EventsCalifornia

CEDAR GLEN - Follow the Star /Live Nativity at Wildhaven Ranch. Enjoy a wildlife nativity, music and food. Free admission. Time: 4 to 5:30p.m. Location: Wildhaven Ranch, Cedar Glen (outside Lake Arrowhead), CA. Call :(909) 337-7389. wildhaven.org

COLOMA - Christmas in Coloma. This day features an old-fashioned, 1850’s Christmas, with period crafts, music, strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations, 19th century Christmas programs and plays, and wreath making. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus are a colorful part of the day. Vendors offer hand-made crafts as well as a variety of foods. The historic buildings will be opened for our visitors’ enjoyment. Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma, California. Call: (530) 295-2170 or (530) 622-3470.

COSTA MESA - Here Comes Santa. Every weekend through December 20 meet Santa. Get a free photo with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when you bring unwrapped toy or clothing to Orange County Market Place. Admission is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a .m. to 4 p.m. vendors, services, a produce market, children’s play area, Artisans’ and Crafters’ Corner, hair salon and a variety of food concessions. Location: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call 949-723-6616. ocmarketplace.com

COSTA MESA - Nutcracker for Kids. 45 minute version features young dancers from the Festival Ballet Theatre and Pacific Symphony Assistant Conductor Maxim Eshkenazy. Time: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Cost: $19-$36. Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, CA. Call (714) 755-5799. pacificsymphony.org.

COSTA MESA - Gem Faire. A world-renowned marketplace featuring the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, lapidary equipment and metaphysical items at the lowest prices in today's market. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $5, parking $5. Location: Orange County Fairgrounds Fair & Event Center, Building 10 and Parade of Products, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. gemfaire.com

DANA POINT - Holiday Boat Parade. Join in the 35th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor by climbing aboard one of the decorated boats and actually take part in the parade. You'll see the hundreds of other decorated boats competing for the coveted Best in Show Award! Time: 7:30pm - 9 p.m. Location: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern in Dana Point, CA. Cost: $25 adult/$15 kid 3-12. Call: (949) 496-5794. danawharf.com

DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights Drive Thru. Time: Daily at 5:30 p.m. Ends at 10 p.m. Sun-Thurs; 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Cost: $14 car of 1 to 6 people. Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. Tickets: (858) 792-4252. Weather closure: (858) 793-5555. sdfair.com

EUREKA - Truckers Christmas Convoy Parade. Parade winds through the town with music & horns blaring jingle bells. Starts at 6pm at Redwood Acres goes to about 8:30pm. Call: (707) 442-5744

FERNDALE - Victorian Christmas. Shopkeepers, town folk and visitors dress in Victorian fashion and stroll Ferndale's Main Street. Wear actual vintage clothing, sew your own outfit or use your imagination to create something fun with an olde-time flare. Entertainment by Mirth First Barbershop Quarter, strolling carolers and brass band. Informal sidewalk costume parade at 3 p.m. Call: (707) 786-9500.

GARDEN GROVE - The Glory of Christmas Musical. NOTE: Due to financial concerns, the event was cancelled in 2009. A blend of Christmas carols, pageantry, live animals, flying angels, and special effects unfold in the nativity story. Location: Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, CA. Time: varies. Cost: $20-50. Call: 714-54-GLORY (714-544-5679) or 877-544-5679. crystalcathedral.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Holiday Gondola Rides. Offered from 11 a.m. to Midnight. Location: Peter's Landing, Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach, CA.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Huntington Harbour Lighted Boat Parade. Rock N' The Night Away is the theme of this annual boat parade in which contestants win trophies for contest categories as applied in boat lighting, music and designs. The public can watch the parade free. Parking on the Huntington Beach islands is extremely limited, which makes watching a challenge, however. Time: Line up at 5:15 p.m.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Ballet Repertory Theatre Nutcracker Ballet. Presented in its original, full-length version, this delightful holiday classic by Huntington Beach's Ballet Repertory Theatre is sure to please audiences of all ages. Breathtaking, magical, and humorous, Orange County's longest-running Nutcracker production is an affordable, feel-good family tradition with a versatile cast of over 250 dancers in 14 enchanting performances. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $16 general admission; $15 seniors/groups & students; $14 children under 12. Location: Golden West College Theater, 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: (714) 895-8150. gwctheater.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Coats for Kids Charity Drive. Free admission to live entertainment and events with donation of new or slightly used coat, jacket, sweatshirt or similar apparel. Time: 1 - 4 p.m. Location: The Strand, 155 5th Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Call: 714-374-5200. standupforkids.org

LAGUNA BEACH - Saw Dust FestivalWinter Fantasy Art Show Opens, Community Tree Light Ceremony. 4 weekends only, this annual event features art gifts for sale for the holidays. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $6 adult. Location: Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA. Info: (949)494-3030. sawdustartfestival.org

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley Ballet Nutcracker. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $24-28. Location: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 Lancaster, Lancaster, CA. lpac.org

LONG BEACH - Santa's Workshop. Visit Marketplace to see Santa from Noon to 4. Location: Pacific Coast Hwy. & 2nd St., Long Beach, CA. Cost: Free to visit, photos for fee. Call: (562) 431-6282. marketplacelongbeach.com

LONG BEACH - Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights in the Downtown Shoreline Marina. Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights in the Downtown Shoreline Marina, Viewing Locations: From restaurants and the boardwalk at Shoreline Village, The Marina breakwall behind Shoreline Village, Shoreline Park around the Lighthouse. Parking: Paid Parking at Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Pike, metered street parking, pre-paid ticket boxes at the Downtown Marina. Time: 6:30 p.m.

LONG BEACH - Christmas Boat Cruise. Time: 5:30 p.m. Cost: $12 adult, $8 child. Location: 140 Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA. Call: (562) 799-7000, reservations a must! reggaeboat.com

LONG BEACH - Crystal Ice Skating Outdoor Rink. New in 2009 for the holidays, daily skating at The Pike is held in the grass area. Ice skate session receives parking validation. Time: Mon-Friday 11am to 11pm; Sat. & Sunday 10am to 12am. Cost:? Location: Shoreline Drive & Queensway Bay, Long Beach, CA. thepikeatlongbeach.com

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square. Biggest rink and cheapest price, according to the city of Los Angeles Parks & Rec department, which invites you to come skate amidst the skyscrapers. Time: Monday -Thursday 12 Noon to 10 p.m.; Friday thru Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $6/ 1 hour rink time, $2 skate rental. Location: Pershing Square, Los Angeles, CA. laparks.org

LOS ANGELES - Westside Ballet Nutcracker Ballet. A West Los Angeles Family Tradition Celebrates its 37th Year, Westside Ballet’s 2009 Nutcracker delights all ages with its festive holiday themes, world class production, and beloved musical score that brings meaning to the holidays. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $30. Location: Wadsworth Theater, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Brentwood, CA 90073. Call Ticketmaster at (213) 365-3500 or purchase through ticketmaster.com.

LOS ANGELES - The Art of Hard Times, Lecture. Award-Winning Author Linda Gordon Discusses the Art of Hard Times at the Next Nadine Carson Forum. Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cost: Free with museum admission. Location: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way , Los Angeles , CA 90027. Call: (323) 667-2000. autrynationalcenter.org

MARINA DEL REY - Marina del Rey Boat Parade. Music, commentary and judging. View from along the channel or from one of the restaurants with a waterfront view. Parking: Parking fees in County Parking Lots are waived for the parade. There is NO street parking. Marina del Rey Boat Parade location: Fisherman's Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey; viewing at Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. Time: 5:55 pm fireworks, 6-8 pm parade. mdrboatparade.org

MARIPOSA - Merry Mountain Christmas Festival. 11th Annual Merry Mountain Christmas Festival is a family tradition that includes the lighting of the tree and visit with Santa. At the food booth a steady stream of hot cocoa and cider and some 300 hot dogs, brownies and bags of popcorn are anticipated to be served....all free. Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Along Highway 140 beginning at Coakley Circle, ending at 4th St., Mariposa, CA. Call: (209) 966-2456. mariposachamber.org

MISSION VIEJO - Living Nativity at Mount of Olives Church. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Call: 949-837-7467. mo2church.org

MONTEREY - Christmas in the Adobes. 25th Anniversary Year of Christmas in the Adobes with Monterey’s most historic buildings and gardens illuminated by candlelight and enhanced with period decorations, musical entertainment, costumed volunteers, and tasty refreshments. Time: 5-9 p.m. Cost: $20; $2 child; age 6-17; Under 6 free. Location: Monterey State Historic Park, Monterey, Ca. Call (831) 649-7120, or email cthompson@parks.ca.gov for more information.

OAKLAND - Oakland ZooLights. Oakland ZooLights is an annual event in which the public comes after dark and can walk along a path to see lighted displays with animal and zoo themes. Time: Friday - Sunday: 5:30pm – 9:30pm; Monday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm. Cost: $7.50 Adult; $5.50 child. Location: 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, CA.Call: (510) 632-9525. oaklandzoo.org

OCCIDENTAL - Occidental Crafts Faire. 24th Annual Crafts Faire includes handmade crafts from over 35 local and regional artists, entertainment, a bucket raffle, wreaths, fabulous food, and more. Location: Occidental Community Center, 3920 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA.Fee: Free, Time: Sat 10a.m. - 5p.m./Sun 10a.m. - 4p.m. Phone Number: (707) 874-9407

OCEANSIDE- Parade of Lights. Oceanside Harbor Parade of decorated boats in the water of the inner harbor. The event runs 6pm-9pm. Location: 1950 Harbor Drive North, Oceanside, CA. Call 760-722-5751. 760-722-5751. See more boat parades

ORANGE - Irvine Park Railroad Holiday Train. Time: Daily. Cost: Parking Fee. Free admission, fees charged for train rides and activities.

OXNARD - Channel Islands Harbor Lights Cruise. Ride aboard the Sunfish for a two hour tour, Christmas carols and fun in the Channel Islands Harbor. Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $45 adult, $25 child. Location: Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 Harbor Blvd 219, Oxnard, CA, 93035 USA Call: (805) 290-5731, reservations required -Visa or Mastercard accepted. venturaboatcruises.com

OXNARD - Parade of Lights. 44th Annual Parade of Lights kicks off the holidays with a full day and evening of family fun, thousands of sparkling lights dancing on the water and the magical moment when Santa flies across the sky marking the beginning of the parade. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free to watch. Location: 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035. Call: (805) 985-4852. channelislandsharbor.org

OXNARD - Christmas Tree Lane. Take a magical drive through Henry T. Oxnard Historical District, which includes homes decked out and all aglow for visitors to enjoy. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Location: "F" and "G" Streets Between Fifth and Palm, Oxnard, CA.

REDONDO BEACH - Seaside Ice Rink is open for outdoor beach ice skating next to the sunshine and sand. seasideice.com

REDONDO BEACH - King Harbor Boat Parade in Redondo Beach. Viewing Locations: From King Harbor Marina to the Redondo Beach Pier, all along the waterfront from restaurants, breakwalls or along the piers. Time: 5:30 - 7 pm. Parking: Paid parking in the Pier Parking structure, Redondo Beach Marina and street parking

SACRAMENTO - Nutcracker Ballet. Sacramento Ballet performs this annual event for nine nights. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Cost: $15-75. Location: The Nutcracker performance box office is held at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Call the Community Center Theater Box Office at (916) 264-5181. sacballet.org.

SAN FRANCISCO - Union Square Ice Skating Rink. Open daily through Jan. 18, be surrounded by your favorite stores and hotels in Union Square's outdoor holiday ice event. Opens daily at 10 a.m. Cost: $9.50 adult, $4.50 child, skate rental $4. unionsquareshop.com

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread. Kids' imaginations can run free as they explore gingerbread, and learn that there's science in every bite! The annual gingerbread exhibit is one of many exhibits such as Mexico: Festival of Toys, Head to Toe, and The True Story of Bats. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $9.95 - 12.95 approx. Get Tickets. Location: Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705. discoverycube.org

SAINT HELENA - Christmas at Bale Grist Mill State Park. Enjoy Christmas Carols around the wood-burning stove, sip hot mulled apple cider, decorate a gingerbread cookie and make ornaments and decorations that the pioneers enjoyed making. Activities are hosted by volunteers and park staff. Refreshments included in entry fee. Cost: $5; age 5 and under free. Location: Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, 3369 St. Helena Highway North, Saint Helena, CA. Call (707) 942-4575.

SAN DIEGO - The Ten Tenors Holiday. Sizzling sensations, these irreverent Austrians with stage presence, harmony and humor put on a holiday show to remember. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $15.50 - 62.50 approx. Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., San Diego, CA 92101. broadwaysd.com

SAN DIEGO - SeaWorld Holiday Collection. Breakfast with Shamu and Santa. Santa makes an appearance during the event. Cost is $26/10 and older; $16 age 3 to 9 years (tax, gratuity & park admission not included). Dates are Dec. 12-13; and Dec. 19-22.

SAN FRANCISCO - Fisherman's Wharf Holiday Lights and Sights Boat Parade. Time: 6 p.m.

SAN FRANCISCO - Teatro ZinZanni presents Brevé. Teatro ZinZanni brunch with a twist on alternate Saturdays. Enjoy an abridged version of Under the Gypsy Moon, together with a three-course gourmet brunch designed by Chef Patrick Fassino. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Cost: $63-$78. Location: Pier 29 on The Embarcadero at Battery, San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 438-2668. love.zinzanni.org

SAN FRANCISCO - Nutcracker Ballet - featuring San Francisco Ballet, this time honored classic is sure to please. One of the finest ballet companies on the West Coast presents an award-winning stage production of a Christmas holiday musical. Runs nightly through December 27 (few days excluded). Time: Hours vary. Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA. Tickets: $18 - 236. Call:(415) 865.2000, sfballet.org

SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice. Visit the Circle of the Palms for seasonal, festive ice skating downtown. Time: Noon to 10 p.m. $15 adult, $13 age 12 and younger-- includes ice time and rental skates (skate sizes range from toddler 8 to men's 13). Skate all you want first-come, first-serve...no in and out privileges. Circle of Palms, 120 S. Market St. between San Jose Museum of Art and Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, California. Call: (408) 279-1775 ext. 45 or sjdowntown.com

SAN PEDRO - The Nutcracker, with San Pedro City Ballet. San Pedro City Ballet formed in 1994 presents its annual Nutcracker in the historic Warner Grand Theater. Location: 1231 South Pacific Avenue San Pedro, CA. (310) 732-1861. sanpedrocityballet.org

SAN RAFAEL - Antiques and Collectible Show. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $6. Location: Marin County Civic Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA. goldengateshows.com

SANTA BARBARA - The Christmas Revels. Delightful holiday merriment comes your way with this newest season filling your heart with lively dances and colorful rituals of the English Medieval period. Runs through Dec. 13 only. Hurry and get your tickets. Marjorie Luke Theatre: 721 East Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Tickets are available through the Lobero Theatre, by phone (805) 963-0761 or lobero.com. Price: $35-$25 adult; $20-$12 child. santabarbararevels.org

SANTA BARBARA - Una Noche de Las Posadas. Las Posadas is the time-honored reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter in Bethlehem as it was once celebrated in Early California and is still observed throughout Mexico and South America. Join in this rich cultural tradition, experiencing first-hand the way in which Santa Barbara’s earliest Spanish and Mexican residents celebrated Christmas with song and food. Time: 6 p.m. Location: El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, 123 East Canon Perdido Street in downtown Santa Barbara, CA. Call (805) 965-0093. sbthp.org.

SANTA CLARA - Nutcracker Ballet with Santa Clara Ballet. The 36th annual ballet production with a full length version featuring the artistic direction of Josefa Villanueva, and a company that engages professional Guest Artists in lead roles while providing opportunities for semi/pre-professional dancers, children and adults to perform in a professional environment. Performance times: 2 and 7 p.m. Cost: $20-30 approx. Location: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA. Call: (408) 865-9780. santaclaraballet.org

SANTA CRUZ - Monarch Butterfly Tour. Visitors can take Monarch Butterfly Tours at Natural Bridges State Beach. These walks take place during the winter months, when migrating monarchs come to Santa Cruz. Since Monarch Migrations vary, call the park to find out about the butterfly populations. Time: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Location: West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA. Call: (831) 423-4609.

SAUSALITO - Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade. 21st Lighted Boat Parade & fireworks, along the downtown waterfront beginning at 6:00PM with the fireworks following immediately after the parade. Access for viewing is easy and FREE along the waterfront and from the restaurants and hotels! Donations to support the fireworks are tax deductible*. Entering a boat in the parade is also FREE! Visit www.sausalitoyachtclub.org. For an entry or donation form. Sponsored by; the Sausalito Yacht Club and the non-profit Sausalito-on-the-Waterfront Foundation, PO Box 267, Sausalito, CA 9 4966 additional information: mervregan62@yahoo.com 415-990-1630

SOLVANG - Nativity Pageant. Produced by a community group, this 23rd annual event includes choir, actors in elaborate costumes, and live animals. Fossemalle Dancers perform recital at 4 PM. Free admission, first come, first seated. Rain cancels this event. Time: 5 & 7 p.m. performances. Location: Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St., Solvang, CA. Call:(800) 468-6765

SUNNYVALE -Voena, Voices of the Season. Voices of the Season, A Multi-Ethnic Celebration. Time: 8 p.m. Location: Sunnyvale Theater, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. Tickets can be purchased by phone, 408-733-6611 or in person at the Box Office two hours prior to the show, or Monday through Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. voena.org

TEMPLETON - Nutcracker Ballet. 12th annual event of the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation presentation. Nathan Cottam, a former Principal dancer with Ballet Theatre of Boston who studied with the famed American Ballet Theater, and Jesus Solorio, a local celebrity who competed on the third season of television’s So You Think You Can Dance, will perform. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $15-20. Location: 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, CA. Contact for tickets: 1-800-838-3006. classactdance.com

VALLEJO - Teddy Bear Tea and Holiday Open House. Enjoy family fun at the 7th Annual Teddy Bear Tea with holiday music, refreshments, story telling, and Christmas crafts. Free event! Location: Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA. Time: 11am - 3pm. Cost: Absolutely free! vallejomuseum.org

WALNUT CREEK - Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. Ice skating rink outdoor. Fun for all ages. Time: Open daily at 11 a.m. Cost: Mon-Thurs $11-15. Location: 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, Ca. Call: ( 925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com

YUCAIPA - Currier and Ives Christmas. An old fashioned holiday roasting chestnuts, eating a Christmas feast with plenty of wassail, boughs of holly, Christmas carols and a big barn dance with maestro Pa Riley leading the charge to Riley's Dance Ensemble all make this the sell-out event of the season. Cost: $30 adult; $20 child. Location: Riley's at Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Rd. #13, Yucaipa, CA. 92399. Call: (909) 797-1005. losriosrancho.com