Going South

* Ice Skating--Former world skating champions Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner will perform Friday at 10 a.m. at the opening of Southern California’s only in-ground outdoor ice-skating rink at Universal CityWalk. The custom-designed 50-by-80-foot ice arena, along with its artificial “snowfalls,” will be open through Jan. 7. “Whovillians” from Universal Pictures’ “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will be on hand to meet and greet visitors at an elaborate “Whoville” photo backdrop. CityWalk’s other seasonal touches will include thousands of holiday lights, Christmas trees, gospel choirs and other holiday entertainment. The ice-skating fee is $6.50 per hour, $2.50 for skate rental. Hours of operation vary. (818) 622-4455.

* Jazz--Singer Jelsa Palao will perform Friday at Coffee Junction in Tarzana. Times jazz critic Don Heckman has described her voice as a “resonant, chesty contralto . . . sparkling with the soaring melismas of a Sarah Vaughan and the crisp precision of a Carmen McRae.” Performance: 8-11 p.m. The shop is at 19221 Ventura Blvd. No cover. (818) 342-3405.

* Holiday Theater--The Glendale Center Theatre’s 36th annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will open Friday. For a new twist, this year’s version is a musical adaptation of the ghostly Christmas classic. Show times: Tuesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m. Through Dec. 23. The theater is at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. $12.50-$21. (818) 244-8481.

* More Holiday Theater--Canyon Theatre Guild’s production of “Scrooge, the Stingiest Man in Town” will open Friday at the guild’s new venue in downtown Newhall. Show times: Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Through Dec. 24. Additional performances may be scheduled; call the box office for more information. $8-$15. (661) 298-0058.