Ways to Send Kids’ Hearts a-Leaping

Children often forget that Christmas is more than getting gifts and eating sugary treats until they bounce off the walls. To remind them of the spirit of the holiday, here are some activities.

Children and Families

ANAHEIM BALLET

280 E. Lincoln Ave.

(714) 490-6150

https://www.anaheimballet.org

“The Nutcracker”--Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Dec. 17, 3 p.m. at the McKinney Theater, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway. $11-$15. (949) 582-4656. Also Dec. 23, 2 p.m. at Santa Ana High School, 520 W. Walnut St. $10-$18. (714) 490-6150.

THE BALLET MONTMARTRE

2790 Harbor Blvd., Suite 210

Costa Mesa

(714) 241-7424

“A Christmas Carol”--Dec. 22-23. All performances begin at 7 p.m., Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave. $12-$15. (714) 241-7424.

BALLET PACIFICA

1824 Kaiser Ave.

Irvine

(949) 851-9930

https://www.ocartsnet.org

/ballet_pacifica/

“The Nutcracker”--Thursday-Dec. 24. Schedule: Dec. Thursday-Dec. 17 and Dec. 19-23, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Dec. 17 and Dec. 19-24, 2:30 p.m. at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive. $17-$21. (949) 854-4646.

BALLET UNLIMITED

1014 W. Collins Ave.

Orange

(714) 639-8525

“The Nutcracker”--Today. Colorful sets and costumes and imaginative choreography breathe new life into this timeless tradition for the whole family. Guest artists join a cast of more than 90. Schedule: 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Fullerton College Campus Theater, 321 E. Chapman Ave. $15-$18. (714) 992-7433.

CYPRESS CIVIC THEATRE GUILD

5172 Orange Ave.

(714) 229-6796

“A Christmas Carol”--Through Dec. 17. An inventive adaptation by Doris Baizley, about a ragtag acting troupe staging the Dickens classic. Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. $4-$12; Sundays, 2 p.m. 5172 Orange Ave. $4-$8. (714) 229-6796.

DEFORE FOUNDATION

FOR THE ARTS

151 Kalmus Drive, G-3

Costa Mesa

(714) 241-9908

Holiday Showcase--Dec. 17. An in-house presentation by the company’s dancers, ages 5 to 13. Performances at 2, 4 & 6 p.m.

DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER

2500 N. Main St.

Santa Ana

(714) 542-CUBE

https://www.discoverycube.org

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Discovery Science Center enables visitors of all ages to let their imaginations turn, twist and fly through about 100 hands-on exhibits in eight themed areas: Perception, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone, Exploration Station, Principles of Flight, Performance, Space Exploration, and KidStation (the area for 5-year-olds and younger). Guests can also watch a new show in the 3D Laser Theater, “Pathway to the Stars,” and participate in a live science demonstration or other interactive activities offered throughout the day within the 59,000-square-foot facility.

“Science of Snow”--Saturday and Dec. 17. Scott Ratner returns for an encore performance as Professor I.M. Freezing in the “Science of Snow.” Using magic and humor, Freezing conducts a series of experiments to explain winter weather phenomena. Also a guest appearance by Santa Claus. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE

9527 Garfield Ave.

Fountain Valley

(714) 962-5440

“The Nutcracker”--Today, 2 p.m. at the Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road. $15-$19. (714) 432-5880.

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

606 Laguna Canyon Road

Laguna Beach

(949) 497-ARTS (2787)

https://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

“Babes in Toyland”--Continuesthrough Dec. 23. Victor Herbert’s classic holiday musical is set in Mother Goose village, whose citizens organize to save themselves from eviction on Christmas Day. To the timeless “March of the Toy Soldiers,” all of the fabulous fantasy characters sing and dance, a joyful celebration of the spirit of giving. Schedule: Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1 and 5 p.m. Children younger than 5 not admitted. $16. (800) 946-5556.

NOUVEAU CHAMBER BALLET

1090 W. Valencia Drive

Fullerton

(714) 526-3862

https://www.nouveauchamberballet.com

“The Nutcracker”--Continues through Dec. 17. Holiday favorite features guest artists and the Cal State Long Beach Orchestra. Schedule: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Dec. 17, 2 p.m. at the Fullerton College Campus Theater, 321 E. Chapman Ave. $12-$15. (714) 992-7433.

PACIFIC CHORALE

1221 E. Dyer Road, Suite 230

Santa Ana

(714) 662-2345

https://www.pacific-chorale.org

Pacific Chorale Children’s Chorus and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra unite for an annual holiday performance of “ ‘Tis the Season.” Features a program of favorite carols and seasonal classics, including a performance of Composer-in-Residence Eric Whitacre’s first commissioned work for Pacific Chorale, written for chorus and orchestra. 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Also, caroling in the lobby with the Children’s Chorus. 6 p.m. Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

PACIFIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

1231 E. Dyer Road, Suite 200

Santa Ana

Box office: (714) 755-5799

https://www.pacificsymphony.org

Pacific Symphony’s family concerts blend education and entertainment. Children can let talents shine with the orchestra, conductor Mark Mandarano and the world’s greatest composers.

Home for the Holidays--Saturday Music from “Home Alone,” Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and the annual carol sing-along. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $11-$16.

RUDE GUERRILLA

THEATER COMPANY

The Empire Theater

200 N. Broadway

Santa Ana

(714) 547-4688

https://www.nervenob.com/rude/index.html

“Regali, Fantasmi e Canti (Gifts, Ghosts and Songs)”--Through Dec. 17. Scruglioni makes life unbearable for his three servants, but in this commedia dell’arte-style comedy, they take a page from Charles Dickens, dress up as ghosts and give their employer a little payback. Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Also Thursday 8 p.m. Empire Theater, 200 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 17. $12. (714) 547-4688.

SOUTH COAST REPERTORY

655 Town Center Drive

Costa Mesa

(714) 708-5555

https://www.scr.org

“A Christmas Carol”--Through Dec. 24. Celebrate the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas as SCR presents the 20th annual production of this Dickens classic. Schedule: Tuesdays-Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, noon and 4 p.m. $17-$41. (714) 708-5555.

“La Posada Magica”--Through Dec. 24. By Octavio Solis with music by Marcos Loya. SCR’s musical Christmas production, inspired by the traditional Hispanic enactment of the travels of the Holy Family. Previews, Friday-Sunday, 12:30 p.m. $13-$21. Opens today, 4:30 p.m. Continues Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. $18-$32. SCR’s Second Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Ends Dec. 24. (714) 708-5555.

SUNRISE BALLET THEATRE

Hirschl Ballet School

1086 Tustin Ave.

Anaheim

(714) 630-1455

https://www.hirschlballet.org

“The Nutcracker”--Today, 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m. at Servite High School Theater, 1952 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. $10. (714) 630-3223.

TRILOGY PLAYHOUSE/

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

PRODUCTIONS

2930 Bristol St., Bldg. C-106

Costa Mesa

(714) 957-3347, Ext. 1

https://www.trilogyplayhouse.go.cc

Box office hours: Friday, 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, noon-2 p.m.; 30 minutes before curtain

“A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” by A.A. Milne--Continues through Dec. 23. A musical version of A.A. Milne’s classic story in which Pooh and his friends help Eeyore have a merry Christmas, at the Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Schedule: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 and 5 p.m. $10-$12. (714) 957-3347, Ext. 1.

Other Activities

MONDAY

A gingerbread man decorating class is held at the East Anaheim Community Center, 8201 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road. 1 p.m. for 3- to 5-year-olds; 3 p.m. for 6- to 12-year-olds. $22. Reservations: (714) 765-5228.

Wonderworld Puppets present “An Animal Christmas Carol” at the Mary Wilson Library, 707 Electric Ave., Seal Beach. 3:30 p.m. Free. (562) 431-3584.

A holiday gift tag workshop is held at the Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Library, 12700 Montecito Ave., Los Alamitos. 3:30 p.m. Free. (562) 430-1048.

Santa Claus drops by to visit with children and hear their holiday wishes at the Aliso Viejo Town Center, Pacific Park Drive and Horizon. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Also Wednesday. (949) 362-5890.

The Sunshine Readers present a holiday story time at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 496-5517.

Miss Kathy conducts a story time for preschoolers at Borders Books, Music and Cafe, 1890 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. 10 a.m. Free. (949) 631-8661.

TUESDAY

Mark Beatty presents “Pirates, Pirates & Magic,” a maritime program for preschoolers, at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library, 30902 La Promesa. 10:15 a.m. Free. (949) 459-6094.

Falcon Court presents “Falconry Throughout the Ages,” a program for 5- to 12-year-olds, at the El Toro Branch Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest. 4 p.m. Free. (949) 855-8173.

The Sunshine Readers present a story time for all ages at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 493-1752.

A holiday cards craft program is held at the Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave. 3:30 p.m. Free. (714) 898-3302.

Five- to 7-year-olds hear the story “Big Tracks, Little Tracks” and do a related activity at Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. 3:30 p.m. $3. (714) 998-8380.

WEDNESDAY

The Flights of Fancy Storytellers present a story time for ages 5 and older at the Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Library, 12700 Montecito Ave., Los Alamitos. 3:30 p.m. Free. (562) 430-1048.

The Minikin Puppets present “Winter Wizardry” at the University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 786-4001.

Craig Newton presents “Hot Cider & Cheer,” a musical program for all ages, at the San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida del Mar. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 492-3493.

The Parent-Child Book Club, for fourth- through sixth-graders and their parents, discusses the fiction of Roald Dahl at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 717-3801.

“Santa Tells Stories,” starring Jim Lewis, is held at the Mesa Verde Library, 2969 Mesa Verde Drive, Costa Mesa. 7 p.m. Free. (714) 546-5274.

Santa Claus reads “The Night Before Christmas” at the La Palma Library, 7842 Walker St. 7 p.m. Free. (714) 523-8585.

Mark Beatty presents “Pirates, Pirates & Magic,” a maritime program for grade schoolers, at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library, 30902 La Promesa. 3:30 p.m. Free. (949) 459-6094.

The Cypress Women’s Club holds a holiday family story time at the Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Ave. 7 p.m. Free. (714) 826-0350.

Four- to 6-year-olds learn about winter season and do a related activity at Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. 2 p.m. $3. (714) 998-8380.

Miss Gina presents a pajama story time for all ages at the Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd. 7 p.m. Free. (714) 998-0861.

Miss Pam conducts a pajama story time for all ages at Borders Books, Music and Cafe, 1890 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 631-8661.

Patti Christensen conducts a story time for all ages at Borders Books, Music & Cafe at the Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W. 7 p.m. Free. (714) 385-1025.

THURSDAY

Ken Frawley presents “Holiday Music and Stories” at the La Habra Library, 221 E. La Habra Blvd. 3:30 p.m. Free. (562) 694-0078.

“A Visit with Santa,” featuring storytelling and photo opportunities, is held at the Laguna Niguel Library, 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 249-5252.

Talon Knight presents a medieval story time with live hawks at the Heritage Park Regional Library, 14361 Yale Ave., Irvine. 7 p.m. Free. (949) 551-7151.

Two- to 4-year-olds learn about animal nap times and make edible dens at the Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. 10 a.m. $3. (714) 998-8380.

Seven- to 12-year-olds learn about cold and flu season and do a related activity at Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. 3:30 p.m. $4.50. (714) 998-8380.

FRIDAY

The fifth annual Christmas Train rolls into Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road. Rides for all ages begin at the Railroad Station and run up to Santa’s Village at the park amphitheater. 5-8 p.m. $5. Through Dec. 23. (714) 997-3968.

SATURDAY”Pathway to the Stars,” a 3-D laser show, opens at the Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 2:30 and 4 p.m. $1, plus $7.50-$9.50 regular admission. (714) 542-2823.

“The Science of Snow,” starring actor Scott Ratner and playwright Christopher Trela, opens at the Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Saturday-Sunday, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Free with museum admission, $7.50-$9.50. Through Dec. 17. (714) 542-2823.

A holiday workshop, featuring ornament crafts, singing carols, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa for 5- to 12-year-olds, is held at the East Anaheim Community Center, 8201 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road. 1-4 p.m. $15. Reservations: (714) 535-0189.

Theater

Buena Park Youth Theatre presents “Annie,” the musical based on Harold Grey’s “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip, at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex, 8833 Academy Drive. Today, 2:30 p.m. $6-$8. Through Sunday. (714) 562-3888.

Broadway on Tour presents “Goldilocks and the Christmas Bears,” a yuletide sequel to the popular folk tale, at the Ebell Theater, 625 French St., Santa Ana. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. $6. Through Dec. 17. (714) 282-8148.

Ongoing

Bilingual story time (English and Spanish) takes place every Saturday at Martinez Books & Art, 1110 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 1:30 p.m. Free. (714) 973-7900.

Story time for kids age 3 and older is every Wednesday and Saturday at the White Rabbit Children’s Bookstore, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Every Wednesday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Free. (714) 445-0010.

Story and crafts with Miss Penny for children ages 5-8 is offered every week at the Main Street Library Branch, 525 Main St., Huntington Beach. Friday, 3 p.m. Regular story times are Wednesday, 10 a.m. (for kids 3-5) and 11 a.m. (for kids 1 1/2-3). Free. (714) 375-5071.

Children’s Museum at La Habra, 301 S. Euclid St., presents “Living Memories,” a show of art by third-graders depicting 75 years of life in La Habra. Through January.

“Creatures of the Dark,” a hands-on exhibit exploring the animals that inhabit the murky depths of oceans, caverns and deepest night, including a giant squid sculpture, glow-in-the-dark jellyfish, live animal displays and more, is now on view through Jan. 21.

Permanent exhibits include “Stop, Look and Listen” about railroad safety; “Dino-Dig,” a paleontology tableau in which youngsters can search for dinosaur bones in a simulated archeological dig, and “Buster the Bus,” a transportation-themed exhibit featuring the front half of an OCTA bus. Also a preschool play park, the Kids on Stage theater, Lego City, a carousel, a history exhibit in a caboose, a model-train village, a bee observatory, a touch table and a nature walk. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. $4; children younger than 2 admitted free. (562) 905-9793.

Bowers Kidseum, 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana, offers interactive exhibits targeted to kids 6-12, along with a children’s art lab and gallery and resource library for teachers. Most exhibits focus on the cultures of three regions: the Americas, the Pacific Rim and Africa. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $2-$4. Preschool Discoveries, music and storytelling for kids ages 3-5, Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m. Storytelling by the Bowers’ docents Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 p.m., and by members of the South Coast Storytellers Guild Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. (714) 480-1520.