The Month Ahead

If you like to plan ahead, this monthly feature will be your guide and calendar. Just snip it out of the paper and attach it to the fridge.

To contribute suggestions for next month’s calendar, send a letter by Dec. 21 to the Month Ahead, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001.

For information, call 653-7570.

World of Christmas

Dec. 1-31

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum presents the seventh annual “Christmas Around the World” exhibit running through December at the library, 40 Presidential Drive, near Simi Valley. The exhibit features more than 20 decorated trees, toy soldiers, trains, garlands and Christmas music. Museum and library admission is $5, $3 for senior citizens and free for children 15 and under. The museum will be closed Christmas Day. Information: (800) 410-8354.

Classic Ballet

Dec. 1-3

The Channel Islands Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 1, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Performances, choreographed by Yves de Bouteiller, are accompanied by the New West Symphony and Ventura Master Chorale. Tickets are $12.50 to $30; group prices are available. Information: 384-8558.

Children’s Theater

Dec. 1-3

The Moorpark College department of music and dance presents “Animal Tales” at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. Dec. 1, 1:30, 3, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2, and 1:30 and 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Studio Theater, 7075 Campus Road. The show, part of Children’s Dance Theater 2000, is directed by Eric Augusztiny and choreographed by Lisa Lock. Tickets are $3, $2 for children under 12. Reservations and information: 378-1400.

Special Concert

Saturday, Dec. 2

The Ventura Chamber Music Festival presents “Celebrate the Season” with Cory Cerovsek, the Rossetti Quartet and the Ventura Chamber Music Festival Strings performing Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” at 7:30 p.m. in the Ventura College Theater, 4667 Telegraph Road. A reception will follow the concert with a special musical surprise. Reception cost is $15. Reception proceeds will benefit the college sound system fund. Concert tickets are $25, $15 for students with I.D. Tickets or information: 648-3146.

Christmas Parades

Saturday, Dec. 2

The Hometown Holidays downtown Oxnard Christmas Parade and the Fillmore 2000 Winter Festival Parade will make their run through downtown Oxnard and Fillmore, respectively, on Dec. 2. The Oxnard parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs along C Street. The Fillmore parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs along Central Avenue, ending in Central Park with festivities, food, entertainment and free Santa photos. Information on the Fillmore parade: 524-0351. Information on the Oxnard parade: 385-7545.

Home Tour

Dec. 2, 3

The Wellness Community presents its Holiday Homes Tour 2000 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Westlake Village area. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Children under 3 are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Wellness Community Valley / Ventura. Schedule, locations or information: 379-0030.

Art for Charity

Dec. 2-27

The Ojai Center for the Arts hosts “The Just ‘Cause Show and Fund-Raiser” throughout December with an artists’ reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S. Montgomery St. Artists must enter the show between 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 1. Art of any size, subject or media will be considered. The artists’ entry fee is $15 upon show acceptance. Twenty percent of all sales will be donated to charity. Information: 646-0117.

Holiday Air

Sunday, Dec. 3

The 24th annual Ventura Holiday Street Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Ventura. The fair features 500 arts and crafts booths, strolling musicians, entertainment on eight stages, Santa, chalk art, living sculptures, food, candy, dancing and real snow. There will be performances by Los Lobos, local Cajun band Acadiana, Benise and percussionist Victor Bissette. Admission is free. Schedule or information: 654-7830.

Nativity Collection

Dec. 8-10

Ascension Lutheran Church presents “No Room at the Inn,” an exhibit of more than 500 nativity scenes, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. There will also be a silent auction, children’s activity table and refreshments. The church will host a grand opening gala from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8. Opening night cost is $15. Regular cost is $3, $1 for children. Proceeds benefit Ventura County winter shelter programs. Information: 492-9420.

Musical Tapestry

Dec. 8, 9

The Village Voices Chorale presents Holiday Tapestry at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. The performance features Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” traditional Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. Tickets are $15. Tickets or information: 449-2787.

Boat Parade

Saturday, Dec. 9

The Ventura County Harbor Department hosts the 35th annual Parade of Lights and Children’s Festival of Lights at 7 p.m. in Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. This year’s parade theme is the “Children’s Festival of Lights.” Decorated and lighted boats will parade throughout the harbor; there will be a guest appearance by Santa and his reindeer. Applications to participate in the parade or information: 985-4852.

Holiday Parade

Saturday, Dec. 9

The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District presents the 39th annual Camarillo Christmas Parade, starting at noon on Las Posas Road between Temple Avenue and Carmen Drive. The parade includes more than 100 entries. The festivities include a rock-climbing wall, pony rides and visit from Santa Claus. Information: 482-1996, Ext. 19.

Victorian Homes

Dec. 9, 10

Heritage Square presents its seventh annual Victorian Christmas House Tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in five of Oxnard’s decorated historic homes. Docents will greet visitors at each house with stories and information. Events include storytelling, poetry, live music and Scottish dancing. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $8. Proceeds will benefit Friends of Heritage Square educational programs. Information: 483-7960.

Hanukkah Celebration

Sunday, Dec. 10

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza will host the fifth annual Hanukkah Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. The celebration features “The Magical Miracle of Hanukkah With Richard Burr and Josette” in the Fred Kavli Theater. Other features include a holiday boutique, children’s entertainment, food, Yiddish and Israeli music, a candle-lighting ceremony, balloon art, artists, storytelling, vendors and gifts. Free. Tickets for the show are $6. Information: (818) 991-7111.

Motorcycle Fans

Sunday, Dec. 10

The 13th annual Ventura All Brand Motorcycle Swap Meet runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Agricultural Building at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. The swap meet features the motorcycle corral of used bikes, scooters, bicycles and toys. General admission is $5, children 12 and under admitted free. Vendor details or information: 650-6777.

Home Hopping

Sunday, Dec. 10

Moorpark Women’s Fortnightly Club sponsors its annual Holiday Home Tour from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Moorpark area. This year boasts six homes decorated in the holiday spirit. The tour will display Santa Claus collections, decorated antique carriages, related art, antique sleigh, handmade tree ornaments, toy trains and musicians. The cost is $12. Proceeds benefit the community through a variety of service projects. Information: 529-5093.

Yule Festival

Saturday, Dec 16

Ventura Harbor Village presents the 24th annual Parade of Lights beginning at 11 a.m. in the village off Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. The day features an arts and crafts show, live entertainment, mimes, carolers, and a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. with the theme “2001--A Christmas Odyssey.” Information: 644-0169.

New Year’s Dance

Friday, Dec. 29

Parents Without Partners will hold a New Year’s singles dance from 9 p.m. to midnight at Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. There will be orientation for new members and a no-host bar. Cost is $10. A one-year membership with Parents Without Partners is $35. Information: 278-0911.

Evening in Vienna

Sunday, Dec. 31

The Conejo Pops Orchestra hosts its fifth annual New Year’s Eve Night in Vienna at 8 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Kavli Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. The performance features pianist Daniel Pollack. Tickets are $18 to $50. Information: 449-2787.

Compiled by ALEX FIELD / Los Angeles Times