A HOLIDAY SAMPLER : ‘Tis the Season for Showboats, Nutcrackers and Such

The glittering spectacle of the Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade, they say, is enough to make even homesick northerners stop dreaming of a White Christmas.

This year more than 200 entrants, from rowboats to yachts, will deck their bows with holly and thousands of lights for the 82nd annual festival that turns Newport Harbor into the biggest outdoor party of the season.

Boat owners spend up to $10,000 to create blinking, floating works of Christmas art, said Richard Luehrs, president of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. Competition for the weeklong contest of decoration is fierce and designs are zealously guarded.

Last year a giant Grinch riding atop a locomotive made of computerized lights and puffing steam took the contest’s top prize. Entries with the best animated lights, sound and “spirit” also win awards.

This year an estimated 1 million spectators will view the “granddaddy” of boat parades. With that many visitors, parking can be a problem.

The Newport Harbor Jaycees offer one solution with their shuttle from Newport Dunes Park to the Sea Scout base on Coast Highway. Tickets, which include the shuttle and grandstand seating at the Scout base, are $6 for adults, $5 for those over 55 and $4 for children 12 and under. Other viewing spots suggested by the Chamber of Commerce are the Balboa Peninsula Fun Zone or from the parking structure near Lido Marina Village.

The 8 1/2-mile boat parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. at Collins Island, Dec. 17 through 23. Information: (714) 644-8211.

For information on grandstand seating and shuttle service, call the Newport Harbor Jaycees: (714) 721-0637.

Newport may boast the oldest floating parade in the county, but Dana Point and Huntington Beach also host holiday boat festivals.

“Christmas in the City” is the theme of the Dana Point event this year, scheduled Dec. 14 and 15 at 6 p.m. in Dana Point Harbor. Information: (714) 496-6040 or 496-1555.

The Huntington Harbor Boat Parade and Cruise of Lights, sponsored by the Huntington Harbor Philharmonic Committee, benefits school music programs throughout the county. The parade of boats decked out for the holidays launches from Huntington Harbor and heads south toward Warner Avenue on Dec. 8 and 9 at 5 p.m.

The Cruise of Lights runs Dec. 13 through 21 and offers a 45-minute narrated tour of waterfront homes with seasonal decorations. Ships depart at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. from Huntington Harbor. Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children 2-12. Information: (714) 840-7542.

And if waterfront extravaganzas don’t spark your holiday interest, there are plenty of other options:

SONG AND DANCE

The Forum Dance Ensemble presents “The Nutcracker” tonight through Dec. 9 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. Performances are at the Forum Theater, 4175 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda. Tickets: $7.50. Information: (714) 779-8591.

Hirschl’s Dance Repertory Theatre presents its first production of “The Nutcracker” Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2, at the Curtis Theater in Brea. Show times are Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m. The Curtis Theater is at 1 Civic Center Drive, Brea. Tickets: $12. Information: (714) 990-7722.

The Coast Ballet Theatre of Orange County performs “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 1 and 5 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theater of Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $6.50 for adults; $4.50 for seniors and children 12 and under. Information: (714) 432-5880.

The company also performs Dec. 13-15 at 8 p.m. at Saddleback College’s McKinney Theater, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Tickets: $10 general admission; $9 seniors and students; $8 children under 13. Information: (714) 582-4656.

The Villa Park School of Ballet dances its version of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7-9 the Curtis Theater, 1 Civic Center Drive, Brea. Tickets: $10. Information: (714) 990-7722.

Ballet Pacifica presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 18-23 at the Moulton Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for children and seniors. (714) 642-9275.

The Golden West College Chorale and Orchestra usher in the holidays with the fifth annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” Sunday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. in the First Christian Church, 1207 Main St., Huntington Beach. Admission is free. Information: (714) 895-8367.

The Crystal Cathedral presents Part I of the “Messiah” plus “Hallelujah,” “Worthy Is the Lamb,” and “Amen” on Monday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Crystal Cathedral Arboretum, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. Free nursery care. Information: (714) 971-4150.

If you enjoy singing, you could join with the Pacific Chorale in their performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” John Alexander leads the chorale, soloists, orchestra and audience in a presentation of this choral masterwork Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $10, $15. Information: (714) 556-2787.

Then, on Dec. 15, the Chorale joins with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra for its 10th annual combined performance of the “Messiah” at 3:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets to that one are $10 to $30. Information: (714) 556-2787.

A carol sing-along and special performance of Camille Saint-Saens “Christmas Oratorio” is scheduled Dec. 9 at 4 and 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach. The Sanctuary Choir, soloists and an orchestra will perform Christmas spirituals and carols. Tickets: adults $5; students $2.

St. Andrew’s also hosts a “Messiah” sing-along Dec. 16 at 4 p.m., in which an orchestra will accompany the audience and soloists. Tickets: adults $5; students $2.

And Sunday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. St. Andrew’s presents “Hanging of the Greens,” a Christmas concert by the Children’s and Youth choirs, and “I Was a Teen-Age Christmas Tree,” a holiday cantata featuring the church’s New Youth Choir. That event is free. All events take place at the church, 600 St. Andrews Road, Newport Beach. Information: (714) 631-3821.

Young Entertainers, an ensemble of high school performers from throughout the county, will present “Winter Winds,” a holiday song and dance revue, Dec. 13-15 at 8 p.m. at the Curtis Theater, 1 Civic Center Drive, Brea. Tickets: $8. Information: (714) 990 7722.

“Christmas Wassail” is an annual Christmas dinner and concert featuring the Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra. Performances are Friday through Sunday, Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. in the Salmon Recital Hall of Chapman College, 333 N. Glassell St., Orange. Tickets: $25. Information: (714) 917-6971.

The Canadian Brass plays holiday selections Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $10 to $30. Information: (714) 556-2787.

Also at the Performing Arts Center, singer Andy Williams performs Christmas favorites and pop hits in “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year,” a holiday concert Dec. 7 at 7 and 10 p.m. Tickets: $16 to $35.

And right on Williams’ heels comes entertainer John Davidson, who joins the Pacific Symphony Orchestra for “Holiday Pops,” a program of comedy and yuletide carols Dec. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. in Segerstrom Hall of the Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $14 to $43.

The Master Chorale of Orange County invites music lovers of all ages to “Christmas for the Family,” an annual concert featuring the 165-member chorale and the Costa Mesa Children’s Chorus in a program of carols and traditional holiday favorites. Highlights include the West Coast premiere of the Rutter “Magnificat,” and selections from the Pinkham “Christmas Cantata.” William Hall, music director, leads the chorale Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center (address above). Tickets: $12.50 to $35. Information: (714) 556-6262.

The Orange Coast Singers directed by Richard Raub bring sounds of the season to two locations. On Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. the group performs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1221 Wass Ave., Tustin. Then on Dec. 9 they sing at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Westminster, 7702 Western Blvd. Tickets: $9 advance; $10 at the door. Information: (714) 432-5880.

The Irvine Ballet presents Victor Herbert’s operetta “Babes in Toyland” from Dec. 14-16 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Tickets: $12 general admission/ $10 children under 12 and seniors. Information: (714) 854-4646.

The Orange Coast Chorale presents “A Christmas Celebration” conducted by Ted Reid on Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. Highlights include: Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” for chorus and harp, and Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata.” The performance is in the Robert B. Moore Theater at Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $7 advance, $8 at the door; seniors $4 in advance, $5 at the door. Information: (714) 432-5880.

It’s a family affair at “Sounds of the Season,” the Pacific Symphony’s family concerts of Christmas and Hanukkah music Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets: $8 for adults; $6 for children 14 and under. Information: (714) 556-2787.

“The Heart of Christmas,” presented by the Pacific Chorale and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, celebrates the yule Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. with the sounds of Bach, Mendelssohn and Handel plus traditional carols. The concert is at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $12.50 to $38.50. Information: (714) 474-2109.

“An Old-Fashioned Christmas” includes music by Grammy-winning vocalist Delta Eamon, the Vocal Magic Ensemble and the Forum Pops Orchestra. The show is Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in the Forum Theater, 4175 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda. Tickets: $7.50. Information: (714) 779-8591.

THEATER/PERFORMANCE

Flying angels and animals fill out the cast of the Crystal Cathedral’s 10th annual production of “The Glory of Christmas,” a pageant depicting the birth of Christ. Performances continue through Dec. 30 at the Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. Tickets: $14-$25. Information: (714) 544-5679.

Spend a traditional Welsh Christmas with the family of poet Dylan Thomas. “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” presented by the Grove Shakespeare Festival, is the fifth annual production of this holiday musical based on Thomas’ narrative poem and recreates a Welsh Christmas feast with the Thomas family. It’s directed by Thomas F. Bradac. Performances continue through Dec. 30 in the Gem Theatre, 12852 Main St., Garden Grove. Tickets: $18 to $22. Information: (714) 636-7213.

“Scrooge,” Leslie Bricusse’s musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” produced by Center Stage Productions, runs Dec. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. at the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center, 931 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. Tickets: $5 to $10. Information: (714) 491-7144.

The Company B Players present “Christmas With Company B,” a dinner theater revue through Dec. 31 at Tibbies Newport Beach, 4647 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. Admission: $17.95 to $19.95, includes dinner. Information: (714) 838-7468.

Nineteenth-Century London comes to life in the 11th annual South Coast Repertory production of “A Christmas Carol” previewing Tuesday, Dec. 4, and opening Wednesday, Dec. 5, with performances through Dec. 23 on the company’s Main Stage. Hal Landon Jr. returns as the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge. Directed by John-David Kelleric. Tickets: $22 to $24. Children pay $5 less on weekend evenings. South Coast Repertory Theater, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 957-4033.

Yet another version of “Scrooge” will presented by the Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera from Dec. 17-23. The production is at the Forum Theater, 4175 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda. Tickets $10. Information: (714) 799-8591.

And where there’s another “Scrooge,” there’s sure to be at least one more version of “A Christmas Carol.” This one’s to be performed by the 25-member cast of the Nebraska Theater Caravan on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange Coast College. Advance tickets: $10.50 for adults; $6.50 for children. Information: (714) 432-5880.

FOR KIDS

The Orange County Children’s Theatre production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” opens Friday, Nov. 30, at the Westminster Cultural Center, Hoover and Westminster avenues, Westminster. Continues Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 9 with matinees at 2:30 on Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9. Tickets: $3.50 to $7. Information: (714) 962-8344.

Celebrate Christmas with your favorite storybook characters at the American Children’s Theatre of Anaheim’s production of “Goldilocks and the Christmas Bears,” Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center, 931 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. Tickets: $5. Information: (714) 491-7144.

The Children’s Museum at La Habra offers holiday happenings for the littlest elves. Children can create their own ornaments with “Paper Magic,” a holiday origami class at the Children’s Museum at La Habra on Saturday, Dec. 1, at noon. Children 7 and older only.

On Dec. 8 at the museum, “Santa Claus Meets the Dinosaur,” a prehistoric puppet extravaganza, will be presented at noon by Kidstuff, the Children’s Performing Arts Center of California.

And finally, children’s performer Joanie Bartels will sing traditional carols and new holiday tunes in “Christmas Magic,” a sing-along and concert Dec. 15 at noon.

All events are at the Children’s Museum at La Habra, 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra. Tickets: $3. Information: (213) 905-9793.

“Twelve Dancing Princesses” waltz their way to adventure and romance in South Coast Repertory’s Young Conservatory Players production of this Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale. Performances are Dec. 15, 16 and 21-23. Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for those under age 18. At SCR’s Second Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 751-7827.

Minnie, Mickey and all the gang deck the halls at Disneyland where the Very Merry Christmas Parade, Fantasy Follies and the Country Bear Playhouse celebrate the season with show times daily. Admission: $27.50 ages 12 and over; $22.50 ages 3 to 11. Information: (714) 995-4565.

Those dreams of a white Christmas can come true at Knott’s Berry Farm, where 200 tons of snow create “Beagle Hill,” providing sledding for children beginning Dec. 22. The Peanuts characters skate their way to Christmas Day in “Snoopy’s Snowball Express” and Snoopy’s Christmas Parade, including floats and dancers, makes the rounds daily. Admission: $21 adults; $17 children ages 3 to 11. Information: (714) 220-5200.

The Buena Park Community Recreation Center’s 20th Annual Kandy Kaneland and Kraft Fair offers a snow slide for tots, a petting zoo, puppet show and visit with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park. Free. Information: (714) 821-1010.

The city of Newport Beach will also have snow for “Winter Wonderland” beginning at 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Community Center, 5th and Iris streets in Corona del Mar. Information: (714) 644-3151.

The Times Orange County Holiday Parade begins Saturday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m. at Civic Center Drive and Broadway in Santa Ana. Floral floats, high-flying balloon characters, bands and equestrian units lead the way for Santa’s official arrival in Santa Ana. Free.

OTHER

The West Anaheim United Methodist Church presents its annual “Bethlehem Walk,” a live re-creation of a day in the city of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2, (and again on Dec. 8 and 9) from noon to 5 p.m. at the church, 2045 W. Ball Road, Anaheim. Free. Information: (714) 772-6030.

Celebrate an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas with a trip to Heritage Hill Historical Park, where historic buildings will be dressed with decorations from the Victorian era Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or take the candlelight walking tour when 1,000 luminaries will light the way for carolers, a handbell choir and other entertainment Dec. 7 and 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 25151 Serrano Road, El Toro. Tickets: $1 adults; 50 cents for children 3 to 12. Information: (714) 855-2028.

A Swedish Christmas Bazaar sponsored by the Swedish Women’s Education Assn. of Orange County is scheduled Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Costa Mesa Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. A Christmas program for children featuring “Lucia,” Queen of Lights, will begin at 12:30 p.m. and Santa Claus (“Tomten” to the Swedes) arrives at 2 p.m. Performances of Swedish folk dance will follow. Traditional foods and handcraft items. Admission: $2; free for children under 12. Information: (714) 786-1879.

Benefit Children’s Hospital of Orange County by taking the 19th Annual Jack and Jill Holiday Home Tour to four North Tustin and Santa Ana homes including a Mexican hacienda and a Queene Anne Victorian--all decorated for the holidays. Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance or $20 that day. Information: (714) 838-7488.

The Bowers Museum introduces Christmas traditions from around the world with a Multicultural Holiday Festival on Dec. 15 including African-American, Mexican, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese customs, foods and crafts. Noon to 2 p.m. Tickets $10 per family or $5 per person.

On Dec. 16, the Bowers Museum presents “Los Posadas,” a re-enactment of the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary as they search for lodging on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The performance takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the south parking lot of the museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Sponsored by the Mexican American Arts Council and the Bowers Museum. Free. Information (714) 972-1382.