 Venues throughout Orange County will offer plenty of cheer this holiday season. From traditional theatrical performances to a string of decorated boats that glide through the waterways, these are a few of winter's highlights.
Beginning the seasonal celebration is the Sawdust Art Festival's Winter Fantasy. The event is presented for four weekends, beginning Nov. 18 and continuing through Dec. 10. Highlights include 170 artists who exhibit and sell their original art and unique, handcrafted items in an outdoor setting in Laguna Canyon. Special holiday touches include a real snowfield, thousands of lights and holiday decorations, holiday carolers, music and more.
Another seasonal favorite is the annual tree lightings. South Coast Plaza will host its 24th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 27 at Town Center Park, next to the Westin South Coast Plaza. During the celebration, a live 90-foot Christmas tree, featuring more than 15,000 lights, will be illuminated.
Fashion Island also will celebrate the beginning of the holiday season by lighting a majestic tree with more than 17,000 lights and ornaments. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Nov. 17-18 at 6 p.m. in the Bloomingdale's Courtyard. Also taking place at Fashion Island is the annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony. The Hanukkah celebration will be presented Dec. 17, beginning at 3 p.m. Singing and festive traditions are among the featured events.
Illuminated waterways
For more blinking, colorful lights, consider one the annual boat parades. Dozens of vessels will be transformed into holiday floats during Dana Point's 32nd annual Boat Parade of Lights. The parade, themed "A Yo Ho Ho Holiday," is offered Dec. 8-9 and 15-16 in Dana Point Harbor.
More well-lit boats set sail during the 98th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The event, themed "Holiday Magic through the Eyes of a Child," runs Dec. 13-17. The parade, hailed as "one of the top 10 holiday happenings in the nation" by the New York Times, begins at 6:30 p.m. off Collins Island.
For a view from a different angle, consider a narrated boat tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to view hundreds of brightly lit homes, docks and decks. The event, Cruise of Lights, is hosted by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee and raises funds for music education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. The event, now in its 43rd year, will be offered Dec. 15-23.
On stage
Another highlight of the season - holiday theatrical performances. In Costa Mesa, join Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge in the 27th annual staging of Dickens' timeless classic, "A Christmas Carol." The holiday production is presented Dec. 1-24 at South Coast Repertory.
Ballet Pacifica will take the stage Dec. 9-24 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre during its annual production of "The Nutcracker." The lavish show, complete with costumes, scenery, dazzling lighting and special effects, features dancers of the Ballet Pacifica Academy students, showcasing their top international talent.
For some holiday tunes, the Pacific Chorale will present "'Tis the Season!" Dec. 17-20 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The celebrated Christmas concert features favorite carols, holiday masterpieces and sing-alongs.
For more seasonal sounds, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts will present the "Colors of Christmas." The annual concert, offered Dec. 15-17, features popular music and holiday classics by Peabo Bryson, James Ingram, Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams and others.
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