Performances, exhibitions, holiday festivals and more are in store for the culturally curious in our 2024 holiday guide.
Well, believe it or not, it’s that time of year once again. The holidays are officially upon us!
As family and friends prepare to reunite, are you wondering what to do these holidays, besides shopping and checking out outrageous holiday light displays? Here’s a look at some of the best O.C. holiday offerings in the areas of dance, theater, visual arts, food and drinks, culture, and classical and popular music, brought to you by Culture OC’s talented arts and culture writers.
We appreciate your interest and support during this, our second holiday season together. May you and yours have the best of times and happy holidays from the arts and culture team at Culture OC!
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Dance
As the holiday season envelops Orange County, the local dance scene comes alive with mostly performances of “The Nutcracker.” Although the sugar-sweet production remains a cherished staple, patrons looking for some variety will have to explore a little harder and drive a little further. Beyond the holiday ballet, this year's offerings include showcases from local university dance programs and notable productions just beyond county lines. – Kaitlin Wright
Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine: University Dance Showcases
Celebrate the next generation of dance artistry with performances from two of Orange County’s esteemed university programs. Cal State Fullerton’s “Fall Dance Theatre” features original choreography by faculty and students, blending contemporary and classical styles. Meanwhile, UC Irvine’s “New Slate” presents a fresh collection of choreographic works by graduate students, showcasing innovation and creativity. Both programs offer a glimpse into the bright future of dance.
California State University, Fullerton’s ‘Fall Dance Concert’
Where: Hallberg Theatre, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 5-7 and 11-14; 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14
Cost: $14, general; $12 student
Contact: 657-278-3371, artstickets.fullerton.edu
UC Irvine’s ‘New Slate’
Where: Claire Trevor Theatre, 4002 Mesa Road, Irvine
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 5-7, 2 p.m. Dec. 7
Cost: $10, youth; $15, streaming; $22, alumni/faculty/seniors; $25, general
Contact: 949-824-2787, dance.arts.uci.edu/events
‘The Nutcracker’
What’s the holiday season without “The Nutcracker”? Orange County’s stages are brimming with productions of this beloved ballet, bringing Clara’s enchanting journey to life with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. From grand, traditional stagings to community-focused renditions, these performances capture the magic of the season and offer something for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite tradition or introducing it to a new generation, “The Nutcracker” remains a quintessential holiday experience. Here are just three of many productions in the area.
Anaheim Ballet
Where: City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and 2 p.m. Nov. 30
Cost: Starting at $54.65
Contact: anaheimballet.org/nutcracker
Festival Ballet Theatre
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
When: Various times, Dec. 7-24
Cost: Starting at $54
Contact: festivalballet.org
American Ballet Theatre
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Various times, Dec. 12-22
Cost: Starting at $32.77
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Pilobolus re:CREATION
Where: Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 7
Cost: $58.75
Contact: 562-985-7000, carpenterarts.org
Known for its groundbreaking approach to dance and movement, Pilobolus has captivated audiences worldwide with its breathtaking physicality, inventive use of props, and playful storytelling. Famous for its mesmerizing shadow work and imaginative choreography, the company has been pushing the boundaries of what dance can be for over five decades. The re:CREATION tour celebrates its legacy with a dynamic program that blends classic pieces with fresh, innovative works. This performance is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the intersection of dance, theater and visual art.
Derek Hough: ‘Dance for the Holidays’
Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer Derek Hough, renowned for his dynamic performances on “Dancing with the Stars” and his innovative choreography, brings his inaugural holiday tour, “Dance for the Holidays,” to Southern California. This festive production features high-energy performances, blending classic holiday tunes with contemporary dance styles. Hough is joined by an exceptional cast of dancers and musicians, delivering a show that promises to be a highlight of the season.
Where: YouTube Theater, 1011 Stadium Drive, Inglewood
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 21
Cost: $49.50
Contact: derekhough.com
Where: Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 27
Cost: $64
Contact: derekhough.com
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Theater
Holiday-time theater productions don’t necessarily take place or unfold during Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa – and thank goodness for that. While visits with Scrooge and company proliferate, O.C. theater companies have plenty from which to choose when lining up shows running between now and New Year’s Eve. Each production’s connection with the holidays is more tangential, making them all the more welcome for local audiences. – Eric Marchese
‘Greetings!’
When: Through Dec. 8. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach.
Admission: $25
Contact: 949-631-0288, ntactickets.com
Playwright Tom Dudzick’s 1991 dramedy “Greetings!” transcends its seasonal setting with an atypical Christmastime story. On Christmas Eve at the Gorski household, older son Andy Gorski brings his Jewish atheist fiancée home to meet his devout Catholic family, sparking tension while questioning beliefs stubbornly adhered to by cranky family patriarch Phil. One of many surprises is how Andy’s mentally challenged younger brother triggers a mystical event that transforms the evening into a poignant and humorous exploration of love, faith and acceptance. NTAC’s director, Jill Johnson, defines the play as “a touching reminder of the power of family and the joy of unexpected miracles.”
‘Miracle on 34th Street’
When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
Admission: $37-$53
Contact: 949-489-8082, caminorealplayhouse.org
In 1974, Valentine Davies collaborated with Mountain Community Theater in Northern California to adapt his classic 1947 “Miracle on 34th Street” screenplay for the stage. Unfolding between Thanksgiving and Christmas and updated to the 1970s, the story revolves around a Macy’s department store Santa Claus who insists his true legal name is Kris Kringle. The stage version, which Camino Real Playhouse previously produced in December of 2015 and whose new staging is directed by Stephen Gomer, leads to a highly publicized case hinging on his identity. The show also retains the movie’s depiction of the harsh realities of the workaday world and its polar opposite – the faith of children and the young at heart in the joys and magic of the Christmas spirit.
‘Jane Austen’s Emma, the Musical’
When: Dec. 7-22. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills
Admission: $44-$59
Contact: 888-455-4212, chancetheater.com
In 2018, composer Paul Gordon adapted Jane Austen’s popular and enduring 1816 novel into a full-blown, Broadway-style rom-com musical. Chance Theater produced its Orange County premiere that year and is remounting the tale about Emma Woodhouse, a disaster-prone, self-styled matchmaker who ignores her own romantic feelings while setting out to find a suitor for her friend Harriet. Her efforts go awry, of course, leading to comic complications. Director Casey Long said it’s tailor made to the season as “a tale about the joy of finding love in unexpected places and the fulfillment of embracing your community” that’s therefore “a wonderful and uplifting story for the holidays.”
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Visual Arts
‘Tis the season once again for Orange County museums, galleries and art centers to celebrate the holidays! Expect your favorite local venue to be sprucing itself up with holiday lights, good cheer and winter wonderland decorations. Some will offer special family-oriented events or host pop-up shows, such as the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art from Dec. 6-14.
Here are a handful of holiday highlights, from the north and central parts of the county to the deep south. – Richard Chang
PHOTO 1: Members of the Electric Company Theatre perform "The Tipsy Elf" inside the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. This year's performance will be 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. PHOTO 2: The Muck is hosting its annual Muck Holiday Festival from noon-4 p.m. Dec. 22 which includes crafts for kids. Admission is free.
Photos courtesy of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
Where: 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
When: "The Tipsy Elf Returns," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12; Darden Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19; Holiday Festival, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 22
Cost: Free for holiday festival; tickets are $35 for “The Tipsy Elf Returns” and the Darden Christmas Concert ($20 for members).
Contact: (714) 738-6595; themuck.org
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, aka “the Muck,” is hosting its annual Muck Holiday Festival from noon-4 p.m. Dec. 22. You can celebrate the holiday season with free family friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale.
On Dec. 12, the Electric Company Theatre – the resident theater company at the Muck – will present “The Tipsy Elf Returns” at 7:30 p.m. The show will include acoustic covers of traditional holiday tunes, drinking songs and some hilarious storytelling from selected ECT performers.
Finally, the Darden family will present its annual Darden Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. The Dardens will perform classic yuletide carols and contemporary holiday songs.
PHOTO 1: On Dec. 15 from 11 a.m.-noon, Erna van Dyk will lead a workshop at the Bowers Museum on creating festive clay ornaments for the holidays. The cost is $20 general, $15 for members. PHOTO 2: The Bowers Museum is hosting a free International Winter Holiday event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Key Courtyard. Pictured is a child participating in an art project during a previous winter holiday event. Photos courtesy of the Bowers Museum
Bowers Museum
Where: 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
When: Various times; Winter Holiday is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 567-3600; bowers.org
The Bowers Museum is hosting an International Winter Holiday event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Key Courtyard. This year’s gathering will feature the music of the Klezmer Juice Band, Mariachi Anacatlan and Amati Strings. Art making, face painting and complimentary treats will also be included.
On Dec. 15 from 11 a.m.-noon, Erna van Dyk will lead a workshop on creating festive clay ornaments for the holidays. The cost is $20 general, $15 for members.
The Bowers’ current exhibitions include “Fantasy: Realms of the Imagination” and “The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen.” “Fantasy” is a specially ticketed exhibition: $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, $10 for members or those dressed in cosplay. General admission to “Aka Chen” is $18 adults and $15 for students and seniors.
PHOTO 1: The entrance of the Sawdust Art Festival at night, during Winter Fantasy. PHOTO 2: The Winter Fantasy festival includes Santa's House, where guests can take pictures with Santa, which sits next to a community Christmas tree. PHOTO 3: The Sawdust Festival grounds are transformed into a holiday winter wonderland, where attendees can buy one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts. Photos courtesy of Sawdust Art Festival
Sawdust Art Festival's 34th Annual Winter Fantasy
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 22
Cost: $12 adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12 years old, free for children 5 and younger
Contact: (949) 494-3030 or sawdustsartfestival.org
The Sawdust Art Festival is presenting its 34th annual Winter Fantasy show, offering unique, handcrafted items by over 175 local, national and international artists. Three stages will play host to live music and community performances each day. Santa will be present for photos, and there will be live art demos, marionette puppets at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., art classes, daily snow flurries and tasty holiday treats and beverages.
PHOTO 1: The Mission San Juan Capistrano is bringing back Capistrano Lights, Dec. 7-29. The mission will be decorated with thousands of Christmas and holiday lights. PHOTO 2: During Capistrano Lights, a large Christmas tree will be lighted up at 5:05 p.m. nightly on the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano. PHOTO 3: During Capistrano Lights, a large-scale nativity scene is posited in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church (circa 1806).
Photos courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano
Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano
When: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 7-29
Where: Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano
Cost: $20 adults, $17 seniors, $14 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and younger
Contact: (949) 234-1300 or capistranolights.com
Capistrano Lights returns to the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano this holiday season with a nightly musical tree lighting at 5:05 p.m., Charles Dickens-era carolers, a large-scale nativity scene in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church (circa 1806), selfies with Santa, live holiday performances and a light tunnel featuring over 20,000 lights.
Performers will include harpist Marsha Long in Serra Chapel, master accordionist Al Di Cicco, singing pianist Justina Shandler and a brass quartet. Children’s activities will include crafts by AR Workshop and a daily hunt for Sullivan the Elf and his best friend Poppy. The galleries will remain open until 6:30 p.m. nightly.
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Food And Drinks
From a centrally located event space to Orange County’s newest food hall, this holiday season is looking merry and bright. Brace yourself for some holiday traffic, as dining coverage heads south from Anaheim to Santa Ana with a tasty finish in San Juan Capistrano. – Anne Marie Panoringan
1801 Private Events by Zov’s
When: Now accepting holiday requests
Where: 1801 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cost: Varies
Contact: zovs.com/private-events
Chef/owner Zov Karamardian and her family-owned restaurant group flipped their recent concept, Roxy’s, into a dedicated special event venue. A stone’s throw from City National Grove of Anaheim and Angel Stadium, the party space can accommodate groups of varying sizes exceeding Zov’s other dining rooms. On-site catering includes the Eastern Mediterranean and contemporary menus conceptualized by the restaurant veterans possessing over 30 years experience serving Orange County locals.
Darkroom Collaboration with Radiant Brewery
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
Where: Darkroom, 3751 South Harbor Blvd., Suite C, Santa Ana
Cost: $115 plus tax and gratuity
Contact: (657) 777-3275; wearedarkroom.com
With Chef Zach Scherer’s comprehensive knowledge of beer, it was only a matter of time before he would concoct a collaboration dinner and beer pairing with his friends from Anaheim-based Radiant. This six-course meal features fennel and pistachio-crusted venison alongside a Scottish ale. Completing the collaboration is a dessert of tonka bean rice pudding plus persimmon ice cream, paired with Radiant barrel-aged strong ale aged in coconut rum and Weller seven-year bourbon barrels with coconut and vanilla beans. Tickets are available via Tock.
River Street Marketplace Openings
When: Ongoing
Where: 31856 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano
Cost: Varies
Contact: riverstreetsjc.com
In recent weeks, tenants have been gradually opening their doors to the public throughout O.C.’s newest food hall in the Los Rios district (down the street from Mission San Juan Capistrano). Specifically, Chef David Pratt’s Finca Wood|Fire|Grill restaurant serves dry-aged, house ground and woodfired burgers; his “Farmer” section of the menu showcases a wealth of both seasonal and local legumes and vegetables.
Also in attendance is La Vaquera with its authentic ranchero cuisine. Think large format meats complemented with generous sides of Southwest red charro beans or poblano pepper-infused cornbread. Services include afternoon bites, dinner and brunch from Wednesday to Sunday.
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Culture
The holidays have come upon us fast, and even though everyone is running around trying to get their last minute gifts and supplies, it’s supposed to be a time to focus on friends and family. What better way to spend time with loved ones than to bring them along to some community celebrations? Here are a few across the county to check out. – Kristina M. Garcia
Snow tubing and train rides are a part of the fun at the OC Fairgrounds. Photos courtesy of Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC
When: Select days from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $24.99 to $149 (fees depend on add-ons and selected day); $12 parking
Contact: info@winterfestoc.com, www.winterfestoc.com
Felt like summer came and went? The OC Fairgrounds are back, but this time for its holiday programming, Winter Fest OC. Returning for its 10th anniversary, Winter Fest OC is packed with holiday fun for families and friends as it brings the snow to Orange County.
Winter Fest OC will feature an 8,000-square-foot snow area, a 150-foot ice tubing slide and the event also claims to have the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, dropping attendees in the middle of a winter wonderland complete with photo-ops, private igloo rentals, seasonal food and drinks, and over 50 carnival rides, games and attractions.
Attendees will enter the event through the “North Pole Journey,” an immersive experience where guests will walk through the Forest of Light, Holiday Town and Toy Workshop areas finding photo-ops, characters, games and music along the way.
But no holiday event is complete without a picture with Santa. Visitors can take their photos with Santa in the Toy Workshop area through Dec. 24. Attendees can either use their personal devices to take a photo with him, or purchase the $19.99 Santa Photo Package, which allows guests access to a fast lane for their photo and a 8 x 10-inch photo print to take home.
For readers interested in the event, it’s worth noting that gate prices are more expensive than online pricing, so it’s best to purchase tickets through the Winter Fest OC website.
Hikari Festival of Lights
When: select days from Nov. 29 through Dec. 29
Where: Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine
Cost: adults $25-30, children $15-20, free admission for military (active military, veterans and retirees), parking $10 (Friday through Sunday; parking is free on other days)
Contact: 949-653-2100, tanakafarms.com/hikari
Tanaka Farms’ Hikari – A Festival of Lights returns for the holiday season, a tradition that started during one of the most unexpected times – 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold of the world.
Hikari is loosely translated from Japanese and means shine, a perfect name for the festival as the event boasts “over a million twinkling lights,” according to the Tanaka Farms website.
This year’s celebration will include light exhibits, a wagon ride, games and activities, the Tanaka Grill (where attendees can stop by for a churro and cup of hot chocolate), and of course, the barnyard animals.
This year’s activities include arts and crafts, farmer mini golf, mini ATVs, photos with Santa, animal feeding and more.
But Hikari didn’t always start out like this. The first year of Hikari began as a drive-thru event where attendees drove through the farm with their car and took a look at the lights that lit up the farm, along with the barnyard animals, live singing Christmas carolers and of course, Santa Claus. The event was a success after that first year, so Tanaka Farms decided to keep it up for the following years and has now scrapped the drive-thru event and instead transformed it into a winter festival.
While admission to the event can be purchased online, the activities require activity tickets, which can only be purchased on-site. Each activity is between one to two tickets. Attendees can pay $6 each or buy a bundle of six tickets for $30. Activity ticket sales end one hour before closing.
Menorah Lighting Ceremonies
Next month Hanukkah will be upon us, with this year’s celebration beginning Dec. 25 and running through Jan. 2. For those unfamiliar with the celebration, Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish celebration where the holiday “reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles,” according to Britannica.
Families and friends gather to do the menorah lighting, say prayers and eat. The menorah holds nine candles and is a nightly ritual with each candle being lit one night at a time. Below are some public menorah lighting ceremonies and events, as well as a few synagogues in O.C. that attendees may want to stop by for prayer.
Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights (in partnership with Temple Beth El South Orange County)
When: 4-6 p.m., Dec. 15
Where: Covenant Hills Clubhouse, 1 Covenant Hills Drive, Ladera Ranch
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 388-8300, laderalife.com/events/menorah-lighting-507
Hanukkah Celebration with Rabbi Sender
When: 11 a.m. to noon, Dec. 20
Where: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine
Cost: $16.95 to $19.95 general admission
Contact: (949) 428-3900, pretendcity.org/events
The Shops at Mission Viejo
When: Daily at 4 p.m., Dec. 25 through Jan. 2
Where: Macy’s Women’s wing on Level 1; 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, 92691
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 364-1832
Fashion Island Newport Beach (in partnership with Chabad Jewish Center)
When: 3-5 p.m., Dec. 29
Where: Atrium Garden Courtyard, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 721-2000
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Classical Music
Christmas carols are one of the few types of music we all have in common anymore. They’re our folk music; this time of year, they’re the air we breathe. Walk up to anyone and say “Joy to the World” or “Jingle Bells” and they instantly have a tune in their heads and probably most if not all of the words. We may hardly notice them when they come up on our playlists, so familiar are they, so it’s good to go to a live performance, sung by professionals, to appreciate their perfection anew. Here are three promising suggestions. – Timothy Mangan
Handel’s Glorious Messiah
When: 3 p.m. Dec. 8
Where: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.
Cost: $116-$166
Contact: pacificsymphony.org
Handel’s “Messiah,” one of the great choral works in the Western canon, wasn’t initially intended as a Christmastime piece, but it sure has become one. Most major choral groups offer at least one performance of it at this time of year, sometimes more. The Pacific Chorale joins the Pacific Symphony annually for a rousing run-through, this time led by the noted English conductor and violinist Christopher Warren-Green.
Los Angeles Master Chorale / Festival of Carols
When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17
Where: Musco Center for the Arts, One University Drive, Orange
Cost: $45.50-$83
Contact: muscocenter.org
The versatile and meticulous conductor Grant Gershon brings his venerable Los Angeles Master Chorale down the freeway for a local performance of traditional carols and contemporary classics. An added attraction is the venue itself, the Musco Center, a hidden gem with outstanding acoustics. Bring the kids, the performers advise.
‘Tis the Season!
When: 5 p.m. Dec. 22-23
Where: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.
Cost: $36-$120
Contact: pacificchorale.org
The Pacific Chorale’s Yuletide program is so reliably popular, an exclamation point is added to the title and two performances are required. Seasonal music both old and new, classic and popular, is promised. Conductor Robert Istad leads the festivities; the Southern California Children’s Chorus also joins in. Families are welcome.
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POpular Music
The holidays are filled with glitz and glamour, from holiday parties to tree lightings and other exciting events highlighting the beauty of the season. But one of the most thrilling ways to celebrate is with live performance.
The classic arts come alive this time of year, with renditions of beloved holiday classics, like “The Nutcracker,” and classical interpretations of traditional Christmas songs. But popular music shines bright as well, offering a unique range of musical styles for any occasion. – Ashley Ryan
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: 'THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE'
When: Two shows, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30
Where: Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cost: $80.02 to $150.04
Contact: hondacenter.com
Add some excitement to your holiday season with these festive performances from rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This tour marks 20 years of the rock opera “The Lost Christmas Eve,” as well as $20 million donated to charity in the group’s ongoing dedication to philanthropic giving.
Returning to the stage for the first time in over a decade, this performance will feature music from the band’s 2004 album of the same name, but with all-new lasers and pyrotechnics to enhance the show. The group is known for its original storytelling and high-energy productions; audiences can expect to see live renditions of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s greatest holiday hits and fan favorites, too.
Following the tale of a bitter businessman who is wandering New York City on Christmas Eve, the show reveals the importance of love and forgiveness during the holiday season as he reconnects with his son.
BIG BAND HOLIDAYS
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Cost: $44 to $135
Contact: thebarclay.org
Holiday classics, whimsical improvisation and captivating storytelling are all part of this highly anticipated holiday performance. Featuring the New York City-based Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which consists of 15 talented musicians, as well as vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee, the show will bring yuletide cheer to Orange County in early December.
Soulful renditions of beloved holiday tunes will delight those of all ages, with a variety of new music and classic jazz compositions melding together for an enchanting and exciting holiday show. Celebrate the joy of the season with upbeat big band music in an electrifying atmosphere at one of the region’s most prestigious performance venues.
Celtic Christmas
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo
Cost: $28 to $73
Contact: soka.edu/soka-performing-arts-center, 949-480-4ART (4278)
If the Celtic sound of Scottish bagpipes makes you nostalgic for the holidays, this concert is the one for you.
In what has become an annual tradition at the Soka Performing Arts Center, Eric Rigler and Dirk Freymuth bring holiday music from the British Isles, Ireland and other Celtic nations to the concert stage in Aliso Viejo. Rigler is most notably known for being the go-to bagpiper for movies and TV shows like “Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power,” “Titanic,” “Braveheart” and “Outlander.” The concert includes traditional Irish and Scottish melodies as well as themes from the soundtracks from his work in Hollywood.
9TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: House of Blues Anaheim, 400 Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim
Cost: $19
Contact: houseofblues.com
Give back this holiday season while enjoying live country Christmas music.
More than 20 musicians are gathering together to present a concert to remember with a special philanthropy element: Concertgoers can throw on their cowboy boots and dance down to the House of Blues with a toy to benefit ABC7’s Spark of Love toy drive. Bringing a toy will also get you a discount on your admission ticket.
The lineup includes a number of local artists, including Redneck Rodeo and Daniel Bonte, as well as Presley Tennant, Timmy McKeever, Ash Easton, Cody Carter, Kylie Trout, Holiday State, Trey Hill and more. This musical style lends itself to lively, festive tunes that spread cheer for all ages. And with the opportunity to give back, it reminds us what the holiday season is all about.
Stop by early to enjoy dinner at the venue’s on-site bar and restaurant before the show.
JOSS STONE: MERRY CHRISTMAS, LOVE
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 20-21
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $50.85 to $197.75
Contact: scfta.org
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Joss Stone will perform with Orange County’s own Pacific Symphony at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts just a few days before Christmas.
Let your spirits soar as you listen to a voice that has dominated the soul scene perform songs that capture the joy of the season. The music will be based on Stone’s 2022 Christmas album of the same title, which features classics such as “Let it Snow,” “Away in a Manger” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” in addition to original songs like “If You Believer” and “Bring on Christmas Day.”
Enrico Lopez-Yañez will conduct the orchestra, and the performance will be held in the center’s radiant Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
