No Need to Wait Till the Night Before Christmas

Here are some other ways to celebrate the season of joy, charity and goodwill to all with special events in the arts and entertainment:

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 It’s a Small World. 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. 5576 E. La Palma Ave. Through Dec. 23. $10-$12. (714) 777-3033.

“Holiday Magic,” featuring the Buckingham Toy Soldier Brass Band, today, 1:30 and 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. Sun Theatre, 2200 E. Katella Ave. $32.50-$42.50. (714) 712-2700.

The Sunrise Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” today, 2:30 p.m. Servite High School Theater, 1952 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. $10. (714) 630-3223.

Brea

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. There is a one time fee, good for the duration of the event. $5 adults, $3 for seniors 60 older, free for children 11 and younger. Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Through Dec. 24. 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. Today, 3 p.m. Buena Park Senior Center, 8150 Knott Ave. Free. (714) 772-1347.

Cypress

The Cypress Civic Theater Guild presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” today, 2 p.m. 5172 Orange Ave. $4-$12. (714) 229-6796.

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

The Nouveau Chamber Ballet of Fullerton presents “The Nutcracker” today, 2 p.m. Fullerton College Campus Theater, 321 E. Chapman Ave. $12-$15. (714) 992-7433.

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

Garden Grove

The Crystal Cathedral presents “The Glory of Christmas.” Daily, 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Through Dec. 30. 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 Harbour. Daily, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Family night special on Tuesday, $5.50-$8.50. Otherwise: Monday-Thursday, $6-$9; Friday-Sunday, $6-$10. Through Dec. 23. Reservations: (714) 840-7542.

Golden West College presents “The Nutcracker Ballet.” Today, 2 p.m.; Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 24, 1 p.m. Mainstage Theatre, 15744 Goldenwest St. $10.50-$12.50. (714) 895-8150.

Irvine

The Capistrano Chorale performs a program titled “Celebrate the Holidays” today, 2 p.m. Leisure World, Clubhouse 3, Laguna Woods. (949) 768-3978.

Ballet Pacifica presents “The Nutcracker” today and Tuesday-Saturday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 2:30 p.m. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive. $17-$21. (949) 854-4646.

Laguna Beach

Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland, a Holiday Musical,” today, 1 and 5 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Children younger than 5 not admitted. Laguna Playhouse. $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.

Newport Beach

The 92nd annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade returns with more than 100 boats decorated for the holidays. Today, 6:30 p.m., through Saturday. 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.

San Clemente

The Cabrillo Playhouse presents “An O. Henry Christmas,” two musicals based on the “The Last Leaf” and “The Gift of the Magi.” Today, 2 p.m. San Clemente Community Theatre, 202 Avenida Cabrillo. $15. (949) 492-0465.