December 2008 Events California

Friday, December 12, 2008

CHICO- The Nutcracker. Chico Community Ballet's colorful performance delights audiences of all ages. Cost: $20 - 25.   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

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.

ARCATA - Tomaseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas Concert. Songs and stories, gifted Celtic musicians and dancers rekindle the flame of the earlier times. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $30 - 35. Location: Humboldt State University, Van Duzer Theatre, 1 Harpst St., Arcata, CA. Call: (707) 826-4411. humboldt.edu

ATASCADERO - A Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting Ceremony & Street Faire. This annual event includes a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, Carriage Rides, ice sculpting, holiday refreshments, gift booths, live music, bounce house, games and tons of snow. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Main Street, Atascadero, CA. Call: (805) 462-0177. atascaderomainstreet.org/

BERKELEY - Berkeley Ballet Theater's Nutcracker. Young and old can enjoy the magic of the season at this annual event. Time: 7 p.m.Cost: $23. Location: Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley, CA. Call: (510) 843-4687.

BRENTWOOD - Holiday on Ice. Outdoor seasonal ice rink offers outdoor fun. Twinkling outdoor light-filled rink under a big tent. Time: 2:30 -10:30 p.m. Cost: $10; $5/skate rental. brentwoodholidayonice.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 (Monday through Friday): $10 adult; $5 senior; $5 age 3-11. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. knotts.com

CHICO- The Nutcracker. Chico Community Ballet's colorful performance delights audiences of all ages. Cost: $20 - 25.   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

DANA POINT -  Holiday Boat Parade. Join in the 34th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor by climbing aboard one of the decorated boats and actually take part in the parade.  You'll see the hundreds of other decorated boats competing for the coveted Best in Show Award! Time: 7:30pm - 9:30 p.m. Location: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern in Dana Point, CA. Cost: $29 adult/$19 kid 3-12. Call: (949) 496-5794. danawharf.com

DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights Drive-Thru Display. Largest animated show on the West Coast features over 400 displays. Time: 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Fri & Sat open till 11 p.m. 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

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

FORTUNA -  Electric Lighted Parade. Tractors, big rigs and trucks of any sort can deck themselves out with holiday lights for this informal parade. Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Redwood Village Shopping Center, Fortuna, CA. Call: (707) 725-3959

GARDEN GROVE - The Glory of Christmas Musical. Discount Night. 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

GLENDALE -  Los Angeles Ballet The Nutcracker. Los Angeles Ballet’s original production of The Nutcracker reflects the city in which it is based. With choreography by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary and set design by LA designer and illustrator Catherine Kanner, the production honors the company’s mission to maintain an artistic collaboration that invites all genres to participate. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $26 - 95.  Location: The Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA. Call: (310) 998-7782.  losangelesballet.org

HOLLYWOOD - Zappa plays Zappa at The Roxy. Dweezil Zappa has studied and put together a band that accurately portrays the music his late, great father, Frank Zappa, wrote and performed throughout the world. Included in Dweezil's orchestration are top musical talents and often special guests such as Ray White, guitar and vocals, who was a member of the touring band during the Zappa in New York, Tinsel Town Rebelion and You are What You Is era.  Dweezil Zappa's tribute concert to Frank Zappa has been featured on public television. If you've seen it, you won't want to miss this live event. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $110 - 150. Location: Roxy Theatre, 9009 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90069. Tickets: theroxyonsunset.com 

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Drive Thru Nativity Pageant. This annual event on the lawns of the First Christian Church allows guests to either walk or drive through a series of stops to watch scenes from the nativity. Live animals, colorful costumes and traditional messages are included. Time: 6 -9:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: 1207 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (714) 536-2589. fcc-connection.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Annual holiday boat tours of Huntington Harbour lit homes on five manmade channels. Time: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 child. Location: 16889 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Call: 714/840-7542. cruiseoflights.org

IRVINE - Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker. This company's Nutcracker is a lavish full-length professional production at the Barclay in Irvine. Family-friendly and affordable, it features spectacular guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional budding young talent from across the Southland, plus special guest artists from American Ballet Theatre, Irina Dvorovenko & Maxim Beloserkovsky. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $33 - 38. Location: UC Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA. Call: (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org

KERNVILLE - Christmas in Kernville. Old Fashion Christmas with caroling and live nativity on Dec 12 and car parade and delivery of Santa to Circle park on Dec 13. Come enjoy an old fashioned Christmas all month long. Time: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Circle Park, Kernville, CA. Call: (760) 376-2629.

LONG BEACH  - Harbor Lights Christmas Cruise. See the decorated homes and boats of Naples Island on a one-hour cruise aboard the 140 passenger Party Boat, The Star. Offering a cash bar with beer, wine, cocktails and snacks for kids, there's also some sweets, cocoa and foods to munch on for adults.  Christmas Cruise departs from Alamitos Bay Landing, 140 Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803. Call for times: (562) 799-7000. Tickets: $10 -15. reggaeboat.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

LOS ANGELES - The Nutcracker. Los Angeles Ballet’s original production of The Nutcracker reflects the city in which it is based. With choreography by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary and set design by LA designer and illustrator Catherine Kanner, the production honors the company’s mission to maintain an artistic collaboration that invites all genres to participate. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15 - 95.  Location: Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA. losangelesballet.org

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Light Festival. 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. 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 GATOS - Carriage Rides. Old fashioned horse drawn carriage rides offer the romance of Christmas past. Ride in an elegant horse-drawn carriage. Stately drivers direct horses wearing holiday bells from Town Plaza through  Almond Grove district. This 15-minute ride will take you by some of the town's most beautiful historic homes and along downtown's festively-decorated North Santa Cruz Avenue. Carriage Rides starts at 7pm. Carriage Ride Cost: $20/ Adult; $10/ kid; Free/ under 3 on lap. Reservations: losgatoschamber.com.

MODESTO - Central West Ballet's The Nutcracker. This year featuring new sets and costumes. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1030 11th St., Modesto, CA. Call: (209) 338-2100. galloarts.org

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

OAKLAND -Christmas Revels. The 23rd Annual Christmas Revels at the Oakland Scottish Rite Theater includes beautiful period costumes and songs for the holidays. It's a fantastic performance to lift your spirits. Time: 7:30 pm. Location: Scottish Rites Temple, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA. Tickets: calrevels.org

OAKLEY - Lighted Boat Parade. Bethel Island's lighted boat parade is an annual hit! Time: Starts at 5 p.m. Call : (925) 684-2666. sjyc.org/

OXNARD -  Christmas Tree Lane. Take a magical drive through Henry T. Oxnard Historical District, which includes homes decked out and all aglow for visitors to enjoy. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Location: "F" and "G" Streets Between Fifth and Palm, Oxnard, CA.
PLEASANTON - Sing It Yourself Messiah with Valley Concert Chorale. Become part of a Tri-Valley holiday tradition! Sing Part I of Handel's Messiah, concluding with a powerful rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. Singers and music lovers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in experiencing Handel's spectacular choral masterpiece. Sing, or just come to enjoy. Bring a score or borrow one for the evening. Concert pianist Daniel Glover, plus four outstanding professional soloists will be featured. Time: 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton, CA. Call (925) 866-4003. valleyconcertchorale.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

SANTA ROSA - Drive-Through Live Nativity. Drive-Through Live Nativity at Santa Rosa Adventist Church is an annual event the church presents to the public. Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: 840 Sonoma Ave
Santa Rosa, CA. Call: 707-578-8883  santarosasda.org

SAN DIEGO - Fantasy on Ice. Holiday public ice skating rink at Horton Plaza. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Location: 225 Broadway, San Diego, CA. sdice.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 DIEGO - City Ballet of San Diego's Nutcracker. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $42 - 62. Location: Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA. Call: (858) 272-8663. cityballet.org

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker. As the company that introduced the first American version of The Nutcracker, San Francisco Ballet's current production under the direction of the esteemed Helgi Tomasson is recognized as one of the finest ballet presentations anywhere. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $20 -112. Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. at Grove St., San Francisco, CA.  Call: (415) 865-2000. sfballet.org

SAN JOSE - The Nutcracker. Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley Nutcracker features a spectacular stage presentation of the beloved holiday ballet. Under the direction of famed choreographer, Dennis Nahat, this production is a must-see. Time: 7:30 p.m.  Cost: $30 -85. Location: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden,  San Jose, CA. Tickets:(408) 288-2800, balletsanjose.org.

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. sjdowntown.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

SANTA ROSA - Wynonna Sings Christmas Classics. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $15 - 85. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

SYLMAR - Organist Mark Herman will perform. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: Call for cost. Location: The Nethercutt Museum, 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, CA 91342Call: (818) 364-6464. nethercuttcollection.org

TEMPLETON - The Nutcracker Ballet. North County Dance and Performing Arts foundation in conjunction with Class Act Dance will delight and fascinate audiences with both professional and local dancers. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15 - 20. Location: Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, CA. Call:  (805) 835-1915 or (805) 239-3668.

THOUSAND OAKS -  That Holiday Feeling Concert. Presented by Village Voices Chorale, get into the groove with some holiday join of your own at this popular holiday concert. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $18. Location: Scherr Forum Theatre - Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA. Call: (805) 449-2787. civicartsplaza.com

VACAVILLE - The Nutcracker. Vacaville Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite features a traditional holiday favorite. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $14 -19.  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.

Dec. 11 < site > Dec.13