Holiday Calendar: Highlights from Orange County’s festive happenings

NOV. 20 - DEC. 18

Sawdust Winter Fantasy

The Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, will present a fair with artisan crafts from various local artists, live entertainment, hands-on art projects and photo opportunities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 20, 25, 26, 27 and Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Tickets are $4 to $8, though children 5 and younger are admitted free. For more information, call (949) 494-3030 or visit sawdustartfestival.org.

NOV. 25

‘Miracle on 34th Street’

Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, will present “Miracle on 34th Street,” a story about Kris Kringle working as Santa for a department store, with performances to Dec. 18. For performance times and ticket prices, call (949) 489-8082 or visit caminorealplayhouse.org.

‘Science of Gingerbread’

Discovery Cube, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, presents “Science of Gingerbread,” an activity designed for children to meet Santa Claus, decorate holiday cookies and a build a house learning station from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1. For times and admission information, call (714) 542-2823 or visit discoverycube.org.

NOV. 28

‘An Irish Christmas’

Kerry Irish Productions will present world-champion Irish dancers Scott Doherty of Riverdance and Tyler Schwartz of Gaelforce Dance for an evening of traditional Irish music celebrating the holiday season at 8 p.m. at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive. Tickets are $36 to $75. For more information, call (949) 854-4646 or visit thebarclay.org.

DEC. 1

Christmas train

Irvine Park Railroad, 1 Irvine Park Road in Orange, will host its annual Christmas train with family and friends taking a night ride through Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. Passengers may take photos with Santa and see Christmas lights and decorations as well as a Tunnel of Lights on the ride back to Santa Village. The event is open seven days a week through Dec. 23. Tickets are $12; children 24 months and younger are admitted free. Santa’s Village admission is $5. For more information and a list of times, call (714) 997-3968 or visit irvineparkrailroad.com.

DEC. 2

Christmas parade

The 2016 Seal Beach Parade will highlight youth groups, schools, businesses, organizations and more during the parade’s “A Red, White and Blue Christmas” at 7 p.m. on Main Street from Ocean Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, visit sealbeachlions.org.

DEC. 3

Winter Wonderland

The city and the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will host the return of Winter Wonderland at the Plaza from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Historical Plaza, 10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos. The event will feature a Christmas tree lighting, Santa’s village, snow play, arts and crafts, performance groups, class demonstrations, vendors and food trucks. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to bring three canned goods for local charities. For more information, call (562) 431-3538 or visit cityoflosalamitos.org.

Nutcracker Christmas

The 22nd annual Nutcracker Christmas will present holiday craft activities, a real snow play area, a children’s train ride, holiday musical performances by local school, an international food fair and gifts from the holiday shopping village from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Downtown Anaheim, at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street. Admission is free. For more information, call (714) 956-3586 or visit downtownanaheim.com/tree-lighting.

Candy Caneland and Craft Faire

Buena Park Community Services presents the 46th annual Candy Caneland and Craft Faire with snow slides, live entertainment, a petting zoo and over 100 artisan craft booths from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park. For more information, call (714) 562-3860 or visit buenapark.com.

Winter Festival and Tree Lighting

Dana Point will host its Winter Festival and Tree Lighting with Santa, ice-skating, food, entertainment, carnival games, cookie decorating and more from noon to 7:30 p.m. at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. Admission is free. For more information, call (949) 248-3500 or visit danapoint.org.

Tree-lighting ceremony

Fountain Valley Recreation and Community Services will host its annual tree lighting from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Recreation Center and Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. The event will include guests from the North Pole, a fireworks show, food and performances by community groups. Admission is free. For more information, call (714) 839-8611 or visit fountainvalley.org.

Winter Market

Fullerton will host its Winter Market with holiday entertainment, free pictures with Santa, food booths, holiday shopping, face painting, a bounce house and a toy drive at noon at Fullerton Downtown Plaza, at Wilshire Avenue between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenue. Admission is free. For more information, call (714) 738-6300 or visit cityoffullerton.com.

Winterfest 2016

The Garden Grove Community Services Department presents its annual Winterfest 2016 holiday event with 50 tons of snow, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, carnival games, crafts, train rides, music and more from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at Atlantis Play Center, 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove. Tickets are $10; children 2 and younger are admitted free. For more information, call (714) 741-5200 or visit ci.garden-grove.ca.us.

Santa’s Village by the Sea

San Clemente, Casa Romantica and the Downtown Business Assn. will present Santa’s Village by the Sea, an event with snow sledding, live holiday music, cookie decorating, tree lighting, train rides, carolers, photos with Santa and more from 5 to 10 p.m. at Avenida del Mar, San Clemente. For more information, call (949) 429-8797 or visit ci.san-clemente.ca.us.

Victorian Christmas

The 35th annual Victorian Christmas will relive the holiday customs of yesteryear for the last time at Heritage Hill’s final Victorian Christmas. Four historic buildings will be decorated for the season, and guests can enjoy live music, dance performances, local craft vendors and food for purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. The event will include Christmas ornament and card making, candle dipping, apple churning, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and cookie decorating. Admission is $5; children under age 3 are admitted free. For more information, call (949) 923-2230.

Christmas at the Mission

Held in conjunction with San Juan Capistrano’s annual tree-lighting ceremony, Mission San Juan Capistrano will host Christmas at the Mission with carolers, mariachi music, real snow sledding, a chamber orchestra, visits with Santa, a nativity scene, handcrafted gifts and more from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is at 26801 Ortega Hwy. Tickets are $4 to $6. For more information, call (949) 234-1317 or visit missionsjc.com.

DEC. 4

Jingle Bell Run

The Arthritis Foundation’s fundraising Jingle Bell Run will feature a 5K run or walk. Registration is at 7 a.m. at the Chet Holifield Federal Building, 24000 Avila Road, Laguna Niguel, and the run will start at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Participants are encouraged to wear a holiday-theme costume and jingle bells tied to shoelaces. Registration is $20 to $50. For more information, call (949) 585-0201 or visit jbr.org/ocie.

Christmas boutique

Moreno’s Restaurant, 4328 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange, will host its fifth annual Christmas boutique with hand-crafted gifts and decor from over 25 of Southern Californa vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Lestonnac Free Clinic, a provider of free medical and dental care to Orange County’s underserved families. For more information, call (714) 313-1319 or visit lestonnacfreeclinic.org.

Christmas Walk

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce will present its 38th annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk with live entertainment, vendor exhibits, restaurant tastings, a beer and wine garden, Santa Claus and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (949) 673-4050 or visit cdmchamber.com.

Handel’s ‘Messiah’

Pacific Symphony will present Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets start at $25. For more information, call (714) 755-5799 or visit pacificsymphony.org.

Home for the Holidays pet adoption fair

The Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon, will host its 10th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 40 pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring over 600 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals for adoption. The event will feature food trucks, pet-related vendors, a silent auction and more. The suggested donation for the event is $2. For more information, call (949) 724-7740 or visit cityofirvine.org.

Winter Wonderland

The City of Irvine will host a Winter Wonderland with games, crafts, music, hot chocolate, a concert and a visit from Santa Claus from 3 to 8 p.m. at Irvine Civic Center, One Civic Center Plaza. Admission is free. For more information, call (949) 724-6000 or visit cityofirvine.org.

Yappy Howl-iday

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, will host its annual Yappy Howl-iday celebration with canines and their companions being photographed with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to an animal rescue organization. For more information, call (949) 240-2000 or visit ritzcarlton.com.

Tree-lighting ceremony

The city of Orange will present its 22nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession with traditional carols and food beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Old Towne Plaza. For more information, call (714) 744-7293 or visit www.cityoforange.org.

DEC. 5

Tree-lighting ceremony

San Juan Capistrano will host its annual tree-lighting celebration and festivities with entertainment, refreshments, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, a holiday train ride, arts and crafts and more from 4 to 9 p.m. at Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real. Admission is free. For more information, call (949) 493-1171 or visit sanjuancapistrano.org.

DEC. 6

Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting

Cypress Recreation and Community Services presents Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. on the Civic Center Green at the corner of Orange Avenue and Grindlay Street. The event will feature refreshments, school performances, letters to veterans and Santa, holiday crafts, train rides, visits with Santa and games. For more information, call (714) 229-6780 or visit cypressrec.org.

DEC. 7

Tree lighting

La Palma will host its holiday tree-lighting ceremony with performances by local schools, an appearance from Santa and his elves, crafts and activities beginning at 4 p.m. at the Central Park Amphitheater, 7821 Walker St., La Palma. For more information, call (714) 690-3350 or visit ca-cityoflapalma.org.

DEC. 8

Tree-lighting ceremony

Stanton will host its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony celebrating holidays around the world with music entertainment from the Rancho Alamitos High School Choir, refreshments and more from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Stanton Civic Center, 7800 Katella Ave. For more information, call (714) 379-9222 or visit ci.stanton.ca.us.

DEC. 9

American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, will present American Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker,” created by Alexei Ratmansky and with performances by Misty Copeland, Gillian Murphy, Herman Cornejo, Stella Abrera, Joseph Gorak and more. Show times are 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 18. Tickets start at $29. For more information, call (714) 556-2787 or visit scfta.org.

Boat Parade of Lights

The 42nd annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights will feature festive family activities, Santa photos and a parade of boat from all around Orange County that are decorated with holiday embellishments. The boat parade is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 by the harbor’s edge. For more information, visit danapointharbor.com.

Tree lighting

The Tustin Parks and Recreation Department will present its Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the Tustin Library, 345 E. Main St. Admission is free. The Tustin Lions Club will host its annual holiday boutique with local artisans, crafts, a raffle, food, music and more from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin. For more information, call (714) 573-3326 or visit tustinca.org.

DEC. 10

Holiday parade

The 2016 Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade will feature equestrian units, patriotic military tributes, youth groups, marching bands, classic auto clubs, athletes and comedian Rita Rudner as grand marshal at 10 a.m. along Crown Valley Parkway. For more information, call (949) 425-5100 or visit lagunaniguelparade.com.

Christmas in the Canyons

The western-themed Christmas in the Canyons will feature holiday festivities, holiday gifts made by local artists, a horse-drawn wagon and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 28200 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado. For more information, visit bit.ly/2givzGA.

Ho-Ho-Ho Night Hike

Carbon Canyon Regional Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, will host its Ho-Ho-Ho Night Hike with park rangers leading starlit hikes showcasing natural wonders and including hot cocoa and cookies, a live animal presentation and more from 5:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (714) 973-3160 or visit ocparks.com.

Christmas at the OC Zoo

Orange County Zoo, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, will host a Christmas event with visits from Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, crafts, games and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests may watch zoo animals receive treat-filled “gifts,” and treats will be hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day. Admission is $2; children 2 and younger are admitted free. For more information, call (714) 973-6846 or visit ocparks.com/oczoo.

DEC. 12

Holiday mystery play

Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, will present “Sister’s Christmas Catechism,” a play from the author of “Late Nite Catechism.” Sister takes on the mystery of wondering whatever happened to the Magi’s gold. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. For more information, call (949) 497-2787 or visit lagunaplayhouse.com.

Breakfast with Santa

Laguna Hills will welcome Santa’s arrival with a pancake breakfast, photos and holiday crafts from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy. Tickets are $10 to $15. For more information, call (949) 707-2680 or visit ci.laguna-hills.ca.us.

DEC. 14

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights

The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will host its 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights with decorated yachts, boats and kayaks from Dec. 14 to 18. Opening night will include fireworks at 6:15 p.m. at Newport Pier. For more information, visit christmasboatparade.com.

Boat Parade viewing

Newport Sea Base, 1931 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, will present water-edge seating for a view of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 14 to 18. Tickets are $10 to $20. For more inforamtion, call (949) 642-5031 or visit newportseabase.org.

DEC. 16

Cruise of Lights

The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights will offer narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour, where visitors may see thousands of lights and animated displays on decorated homes, docks, decks and boats from Dec. 16 to 19 and Dec. 22 and 23. For more information and ticket prices, call (714) 840-7542 or visit cruiseoflights.org.

Celebrate Las Posadas

Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, will host a celebration honoring the Mexican holiday with festive art, activities and a luminaria path from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (949) 428-3900 or visit pretendcity.org.

DEC. 17

Holiday show

Pop-culture humorist Charles Phoenix will present “Retro Holiday Show” with a living room slide show depicting holiday fun and his latest food creations and adventures at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Curtis Theatre, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea. Tickets are $18 to $36. For more information, call (714) 990-7722 or visit charlesphoenix.com.

‘The Nutcracker’

The Maple Youth Ballet, a pre-professional youth ballet organization based in Irvine, will present “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Dec. 18 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at Northwood High School Performing Arts Theatre, 4515 Portola Pkwy., Irvine. For more information, call (949) 660-9930 or visit mapleconservatory.com.

DEC. 18

Holiday festival

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, will host its holiday festival featuring home and gallery tours, food vendors, an appearance by Santa Claus, art workshops for kids, performances and craft beer selections from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (714) 738-6595 or visit themuck.org.

DEC. 21

‘Disney on Ice’

“Disney on Ice” will present characters from Disney Pixar’s “Cars,” “Toy Story 3,” “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” and “Frozen” from Dec. 21 to 25 at the Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Tickets start at $25. For more information, call (800) 745-3000 or visit hondacenter.com.