December 2009 Events

Saturday, December 19, 2009  Food, Festivities and Fun on the Holiday Train at California Local Events

BRENTWOOD - Brentwood Holiday On Ice. Twinkling outdoor light-filled rink under a big tent. Located next to the Streets of Brentwood shops, public ice skating goes to Jan. 10. Cost: $10, $5 skate rental. Hours: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 12:30 to 10 p.m. approx.; Mon, Tues, Thurs - 2 to 9 p.m. Location: Call: (925) 513-1702. brentwoodholidayonice.com

CLAREMONT -  The Nutcracker. Presented by Inland Pacific Ballet, enjoy Southern California's most spectacular holiday production of The Nutcracker. Celebrating their 15th season, critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life with more than 80 dancers on stage at magnificent Bridges Auditorium. This annual yuletide ballet features a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Toy soldiers, life-sized dancing dolls, and a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy stir the imagination. IPB's The Nutcracker is the holiday tradition your family will treasure! Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: Adults $32-40; Premium Seats: $50 (all ages); Seniors: $26-32; Child: $16-20. Location: Bridges Auditorium, Pomona College, 450 N. College Way Claremont, CA 91711. Tickets: (909) 607-1139. thebestnutcracker.com

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Every weekend through December 20 meet Santa. Get a free photo with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when you bring unwrapped toy or clothing to Orange County Market Place. 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.  Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. vendors, 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 949-723-6616. ocmarketplace.com

DANA POINT -  Holiday Boat Parade. Join in the 35th 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 p.m. Location: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern in Dana Point, CA. Cost: $25 adult/$15 kid 3-12. Call: (949) 496-5794. danawharf.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: varies. Cost: $20-50. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

GLENDALE - California Contemporary Ballet's Snow Queen. A stunning holiday ballet by Hans Christian Anderson offers the traditions seen in Nutcracker Ballet, plus an appealing, fresh story, and new Professional Principal Cast, with visiting starring dancer from the Czech Republic Filip Stanek, a graduate of the Janacek Conservatory in Ostrava, Czech Republic. If you are a fan of holiday ballets, add this to your repertoire. Time: 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Advance cost: $25 adult, $20 student; $30 adult,  $25 student, if available at the door. Location:  Glendale Community College, Performing Arts Theater, 1500 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale CA 91208.  Call (818) 790-7924. ccballet.net or snowqueenballet.com.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Holiday Gondola Rides. Offered from 11 a.m. to Midnight. Location: Peter's Landing, Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach, CA.

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

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Ballet Repertory Theatre Nutcracker Ballet. Presented in its original, full-length version, this delightful holiday classic by Huntington Beach's Ballet Repertory Theatre is sure to please audiences of all ages. Breathtaking, magical, and humorous, Orange County's longest-running Nutcracker production is an affordable, feel-good family tradition with a versatile cast of over 250 dancers in 14 enchanting performances. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost:  $16 general admission; $15 seniors/groups & students; $14 children under 12. Location: Golden West College Theater, 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: (714) 895-8150. gwctheater.com

IRVINE - Nutcracker Ballet. Maple Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker - A Magical Journey Where Dreams Come True! Time:  2 and 7 p.m. Cost: Adult tickets are $20-$28 and Child/Senior $16-22. Location: Maple Youth Ballet, Northwood Performing Arts Theater, 4415 Portola Parkway, Irvine, CA. Call: Maple Youth Ballet box office (949) 660-9930 ext. 24, or mapleconservatory.com

LAGUNA BEACH - Nutcracker 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

LONG BEACH - Christmas Boat Cruise. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $12 adult, $8 child. Location: 140 Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA. Call: (562) 799-7000, reservations a must! reggaeboat.com

LONG BEACH - Long Beach Ballet's Nutcracker. Southern California's Most Popular Nutcracker Production for 26 Years includes a full symphony orchestra under the baton of Roger Hickman, its trademark flying sleigh, live horse, and exciting pyrotechnics, all set to Tchaikovsky’s traditional music score. Ballerina Melissa Sandvig (“So You Think You Can Dance” Finalist), a product of the Long Beach Ballet, will be featured as the Dewdrop Fairy in all performances. Time: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20-46. Location: Terrace Theater, 300 Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA. Toll-free ticket hotline: 877-852-3177. Contact: LongBeachBallet.com

LONG BEACH - Santa's Workshop. Visit Marketplace to see Santa from Noon to 4. Location: Pacific Coast Hwy. & 2nd St., Long Beach, CA. Cost: Free to visit, photos for fee. Call: (562) 431-6282. marketplacelongbeach.com

LONG BEACH - Crystal Ice Skating Outdoor Rink. New in 2009 for the holidays, daily skating at The Pike is held in the grass area. Ice skate session receives parking validation.  Time: Mon-Friday 11am to 11pm; Sat. & Sunday 10am to 12am. Cost:? Location: Shoreline Drive & Queensway Bay, Long Beach, CA. thepikeatlongbeach.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square. Biggest rink and cheapest price, according to the city of Los Angeles Parks & Rec department, which invites you to come skate amidst the skyscrapers. Time: Monday -Thursday 12 Noon to 10 p.m.; Friday thru Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $6/ 1 hour rink time, $2 skate rental. Location: Pershing Square, Los Angeles, CA. laparks.org

LOS ANGELES - Holiday Lights Festival in Griffith Park. The 14th Annual Holiday Light Festival event seen by car is lit by energy-saving LED light bulbs this year. Drive-thru goes through Dec.30.  Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255.  dwplightfestival.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

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

OAKLAND - Oakland ZooLights. Oakland ZooLights is an annual event in which the public comes after dark and can walk along a path to see lighted displays with animal and zoo themes. Time: Friday - Sunday: 5:30pm – 9:30pm; Monday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm. Cost: $7.50 Adult; $5.50 child. Location:  9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, CA.Call: (510) 632-9525. oaklandzoo.org

OAKLAND - Cook'sware áFaire Bay Area Cookware Holiday Sale - at Oakland Zoo! Culinary innovator Paula LeDuc who will be catering the event, top chefs, and hot products like Rachel Ray's skillet for $19.99, with a portion of proceeds to benefit Oakland Zoo. Time: 10 a.m.. to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, CA. cookswareafaire.com

ORANGE - Irvine Park Railroad Holiday Train. Time: Daily. Cost: Parking Fee. Free admission, fees charged for train rides and activities.

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink is open for outdoor beach ice skating next to the sunshine and sand. seasideice.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.

SAN DIEGO - SeaWorld Holiday Collection. Breakfast with Shamu and Santa. Santa makes an appearance during the event. Cost is $26/10 and older; $16 age 3 to 9 years (tax, gratuity & park admission not included). Dates are Dec. 19-22.

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 Square Ice Skating Rink. Open daily through Jan. 18, be surrounded by your favorite stores and hotels in Union Square's outdoor holiday ice event. Opens daily at 10 a.m. Cost: $9.50 adult, $4.50 child, skate rental $4. unionsquareshop.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

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Visit the Circle of the Palms for seasonal, festive ice skating downtown. Time: 11 a.m. to Midnight 12 a.m.  $15 adult, $13 age 12 and younger-- includes ice time and rental skates (skate sizes range from toddler 8 to men's 13). Skate all you want first-come, first-serve...no in and out privileges. Circle of Palms, 120 S. Market St. between San Jose Museum of Art and Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, California. Call: (408) 279-1775 ext. 45 or sjdowntown.com

SANTA ANA -  The Science of Gingerbread. Kids' imaginations can run free as they explore gingerbread, and learn that there's science in every bite! The annual gingerbread exhibit is one of many exhibits such as Mexico: Festival of Toys, Head to Toe, and The True Story of Bats. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9.95 - 12.95 approx. Get Tickets. Location: Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705. discoverycube.org

SANTA CRUZ - Monarch Butterfly Tour. Visitors can take Monarch Butterfly Tours at Natural Bridges State Beach. These walks take place during the winter months, when migrating monarchs come to Santa Cruz.  Since Monarch Migrations vary, call the park to find out about the butterfly populations.   Time: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Location: West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA. Call: (831) 423-4609.

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!

SANTA ROSA - Nutcracker Ballet. Acclaimed choreographer Viktor Kabaniaev and a stellar cast of professional dancers from around the world bring fantasy, beauty, and magical wonders of the Nutcracker Ballet to Santa Rosa. This full length, professional production offers the finest acting, dancing and music—with a full live orchestra led by Gabriel Sakakeeny of American Philharmonic, Sonoma County.   Time: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25-65.  Location: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Spring Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Call: (707) 546-3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org. santarosanutcracker.com see other Nutcracker Ballets

SOLVANG - Holiday Concerts, Dance. Alley Wind Ensemble Christmas Brass performs a free concert at 11 a.m. at  corner of Copenhagen Drive & First Street; and performs again at 1 p.m. at corner of Copenhagen Drive & Atterdag Road. Solvang Village Dancers perform from noon to 2 p.m. at corner of Copenhagen Drive & Alisal Road. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church caroling in the park is from 5 to 7 p.m. at corner of Mission Dr. (HWY 246) and First Street in Solvang Park. Events are free. Solvang, CA. solvangusa.com

VALLEJO -  Feline Friends International Cat Show. Admission: $0 / Parking: $5. Location: Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA. Call (650) 296 - 2169. felinefriendsclub.com

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. Ice skating rink outdoor. Fun for all ages.  Time: Open daily at 11 a.m. Cost: Mon-Thurs $11-15. Location: 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, Ca. Call: ( 925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com 

Dec.18 - Dec. 20