HOLIDAYS’ : MUSIC OF THE ANGELS

Because everybody likes the sound of the harp, it might get really crowded this Sunday at the Sylvia Woods Harp Center in Glendale.

The store will present its first annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Harp Concert. Featured will be store owner Sylvia Woods, an internationally respected folk harp artist, plus Celtic harpist Deborah Friou and pedal harpist Paul Baker.

Woods, a Californian who won the All-Ireland Harp Championship in 1980, started a harp mail-order business more than 15 years ago and opened her store in September 1992.

Since 1980, Woods has toured as a solo performer on the folk harp. She’s taught master classes in the United States and Ireland and judged numerous competitions including the Guinness World Trophy for the Celtic Harp competition in France.

She’s also performed on such radio shows as “A Prairie Home Companion,” and played on the soundtrack for the film “Dead Poets Society.”

* Sylvia Woods Harp Center, 915 N. Glendale Ave., Glendale, presents its first annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Harp Concert at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 general, $12 children under 12. Call (818) 956-1363.

HAPPY HOWLIDAYS

Everyone’s favorite holiday symbol will make a special appearance this Saturday at Lake Balboa Park in Van Nuys.

“Santa on the Lake,” a holiday program featuring the brightly garbed, bearded guy plus food, toys, entertainment, train rides and paddle boat rides, starts at noon. Santa will arrive later by boat. Even some snow will be shipped in to achieve the proper “winter wonderland” effect.

Entertainment will include the Top Dog Clan, seven singing dogs that will perform selections from their “Howliday Favorites in Dog” and “Howlin’ Classics” albums including “Howlin’ Nagila,” “Rudolf the Rednosed Raindog” and “Carnival of the Canines.”

KRLA, El Pollo Loco and Hershey Candy are providing free food, candy and toys for children who attend.

* “Santa on the Lake” starts at noon Saturday at Lake Balboa Park, 6200 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys. Free admission. Call (818) 506-1467.

FAMILY FUN

The Second Annual West Valley Hanukkah Festival will be held this weekend at West Valley Jewish Community Center in West Hills. The event, featuring entertainment, food, crafts and other activities, is presented jointly by West Valley JCC along with Temple Aliyah, Shomrei Torah Synagogue, Temple Solael and Kol Tikvah.

Cantor Doug Cotler of Kol Tikvah will sing at two family concerts at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Cotler has performed with John Denver, Jerry Jeff Walker and other well-known artists. Cotler won a Grammy in 1984 for the song, “Manhunt,” that was featured in the film “Flashdance.”

Israeli dancing, a Judaica boutique and art exhibit, crafts and a communal menorah lighting will also be featured.

* The West Valley Hanukkah Festival is from noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday at West Valley JCC, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. Admission is $2 general, $1 children, 2-12. Call (818) 587-3300.

OTHER HOLIDAY FARE

The newly formed Santa Clarita Ballet Company will present “The Nutcracker” at 2, 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Valencia High School, 27801 N. Dickason Drive. The production features Carol Guidry as the Mouse King, and Willow Storm as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Tickets are $10 general, $5 for children 12 and younger. Call (805) 251-6844.

The San Fernando Valley Chorale will present “The Holiday Season Around the World,” at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 15950 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. Admission is $5 general, $2 children. Call (818) 891-1759.