December 2008 Events California

Sunday, December 14, 2008

ANAHEIM - The Nutcracker Ballet. Servite Theater is the grand location for Hirschl Ballet's Sunrise Ballet Theatre 20th annual production of this beloved holiday favorite. Time: Noon & 4 p.m. Location: Servite Theater, 1952 West La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA. Cost: $16 - 20. Call: (714) 528-8595. hirschlballet.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.

ARCADIA - Queen Anne Cottage Open House. Open only two times per year in L.A.'s Arboretum, this historic building and collections are showcased. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $5 - 7. Location: The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA. arboretum.org

BERKELEY - Berkeley Ballet Theater's Nutcracker. Young and old can enjoy the magic of the season at this annual event. Time: 2 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

CAMARILLO - Camarillo Community Band Christmas Concert. Holiday favorites in this sing along, plus a special appearance by Santa Claus so bring the little ones. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA. Call: (805) 484-8050. camarilloband.com

CHICO- The Nutcracker. Chico Community Ballet's colorful performance delights audiences of all ages. Cost: $20 - 25.   Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $22 - 27.  Location: California State University, Chico, Laxson Auditorium, 2nd & Normal Ave., Chico, CA. Call: (530) 898-6333. chicoperformances.com

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

COLUMBIA - All Equestrian Christmas Parade. Time: 11 a.m. Cost: Free. Location: Columbia State Historic Park, Columbia, CA. Call: (209) 599-2620. columbiacalifornia.com

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: Columbia State Historic Park, Columbia, CA.   Call: (209)588-9128. columbiacalifornia.com

COLUMBIA - Las Posadas Nativity Procession. The familiar nativity procession is given a Mexican and gold rush era flavor in this popular event. The streets are lined with candle filled paper bags as the participants stroll down Main Street to the manger located between State and Jackson Streets. Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Columbia State Historic Park, Columbia, CA. columbiacalifornia.com

DAVIS - Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Navidad Flamenca. Hailed by The New York Times as an infectiously joyful celebration of music and dance, this program of Hispanic holiday traditions offers a rare look at the flamenco fiestas honoring Christmas and the New Year. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $25 -45. Location: UC Davis, Jackson Hall, 9399 Old Davis Rd, Davis, CA.  Call: (866) 754-ARTS. mondaviarts.org

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

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: 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20-45. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Sunset Gondola's Cruise of Lights Ride. See the Cruise of Lights in your private gondola with friends, family or a romantic interlude and glass of wine. Time: Starts after sunset nightly. Cost: Approx. $75/couple. Location: Peter's Landing Marina, Pacific Coast Highway at Anderson, Huntington Beach, CA.

HUNTINGTON BEACH -  Nutcracker Ballet - Ballet Repertory Theater Nutcracker production. Full length version delights all ages. Cost: $15 general admission. Time: 1 & 5 p.m. Location: Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15744 Golden West St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Call: (714) 714-895-8150 x1. gwctheater.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: 1 p.m. Cost: $33 - 38. Location: UC Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA. Call: (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org

LANCASTER - The Nutcracker Ballet. This timeless classic is performed by the Antelope Valley Ballet.  Time: 2 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: 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 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 ANGELES - Carmen, the Opera. Emmanuel Villaume conducts the Los Angeles Opera presentation of this stage favorite is about a gypsy temptress, set in 19th-century Seville, Spain. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $20 to $250. Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA.  Call: (213) 972-8001. laopera.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.

LOS GATOS - Santa in the Plaza.  Santa and his elves will be in the Town Plaza Park. Bring your camera to record the moment! No charge for sitting on Santa's lap. Hosted by "Santa in the Plaza" committee & Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: East Main & Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA. Call: (408) 354-8700. lgsrecreation.org

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

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

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

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.

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

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

SAN DIEGO - Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Pet owners are invited to dress up their pet in their favorite costumes for a special promenade throughout Gaslamp.Time: 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA. gaslamp.org

SAN DIEGO - Rock & Roll Around the Bay San Diego Lighted Boat Parade. Time: 5:30 - 9 p.m. sdparadeoflights.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 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: 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Cost:  $15 -$50. Location: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 978-2787

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 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 - 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 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 - 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 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 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. 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 & 6 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: 2 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: 2 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

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: 1 & 5 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: 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

THOUSAND OAKS -  It's a Fabulous Life Concert. Presented by Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $39. 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 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: 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

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: 1 & 5 p.m. Wadsworth Theatre, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Brentwood, CA 90073.  Tickets are $26 through ticketmaster.com/  westsideballet.com

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