Holiday Classic

The New West Symphony will present its third annual staging of Handel’s “Messiah” Friday at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The orchestra will be joined by Los Robles Chamber Singers and the Ventura Master Chorale’s Mastersingers. Featured soloists will be Camille King, soprano; Adelaide Sinclaire, mezzo-soprano; Robert MacNeil, tenor; Dean Elzinga, bass.

* New West Symphony; Friday, 8 p.m.; Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. $8-$25. 497-5800.

Boat Parade

The 35th annual Channel Islands Parade of Lights will send colorfully decorated boats cruising the harbor Saturday evening, featuring the theme “Children’s Festival of Lights.” Viewers are encouraged to dress warmly and bring their own chairs. The vessels will circle the harbor twice. Viewing is best from the parks, walkways and restaurants that line the waterway. Assorted daylong activities around the harbor will precede the boat procession.

* Channel Islands Parade of Lights; Saturday, 7 p.m.; Channel Islands Harbor, Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard. Free. 985-4852.

Community Orchestra

The Ventura College Community Orchestra, under the direction of Burns Taft, will present its “Symphonic Sparkle” concert Saturday at the campus theater. The program will feature two soloists. Violinist Leslie Vielbig will perform a concerto by Vivaldi, and Judy Valencerina will perform on marimba in Paul Creston’s Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra. The program will also feature Schubert’s Fifth Symphony and works by several American composers, including Duke Ellington.

* Ventura College Community Orchestra; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Ventura College Theater, on Loma Vista Road between Ashwood Avenue and Day Road. $5 general, $3 seniors and students. 654-6397 or 654-6400.

Theater Fund-Raiser

The Camarillo Community Theater will present its first “Holiday Gala” benefit Saturday at the Camarillo Airport Theater. The show is expected to be the first of a series of annual fund-raisers for the theater company. It will feature several performers singing holiday and seasonal favorites. Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory,” adapted by David Ralphe, will be performed by Aurick Canete. A silent auction also will be featured.

* Camarillo Community Theater’s “Holiday Gala”; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Camarillo Airport Theater, 330 Skyway Drive. $15 general, $10 ages 11 and younger; reception included. 388-5716.