Getting Kids Off to Fun Start for Their Holiday Vacation

This weekend, three local Christmas theater productions get children off to a fun start for their holiday vacation. “The Jingle Bell Gang” is a lighthearted musical that encourages youngsters to join in singing along with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Scrooge, Frosty, Rudolph and Susie Snowflake. It is presented by Storybook Theater at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd., with performances today, Sunday, Friday and next Saturday at 1 p.m. All tickets are $5 and reservations are required: (818) 761-2203.

At the “We Tell Stories” show today at the Westside Children’s Museum, 1302 11th St., Santa Monica, the interactive theater group will focus on holiday traditions from around the world. Following the show, there will be a toy-making workshop for children 3 and older. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 2-12; the workshop fee is $5. Reservations suggested. Information: (213) 451-5524.

The classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” often is a little long for young children to sit through without full-scale fidgeting. One way to introduce kids to the ballet might be at this weekend’s performances by the Palos Verdes Ballet, where all the parts are danced by children. If they can stick it out--so the theory goes--so can the kids in the audience. Show times today at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Civic Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, 12 and younger. Reservations suggested: (213) 944-9801.