Make Your Merry Way to Shows, Events

With seven productions of “The Nutcracker” this holiday season--and one ballet version--there’s no reason to miss the perennial classic. But there is also a passel of other concerts, plays and events throughout the county to keep your spirits bright.

* ANAHEIM

Besides lavish holiday decorations, Disneyland presents a new fireworks show, “Believe . . . in Holiday Magic.” Also featured are the holiday parade, “A Christmas Fantasy;” live jazz entertainment in New Orleans Square; and a Yuletide spin on the “It’s a Small World” attraction. Admission is $33-$43. Special entertainment continues through New Year’s Eve at Disneyland, 1212 Harbor Blvd. (714) 781-4565.

Avoid holiday themes with the “Non-Christmas December Show,” at the Chance Theater, featuring three short plays. Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. Through Dec. 23. $10-$12. 5576 E. La Palma Ave. (714) 777-3033.

“Holiday Magic,” featuring the Buckingham Toy Soldier Brass Band, will be performed at the Sun Theatre. Today, Friday, Dec. 17-19 and 21, 7 p.m. $39.50-$42.50. Also Today and Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. $32.50-$38.50. 2200 E. Katella Ave. (714) 712-2700.

The Sunrise Ballet Theatre presents “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.

At the 16th annual “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child,” sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and Toys for Tots, Santa will be on hand to deliver toys for needy children. Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the West Coast Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd. (714) 288-5600.

* BREA

“The Forgotten Carols” will be performed by folk singer Glenn Yarbrough. Today, 2 and 8 p.m. at the Curtis Theatre, Brea Civic and Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, plaza level. $17-$27. (714) 990-7722.

The Eagle Hills neighborhood is a wonderland of holiday yard decorations and house lights. From the Orange Freeway, take Birch Street east to Flower Hill, turn north on Flower Hill to enter the tract. Dusk-10 p.m. Generally until New Year’s Eve.

* BUENA PARK

Knott’s Berry Farm presents “Christmas Craft Village” in Ghost Town. To visit the park for free, take a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more today. Part of the annual U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive. 8039 Beach Blvd. (714) 220-5200.

The Buena Park Chorus presents “Home for Christmas.” Those attending are asked to bring one or more canned food items for needy families. Saturday, 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, 3 p.m. at the Buena Park Senior Center, 8150 Knott Ave. Free. (714) 772-1347.

* COSTA MESA

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

At “Rosemary Clooney’s White Christmas” concert, the Grammy Award-winning singer will be joined by Debby Boone (‘You Light Up My Life’), and pianist John Bayless. Thursday, 8 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive. $36-$76. (714) 740-7878.

“A Judy Collins Christmas” concert Friday, 8 p.m. at the Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road. $27-$33. (714) 432-5880.

* CYPRESS

The Cypress Civic Theater Guild presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Through Dec. 17. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. $4-$12; Sundays, 2 p.m. 5172 Orange Ave. $4-$8. (714) 229-6796.

* DANA POINT

The 26th annual “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Boat Parade held in Dana Point Harbor. ; Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Visible from any point in the harbor. Free. (949) 496-5794.

* FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Holiday yard decorations and house lights in the Dahlia tract, 75 homes bordered by Heil and Edinger avenues and Brookhurst and Bushard streets. Entrance to the tract is off Brookhurst on Thistle Avenue. Dusk-10 p.m. Generally until New Year’s Eve.

* FULLERTON

Ballet Unlimited presents “The Nutcracker.” Today, 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $15-$18. Fullerton College Campus Theater, 321 E. Chapman Ave. (714) 992-7433.

The Nouveau Chamber Ballet of Fullerton presents “The Nutcracker.” 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.

Ballet Montmartre presents its original interpretation of “A Christmas Carol.” Dec. 22 and 23, 7 p.m., Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave. $12-$15. (714) 241-7424.

* GARDEN GROVE

The Crystal Cathedral presents “The Glory of Christmas.” Through Dec. 30. Daily, 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. $15-$30. (714) 544-5679.

* HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Year 2000 Cruise of Lights returns to canals and islands of Huntington Harbor. Thursday through Dec. 23, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Family night special on Dec. 19. $5.50-$8.50. Otherwise: Monday-Thursday, $6-$9; Friday-Sunday, $6-$10. Reservations: (714) 840-7542.

Ballet Etudes presents “The Nutcracker.” Today, 2 p.m. Huntington Beach High School Auditorium, 1905 Main St. $10. (714) 847-6657.

Golden West College presents “The Nutcracker Ballet.” Friday, Saturday, Dec. 22 and 23, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Dec. 17, 23, 2 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 1 p.m. $10.50-$12.50.

Also, “Many Moods of Christmas,” a concert with the Golden West International Symphonic Band. Today, 2 p.m. Mainstage Theatre, 15744 Golden West St. $8.50-$10.50. (714) 895-8150.

* IRVINE

The Capistrano Chorale performs a program titled “Celebrate the Holidays” at the Artist’s Theatre, Laguna Beach High School, 625 Park Ave. Today, 4 p.m.; Leisure World, Clubhouse 3, Laguna Woods, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. (949) 768-3978.

Ballet Pacifica presents “The Nutcracker.” Thursday through 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.

* LAGUNA BEACH

Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland, a Holiday Musical” will be performed at the Laguna Playhouse. Through Dec. 23. 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.

* LA PALMA

Expect recorded Christmas music and animated characters along with the holiday yard decorations and house lights on Dallas Drive. From Walker Avenue, turn south and drive about a mile to Houston Avenue, turn west onto Houston. Dallas is the first cross street. Dusk-10 p.m. Generally until New Year’s Eve.

* MISSION VIEJO

Anaheim Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Thursday through 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.

* NEWPORT BEACH

The 92nd annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade returns with more than 100 boats decorated for the holidays. Dec. 17-23, 6:30 p.m. Dozens of viewing locations, including the Fun Zone on Balboa Island or anywhere in Lido Marina Village. $25 for participants. Free for spectators. (949) 729-4400.

* RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

The El Corzo neighborhood goes all out with holiday yard decorations and house lights. Features a large-scale model train, character cutouts and more. From Santa Margarita Parkway, take Melinda Road to Las Fieras and turn right. El Corzo is the first left. Dusk-10 p.m. Generally until New Year’s Eve.

* SANTA ANA

“All Is Calm, All Is Bright,” a new Christmas cantata, will be performed at the Bethel Baptist Church. Friday, 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, 11 a.m. 901 S. Euclid St. Free. (714) 839-3600.

New Voices Playwrights Theatre presents “Another 10-Minute Christmas: The Sequel,” a collection of eight short works by local writers. Don Cribb Theatre, 809 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Tuesday, 8 p.m. Also Wednesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. $15; $10 for students and seniors. Opening night, half price. (949) 225-4125.

* SAN CLEMENTE

The Cabrillo Playhouse presents “An O. Henry Christmas,” two musicals based on the “The Last Leaf,” and “The Gift of the Magi.” Through Dec. 17. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; some Saturday and Sundays, 2 p.m. San Clemente Community Theatre, 202 Avenida Cabrillo. $15. (949) 492-0465.