December 2008 Events California

Friday, December 5, 2008

ALHAMBRA - Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa. Santa arrives in downtown Alhambra on a shiny, bright red fire engine, there will be free refreshments, a tree lighting ceremony and musical entertainment with Flattop Tom and
his Jumpcats. Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Alhambra Renaissance Plaza on the northeast corner of Garfield Avenue and Main Street, Alhambra, CA. Call: (626) 282-5767. cityofalhambra.org

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.

BELLFLOWER - Tree Lighting Ceremony. Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Bellflower & Belmont, Bellflower, CA. Call: (562) 804-1424, ext. 2268. bellflower.org

BENICIA - Benicia Tree Lighting. Benicia's most beautiful event of the holiday season includes live entertainment featuring  Kris Kringle & The Mistletones, tree lighting and Christmas open house on Main Street. Set in the magical atmosphere of the Benicia Waterfront, the tree is located in front of Benicia Peninsula. Benicia Youth Commission will serve hot beverages and holiday cookies. Time: 6:30  to 9 p.m. Call: (707) 746-4285. Location: End of First St in front of Depot, Benicia, CA. ci.benicia.ca.us

BRENTWOOD - Tree Lighting Event. Start the holidays with the annual Christmas tree in City Park. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with carolers, music, and hot beverages. Tree lighting will take place promptly at 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: City Park, corner of Oak and Second Streets, Brentwood, CA. Call: (925) 516-5444. ci.brentwood.ca.us

BISHOP -Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony -  Bishop Chamber's Annual Bishop City Park Festivities feature hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, candy, great holiday music and Santa! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes at the Chamber's Visitors Bureau at the park from 4:30 to 6 pm. Park Christmas tree lights up at 6 pm sharp! Call Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau: (760) 873-8405. bishopvisitor.com

BRENTWOOD - Tree Lighting Event. Start the holidays with the annual Christmas tree in City Park. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with carolers, music, and hot beverages. Tree lighting will take place promptly at 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: City Park, corner of Oak and Second Streets, Brentwood, CA. Call: (925) 516-5444. ci.brentwood.ca.us

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

CARSON - Proof, a Play.  David Auburn's Pulitzer and Tony-winning drama about a young woman's struggles with her recently deceased father's mathematical genius and his mental illness. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $12. Location: Edison Studio Theatre, California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson, CA. Call:  (310) 243-3588. zaptix.com

CARMEL - Tree Lighting. The annual holiday celebration, tree lighting and musical entertainment is held in Downtown Carmel.Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Ocean Avenue and Devondorf Park, Carmel, CA. Call: (831) 620-2020. carmelcalifornia.com

COLUMBIA - Lamplight Tour. Docents in period costume perform a series of skits depicting life in Columbia during the holiday season. Reservations fill up quickly, so reserve early. Fundraiser for Friends of Columbia State Historic Park. Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: $15. Location: Columbia State Park, Columbia, CA. Call: (209) 536-1672. friendsofcolumbiashp.org

COSTA MESA - All Breed Dog Show. Shoreline Dog Fanciers Assoc. event includes Dog Exhibition, show and competition. Public education and vendors. Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Buildings 12, 14 & 16, and Main Mall, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 708-1500. ocfair or shorelinedogfanciersassociation.org

CRESCENT CITY - Holiday Fair. Del Norte County Fairgrounds Main Exhibit Building is the location for this gift-buying opportunity. Music, entertainment and lots to look at. Free admission (donation of a new toy or canned goods accepted). Location: Del Norte County Fairgrounds, 421 Highway 101 North Crescent City, California. Call: (800) 350-9556. dnfairgrounds.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 - Christmas by Lamplight. Christmas by Lamplight lets guests turn back the clock in time 100 years, led by costumed actors who will offer a glimpse of living history about Escondido. During this living history program guests are entertained while also learning a bit about Victorian Christmas and life in Escondido long ago. Time: Tours are offered every 15 minutes between 6 and 8 p.m. Cost: Ticket $15, child under 10 free, refreshments  included. Location: Park in Escondido History Center's Woodward parking lot, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA. Call: (760) 743-8207. escondidohistoricalsociety.org

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. 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

GROVER BEACH - Tree Lighting Ceremony. Grover Beach Open House tree-lighting, free cookie decorating, hot chocolate, entertainment, snow to play in and a visit from Santa Claus, who will be available for photos with children. Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: City Hall, 154 S. Eighth St., Grover Beach, CA.

IRVINE - The Secret Santa Musical Show. Presented by Men Alive: The Orange County Gay Men's Chorus.  Time:8 p.m. Cost: $25 - 47.50. Location: UC Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA. Call: (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org

KELSEYVILLE - Christmas in the Country. Christmas in the Country features old-Fashioned parade of lights and merchant open house on Main Street. Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Main Street, Kelseyville, CA. Contact: (707) 279-9022. visitkelseyville.com

LAKE ARROWHEAD - The Nutcracker. Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company presents a holiday ballet favorite, Nutcracker Ballet. Time: 9:45 a.m. & 8 p.m. Cost: $16.25. Location: Rim of the World Performing Arts Center, Lake Arrowhead, CA. arrowheadballet.org

LAKE ELSINORE - Tree Lighting & Winterfest. Winterfest is an event in which you can play in the snow and visit with Santa. There are games for the kids and entertainment, and the big Tree Lighting Ceremony. Time: 5:30 - 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Historic Downtown Lake Elsinore, 130 S Main St., Lake Elsinore, CA. Call: (951)674-3124 X265. lakeelsinorechamber.com

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

LANCASTER - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The story of Christmas presented by kids in a comedic play by Barbara Robinson. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $8 - 17. 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

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 - 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 GATOS - Christmas Tree Lighting & First Day of Carriage Rides. Tree Lighting festivities include late afternoon carriage rides, arrival of Santa Claus and musical entertainment. Time: 4 - 9:30 p.m. (approx.) Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m.; Santa arrives on a red fire engine at 6:01 p.m. and stays at the park until 7pm. Carriage Rides starts at 7pm. Carriage Ride Cost: $20/ Adult; $10/ kid; Free/ under 3 on lap. Reservations: losgatoschamber.com.

MAMMOTH LAKES - Town of Mammoth Lakes Holiday Tree Lighting. Located in the Footloose Parking lot from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Music, Santa Claus, refreshments and hot drinks. Cost: Free. Location: Mammoth Lakes, California 93546. info@visitmammoth.com.   Call: (760) 934-2712 or Toll Free: (866) 466-2666. visitmammoth.com

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

MONTEREY - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This annual event greets the holidays in a very merry manner.  Carolers, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa are included in the festivities. in front of Colton Hall. Location: Pacific Street, between Madison and Jefferson streets. Call: (831) 646-5648. monterey.org

MONTEREY - Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. 9th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival features the best cowboy poets and balladeers, plus well known western artists. Keepin' It Western! launches the event with Baxter Black, Juni Fisher and Linda Kirkpatrick. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: $200/ 3 day pass, or $35/person. Location: Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA. Call: (800) 722-9652. montereycowboy.org/

MURPHYS - Murphys Holiday Open House. Murphys Business Association annual Holiday Open House in historic downtown Murphys includes street closure along Main St. so visitors can stroll from store to store, listen to carolers,  holiday performers, and  watch popular children's parade led by Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6 p.m. The jolly couple will then light the community tree and proceed to the Native Sons Hall where they will greet the youngsters and pose for pictures. There is no admission charge and most businesses will be open and many will be offering complementary snacks and beverages. Free parking is available at the Black Bart Playhouse, Masonic Hall, and behind the Arbors. Call: (209) 728-9012. Cost Free. visitcalaveras.com

NEWPORT BEACH - Lighting of the Bay. The "Lighting of the Bay" ceremony is one of the community's most cherished holiday traditions during the festive beach holiday. Santa Claus kicks off the holiday season by flipping a giant switch to illuminate more than 50 electric Christmas trees in the waters of the bay.  Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Time: 6 p.m. newportdunes.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

PISMO BEACH - Holiday Harmony & Tree Lighting. Kids can play in fresh snow, enjoy Santa's Village, jump in a bounce house and decorate cookies while dults listen to live music. The holiday tree lighting happens at 6 p.m. in front of the Pismo Beach Pier. Caroling, hot apple cider will be served and Santa will hand out candy canes to the children starting at 5:30 p.m. Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Dolliver / Main Street parking lot, Pismo Beach, CA. Call: (800) 443-7778. classic-california.com

POMONA - 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: Fairplex - LA County Fairgrounds, 1101 West McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA. havestfestival.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: 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

ROSEVILLE - Christmas Tree Lighting. The mayor lights the community tree and Santa Claus arrives to town to talk with girls and boys.  Crafts for the children, a kids fun zone with jump houses and entertainment for all. Time: 5 - 8 p.m. Location: 311 Vernon Street (Civic Center Plaza). Call 746-1390.

SALINAS - Streets of Bethlehem Living Nativity. It begins just after dark (6 p.m. and goes to 8:30 p.m.) It is free to the public. A special assistance opportunity for those with disabilities and impairments is offered. Please contact the First Baptist Church of Salinas. Address: 1130 San Vincente Ave., Salinas, CA. Call: (831) 422-9872.  1stbaptist.net

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 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

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Jack House Christmas. Take a candlelit tour of the historic Jack House, a Victorian treasure decorated for the holidays. Following tour, hot cider and cookies will be served in the kitchen. Candlelit tours Fri & Sat. Special items in Gift Store. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: $2/person.  Location: 536 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA. Call: (805) 781-7300. slocity.org

SAN PEDRO - Weymouth Corners Annual Candy Cane Lane Open House and Festival. The Weymouth Corners Merchant Association invites everyone to join them for food, music, entertainment, kids activities and lots of shopping opportunities. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Location: Weymouth Corners - 8th and Weymouth Streets, San Pedro, CA. sanpedrocalendar.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 CLARA - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. The City of Santa Clara celebrates its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This celebration of lights and music includes entertainment, the arrival of Santa Claus aboard a horse-drawn carriage, and cookies for the kids! Time: 6 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Corner of Civic Center Drive and Lincoln Ave., Santa Clara, CA.  Call (408) 615-3170. santaclaraca.gov

SANTA ROSA - Ballet Folkorico's Posada Navidena. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $10 - 15. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

SEAL BEACH - Holiday Parade.  Annual Holiday Parade. Parade starts at 7pm. Starts at Main and Ocean. See bands, clowns, floats, music, and Santa! sealbeachchamber.org

SOLVANG - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Music, dance performances, Solvang Village Dancers, Christmas carols, refreshments, Santa and special guest! 5-7 PM; Solvang Park, Mission Drive & First Street, Solvang, CA. solvangusa.com

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. Cot: $15 - 20. Location: Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, CA. Call:  (805) 835-1915 or (805) 239-3668.

THOUSAND OAKS - A Christmas Carol Musical. Thousand Oaks Repertory Company Presents a Christmas Carol directed by Allan Hunt and original songs by Rick and Vivian Rhodes with original music score by Rick Rhodes. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $29. Location: Scherr Forum- Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA. Call: (805) 449-2787. civicartsplaza.com

TORRANCE - An Irish Christmas Concert. Riverdance stars Darren Maguire and Maeve Croke lead the dance, storytelling, laughter and plenty of Irish soul. The all-star line-up will also include Laura Turner, Andrea Willoughby, Patrick D'Arcy, John McKenna and many more! Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $18 -36 . Call: (800) 832–ARTS (2787. Location:  Location: Marsee Auditorium, El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Ca. elcamino.edu

VACAVILLE - Festival of Trees. Holiday tree decorating auction. Look at and bid on 100 lovely decorated Christmas trees and take one home in this fund-raiser event. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Vacaville Skating Center, 551 Davis St., Vacaville, CA. Cost: Free admission. vacavillefestivaloftrees.com

VACAVILLE - Handel's Messiah Concert. Solano Chamber Society presents a concert with full orchestra, chorus and soloists.  Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $7.  Location: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville, CA. Call: (707) 449-6217. vpat.net

WALNUT CREEK - The Nutcracker. Contra Costa Ballet School and Contra Costa Ballet Centre produces an annual Nutcracker at Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts at Hoffman Theater. Cost: $28. Time: 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. Location: Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek CA. Call: (925) 943-SHOW or (925) 943-7469.contracostaballet.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 

WATSONVILLE - Annual Holiday Lighting. Civic Plaza lights up for the annual holiday lights decorations that illuminate the plaza each night through Jan. 1, 2009. Time: Ceremony and entertainment begins at 6 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Civic Plaza, 275 Main St.,  Watsonville, CA. Call: (831) 768-3240. ci.watsonville.ca.us

YORBA LINDA - A Dicken's Dinner.  Event includes auction, theatre, and wine. Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: $50 - 75. Location: Richard Nixon Library, Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA. Call: (714) 743-7267.

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