Surfing on the Yuletide

For some, the holiday season can be a trial of sorts. There are cards to send, gifts to buy, vacations to coordinate, homes to decorate, children’s recitals to attend, relatives to board, turkeys to cook, weight gain to avoid, Santas to visit, religious services to attend, Hanukkah candles to light, presents to wrap, and devising a way to see both sets of parents over 24 hours and across 11 states.

Relax. At least you know that with seven productions at various times and venues in Orange County this season, you’re not going to miss “The Nutcracker.”

But if you do, here are some other ways to celebrate the season of joy, charity and goodwill to all:

Anaheim

In addition to 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. Dec. 9-23: Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. $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. Dec. 10, 15, 17-19 and 21, 7 p.m. $39.50-$42.50. Also Dec. 10 and 17, 1:30 p.m. $32.50-$38.50. 2200 E. Katella Ave. (714) 712-2700.

The Sunrise Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 16, 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. Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the West Coast Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd. (714) 288-5600.

Brea

The Curtis Theatre presents “Christmas in a Celtic Land” a program of Irish folk music and dance. Dec. 8-9, 8 p.m. at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, plaza level. $17-$27. (714) 990-7722.

“The Forgotten Carols” will be performed by folk singer Glenn Yarbrough. Dec. 10, 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 from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

Buena Park

Knott’s Berry Farm presents “Christmas Craft Village” in Ghost Town. A one-time $5 admission charge valid through Friday does not include admission to the rest of the park. Children younger than 12 are admitted free. To visit the park for free, take a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more on Dec. 2, 3, 9 or 10. 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. Dec. 16, 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.” Dec. 8-9, 7 p.m.; Dec. 9-10, 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. Dec. 14, 8 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Art Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive. $36-$76. (714) 740-7878.

“A Judy Collins Christmas” concert Dec. 15, 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.” Opens Dec. 1, 8 p.m. $15. Continues Dec. 2-17. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. $4-$12. Sundays, 2 p.m. 5172 Orange Ave. $4-$8. (714) 229-6796.

“The Magic of Christmas,” presented by the Young Americans, features a cast of 150 singers and dancers. Nov. 30 through Dec. 7. Dinner and show, 6:30 p.m. $34. Show only, 8 p.m. Cypress College Theatre, 9200 Valley View St. $18.50. (866) 921-2345.

Dana Point

The 26th annual “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Boat Parade held in Dana Point Harbor. Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16, 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 from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

Fullerton

Ballet Unlimited presents “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. $15-$18. Also Dec. 9-10, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Fullerton College Campus Theater, 321 E. Chapman Ave. (714) 992-7433.

The Nouveau Chamber Ballet of Fullerton presents “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 15-16, 8 p.m.; Dec. 16-17, 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 Garden Grove Playhouse presents “A Shenanigans Christmas,” a sketch comedy show. Dec. 1-9. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. 12001 Saint Mark St. $9-$10. (714) 897-5122.

The Crystal Cathedral presents “The Glory of Christmas.” Friday-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. Dec. 14-23, 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.” Dec. 9, 2 and 7 p.m. Also Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Huntington Beach High School Auditorium, 1905 Main St. $10. (714) 847-6657.

Golden West College presents “The Nutcracker Ballet.” Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Also Dec. 2, 15, 16, 22 and 23, 7 p.m.; Dec. 2, 3, 16, 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. Dec. 7-9, 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Mainstage Theatre, 15744 Golden West St. $8.50-$10.50. (714) 895-8150.

Irvine

Receive a portrait of your pet with Santa Claus at “Santa P.A.W.s,” the annual, holiday photo fund-raiser for the Irvine Animal Care Center. Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 30 Minute Photo, Barranca at Jamboree Road. $15. (949) 451-3542.

Ballet Pacifica presents “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 14-17 and Dec. 19-23, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 16-17 and Dec. 19-24, 2:30 p.m. at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. $17-$21. (949) 854-4646.

The Irvine Repertory Theater presents “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Dec. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Dec. 2-3, 1:30 p.m. University High School, 4771 Campus Drive. $7-$9. (949) 936-7474.

Laguna Beach

Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland, a Holiday Musical” will be performed at the Laguna Playhouse. Dec. 8-23. 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 from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

Mission Viejo

Anaheim Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 14-16, 8 p.m.; Dec. 16 and 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.

The annual Christmas Walk Festival will take place along Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (949) 673-4050.

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 from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

Santa Ana

“All Is Calm, All Is Bright,” a new Christmas Cantata, will be performed at the Bethel Baptist Church. Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, 11 a.m. 901 S. Euclid St. Free. (714) 839-3600.

San Clemente

The Capistrano Chorale performs a program titled “Celebrate the Holidays” at St. Andrews By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Calle Frontera. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. $12-$15. Children 6 and younger are admitted free. Also at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.; Artist’s Theatre, Laguna Beach High School, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.; Leisure World, Clubhouse 3, Laguna Woods, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. (949) 768-3978.

The Cabrillo Playhouse presents “An O. Henry Christmas,” two musicals based on the “The Last Leaf,” and “The Gift of the Magi.” Nov. 30-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.

Tustin

“The Real Gift of Christmas,” a variety show presented by soloists and the Salvation Army Brass Band. Dec. 2-3, 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Tustin Ranch Church, 10200 Pioneer Road. Free. Reservations: (714) 832-7100.

Yorba Linda

The Paul McNeff KidSingers, a 100-voice children’s chorus, performs holiday music. Dec. 3, 2 p.m. at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. Free. (714) 525-7464.