Catering & Events

Seasonal happenings will scatter throughout OC this winter. From a string of boats in a Christmas parade to a winter wonderland, numerous seasonal events return to Southern California.

Seasonal shows
First up is the “Glory of Christmas” at the Crystal Cathedral. The production runs Nov. 23-Jan. 5. Tickets: $35-$55.

The Philharmonic Society will present “Fiesta Navidad” on Dec. 20 at 7:30 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $25-$95.

Music continues at the venue with “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” Dec. 13-30. The production includes a performance by the Rockettes. Tickets: $25-$75.

South Coast Repertory will feature the 28th annual staging of “A Christmas Carol.” The production, which centers on Christmas in 19th-century London, runs. Nov. 30-Dec. 24.  

In December, Festival Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 14-23 at Irvine Barclay Theatre.

For holiday tunes, “Merry-Achi Christmas” returns Dec. 7-8 to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The program begins at 8 p.m.

Winter wonderland
For unique gift ideas in a festive environment, visit the 17th annual Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy. The event runs on weekends Nov. 17-Dec. 9. The festival grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Highlights include more than 175 artists, a real snowfield and holiday carolers. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $5.75 general/$4.75 seniors/$3 children ages 6-12/ children ages 5 and under free.

Also, huge holiday trees will be erected at Fashion Island at South Coast Plaza. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. Nov. 26.

Boat parades
For more outdoor festivities, consider one of the annual boat parades. Boats are transformed into holiday floats during the 99th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The event, themed “Twas the Lights Before Christmas,” runs Dec. 12-16. The 6:30 p.m. show features a string of decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes that cruise through the harbor.

The 33rd annual Boat Parade of Lights will be presented on select days from Dec. 7-15 at Dana Point Harbor. The shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

More happenings
The Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” comes to the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The musical centers on 4 blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. The production runs Nov. 13-Dec. 1. Tickets: $28.25-$83.25.

The Laguna Playhouse will present “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” a musical biography about the legendary singer/songwriter. The tribute, which runs Nov. 13-Dec. 16., highlights the performer’s life and features more than 20 of his hit songs.

 The premiere of “Love Sweet Love” runs at the Cerritos Center Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The production centers on 5 women who are looking for love.

Later in the month, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts stage will be transformed into an intimate ice-skating arena as “Broadway on Ice” returns Dec. 27-31. The production combines the best Tony Award-winning Broadway show tunes with ice skating.

Van Halen will perform with David Lee Roth for the first time in 22 years, at Honda Center Dec. 20. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The OC Pavilion in Santa Ana will ring in the New Year with its 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Party. The celebration begins at 8 p.m.
 
For sports action, 4 of the nation’s premier men’s college basketball teams will compete in the John R. Wooden Classic at Honda Center. The tournament begins Dec. 8 at noon. Also at the Honda Center, the Stanley Cup winners, the Anaheim Ducks, will continue to play in several games. t