THEATER
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 24. Ebeneezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas and family as he journeys through time with the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Be reminded of what the holiday season is all about with this timeless Dickens classic. Tickets from $43. 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
This Wonderful Life
Through Dec. 24. Frank Capra’s classic Christmas tale of hope, humor and heart rises to a whole new level in this delightful one-man show at the Laguna Playhouse. The talented James Leaming portrays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter and twenty more of Bedford Falls’ finest citizens. Tickets from $35. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Though Jan. 1. Irving Berlin’s classic White Christmas tells the story of two army buddies turned showbiz sensations who move their production their former general’s Vermont inn. Watch with delight as the duo find their perfect mates, fill the once-empty inn and usher in a white Christmas! Tickets start at $20. South Coast Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Anne of Green Gables
Through Dec. 27. When orphaned Anne Shirley arrives in the town of Avonlea, she brings all of her troublesome adventures with her. This heartwarming musical adaptation follows Anne as she changes not only her life, but also the lives around her. Chance Theater Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714.777.3033. chancetheater.com
MUSIC + DANCE
Dinosaur Jr.
Dec. 12. 90s indie rock sensation, Dinosaur Jr. performs its classic album Bug in its entirety at the Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater. Before the set, rocker Henry Rollins will interview and host an interactive Q&A with the band live on stage. Pierced Arrows support. Tickets start at $35. 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Dec. 8-11. Henning Kraggerud conducts the Pacific Symphony in a performance of Vivaldi’s musical interpretation of the earth’s changing seasons. Tickets start at $25. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Andrea Bocelli
Dec. 11. World-famous tenor, Andrea Bocelli, returns to Orange County for third year in a row with a live performance at the Honda Center. Bocelli will cover his vast platinum-selling catalogue, including both traditional classics as well as his world-famous romantic crossover repertoire. Tickets start at $79. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 11. George Handel’s Messiah has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic pieces of music. The Pacific Symphony performs their rendition of this ever-cherished holiday tradition, including the thrilling “Hallelujah” chorus. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Through Dec. 24. Young Clara’s entire world changes when the nutcracker her uncle gifted her comes to life. Together they battle the Mouse King and embark on a magical journey together. Peter Tchaikovsky’s timeless music combined with Festival Ballet Theatre’s stunning choreography will make for one unforgettable evening. Adults $40, $37 seniors, $35 children. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
HOLIDAY
Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 9-10 & 16-17. Dana Point Harbor hosts its 37th annual Boat Parade of Lights. Board one of Dana Wharf’s vessels and get out on the water and into the Christmas decorating competition. Boats throughout the harbor will be shining in their holiday best. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794. danawharf.com
Irish Holiday Festival
Dec. 11. Celebrate the holiday season Irish style! Enjoy Irish music, storytelling, dance, art and traditional Irish foods. Shop for unique, hand-crafted gifts in the Key Courtyard. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Brunch with Santa Anaheim Gardenwalk
Dec. 10 & 17. UltraLuxe Cinemas invites families to enjoy a Bubba Gump-catered breakfast with Santa Claus. The morning will include music, face painting, games and photos with Santa as well as a showing of the December Kidtoons feature, Olivia’s Wintertime Cheer. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.399.0305. ultrastarmovies.com
Frosty Flicks Sundays
Through Dec. 18. Unwind from holiday shopping at the LAB Anti-mall with Frosty Flicks every Sunday evening through Dec. 18. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy free popcorn and a holiday movie on the outdoor big screen. Spread Christmas cheer with “Elf” on Dec. 4, travel back to the ‘90s with “Home Alone” on Dec. 11 and enjoy the ultimate Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 18. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6660. thelab.com
Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Skating
Through Feb. 20. The Irvine Spectrum adds a California version of a winter wonderland to its shopping wonderland November 1 through February 20. The Giant Wheel Court now features snowmen built out of sand, palm trees decked with holiday lights and surfers ice skating in swim shorts. Sessions are 75 minutes of cozy fun on the 47 x 72 ft. rink that is maintained by the world’s smallest Zamboni. Mon.-Thurs., $12, Fri-Sun. $14 plus $2 for skate rental. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.748.8280. skatespectrum.com
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Through Dec. 11. Sawdust Art & Craft Festival presents their 21st annual Winter Fantasy, “Put a Little Sparkle in Your Holiday,” beginning November 19. Over 170 talented artisans will create, showcase and sell their original artwork on the Sawdust grounds, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Shop for one-of-a-kind art glass, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, textiles, painting, photography, mixed-media and more. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org
DINING
Pomegranate Pairings
Through Dec. 31. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant serves up innovative new items this month to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy Seared Albacore Tapas featuring seared albacore tuna and avocado, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and served with a yuzu soy vinaigrette alongside the Pomegranate Breeze, a new drink with spiced rum, pomegranate juice and liqueur and other fresh citrus flavors. This festive pairing is sure to refresh even the most exhausted holiday shoppers! The Strand, 155 5th St., 714.536.6390; The District, 2401 Park Ave., 714.566.1700. rashushi.com
Holiday Brunch
Dec. 11 & 18. Savannah Chop House invites you to make wonderful family memories at their first annual Holiday Brunch. Enjoy the decadent brunch menu while holiday carolers bring the season to life and Santa Claus greets all of the boys and girls. Reservations required. 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107. savannahchophouse.net
ART
On Display in Orange County: Modern and Contemporary Sculpture
Through Jan. 2. South Coast Plaza hosts a pop-up gallery in its Penthouse exploring the commissioning process and creation of 13 remarkable sculptural works. The exhibition details everything from conceptual sketches to blueprints to models and finished sculptures of some of the most influential artists of the twentieth century including Joan Mirò, Marion Sampler and Charles O. Perry. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.436.0263. southcoastplaza.com
Slash
Through Dec. 12. Experience collage art like never before at Carl E. Smith gallery in Laguna Beach. Examining the prestigious history of the unique art form, SLASH / An International Survey of Contemporary Collage features over 30 emerging and established international artists and their imaginative pieces. Cesfineart.com
2 Schools of Cool
Through Jan. 22. The Orange County Museum of Art pays tribute to the Los Angeles art and artists that helped shape the museum with a new exhibition titled Two Schools of Cool. This unique show pairs elder statesmen of cool with those of the emerging generation of LA artists to produce thought-provoking collaborative pieces. Admission $12. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122, ocma.net
State of Mind: New California Art Circa 1970
Continuing. Co-organized by Orange County Museum of Art and UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, this exhibition is the most comprehensive display to date to focus on Conceptual art and related new genres in both Northern and Southern California during this pivotal period in contemporary art. Featuring more than 150 works of art, the exhibition includes newly discovered work as well as materials culled from archives that have rarely been viewed. OCMA, 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122. ocma.net
Warriors, Tombs and Temples
Through Mar. 4. Enter the great tombs and temples of the powerful and the cunning men and women who ruled imperial China. The landmark exhibition draws from China’s most important archaeological excavations assembled in cooperation with seven leading Chinese institutions. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. www.bowers.org
Gardens and Grandeur Exhibit
Through Mar. 8. The Irvine Museum presents an expansive collection of porcelains and paintings by American artist Franz A. Bischoff. The exhibit primarily focuses on his landscapes that express the unique qualities of California Impressionism. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Suite 100, Irvine, 949.476.0294. irvinemuseum.org
ENTERTAINMENT
Science of Gingerbread
Through Jan. 1. Explore the science behind everyone’s favorite cookie houses. Participate in hands-on kitchen activities, view award-winning Gingerbread Competition entries and visit with Santa! Tickets from $12.95. 2500 N Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823. discoverycube.org
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination
Through April 15. Santa Ana’s Discovery Science Center explores the scientific possibilities behind some of Star Wars’ most visionary ideas such as humanoid robots, landspeeders and X-wing Starfighters. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823. discoverycube.org
Orange County Wine Cruise
Fri.-Sun. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching introduces Orange Wine Cruises every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cruise the beautifully lit Dana Point Harbor about the 63 ft. luxury catamaran, Ocean Adventure, and enjoy a sampling of wines from The Organic Cellar which promotes organically grown and pesticide-free wines. The cruise also includes a cheese platter with different cheeses, crackers, fruits and nuts to compliment the wines. $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794. danawharf.com
Pacific Edge Cabana Packages
Enjoy a day of football, a good time with your best girlfriends or a full day of relaxation and serenity at one of the luxurious cabanas at the Pacific Edge Hotel. Packages include a variety of services ranging from snacks and alcoholic beverages to full body massages and pedicures. With its sweeping views of the Pacific and proximity to the heart of Laguna Beach, Pacific Edge Hotel is not to be missed! Packages start at $499 for up to eight people. 647 S Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.281.5709. pacificedgehotel.com