From charitable events to holiday festivals, performances and more, here's what to do this winter season in Orange County.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker will dazzle with a dusting of wintry magic at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from Dec. 12 to 22. PHOTO BY MARTY SOHL
Through 1/5
34th Annual Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival
The iconic Lighting of the Bay is back with over 50 illuminated holiday displays this season, now running alongside the all-new Fire & Lights Festival. This year’s festival will feature fire dancing performances, an igloo bar, fire pits for roasting s’mores and giant inflatables for family-friendly fun. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport Beach, newportdunes.com
See fire dancers at the Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPORT DUNES WATERFRONT RESORT & MARINA
Through 1/5
Winter Fest OC
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this locally loved event as it transforms the O.C. fairgrounds into a vibrant holiday wonderland featuring a 150-foot ice tubing slide, a dazzling new light show with two million synchronized lights, and classic carnival festivities. OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, winterfestoc.com
12/6
Candlelight Concert
Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ beloved black-tie fundraiser is toasting its 50th anniversary with a surprise A-list headliner and a gourmet dinner on the Segerstrom Hall stage. 5:30 p.m., Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
The Magical Nights of 1,000 Lights is back at Sherman Library & Gardens from Dec. 6 to 22. PHOTO BY JEANINE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY
12/6-22
Nights of 1,000 Lights
From a towering Christmas tree to an enchanting light tunnel leading to the Moon Goddess, Sherman Library & Gardens’ annual holiday celebration promises electric attractions and fun with Santa. Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar, thesherman.org
12/7
The Nutcracker for Kids!
This magical journey, featuring breathtaking dance, vibrant costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, will captivate audiences of all ages with its fresh take on a cherished tale. Expect pre-show activities and big-screen close-ups. Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
12/7
Northern Lights Gala: A Night of Wonder
Experience a wintry evening of fine cuisine, imbibing and dancing to benefit the Providence Mission Hospital Foundation. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, supportmissionhospital.org
12/7-24
Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
With lavish sets, life-size dancing dolls and a renowned score, The Nutcracker promises enchantment as Clara journeys through dreamland. Enhance the holiday experience with a pre-show tea party or shop whimsical finds at The Nutcracker boutique. Irvine Barclay Theatre, thebarclay.org
12/8
Handel’s Glorious Messiah
Under Robert Istad’s artistic direction, the Pacific Chorale will bring vocal soloists and the Pacific Symphony together for an evening of joy, reflection and renewal featuring the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus. 3 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
12/8
Waymakers Light a Light of Love
As cooler temperatures roll into O.C., catch the first “snowfall” at the Huntington Beach Pier with the Waymakers. Snap a picture with Santa Claus and watch the town turn into a festive holiday parade. 4 p.m., Huntington Beach Pier, waymakersoc.org
12/12-16
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
Mickey, Minnie, the Disney Princesses and their Pixar pals will bring timeless tales to life on ice, including Cinderella and Encanto. Honda Center, Anaheim, hondacenter.com
12/12-22
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
SoCal’s beloved holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production, which will showcase its superstar dancers, stunning sets and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Pacific Symphony. Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker brings the holiday spirit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts from Dec. 12 to 22; PHOTO BY MARTY SOHL
12/13
Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon
Kick off December with a fabulous fashion presentation by Bally South Coast Plaza to benefit youth in the Orange County child welfare system. 10 a.m., Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Dana Point, casaholidayluncheon.org
12/14
Fiesta Navidad
Celebrate Mexican holiday traditions, complete with a live concert from the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
12/14
Hoag Hospital Foundation’s 58th Annual Christmas Carol Ball
Get in the spirit of the season with a little help from Hoag Memorial Hospital, an organization committed to providing the best and brightest healthcare to Orange County residents. 5 p.m., VEA Newport Beach, hoaghospitalfoundation.org
Head to Hoag Hospital Foundation’s 58th annual Christmas Carol Ball this giving season. PHOTO BY KEVIN WARN
12/18-22
116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Hosted by The Commodores Club, this famous holiday tradition will light up the night with intricately decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sailing from Lido Isle through Newport Harbor this holiday season. 6:30 p.m., Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, christmasboatparade.com
12/20-21
Joss Stone: Merry Christmas, Love
Join English singer-songwriter Joss Stone and the Pacific Symphony for an evening of soulful sounds sure to spark the holiday spirit. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
12/22-23
’Tis the Season!
The Pacific Chorale is stirring up holiday magic during a merry evening of classic songs and new hits, plus a surprise visit from the Man in Red. 5 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
12/26-1/5
Back to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! The beloved time-traveling adventure that captured our hearts on the big screen is now heading to the stage with a musical production featuring hits such as “Johnny B. Goode” and “The Power of Love.” Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
Travel back in time this winter season when watching Back to the Future: The Musical at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Theatre. PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN
1/9-11
Four Season & Strauss
Under the direction of maestro Carl St.Clair, with violin virtuoso Dennis Kim and breathtaking visuals by Tobias Melle, this immersive concert will transport audiences through Italy’s changing seasons with a grand finale in the majestic Alpine peaks. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
1/18
Justin Timberlake
From his early days in NSYNC to going solo, Justin Timberlake continues to build his pop musical legacy during The Forget Tomorrow World Tour, coming to the Honda Center for one night only. 7:30 p.m., Honda Center, Anaheim, hondacenter.com
1/18
Graham100: The 100th Anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company
This must-see event showcases a selection of dancer and choreographer Martha Graham’s timeless classics alongside cutting-edge new works, offering audiences a thrilling journey through the history of American dance. 7:30 p.m., Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
1/21-2/2
Kimberly Akimbo
This five-time Tony Award-winning musical once graced the Broadway stage and now brings the clever coming-of-age tale to Orange County with an incredible cast of characters. Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
Songbird Sutton Foster will take the Irvine Barclay Theatre stage on Jan. 25. PHOTO COURTESY OF IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE
1/25
Sutton Foster
The Tony Award-winning actress, singer and dancer is bringing her Broadway talents to the Irvine Barclay, where she’ll share the versatility and heart that has made her a beloved star of the stage and screen. 8 p.m., Irvine Barclay Theatre, thebarclay.org
Photography by: Marty Sohl
