December 2008 Events California

Sunday, December 7, 2008

CAMPBELL - Carol of Lights. 22nd annual event features musical entertainment and in past years has included a parade, manger scene, puppet shows, snow, petting zoo, carolers, food, and much more! Location: Downtown Campbell, CA. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free admission. caroloflights.org

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: 2 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

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

CORONA DEL MAR - Christmas Walk. The 30th annual street fair includes live entertainment, shop open houses, and a festive, holiday-themed celebration. Time: 11am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Along Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar with Center Stage being held in Bandera's Parking Lot on Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA. cdmchamber.com

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 - Free Boat Rides with Santa Claus. Join Santa Claus and tell him your Holiday wishes aboard this 20 minute cruise. These trips are free and run every half hour. No reservations required. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Dana Point Harbor Drive at Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA. Call: (949) 496-5794. danawharf.com/kidsclub.html

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

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

FERNDALE - Lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree. Free cookies and punch for the entire community, and tourists are welcome. Celebrate this fine Ferndale tradition since 1934. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Main Street, Ferndale, CA. Call: (707) 786-4477.

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

HAYWARD - Ballet Petit's The Nutcracker. This production of America's favorite ballet, The Nutcracker, features fantastic costumes, magical stages sets that twinkle with holiday festivity, and traditional ballet under the direction of the multi-talented Peggy Peabody. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $16 -20. Location: Chabot College Theatre of Performing Arts, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA. Call: (510) 324-4988. balletpetit.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Holiday Parade, Lighting Ceremony & Taste Of. The 12th annual holiday parade, lighting ceremony and food sampling of soups & chowder on Main Street and Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach is held to raise funds for a Huntington Beach youth shelter. Time: 3 - 6 p.m. Location: Main Street between Orange Ave. and Pacific Coast Highway; and Pier Plaza at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, CA. Cost: Free admission, small donation to sample foods. Call: (714) 842-6600 for sponsorships and information.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Huntington Harbour Christmas Boat Parade. Parade begins around 6 p.m. and travels throughout the harbor channels.

LAKE ARROWHEAD - The Nutcracker. Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company presents a holiday ballet favorite, Nutcracker Ballet. Time: 2:30 p.m. Cost: $16.25. Location: Rim of the World Performing Arts Center, Lake Arrowhead, CA. arrowheadballet.org

LANCASTER - Los Lobos. Los Lobos features a Latin rhythm, mixed with vocals, and rock to make for something quite appealing and unique. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $40 - 45. 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 - Christmas Rotational Dinner Dance for Christian Singles. Men change tables for each dinner course (non-rotational tables available, too). Christian DJ plays a variety of music such as contemporary, disco, oldies, 60s 70s 80s, Country western & more. Time: 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Cost: $44 prepay/ $50 door. Location: Golden Sails Hotel - Best Western, 6285 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA. Call: (888) 222-8818. ChristianSinglesFunEvents.com

LONG BEACH - Franklin the Turtle's Family Christmas Concert.  Time: 2 & 4:30 p.m. Cost: $20. Location: Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, CA. Call: (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org

LONG BEACH - Live Concert with Long Beach Community Band, plus Santa from 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

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 - 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: 2 p.m. Cost: $20 to $250. Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA.  Call: (213) 972-8001. laopera.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

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

LOS GATOS - Santa in the Plaza & Santa Paws Days.  Santa and his elves will be in the Town Plaza Park. Bring your camera to record the moment! Also bring your darling four footed friend for a special picture with Santa. 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

MENDOCINO - Handel's Messiah Sing Along. Musical scores provided or bring your own and sing in this benefit for Mendocino Presbyterian Church Historical Preservation Fund. Time: 7 p.m.. Loction: Mendocino Presbyterian Church, Mendocino, CA. Cost: $7. Call: (888) 82-OPERA.

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. Sunday events include: Cowboy Church with Don Fusilier, Patty Clayton, Juni Fisher, Sourdough Slim, Linda Kirkpatrick, Stardust Cowboys, and Jay Snider. Time: 9 a.m.  Cost: $200/ 3 day pass, or $65/person approx. for full day of activities and shows. Location: Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA. Call: (800) 722-9652. montereycowboy.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 -  Sugarplum Tea. Sugarplum Tea. Catch includes sweet baked goods such as Savory Tarts, Scones with Sweet Creamery Butter & Lemon Curd, plus Holiday Sweets Sampler, and elegant tea sandwiches served with a brimming pot of tea. Traditional holiday tunes on the harp complete this lovely interlude. Call (707) 259-1600 for reservations. Time: 3 to 4:30 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

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.

PITTSBURG - 2008 Nutcracker. This Peninsula Ballet Theatre Dance Company production of The Nutcracker offers timeless beauty. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $10 - 25. Call: (925) 432-4992. Location: Pittsburg Creative Arts Building, 250 School St., Pittsburg, CA. peninsulaballet.org

PLACERVILLE - Hangtown Christmas Parade. 31st annual big parade takes place on Historic Main Street rain or shine. It starts at the Mountain Democrat parking lot on upper Broadway in Placerville and continues down Main Street. Time: 1p.m. Call: (530) 621-5885. placerville-downtown.org
PLEASANTON - An Italian Holiday with  Valley Concert Chorale. Concert features Respighi's Laud to the Nativity and Vivaldi's Gloria, along with carols of the season. Time: 8 p.m. Admission is $20.  Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton, CA. Call (925) 866-4003. valleyconcertchorale.org

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

RANCHO CORDOVA - Singing Christmas Tree. Christmas Jazz features over 100 singers, a 40-piece symphonic orchestra, the Capital Youth Chorale, spectacular theatrical lighting, special effects and choreography. Time: 2 to 6 p.m. Location: Capital Christian Center, Rancho Cordova, 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 - 48 approx. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264.5181. sacballet.org. 

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 - 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 - City Ballet of San Diego's Nutcracker. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $42 - 62. Location: Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA. Call: (858) 272-8663. cityballet.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 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 - The Nutcracker. Westlake School for the Performing Arts under the artistic direction of Malu Rivera-Peoples, presents The Nutcracker. Time: 2 p.m. Location: Palace of Fine Arts, Bay & Lyon, San Francisco, CA. Cost: $25-30. Location: Call: (650) 757-1244. wspadance.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. sjdowntown.com

SAN PEDRO - San Pedro Holiday Parade. 28th annual holiday parade starts at 15th & Pacific Ave. and goes north on Pacific to 6th, turns east to Liberty Plaza. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: Free. Call: (310) 832-7272. spholidayparade.com

SAN RAFAEL -Stapleton Nutcracker. Time: 1 & 5 p.m. Cost: $16 - 30. Location: Marin Civic Center: Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 3501 Civic Center Dr., San Rafael, CA. Call:  (415) 499-6800

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 - Opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors.  Menotti’s tale of a small beggar boy’s encounter with three wise men presented by Mission City Opera. Cost: $15/person. Call: (408) 749-7607. missioncityopera.org

SANTA CLARA - Holiday Train of Lights. Caltrain's Holiday Train is not a passenger train, but passes through the city for viewing of a visual lights display. Decorated with more than 40,000 lights, the Caltrain Holiday Train visits nine stations along the Peninsula between San Francisco and Santa Clara over two weekend nights. Time: 8:05 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Santa Clara Railroad Depot, Santa Clara, CA.

SANTA ROSA - A Johnny Mathis Christmas. Accompanied by a 31-piece symphony orchestra, one of the finest singers creates holiday memories in songs you'll cherish. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $69 & 99. Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.  Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Christmas in the Plaza Crafts Fair. Annual Holiday Craft Fair of handcrafted items includes over 30 vendors, crafts, food and entertainment. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Location: Mission Plaza,  Chorro & Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA. slocity.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. Cost: $15 - 20. Location: Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, CA. Call:  (805) 835-1915 or (805) 239-3668.

THOUSAND OAKS -  The Nutcracker. Produced by the Conejo Civic Ballet, this classic is a festival of sights, sounds and dance. Time: 2:30 p.m. Cost: $15 -24. Location: Fred Kavli Theatre - Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA. Call: (805) 449-2787. civicartsplaza.com

YUCCA VALLEY - Town Hall Tree Lighting with Santa. Light the night with the city's tree, plus see Santa spread holiday cheer. Caroling, hot-cocoa, hot-cider, lots of holiday fun! Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA Call: (760) 369-7207. yucca-valley.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

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.

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