December 2009 Events Calendar for California

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December 1, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Tuesday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Surf City Nights. Outdoor street fair & farmer's market. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: 200 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA. hbdowntown.com

SAN FRANCISCO - Nutcracker Ballet - featuring San Francisco Ballet, this time honored classic is sure to please. One of the finest ballet companies on the West Coast presents an award-winning stage production of a Christmas holiday musical. Runs nightly through December 27 (few days excluded). Time: Hours vary. Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA. Tickets: $18 - 236. Call:(415) 865.2000, sfballet.org

December 2, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Wednesday

December 3, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Thursday

SANTA ROSA - The Facts Behind the Funnies. Exhibit at Charles Schulz Musuem The Facts Behind the Funnies: Schulz's Passion for Precision. As a cartoonist read by millions of fans, Charles Schulz felt an obligation to get his facts straight about the subjects he tackled in Peanuts. This exhibition reveals Schulz's dedication to detail in order to ensure that sports plays and positions (from ice skating to surfing), medical conditions, musical notes, and even Woodstock’s shorthand were accurately depicted. Runs through Jan. 1, 2010. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $8; $5 youth, seniors; Free under 4 years. Location: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA. Call: (707) 579-4452. SchulzMuseum.org | Buy Tickets!

December 4, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Friday

LOS ALTOS - Tree Lighting Ceremony. Event will be held in Downtown Los Altos, CA. Downtownlosaltos.org

OXNARD - Tree Lighting Ceremony. Oxnard Tree Lighting Celebration Holiday Festivity event features community performers, the premiere of the 2009 Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show and the lighting of Ventura County's tallest Christmas tree. Word just in - Santa Claus will be there! Complimentary refreshments will be served. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Downtown Oxnard, Plaza Park, Fifth & B Streets, Oxnard, CA 93030. Phone: (805) 385-7545

OXNARD - Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show. A spectacular computer choreographed music and light show that plays on the quarter hour each hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Years Eve at the Historic Pagoda in Plaza Park, downtown Oxnard. There are over 27,000 lights that dance to holiday music. Show runs every 15 minutes daily through Jan 1, 2010. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Location: Plaza Park, Fifth & "B" Streets, Oxnard, CA 93030. Cost: Free. Phone: (805) 385-2705. downtownoxnard.org

December 5, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Saturday

ANGELS CAMP - Holiday Parade and Open House on Main Street in Angels Camp brings out the community to enjoy one of the best examples of holiday spirit. Enjoy music, bargains, refreshments and more! Time: 10 a.m. parade begins, open house till 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Call: (209) 736-1333. visitcalaveras.com

CAMPBELL - Carol of Lights. Downtown Streets will celebrate Carol of Lights. Time: 4 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Call: Sally Howe @ (408) 374-9700. cityofcampbell.com

CARLSBAD - Holiday at the Rancho. Leo Carrillo Ranch transitions into a version of Whoville, taken over by the Grinch with a tree lighting ceremony, Grinch crafts, and a very special visit by Grinch himself. Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane, Carlsbad, CA. Call: (760) 602-7519. ci.carlsbad.ca.us.

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Meet and get free photos with Santa Claus compliments of the Orange County Market Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events are free with swap meet admission, which is $2 and free for children 12 and under. In its 40th year, the Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. and includes nearly 1,000 vendors selling an assortment of merchandise and services, a produce market, children’s play area, Artisans’ and Crafters’ Corner, hair salon and a variety of food concessions. Location: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call (949) 723-6660. ocmarketplace.com

ENCINITAS - Encinitas Holiday Parade- Encinitas Holiday Parade festivities will kick off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. in the Lumberyard shopping center courtyard on Coast Highway 101. The Parade begins at 5:30, heading south along Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street. Additional information about this year’s Parade will be available late Summer. Mark this date on your calendar to bring family and friends to watch as nearly 100 entries make their way down the Parade route. Call (760) 633-2740 for general Parade information. ci.encinitas.ca.us

FALLBROOK - Fallbrook Christmas Parade. Time: 5 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Main Street, Fallbrook, CA. Call: (760) 728-5845.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Huntington Harbour Lighted Boat Parade. This annual boat parade features a themed competition in which contestants win trophies for contest categories as applied in boat lighting, music and designs. The public can watch the parade free. Parking on the Huntington Beach islands is extremely limited, which makes watching a challenge, however. Time: Line up at 5:15 p.m.

PETALUMA - Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. See a flotilla of decorated boats on parade and join in holiday caroling. The parade starts at the Petaluma Marina at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in the Turning Basin at about 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Petaluma Marina and Petaluma River Turning Basin, Petaluma, CA. Call: (707) 769-0429

SAN FRANCISCO - Teatro ZinZanni presents Brevé. Teatro ZinZanni brunch with a twist on alternate Saturdays. Enjoy an abridged version of Under the Gypsy Moon, together with a three-course gourmet brunch designed by Chef Patrick Fassino. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Cost: $63-$78. Location: Pier 29 on The Embarcadero at Battery, San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 438-2668. love.zinzanni.org

SAN FRANCISCO - Union Street Fantasy of Lights. The 19th Annual Union Street Fantasy of Lights parade launches a month-long celebration of happenings along this famous street in San Francisco. The event features street entertainment including jugglers, face painters, Santa's reindeer, meet the Snow Queen, kids activities, carolers, and much more. Donate Toys for Needy Children Through the SF Firefighters Toy Program. Collection barrels will be onsite that night & remain at specific locations on Union Street throughout the holiday season for donations of new toys. Parade Route: The Annual Fantasy of Lights Parade will begin at Gough and Union and travel westbound to Steiner lighting up Union Street. Time: 3 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: 1686 Union Street, San Francisco, CA. Call: (800) 310-6563. SRESproductions.com

SAUSALITO - Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade. The 20th Annual yacht parade travels along the Sausalito Waterfront beginning at the north end of town, off Clipper Yacht Harbor and proceeding south passing the Spinnaker Restaurant into the cove at the Sausalito Yacht Club, where the judges will be stationed, and Gabrielson Park, continuing out around the ferry landing past Scoma's & Horizon's Restaurants, passing the Sea Lion Sculpture and the Gaylord's Restaurant rounding the "blue-light special" spotter boat at the south end of the parade and returning along the waterfront. Time on Saturday is 6:00 PM. Entry is FREE and the awards ceremony follows at the Sausalito Yacht Club, 8:30 PM with party. For an entry form visit the Sausalito Yacht Club website: www.syconline.org. The event is co-cosponsored by: The Sausalito Yacht Club, Sausalito Chamber of Commerce and many more

December 6, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Sunday

CORONA DEL MAR - Christmas Walk. 31st Anniversary event is free to the public. The Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk & Festival is one of the oldest special events filled with holiday festivities for family, friends and associates. Each year the Walk brings together thousands of fun-loving people to the Village of Corona del Mar for entertainment, food, prizes and games in true holiday spirit. Complete with High School bands, Fireman's BBQ, carolers, bouncy houses, Santa Visits restaurant tasting and a grand opportunity drawing full of local prizes.Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Pacific Coast Highway near MacArthur, Corona del Mar, CA. Call: (949) 673-4050. Info@cdmchamber.com

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Meet and get free photos with Santa Claus compliments of the Orange County Market Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events are free with swap meet admission, which is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. and includes nearly 1,000 vendors selling an assortment of merchandise and services, a produce market, children’s play area, Artisans’ and Crafters’ Corner, hair salon and a variety of food concessions. Location: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call 949-723-6660. ocmarketplace.com

December 7, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Monday

SAN DIEGO - The Ten Tenors, concert. Australian singing group sings holiday classics. The group’s hijinx and famous Australian sense of humor set them apart from other groups and have garnered attention and adoration around the world. Cost: $15.50 - 62.50 approx. Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., San Diego, CA 92101. broadwaysd.com

December 8, 2009 Events Local Calendar

December 8, 2009

Tuesday

SAN DIEGO - The Ten Tenors Holiday. Sizzling sensations, these irreverent Austrians with stage presence, harmony and humor put on a holiday show to remember. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $15.50 - 62.50 approx. Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., San Diego, CA 92101. broadwaysd.com

December 9, 2009 Events Local Calendar

December 9, 2009

Wednesday

December 10, 2009 Events Local Calendar

December 10, 2009

Thursday

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event for nine nights. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $15-74 Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

SAN DIEGO - The Ten Tenors Holiday. Sizzling sensations, these irreverent Austrians with stage presence, harmony and humor put on a holiday show to remember. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15.50 - 62.50 approx. Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., San Diego, CA 92101. broadwaysd.com

SAN DIEGO - Blue Christmas Holiday Event. A special night of free entertainment throughout many fabulous Gaslamp locations with performances by blues, rock and R&B musicians and much more! The Gaslamp Quarter Association would like to thank the participating locations and entertainers. Time: 7 p.m. begins. Cost: Most events are free. Location: Dick's Last Resort, 345 4th Ave. 7 pm. Croce's Restaurant + Jazz Bar, 802 5th Ave., 8 pm to midnight. gaslamp.org

December 11, 2009 Events Local Calendar

Friday

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event for nine nights. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

SAN DIEGO - The Ten Tenors Holiday. Sizzling sensations, these irreverent Austrians with stage presence, harmony and humor put on a holiday show to remember. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $15.50 - 62.50 approx. Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., San Diego, CA 92101. broadwaysd.com

December 12, 2009 Events Local Calendar

December 12, 2009

Saturday

CEDAR GLEN - Follow the Star /Live Nativity at Wildhaven Ranch. Enjoy a wildlife nativity, music and food. Free admission. Time: 4 to 5:30p.m. Location: Wildhaven Ranch, Cedar Glen (outside Lake Arrowhead), CA. Call :(909) 337-7389. wildhaven.org

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Meet and get free photos with Santa Claus compliments of the Orange County Market Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events are free with swap meet admission, which is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. and includes nearly 1,000 vendors selling an assortment of merchandise and services, a produce market, children’s play area, Artisans’ and Crafters’ Corner, hair salon and a variety of food concessions. Location: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call (949) 723-6660. ocmarketplace.com

MARIPOSA - Merry Mountain Christmas Festival. 11th Annual Merry Mountain Christmas Festival is a family tradition that includes the lighting of the tree and visit with Santa. At the food booth a steady stream of hot cocoa and cider and some 300 hot dogs, brownies and bags of popcorn are anticipated to be served....all free. Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Along Highway 140 beginning at Coakley Circle, ending at 4th St., Mariposa, CA. Call: (209) 966-2456. mariposachamber.org

OXNARD - Parade of Lights. 44th Annual Parade of Lights kicks off the holidays with a full day and evening of family fun, thousands of sparkling lights dancing on the water and the magical moment when Santa flies across the sky marking the beginning of the parade. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free to watch. Location: 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035. Call: (805) 985-4852. channelislandsharbor.org

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event for nine nights. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

SAN PEDRO - The Nutcracker, with San Pedro City Ballet. San Pedro City Ballet formed in 1994 presents its annual Nutcracker in the historic Warner Grand Theater. Location: 1231 South Pacific Avenue San Pedro, CA. (310) 732-1861. sanpedrocityballet.org

The Warner Grand Theatre 478 W. 6th Street San Pedro

SAN RAFAEL - Antiques and Collectible Show. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $6. Location: Marin County Civic Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA. goldengateshows.com

December 13, 2009 Events Local Calendar

December 13, 2009

Sunday

December 13, 2009 Events List

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

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Meet and get free photos with Santa Claus compliments of the Orange County Market Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events are free with swap meet admission, which is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. and includes nearly 1,000 vendors selling an assortment of merchandise and services, a produce market, children’s play area, Artisans’ and Crafters’ Corner, hair salon and a variety of food concessions. Location: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call (949) 723-6660. ocmarketplace.com

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet Sweet Sunday. Meet the cast and characters at this afternoon performance and tea. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: 75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.
SAN DIEGO - The Ten Tenors Holiday. Sizzling sensations, these irreverent Austrians with stage presence, harmony and humor put on a holiday show to remember. Time: 1 & 6 p.m. Cost: $15.50 - 62.50 approx. Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., San Diego, CA 92101. broadwaysd.com

SAN DIEGO - Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade invites San Diego pets and owners to dress up in their favorite costumes for a special promenade throughout the Gaslamp Quarter to celebrate the holiday season. You can only imagine the fun and excitement as downtown became filled with costumed pets & their handlers all vying for prizes and bragging rights including Best Costumed Duo, Cutest Critter, Best Pet Costume & Best Human Costume. The Parade originated and conclude at the Hilton Park adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter at 4th Avenue and K Street. Don your best costume with your furry friends and join in the festivities! gaslamp.org see more Calif. holiday parades

SAN RAFAEL - Antiques and Collectible Show. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $6. Location: Marin County Civic Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA. goldengateshows.com

December 14, 2009 Holiday Dinner Events Local Calendar

Monday

YOSEMITE VALLEY - Bracebridge Dinner. An annual tradition with memories to last a lifetime, this Victorian dinner show is about the Squire of Bracebridge, his antics and holiday merriment. Courses follow the costumed play script with actors who sing, dance and interact with the audience. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: $350/person approx. Location: Ahwahnee Lodge, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA. Call: 559-253-5604 or visit YosemitePark.com.

December 15, 2009 Holiday Dinner Events Local Calendar

Tuesday

December 16, 2009 Boat Cruise Holiday Events in California

Wednesday

NEWPORT BEACH - Christmas Boat Parade. Starting around 6 p.m. the boat parade loops around the channels of Newport Beach. Tourists can buy tickets and ride in a decorated boat in the parade, watching the other decorated boats, and lit multi-million homes along the waterways of Newport Beach. christmasboatparade.com

Dec. 17, 2009 Boats and Ballets California Holiday Calevents

Thursday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $13 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

LAGUNA BEACH - Nutcracracker Ballet. Back for another year at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, the Laguna Dance Theatre Nutcracker features local and guest talent in a fabulous community performance. It is but one of many Nutcracker ballets to enjoy in California. Laguna Ballet 24th annual Orange County Nutcracker Ballet’s full length version. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $25 (approx.)/general admission. Location: Fine Arts Ticket Office, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA. Call: (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 p.m. Monday through Friday). lagunanutcracker.com

SANTA ROSA - Sunday at the Funnies Exhibit. Sunday at the Funnies examines the evolution of the iconic Sunday funny pages through a display of original strips and newspaper tear sheets from various cartoon artists. Exhibit runs through Apr. 19, 2010. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $8; $5 youth, seniors; Free under 4 years. Location: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA. Call: (707) 579-4452. SchulzMuseum.org | Buy Tickets!

Dec. 18, 2009 Cruises and Nutcracker Ballets Featured today on Cal Calendar

Friday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event, a full length performance that delights young and old alike. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

Dec. 19, 2009 Holiday Train, Festivities and Fun Events in California

Saturday

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Meet and get free photos with Santa Claus compliments of the Orange County Market Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free holiday puppet shows presented by Mitchell Marionettes. All events are free with swap meet admission, which is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. and includes nearly 1,000 vendors selling an assortment of merchandise and services, a produce market, children’s play area, Artisans’ and Crafters’ Corner, hair salon and a variety of food concessions. Location: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call 949-723-6660. ocmarketplace.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

LAGUNA BEACH - Nutcracracker Ballet. Back for another year at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, the Laguna Dance Theatre Nutcracker features local and guest talent in a fabulous community performance. It is but one of many Nutcracker ballets to enjoy in California. Laguna Ballet 24th annual Orange County Nutcracker Ballet’s full length version. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $25 (approx.)/general admission. Location: Fine Arts Ticket Office, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA. Call: (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 p.m. Monday through Friday). lagunanutcracker.com

NAPA - The Santa Express Train. This is a magical experience for all ages. Ride the express train with Santa and his friends. Carolers on board to spread the Holiday cheer. Up to two children ride free with each paid adult ticket. Time: Saturday-Thursday 9:00am-10:30am. Cost: $20/Adult and 2 Children. Location: Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA. Call: (707) 253-2111. winetrain.com

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event, a full length performance that delights young and old alike. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

Dec. 20, 2009 Holiday Events for the Holidays

Sunday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

LAGUNA BEACH - Nutcracracker Ballet. Back for another year at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, the Laguna Dance Theatre Nutcracker features local and guest talent in a fabulous community performance. It is but one of many Nutcracker ballets to enjoy in California. Laguna Ballet 24th annual Orange County Nutcracker Ballet’s full length version. Time: 1 & 6 p.m. Cost: $25 (approx.)/general admission. Location: Fine Arts Ticket Office, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA. Call: (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 p.m. Monday through Friday). lagunanutcracker.com

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink - Ice skate at the beach at Seaside Ice in Redondo Beach. seasideice.com
SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event, a full length performance that delights young and old alike. Time: 1 & 5 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

December 21, 2009

Monday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink - Opens to the public. Ice skate at the beach at Seaside Ice in Redondo Beach. seasideice.com

December 22, 2009

Tuesday

BREA - Farmers Market. This weekly event at Downtown Brea features the finest, farm fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and includes crafts, too. Time: 4 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free to attend. Location: Birch Street, Downtown Brea, CA. breadowntown.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

December 23, 2009

Wednesday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Cruise of Lights. Huntington Harbour is all aglow and you can buy a ticket for a boat ride to view the lit up homes. Each cruise includes an approx. 45 minute narrative. Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adult; $9 age 2 to 12. Location: Huntington Harbour Mall, parking & 10 minute bus ride to the docks, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: 714-840-7542. Cruiseoflights.org

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event, a full length performance that delights young and old alike. Time: 1 & 5 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.
SAN FRANCISCO - Nutcracker Ballet - featuring San Francisco Ballet, this time honored classic is sure to please. One of the finest ballet companies on the West Coast presents an award-winning stage production of a Christmas holiday musical. Runs nightly through December 27 (few days excluded). Time: Hours vary. Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA. Tickets: $18 - 236. Call:(415) 865.2000, sfballet.org

December 24, 2009

Thursday

December 25, 2009

Friday

December 26, 2009

Saturday

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Wetlands Gardening - Enjoy the Great Outdoors while helping to restore the Bolsa Chica Wetlands! Help restore native plant communities through non-native plant removal, and cleanup efforts. Don't forget to bring: Drinking water, wear closed toed shoes, layered clothing you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from the sun. Time: 9 a.m. to Noon. Cost: Volunteer, no cost. Location: Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center: 3842 Warner Ave.Huntington Beach, CA 92649 R.S.V.P. at (714) 846-1114 or email: info@bolsachica.org. bolsachica.org

SAN DIEGO - Great Russian Nutrcracker with Moscow Ballet. Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker returns on its world tour with several one-day performances in California. Time: 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $27.50- 99. Location: Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Charge by phone: 1- 800 -745-3000. nutcracker.com

December 27, 2009

Sunday

STOCKTON - Great Russian Nutrcracker with Moscow Ballet. Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker returns on its world tour with the final California performance in Stockton. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: $27.50- 99. Location: Bob Hope Theater, 242 E. Main Stockton, CA. Charge by phone: (209) 337-4673. nutcracker.com

December 28, 2009

Monday

December 29, 2009

Tuesday

December 30, 2009

Wednesday

December 31, 2009

Thursday

New Year's Eve Celebrations.

CARLSBAD - Kids' New Year's Eve. Starting at 3 p.m., the holiday excitement continues with Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party featuring live music. At 6 PM (12 AM KST—Kid Standard Time) countdown to the New Year with an all new 2009 LEGO “Brick Drop” and a firework show with party favors and noisemakers!

GROVELAND - New Year's Rockin' Eve. The Groveland celebrates New Years Eve with a dinner and party featuring live music from the Satellites at Yosemite National Park. Time: 7 p.m. Location:
The Groveland Hotel at Yosemite National Park, 18767 Main Street, Groveland. Call: (209) 962-4000. groveland.com

SAN FRANCISCO - New Year's Eve Gala with the San Francisco Symphony. Ring in the New Year with a grand celebration! Pre-concert entertainment begins at 8 pm, with the concert at 9 pm. Enjoy party favors, complimentary champagne, savories, and desserts. Dance the night away on stage in Davies Symphony Hall or in the First Tier. When the clock strikes midnight, 2010 balloons will cascade down from above. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $80-$195. Location: Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, Civic Center, San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 552-8000. sfsymphony.org

VALLEJO - Discovery Kingdom New Year's Eve Bash. Ring in 2010 at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom during this family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration. With live musical entertainment, dance parties, a countdown to midnight culminating in a world-class fireworks extravaganza, don't miss out on Northern California's only New Year's Eve theme park celebration. Time: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Location: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA. Cost: $44.99/Adult, $29.99/Child. Call: (707) 644-4000. sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/index.aspx

Dec. 21, 2009 Holiday Events for the Holidays

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