time: 5 to 10 p.m.  Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. dwplightfestival.com

LOS ANGELES - Miniature Railroad to Santa's House. Passengers will leave the station aboard an enchanted train and will arrive at the North Pole within minutes, and will visit Santa's festively decorated house with brilliant light displays and holiday scenes to get you in the holiday mood. Cost: $6/ train ride & small gift from Santa; infants under 19 mths free. Location: Travel Town Museum (Griffith Park) 5200 Zoo Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (323) 913-4688.

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

LOS ANGELES - Little Tokyo Walking Tour. Relive history and learn about present-day Little Tokyo with National Museum docents .Time: 10:15 a.m. Cost: $13, includes Museum admission. Comfortable walking shoes and clothes recommended, weather permitting. Location: Japanese American National Museum, 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, California. Call: (213) 625-0414. janm.org

LOS ANGELES - Blood & Dumplings. Esotouric offers a tour with narration voted one of the best entertainment values in Los Angeles.  Check in is at 11:30am for a 12pm sharp departure from the Lincoln Heights/Cypress Gold Line Metro station. Call: (310) 995-4591. Price: $63. esotouric.com

LOS ANGELES - Reindeer at the Zoo. See Santa, make reindeer antlers and see live reindeer at this holiday event each weekend through December. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $7-12 (kids 2 & under free). Location: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (323) 644-4200. lazoo.org

MALIBU -  Westside Ballet Nutcracker is one of the longest running Nutcracker Ballets in California. Time: 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Location: Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA.    Tickets are $26 through ticketmaster.com/ westsideballet.com

MCCLOUD - McCloud Dog and Pony Show Parade. Awards for all kids and free hot apple cider. Stick Pony Contest, meet "Sparky" the Fire Dog, dress up in costumes and come have fun on Thanksgiving weekend.  Time: 12 Noon. Cost: No entry fee. Location: Main Street, McCloud, CA. mccloudchamber.com

NAPA - Napa's Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade. Napa's 45th Holiday Parade begins at Napa City Hall, winding its way from downtown Napa and ending at COPIA (The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts) for a fun Tree Lighting Party. Santa and floats in the Nutcracker Sweets Parade end at Copia for hot chocolate and cookies, tree lighting with the Mayor, caroling and dance performances. Time: Parade goes from 5 to 6 p.m. Tree lighting is held at the end of the parade. Cost: Free. Call: (707) 257-0322. napadowntown.com.

NAPA - Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House. Time: Noon to 2 p.m. Cost: $35. Location: COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, 500 First Street, Napa, CA. Call: (888) 512-6742. copia.org

OAK GLEN - Apple Butter Hoedown. Rileys at Los Rios Rancho celebrates the bounty of the harvest season with its fourth annual Apple Butter Hoedown. The Riley's Mountaineers band will pick, fiddle, and sing traditional bluegrass, Western, and gospel tunes, and dance caller Dennis Riley will lead guests through old-fashioned, kick-up-your-heels polkas, quadrilles, reels, and waltzes. A delicious meal of pumpkin bread and Harvest Soup is included with admission. The hoedown is part of the Thanksgiving weekend Apple Butter Festival, which runs from November 28th through the 30th. The hoedown begins at 6 p.m. Ticket: $25 adult; $18 child 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling Rileys at Los Rios Rancho: (909) 797-1005 or  losriosrancho.com

ORANGE - Christmas Train to Santa's Village. Hop aboard the train in Irvine Regional Park for a starlit, holiday ride to Santa's Village where you can meet Santa, take photos and enjoy many activities. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: $8, Free under 24 months. Parking for Christmas Train is free after 5 p.m. Santa photos can be purchased, or bring your own camera. Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA.  Call: (714) 997-3968. irvineparkrailroad.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating. Santa will be available for pictures from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Skate time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SAN DIEGO - Skating by the Sea. Hotel del Coronado resort offers outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific.  Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;  2 to 5 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $20/adult; $15/child age 10 & under; matinee session: $15/adult; $10/child; Skate Rental: $5. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado Island, CA. hoteldel.com

SAN FRANCISCO - The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Public invited to the re-creation of the novel Charles Dickens novel with festive costumes, A Christmas Carol, includes live entertainment, food, music, and family fun.  Runs weekends through Dec. 21, 2008. Cost: Adult Advance Tickets $17; Child (5-11) $10. Day of: Adult: $22; | Child $10. Time: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Location: Cow Palace, East Exhibit Halls, Geneva Ave., San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 404-4111. cowpalace.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: Noon to Midnight. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775

SAN JOSE - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: San Jose Convention Center, 408 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. havestfestival.com

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread. Discovery Science Center annual exhibit. Study it and build a gingerbread  creation in the Science of Gingerbread. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 - 13, plus $3 parking. Location: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA. discoverycube.org

SONORA - Sonora Christmas Festival. 34th Annual Christmas celebration is held at Sonora's Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $7.  Location: 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA. Call: (209) 533-3473. fireonthemountain.com

VACAVILLE - Christmas in my Home Town. Reminiscent of the holiday specials presented by Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra, enjoy music and dance.  Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $25.  Location: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville, CA. Call: (707) 449-6217. vpat.net

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

WALNUT CREEK - Holidays at Shadelands Faire and Teas.  Walnut Creek Historical Society annual decorated, historic home, will be filled with high-quality crafts and specialty holiday items for sale. Hand-made gifts and quilts, clothing, jewelry, porcelain, and gourmet foods are only a few of the items available. Admission to the house and vendors is free, and free parking is available.  A high tea three-course luncheon will be served in the parlor and dining room daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., for $28 per person. Time: a.m. to 4 p.m. Call: (925) 935-7871. Location: 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA.

YREKA - Yreka Holiday Parade. Annual Yreka parade is the largest daytime holiday parade in northern California & southern Oregon. Time: 11 a.m. Location:  downtown historical district, Yreka, CA. Call: (530) 842-1649. shastacascade.org

Sunday

ARROYO GRANDE - Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony & Concert. The annual Christmas event begins with a concert at the Rotary Bandstand in the Nelson Green from 3:30 to 5 p.m.  A small-town parade then follows, and next, a Tree Lighting ceremony. Time: 3:30 - 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Downtown District, Arroyo Grande, CA. Call: (805) 473-2250. arroyograndevillage.org

BAKERSFIELD - It's a Merry Christmas at Stars. The Stars Christmas show is written to be a light-hearted and fast moving revue that charms and amuses the large number of individuals and groups who come to see it. Time: 12:30 p.m. Cost: $31- $54. Location: Stars Theater, 1931 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA. Call: (661) 325-6100.

BASS LAKE - Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting arts and crafts fair. The event includes live musical entertainment and a festive holiday atmosphere with plenty of gift-buying opportunities for all ages. Times: Friday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Location: Pines Resort,  'Pines Village,' Bass Lake, California, just 8 miles northeast of Oakhurst and Hwy 41, 54432 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604. Cost: Free admission. thecraftfair.org

COSTA MESA - The Color Purple Play. Mature content in this award-winning production. Time: 1 & 6:30 p.m. Cost: $28.50 - 88.50. Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 556-ARTS. ocpac.org

COSTA MESA - Crossroads of the West Gun Show. Time: Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $11, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. Location: Buildings 10, 12, 14 and 16, and Parade of Products and Main Mall, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (801) 544-9125. ocfair or crossroadsgunshows.com

DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights Drive-Thru Display. Largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast features more than 400 twinkling displays at Del Mar Fairgrounds thru Jan. 4, 2009.  Time: 5:30 to 10 p.m.; open till  11 p.m. Fri & Sat nights. Cost: $14 (car up to 5 people). Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. Call: (858) 755-1161. sdfair.com

EUREKA - Craftsman's Days. Living history and artisan fair where guests learn about the traditional arts of blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics and much more. Demonstrations in the traditional arts include blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning.  Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park, 1 X Street, Eureka, CA . Call: (800) 248-4259. blueoxmill.com

FREMONT - Train of Lights is an actual train that offers a holiday light display in a 75 minute ride between Niles and Sunol. The brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from either Niles or Sunol runs through Dec. 29, seating is limited.  Time: 4:15 & 6:45 p.m. from Niles & 4:30 & 7 p.m. from Sunol. Cost: $25. Location: Niles Station, 37001 Mission Blvd., Freemont, CA.  Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol, CA. Call: (510) 996-8430. ncry.org

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: 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20-45. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org
HOLLYWOOD - Hollywood's Santa Parade. Holiday parade with floats, marching bands, equestrian units,
celebrities and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade has been in existence since 1928. This year the parade will travel Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset between Highland and Vine in Hollywood, CA. Address: Hollywood Boulevard and Highland, Hollywood, CA. Time: 5 p.m. Cost: Grandstand seating $35 each; curbside seating free. Call: (866) PARADE1. hollywoodsantaparade.com

IRVINE - An Irish Christmas. Presented by Kerry Records, Riverdance stars Darren Maguire and Maeve Croke headline a concert of Irish Christmas carols, stories, uileann pipes and Celtic fiddles. Time: 2 p.m. Tickets: $48, $40 adults; $28, $22 children. Location: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4646 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA. Call: (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org

LOS ANGELES - Reindeer at the Zoo. See Santa, make reindeer antlers and see live reindeer at this holiday event each weekend through December. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $7-12 (kids 2 & under free). Location: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (323) 644-4200. lazoo.org

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival Walk Only Nights. 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park is a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. A pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through December 7. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run December 8 through December 30. Shuttle buses will be available weekends and December 19-30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Time: 5 to 10 p.m.  Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. dwplightfestival.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily through Jan. 19, 2009. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

MALIBU -  Westside Ballet Nutcracker is one of the longest running Nutcracker Ballets in California. Time: 1:30 & 5:30 p.m. Location: Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA. Tickets are $26 through ticketmaster.com/ westsideballet.com

NAPA - Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House. Time: Noon to 2 p.m. Cost: $35; extra house $25; extra kid or adult $10. Location: COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, 500 First Street, Napa, CA. Call: (888) 512-6742. copia.org

OAK GLEN - Apple Butter Festival. Hands-on demonstration of apple butter making the old-time (and slow!) way - outdoors in a big copper kettle. Learn how to “start the snitz” and “add the money”, plus enjoy pioneer crafts and games, music, carriage rides, and lots more. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Call Rileys at Los Rios Rancho: (909) 797-1005 or  losriosrancho.com

ORANGE - Christmas Train to Santa's Village. Hop aboard the train in Irvine Regional Park for a starlit, holiday ride to Santa's Village where you can meet Santa, take photos and enjoy many activities. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: $8, Free under 24 months. Parking for Christmas Train is free after 5 p.m. Santa photos can be purchased, or bring your own camera. Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA.  Call: (714) 997-3968. irvineparkrailroad.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink. Public Skating. Santa will be available for pictures from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Skate time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost to skate: $12 - 14. Location: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA. Parking at 181 N. Harbor Drive Call: (310) 318-6300. seasideice.com

SALINAS - Holiday Parade of Lights, One City, Many Cultures. Revelers weave through Oldtown by float, car, horse or foot in the community parade which offers float lessons to entrants who pay a fee to participate. Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free to attend. Location: South Main to Salinas Street, Salinas, CA.  salinasparade.com

SAN DIEGO - Skating by the Sea. Hotel del Coronado resort offers outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific! Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;  2 to 5 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $20/adult; $15/child age 10 & under; Matinee: $15/adult; $10/child; Skate Rental: $5. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado Island, CA. hoteldel.com

SAN FRANCISCO - The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Public invited to the re-creation of the novel Charles Dickens novel with festive costumes, A Christmas Carol, includes live entertainment, food, music, and family fun.  Runs weekends through Dec. 21, 2008. Cost: Adult Advance Tickets $17; Child (5-11) $10. Day of: Adult: $22; | Child $10. Time: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Location: Cow Palace, East Exhibit Halls, Geneva Ave., San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 404-4111. cowpalace.com

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Outdoor ice skating rink for the holidays. Time: Noon to 10 p.m. Cost: $15/ adult. $13/ youth 12 and under. Admission includes rental skates and ice time. Runs through Jan. 11, 2009. Location:  120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Call:  (408) 279-1775.

SAN JOSE - Harvest Festival. 36th annual event features over 24,000 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, gourmet foods with free samples and musical entertainment. Artist quality glass art, jewelry, ceramics and gifts sold at this holiday event. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 Adult; $7 Senior 62+; $4 Youth 13-17; Free 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. One ticket is good for all three days. Location: San Jose Convention Center, 408 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. havestfestival.com

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread. Discovery Science Center annual exhibit. Study it and build a gingerbread  creation in the Science of Gingerbread. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9 - 13, plus $3 parking. Location: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA. discoverycube.org

SONORA - Sonora Christmas Festival. 34th Annual Christmas celebration is held at Sonora's Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $7.  Location: 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA. Call: (209) 533-3473. fireonthemountain.com

WALNUT CREEK - Holidays at Shadelands Faire and Teas.  Walnut Creek Historical Society annual decorated, historic home, will be filled with high-quality crafts and specialty holiday items for sale. Hand-made gifts and quilts, clothing, jewelry, porcelain, and gourmet foods are only a few of the items available. Admission to the house and vendors is free, and free parking is available.  A high tea three-course luncheon will be served in the parlor and dining room daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., for $28 per person. Time: a.m. to 4 p.m. Call: (925) 935-7871. Location: 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA.

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

YUBA CITY - Handel's Messiah. Handel's Messiah will be performed by the Yuba-Sutter Oratorio Society. Time: 4 p.m. Reservations, call (530) 742-1904. Location: St. Isidore Catholic Church, Yuba City, CA.

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