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Music

Fiesta Navidad is a festival built around Las Posadas, a nine-day observance (Dec. 16-24) in Mexico of the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The event is rapidly becoming a holiday tradition with the Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

This year the music group will be assisted by the Ballet Folklorico Ollin. Guest artists include Norwegian singer Lynni Treekrem and Mariachi Olimpico, Mariachi UCLA, Conjunto Macuilxochitl, harpist Ernie Ferra and roper Tony Munoz. The program is sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Performing Arts Center.

* What: Fiesta Navidad.

* When: Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.

* Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

* Whereabouts: San Diego (405) Freeway to Bristol Avenue exit north. Turn right from Bristol onto Town Center Drive.

* Wherewithal: $10-$37.

* Where to call: (714) 553-2422.

Pop

The only new output lately from Peter Himmelman, who is between record deals, has been the belated CD release of his fine 1986 solo debut, “This Father’s Day,” on the Razor & Tie label. But fans can always expect something new and different from Himmelman: there’s no music newer than the tunes this delightfully unpredictable and quick-witted performer is apt to make up on the spot during his shows.

When not going off on his spontaneously playful tangents, the L.A.-based ex-Minnesotan will lead his veteran backup band through typically intense songs about love and spiritual striving. Himmelman’s songwriting style is tuned to familiar Dylan/Costello strains, but his truly “interactive” live shows are all his own.

* Who: Peter Himmelman Band.

* When: Saturday, 8 p.m.

* Where: Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (5) Freeway at Camino Capistrano; turn left onto Camino Capistrano. The Coach House is in the Esplanade Plaza.

* Wherewithal: $10.

* Where to call: (714) 496-8930.

Comedy

Jack Coen, among the top stand-up comics in the country, has one of the best segue lines in the business. After mucking through political waters for a while, he senses it’s time to change gears. “I’m sorry,” he tells audiences. “Let’s move on to something a little less sensitive. . . . Religion has always interested me.” The “Tonight Show” veteran also looks at the lighter side of gays in the military and racism.

* Who: Jack Coen, with Mike Pace.

* When: Tonight at 8:30, Friday 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday 8 and 10:30 p.m., Sunday at 8 p.m.

* Where: Irvine Improv, 4255 Campus Drive, Irvine.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Jamboree Road; go south. Turn left onto Campus Drive. The club is in the Irvine Marketplace.

* Wherewithal: $8-$10.

* Where to call: (714) 854-5455.

Family Affair

You think you’re baffled by today’s toys? Imagine what museum visitors in the year 2100 will think when they come across X-Men and Gooey Louie games in an exhibit of antique toys.

The playthings in the current exhibit at Anaheim Museum offer an intimate view into the nurseries of yesteryear, showcasing toys dating from the turn of the century to the 1950s. The display is recommended for all ages, but no touching of the exhibits is allowed.

* What: “Treasure Chest: Toys and Dolls from a Bygone Era.”

* When: Through Jan. 13. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

* Where: Anaheim Museum, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Santa Ana (5) Freeway at Lincoln Avenue; drive east. Turn right on Anaheim Boulevard.

* Wherewithal: FREE; donations are accepted.

* Where to call: (714) 778-3301.