December 2008 Events California

Saturday, December 13, 2008

It happens once a month in the Irish town of Murphys. No this is not some dreaded event that folks don't look forward to. It is the event that people adore. It is the gallery open door wine art and food Art Walk. In California, the wineries have become so abundant and the wines so tasty, they've discovered that people seem to enjoy finer things with a nice glass of wine.

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.

BERKELEY - Berkeley Ballet Theater's Nutcracker. Young and old can enjoy the magic of the season at this annual event. Time: 2 & 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: 12:30 -10:30 p.m. Cost: $10; $5/skate rental. Location: The Streets, 2421 Sand Creek Rd., Brentwood, CA. Call: (925) 513-1702. brentwoodholidayonice.com

CHICO- The Nutcracker. Chico Community Ballet's colorful performance delights audiences of all ages. Cost: $20 - 25.   Time: 2 & 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

CLAREMONT - The Nutcracker. Inland Pacific Ballet Nutcracker Ballet production is performed in the beautiful Bridges concert hall. Cost: $13 - 48. Time: 1 & 7 p.m. Claremont Colleges Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont, Ca. Phone: (909)-607-1139. ipballet.org

COLUMBIA - A Miner's Christmas. Costumed interpreters recreate the mining camp of the 1850s, as homesick miners roast chestnuts and hot cider, and perform live music for park visitors. 19th century toys and games, Victorian Holiday craft making, and Christmas storytelling make this an enjoyable experience for the entire family,
an antidote for the big store holiday shopping experience. Held during park hours. Cost: Free. Location: 11255 Jackson Street, Columbia, CA.   Call: (209)588-9128. columbiacalifornia.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

ESCONDIDO - Jaycees Christmas Parade. Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Broadway from Escondido High School to Grape Day Park, Escondido, CA. Phone: (760) 745-8877. downtownescondido.com

ESCONDIDO - Horse & Carriage Rides. This free event features a beautiful evening carriage ride through the downtown business district. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Pick-up at Maple & Grand, Escondido, CA. downtownescondido.com

EUREKA - Truckers Christmas Convoy. On the second Saturday evening of every December, thousands of people line the streets of Eureka & delight at the spectacle of huge trucks adorned in holiday lights. The truck parade winds through the town with music & horns blaring jingle bells. Route: Begins at Redwood Acres, travels down Myrtle Ave to 6th street, turns onto H street then to Harris and returns to the fairgrounds. Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Location: Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris St., Eureka, CA. Call: (707) 442-5744. truckersparade@keka101.com

FERNDALE - Lighted Tractor Parade. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Main Street, Ferndale, CA. Call: (707) 786-9675.

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

FULLERTON - The Nutcracker. Youth America Ballet features original choreography of the original Kirov Ballet.  Location: 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA. Call: (866) 468-3399. pcadance.com

GARDEN GROVE - The Glory of Christmas Musical.   A blend of Christmas carols, pageantry, live animals, flying angels, and special effects unfold in the nativity story. Location: Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, CA. Time: 4:30, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Cost: $20-45. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

GUALALA - Christmas Concert for the Coast. Event includes the Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers, plus Karl Young and the shakuhachi. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $15; Free /under 12 years. Location: Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Road, Gualala, CA. Call (707) 884-1138. gualalaarts.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 - 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

HUNTINGTON BEACH -  Nutcracker Ballet - Ballet Repertory Theater Nutcracker production. Full length version delights all ages. Cost: $15 general admission. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Location: Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15744 Golden West St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Call: (714) 714-895-8150 x1. gwctheater.com

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: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $33 - 38. Location: UC Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA. Call: (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org

JULIAN - Living Nativity.  Every Saturday until Christmas you'll find the Living Nativity in Julian. Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Cider Mill, corner Main & B, Julian, CA. Call: (760) 765-1857. julianca.com

KERNVILLE - Christmas in Kernville. Old Fashion Christmas with caroling 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.

LANCASTER - The Nutcracker Ballet.  Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $14 - 28. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA. Call: (661) 723-5950. lpac.org

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

LONG BEACH - Santa Claus Visits. Santa will appear every Saturday and Sunday till Christmas. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Marketplace Long Beach, 6501 E. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH & 2nd St.), Long Beach, CA. Call: (562) 431-6282. longbeachmarketplace.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 - 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 - The Nutcracker with Marat Daukayev School of Ballet. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Location:  Japan American Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, 244 S San Pedro St # 505, Los Angeles, CA. Call  for Tickets: (213) 680 3700. maratdaukayev.com

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.

MARINA DEL REY -  Marina del Rey Boat Parade is a Christmas Boat Parade in Los Angeles near Orange and Ventura Counties. Music, commentary and judging are part of the celebration in this huge, urban marina that's lovely at night. View from along the channel or from one of the restaurants with a waterfront view. Time: 5:55 pm fireworks, 6-8 pm parade. Parking: Parking fees in County Parking Lots are waived for the parade. There is NO street parking. Fisherman's Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. Other viewing location is Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA. mdrboatparade.org

MODESTO - Central West Ballet's The Nutcracker. This year featuring new sets and costumes. Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Location: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1030 11th St., Modesto, CA. Call: (209) 338-2100. galloarts.org

MONTEREY - Christmas in the Adobes. Nearly 20 of Monterey’s historic adobes are featured with staff, docents, and volunteers on hand to tell about the unique buildings and share stories of their former occupants. Musical entertainment, refreshments, and period Christmas decorations. Time: 5 to 9 p.m.  Tickets: $20 Adult; $2 Child 6-17 years. Free parking is included with your ticket. Ticket locations: Cooper Museum Store, 525 Polk Street (831-649-7111); Pacific House Museum, 10 Custom House Plaza (831-649-2907). Call: (831) 649-7118. parks.ca.gov

MCCLOUD - Olde Fashioned Christmas. McCloud Chamber of Commerce –McCloud opens its doors & hearts in celebration of the Holiday season for two weekends. Among the activities are Santa Claus visit with bonfire, caroling, business & open houses, Christmas light decorating contest, special entertainment & more. Location: McCloud, CA. mccloudchamber.com

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

NAPA -  Voena: Voices of the Season. Voena returns to COPIA with another joyous, multi-lingual holiday event. Presented in full Victorian splendor that is sure to fill everyone with the spirit of the season. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Cost: $25. Location: COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, 500 First Street, Napa, CA. Call: (888) 512-6742. copia.org

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

NAPA -  Tea with Mrs. Claus.Mrs. Claus presides over an old-fashioned holiday tea the whole family will love! Baked goodies and tea sandwiches, a choice of tea, hot cider or hot chocolate keep the memories warm. Order a family holiday photo in Santa’s sleigh. (Photos available for purchase separately.)  Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $35 adult; $20 child. Location: COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, 500 First Street, Napa, CA. Call: (888) 512-6742. copia.org

NAPLES - Naples Boat Parade begins around 6 p.m. on Naples Island, 2nd Street near PCH, Long Beach, CA.

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: 1 pm and 5 p.m. Location: Scottish Rites Temple, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA. Tickets: calrevels.org

OCEANSIDE - Oceanside Parade of Lights Holiday Boat Parade.  Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights decorated boats in the water of the inner harbor offer a fun evening filled with holiday reflections. Time: 6 to 9 p.m.  Call: 760-722-5751. Location: 1950 Harbor Drive North, Oceanside, CA

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

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.

PATTERSON - Christmas Tree Lane. Tree Decorating is an event in the park allowing you to bring your own tree, decorate it and leave it on display for the public to see through Jan. 2, 2009. Decorating and drop-off day includes Santa, Crafters, Food, Entertainment, & Electric Parade. Time: ends at 5:30 p.m. Location: South Park, Patterson, CA. Call: (209) 892-2821. patterson-westleychamber.com

PATTERSON - Electric Light Parade. All entries must have lights. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Entrants meet behind Federated Church (parking lot) 5th & F Street, Patterson, CA. Call: (209) 892-2821. patterson-westleychamber.com

POWAY - Christmas in the Park.  Holidays are delightful this holiday season when you experience the magic of an old-fashioned tradition, Christmas in the Park. The Christmas Tree is officially lighted at 5:15 p.m., Santa Claus arrives by train at 5:30 p.m. Time: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Call: (858) 668-4576. ci.poway.ca.us

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

REDONDO BEACH - King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. 14th annual Redondo Beach boat parade plies the channel of the South Bay harbor with a guest Grand Marshall, Rick Hearst of General Hospital. Location: Redondo Beach harbor. Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free to watch. Best viewing is along breakwall, on pier, or from harbor restaurants. khyc.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.

SACRAMENTO - The Nutcracker performed by Sacramento Ballet, the annual event is better than ever.  Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Location: Sacramento Community Theater, Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA. Cost: $28 - 60 approx. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264.5181. sacballet.org. 

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 - City Ballet of San Diego's Nutcracker. Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $42 - 62. Location: Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA. Call: (858) 272-8663. cityballet.org

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 DIEGO - Fiesta Navidad, Victorian Christmas Celebration and Las Posadas Pilgrimage. Victorian Christmas takes place in conjunction with the annual  celebration in Old Town San Diego. The Las Posadas pilgrimage starts at Heritage County Park at 6pm. Time: Noon, 12 p.m. Call: (619) 291-9784. oldtownsandiego.org

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 -  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 FRANCISCO - Dance Along Nutcracker. Clara's Uncle Drosselmeyer is haunted by ghosts when he turns down the family Christmas party. Stars Trauma Flintstone as Drosselmeyer and Donna Sachet as the Ghost. 2008 Dance-Along Nutcracker: Bah Humbug! Time: 2:30 & 7 p.m. Cost:  $15 -$50. Location: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 978-2787

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: 1:30 & 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: 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. sjdowntown.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO - The Nutcracker. The Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo presents everyone's favorite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, presented by a professional production that has delighted the Central Coast for more than 30 years. Time:  2 & 7 p.m. Location: Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA. civicballetofslo.org

SAN MATEO - 2008 Nutcracker. This Peninsula Ballet Theatre Dance Company production of The Nutcracker offers timeless beauty. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $7 - 67. Call: (800) 595-4TIX (4849). Location: San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware, San Mateo, CA. peninsulaballet.org

SAN PEDRO - San Pedro City Ballet's The Nutcracker. Under the direction of Cynthia and Patrick David Bradley, the production is colorfully staged and expertly executed at this historic Warner Grand Theatre. Time: 7 p.m. Location: The Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th Street,  San Pedro, CA. Email for info: karen@sanpedrocityballet.org. Or call: (310) 732-1861. sanpedrocityballet.org
SAN RAFAEL - Marin Ballet's The Nutcracker. Marin Ballet's full-length production of Nutcracker is an event anticipated by dancers and the Marin community alike. The cast is made up of approximately 175 student dancers, visiting guest artists and adult performers. Time: 1 & 5 p.m. Cost: $35 adult; $23 kids 12 & under, seniors. Location: Veterans' Memorial Auditorium at the Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA. Call: (415) 499-6800. marinballet.org

SANTA BARBARA - Santa Barbara Festival Ballet's 34th annual performance of the Nutcracker. Time: 2:30 p.m. Cost: $20 - 40 (approx.) Location: Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara, CA. Call: (805) 966-0711.  santabarbaraballetcenter.com

 Location: Sunnyvale Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA.  Call: (408) 733-6611. sunnyvale.ca.gov

SANTA CLARA - Santa Clara Ballet's The Nutcracker.  35th Annual Nutcracker dazzles thousands of guests with exquisite choreography, local, as well as nationally acclaimed professional dance artists. Time: 12 & 7 p.m. Cost: $18 - 28.50. Location: Santa Clara Convention Center's Theater, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA. Call: (408) 881-0879. santaclaraballet.org

SANTA ROSA - Santa Rosa Symphony Concert. 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

STANFORD - Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra's The Mozart Effect. Noted Bay Area pianist Robert Schwartz performs Mozart's Piano Concerto #17 in G Major, plus Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, tackled by the combined forces of PACO and Sinfonia. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $15 General. Location: Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA. Call:  (650) 725-5838. pacomusic.org

SUNNYVALE - Lakewood Village Holiday Parade. Festive event celebrates the season in Sunnyvale's Lakewood Village. Time: 11 a.m. Location: Lakewood School to Fairwood Park. Call: (408) 886-8037. sunnyvale.ca.gov

SUNNYVALE - Kugelplex – Klezmers in Concert.  Kugelplex is a respected young band of Yiddish musicians, or klezmers, who wandered Eastern Europe’s cities and countryside, playing dance music for weddings and festivals. Their song “Rudolph’s Mitzvah” was a Hanukkah hit last year. Time: 8 p.m. Cost:  $25 general admission.

SYLMAR - Organist Mark Herman will perform. Time: 2 & 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: 2 p.m. Cot: $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: 2:30 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: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $14 -19.  Location: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville, CA. Call: (707) 449-6217. vpat.net

VENTURA - Parade of Lights. Daytime activities include snow play for children and visits with Santa. Horse drawn carriage rides with sleigh bells go from Noon to 5 p.m., departing from Harbor View Park next to snow play area. Santa and his reindeer fly over at 7 p.m. to launch the boat parade. Goes from Noon to 9 p.m. Parade starts at 7 p.m. Location: 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA.

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.

WESTWOOD - Westside Ballet Nutcracker is one of the longest running Nutcracker Ballets in California. Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Wadsworth Theatre, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Brentwood, CA 90073.  Tickets are $26 through ticketmaster.com/  westsideballet.com

YUBA CITY - A Hillbilly Christmas Carol. Christmas Eve has come to the Ozarks. The audience can watch a mountaineer version of The Christmas Carol in this Magic Theater Production. Time: 1 & 3 p.m. Cost: $5. Location: 815 B St, Yuba City, CA. Phone: (530) 751-1100. yubasutterarts.org

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