With the holiday season in full swing and only two weeks left to complete shopping for gifts, decorating, baking, and other holiday-related activities, it can be difficult to find the time to slow down and enjoy this special time of year. Thankfully, Orange County has several festive events taking place this weekend (and beyond) that will put everyone in a merry mood during the holiday rush. Here are five seasonal events to check out:
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
Now in its 108th year, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade illuminates the harbor from December 14-18. More than a million viewers experience this special holiday tradition each year, as waterfronts boast stunning light displays and an array of beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along the harbor. The parade’s opening night and final night also feature fireworks displays, and Grand Marshals this year include Mickey Mouse from the Disneyland Resort, local water polo USA Olympians, members of the USC Trojan Marching Band, and more. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights offers a joyous start to the season.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Taking place now through December 18 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the esteemed American Ballet Theatre (ABT) performs The Nutcracker, the classic holiday story about Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the enchanting Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Celebrated prima ballerina Misty Copeland and Herman Cornejo led the opening night cast of The Nutcracker and will appear in two other performances during ABT’s run in Costa Mesa. Along with the phenomenal choreography and vibrant set designs, the Pacific Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s dazzling score.
Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique
Bring the spirit of Christmas into your home this holiday season with a trip to Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique, where a Winter Wonderland awaits all who visit. The magic of Christmas shines brightly at the Wonderland, as an elegant palette of snowy silvers and whites evokes an ice-palace, where 20-themed Christmas trees are festively adorned with glass ornaments. Besides all of the exquisite baubles on display, shoppers can also find stockings, toys, collectibles, and other treasures from around the world. Additionally, children can get a professional photo taken with Santa Claus the weekend of December 17-18.
A Christmas Carol
For local theater-goers, there are several festive shows currently playing in OC, but the season wouldn’t be complete without Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale about Ebenezer Scrooge. To the delight of OC’s theater patrons, South Coast Repertory presents the 37th annual A Christmas Carol through December 24. Directed by John-David Keller, this rendition of Dickens’ popular story once again stars Hal Landon Jr. as Scrooge, a role he has reprised since the play’s first year of production.
Tis the Season! – Pacific Chorale’s Holiday Concert
The entire family will enjoy this uplifting presentation of music and holiday cheer when the Pacific Chorale is joined by members of the Pacific Symphony and the Southern California Children’s Chorus for two performances at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall stage on December 18-19. With John Alexander conducting, Tis the Season! will be a memorable evening of merriment and musical highlights.
