“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” | Through Dec. 24
Hal Landon Jr. returns as Orange County’s favorite Ebenezer Scrooge in this production of the classic Dickens tale that has been running every holiday season at South Coast Repertory for 38 years. Theatergoers celebrate the spirit of the season with Tiny Tim, the Cratchits, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
CHAPMAN COPA DANCE | Dec. 1 and 2
Chapman University dance majors star in faculty-choreographed pieces in this annual showcase. This year, dancer and choreographer Ido Tadmor, former artistic director of the Israeli Ballet and Chapman Presidential Fellow, will present a world premiere based on the work of Magritte. Musco Center for the Arts, 1 University Drive, Orange, 844-626-8726, muscocenter.org
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” | Dec. 7 through 17
Principal dancer Misty Copeland stars in select performances of the seasonal classic, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. More than 100 performers bring the story to life with the Tchaikovsky score performed by the Pacific Symphony. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA | Dec. 2
At this annual open house, Casa Romantica gets dressed up for the holidays, complete with twinkling lights and a lavishly decorated Christmas tree. Visitors enjoy live music, choral groups performing holiday songs, crafts for kids, and time with Santa while wandering through the classic 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival estate. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949-498-2139, casaromantica.org
“CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT” | Dec. 2
Pacific Chorale celebrates the season in a quieter, more contemplative fashion with this holiday concert at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The program, held at the church for the fourth year, centers on traditional carols and motets. 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, 714-662-2345, pacificchorale.org
PEAK EXPERIENCE JAZZ ENSEMBLE: COOL YULE | Dec. 3
For this concert, some of the best jazz players in Southern California apply their swinging, straight-ahead style to holiday tunes. The musicians in the popular septet have played with greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Etta James, and Diana Krall. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org
“ALADDIN AND HIS WINTER WISH” | Dec. 7 through 31
American Panto, a musical theater company that modernizes fairy tales with pop songs and humor, updates the story of Aladdin for this performance, complete with dancing and magic. Audience participation is encouraged at this family-friendly show. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
STEVE BYRNE | Dec. 14 through 17
Known for his high-energy, physical style of comedy, Byrne has performed to sold-out crowds around the world and gained a following from his Comedy Central specials and appearances on TV shows such as “The Middle” and “Chappelle’s Show.” Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949-854-5455, irvine.improv.com
“THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES” | Dec. 8 through 23
In a series of monologues, the famous reindeer deliver the scoop on Santa’s workshop, gossiping about each other and their boss in often raucous and inappropriately funny ways. The popular show, which features colorful language and is aimed for adults, returns here for the 14th year. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714-777-3033, chancetheater.com
BREW HO HO HOLIDAY ALE FESTIVAL | Dec. 9
Craft beer aficionados are treated to unlimited 2-ounce pours for the first four hours of this event, which will feature more than 80 brews, including seasonal ales from top breweries in Southern California. At the Craft Beer Expo, guests can shop for T-shirts, pint glasses, and more from their favorite breweries. Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, ocbrewhoho.com
“SUGAR PLUM FAIRY” | Dec. 9 through 24
Writer, NPR commentator, and UC Irvine professor Sandra Tsing Loh brings her trademark wit to this irreverent holiday show detailing her often-hilarious campaign as an overly ambitious preteen to land a coveted role in the Beverly Rosann School of Dance’s production of “The Nutcracker.” South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
WINTER FEST | Dec. 21 through Jan. 7
An outdoor ice-skating rink, a snow play area for kids, and a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony make this third annual event a great way to celebrate the season. Carnival rides and a walk around a display of 2 million lights round out the fun. Orange County Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 657-333-2520, winterfestoc.com
HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH HO’OKENA | Dec. 16
The soothing sounds of Hawaiian music meet the holidays in this concert from well-known band Ho’okena. Recipients of two Grammy nominations, members Horace K. Dudoit III, Chris Kamaka, and Glen H.K. Smith are masters of Hawaiian contemporary music. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949-480-4278, soka.edu
“MOTOWN THE MUSICAL” | Dec. 19 through 24
Motown founder Berry Gordy’s inspirational story, tracing his rise from the boxing ring to the top echelons of the music industry, anchors this uplifting musical featuring the songs of Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and other artists from the groundbreaking record label. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
109TH NEWPORT BEACH HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE | Dec. 13 through 17
Orange County’s most iconic holiday event features yachts, boats, and even kayaks and canoes cruising along the harbor, extravagantly draped in thousands of holiday lights and decorated in a seasonal theme. A fireworks show from the Newport Pier kicks off the festivities Dec. 13, and another one from the Balboa Pier closes the parade Dec. 17. Starting and ending at the tip of Lido Isle, Newport Beach, christmasboatparade.com
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