Through January 19, 2020
“Wrigley’s Catalina: A Centennial Celebration” | Catalina Island Museum
The special exhibition at the Catalina Island Museum commemorating Catalina Island’s 100-year anniversary allows visitors to follow the timeline of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr.’s purchase of the Catalina Island Company 100 years ago and the improvements that followed over the years. CatalinaMuseum.org
November 30 to December 24
A Christmas Carol | South Coast Repertory
Don’t miss the 40th anniversary of Orange County’s favorite holiday play. It is the 40th anniversary of the beloved “A Christmas Carol” at South Coast Repertory, the 40th anniversary of the Jerry Patch adaptation of the Dicken’s classic and the 40th and final performance of Hal Landon Jr.’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. Don’t miss it! For times and ticket prices, visit SCR.org.
December 6-7
56th Annual Holiday Wassail Concert | Musco Center for the Arts
A beloved tradition continues through Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts with its magnificent Wassail Concert of holiday favorites performed by the Chapman University Singers, University Choir and Women’s Choir, along with the Chapman Orchestra. The December 7th performance includes a festive pre-concert winter banquet. For ticket prices and times, visit Chapman.edu/Events-CoPA.
December 7-24
The Nutcracker | Irvine Barclay Theatre
The cherished holiday classic, perfect for all ages, returns to the Barclay presented by the renowned the Festival Ballet Theatre led by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla. The colorful scenery and dazzling costumes make the holiday tradition sparkle like new as the Sugar Plum Fairy, heroine Clara and a cast of hundreds perform to Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Visit website for ticket prices and times. TheBarclay.org
December 7-8
“The Many Actual Moods of Christmas” | Orange County Women’s Chorus
Subtitled “Holidays for the Slightly Harried,” the Orange County Women’s Chorus promises an honest and humorous musical look at the “most wonderful time of the year.” The program combines the music of community and celebration with works about everything from winter doldrums to the overabundance of Facebook posts on Christmas morning. Visit website for locations and times. OCWomensChorus.org
December 8
“We Need a Little Christmas” | Nixon Library & Museum
Celebrate the season by joining the KidSingers at the Nison Library on Sunday, December 8 at 12:30 p.m. for the performance group’s 23rd Annual holiday concert, this year titled “We Need a Little Christmas.” The concert, held in the East Room, is a free one-hour performance and is guaranteed to entertain and brighten your day. KidSingers.org
December 14-15
Snow Days with the Critters | Santa Ana Zoo
An all-Zoo celebration features stations focusing on winter and snow. Watch animals receive icy treats, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, play educational games, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories. General public, free with price of admission, Friends of Santa Ana Zoo are free as are Santa Ana residents on December 15. SantaAnaZoo.org
December 17-23
Cruise of Lights | Huntington Harbor, Huntington Beach
The 57th Annual Huntington Harbor Philharmonic Cruise of Lights offers 45-minute narrated boat tours through the sparkling waterways of Huntington Harbor, where both locals and visitors share the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats. For ticket prices and times, visit the website. Proceeds benefit the Philharmonic Society of Orange County’s music education programs. CruiseOfLights.org
December 30
ABBA: The Concert | Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with fantastic performances as they perform the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.” Come dance, come sing, and enjoy the ultimate tribute celebration! 7:30 p.m. SCFTA.org