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Filtering by: “Arts and Culture”
A Christmas Carol — 45th Anniversary Production
Dec
5
to Dec 28

A Christmas Carol — 45th Anniversary Production

Celebrate the 45th anniversary of Orange County’s most beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual family favorite, this heartwarming adaptation rekindles the spirit of the season with festive music, joyful dancing, and the timeless redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Enjoy added holiday touches including a Hot Chocolate Bar (souvenir mug + toppings), and Selfies with Santa on select evenings.

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A Snow White Christmas — Lythgoe Family Panto
Dec
6
to Dec 28

A Snow White Christmas — Lythgoe Family Panto

Experience the magic of A Snow White Christmas! This dazzling holiday panto from the Lythgoe Family blends fairy-tale wonder with pop-star sparkle, featuring hits from Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars. Join Muddles the jester for laugh-out-loud fun, audience banter, and a wicked Queen everyone loves to boo! With brilliant choreography, lively puppetry of the dwarfs, and singalong moments perfect for all ages, this festive musical extravaganza is pure joy from curtain up to happily ever after.

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Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Dec
6
to Dec 24

Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

A cherished holiday tradition returns! Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece to life in a breathtaking full-length production for audiences of all ages. Under the direction of Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, this magical ballet dazzles with colorful sets, opulent costumes, and stunning choreography that captures the wonder of the season.

Follow Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on an enchanting journey through mystical lands filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and sparkling holiday spirit.

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American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker — with Pacific Symphony
Dec
11
to Dec 21

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker — with Pacific Symphony

Southern California’s favorite holiday tradition returns as American Ballet Theatre celebrates its 10th anniversary season at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, this dazzling production brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life with Pacific Symphony’s live orchestra, Tony-winning sets and costumes by Richard Hudson, and over 100 performers in a dreamlike holiday fantasy.

Follow young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a world of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and breathtaking stage magic. Critics hail it as “jaw-droppingly beautiful” (OC Register) and “ravishing and clever enough to inspire multiple viewings” (Los Angeles Times).

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It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play – Brea
Dec
18
to Dec 21

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play – Brea

Experience a timeless holiday classic reimagined as a vintage theatrical event. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, written by Joe Landry and directed by Amanda DeMaio, brings the beloved story of George Bailey to life as a 1940s radio broadcast. Performed by a talented ensemble portraying dozens of characters, this heartfelt production captures the warmth, humor, and emotional depth of the original story—making it a perfect holiday tradition for theater lovers, families, and classic film fans.

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Yearly Departed: A New Year’s Eve with Rita Rudner – Laguna Beach, CA
Dec
31

Yearly Departed: A New Year’s Eve with Rita Rudner – Laguna Beach, CA

Say goodbye to the year with laughter, sparkle, and signature sass at Yearly Departed: A New Year’s Eve with Rita Rudner, hosted at the Laguna Playhouse. This early New Year’s Eve celebration stars legendary comedian Rita Rudner, whose razor-sharp wit and timeless humor promise an unforgettable night. The evening begins with live music from the Molly Bergman Band, followed by a full stand-up set from Rudner. Guests will enjoy a champagne toast, passed desserts, and a festive countdown synced with the East Coast ball drop at 9 PM

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Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper – Live at Irvine Barclay Theatre
Jan
17

Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper – Live at Irvine Barclay Theatre

Experience a rare musical collaboration between two world-renowned virtuosos: Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko and South African classical guitar icon Derek Gripper. Praised globally for their transcendent blend of West African tradition and contemporary classical expression, the duo returns to the Barclay stage for an unforgettable evening of sound, storytelling, and artistic mastery.

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Jim Butcher Celebrates Twelve Months – Huntington Beach, CA
Jan
26

Jim Butcher Celebrates Twelve Months – Huntington Beach, CA

Meet #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher at Barnes & Noble Huntington Beach for an evening of discussion and book signing celebrating Twelve Months, the latest installment in The Dresden Files. Known for his wildly popular fantasy series including The Dresden Files, Codex Alera, and The Cinder Spires, Butcher will share insights into his work, discuss the new release, and sign copies for fans. A must-attend event for fantasy readers and longtime Dresden fans.

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White Christmas — Holiday Classic Screening
Dec
17

White Christmas — Holiday Classic Screening

Step back in time for a holiday tradition on the big screen!
Celebrate the magic of the season with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in White Christmas — the dazzling Technicolor musical that defined classic holiday cinema.

Enjoy timeless songs, heartwarming moments, and vintage holiday charm inside the historic Lido Theater, one of Newport Beach’s most beloved art deco landmarks.

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Art & Play (Ages 3–5) at UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
Dec
17

Art & Play (Ages 3–5) at UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art

Discover creative ways to introduce young children to the world of art at Art & Play, a hands-on, family-friendly workshop designed for kids ages 3–5 and their caregivers. Each month features playful art-inspired activities and interactive gallery exploration to spark imagination and curiosity.

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Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold
Dec
15
to Dec 16

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold

It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” in this laugh-out-loud holiday mystery from the creator of Late Nite Catechism! Join Sister as she tackles one of history’s greatest questions — what really happened to the Magi’s gold? Combining sharp wit, audience participation, and a dash of divine comedy, Sister leads her “students” on a side-splitting investigation filled with sing-alongs, surprise volunteers, and a living nativity like you’ve never seen.

Expect irreverent humor, clever clues, and plenty of holiday spirit as Sister uses her “scientific tools” (and a little audience help) to uncover the truth. A holiday classic in the making — one part catechism, one part comedy, and entirely hilarious.

Advisory: Adult language and mature themes. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

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Scrooge ! a Musical– Anaheim
Dec
13

Scrooge ! a Musical– Anaheim

Celebrate the holiday season with Scrooge! a beloved theatrical tradition presented by Chance Theater in Anaheim. This classic tale follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by spirits who reveal the power of generosity, redemption, and human connection. Intimate, heartfelt, and beautifully staged, this production is perfect for families, theater lovers, and anyone seeking a meaningful holiday experience in Orange County.

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