Adventure to Santa –
A DreamWorks DreamPlace
Through Dec. 24 I
Rancho Cucamonga
Interactive attraction invites families to join Po and Friends from Kung Fu Panda for a fun-filled adventure to meet Santa. Victoria Gardens. Reservations required: victoriagardensie.com
Temecula Chilled
Through Dec. 31 I Temecula
Holiday-themed events at Promenade Temecula, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Old Town Temecula and Wine Country include concerts, ice skating at Town Square (Dec. 8–Jan. 2), and New Year’s Eve celebrations. temeculachilled.com
Christmas on Euclid
Nov. 23–Jan. 2 I Ontario
Holiday-themed events in Ontario Town Square on Euclid Avenue include: Nov. 23–Jan. 2: Nativity Scenes (D Street through G Street); Dec. 2: Tree lighting, Santa, vendors and holiday family movies, 6–10 p.m.; Dec. 3: Craft fair, snow play, horse drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, Santa and vendors, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Dec. 17: Sing-along, 6 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 29: Menorah Procession, 6:30 p.m. 800-455-5755, ChristmasOnEuclid.com
Festival of Lights
Nov. 25–Jan. 7 I Riverside
Nightly festival highlighted by one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections of its kind. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and other downtown buildings dazzle with millions of lights, while the Main Street Mall hosts entertainment and vendors. festivaloflightsca.com, riversideca.gov/fol/
The Nutcracker
Nov. 26–Dec. 4 I
Rancho Cucamonga
Inland Pacific Ballet brings young Clara’s fantastic dream with battling mice and waltzing flowers to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Lewis Family Playhouse. (909) 477-2752, lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
A Time for Christmas
Nov. 26–Dec. 24 I Claremont
Every year the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre presents an all-new heartwarming show that focuses on the spirit of Christmas and bringing family and friends together. (909) 626-1254, candlelightpavilion.com
Merry-achi Christmas
Dec. 1 I Riverside
Christmas concert by Mariachi Sol de Mexico. Fox Performing Arts Center. (951) 779-9800, riversidelive.com
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 1–11 I Temecula
Dickens’ novella about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is set to music and performed by Temecula Valley Players. Old Town Temecula Community Theatre. 1-866-653-8696, temeculatheater.org
Holiday Tree Lighting
and Promenade
Dec. 2 I Claremont
Annual event held at the Claremont Depot and in the Village. Enjoy entertainment, visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus. 5–8 p.m. (909) 399-5490, thevillageclaremont.com
Harvest Festival Original
Art & Craft Show
Dec. 2–4 I Pomona
More than 24,000 arts and crafts from hundreds of exhibitors nationwide; plus crafting demonstrations, live entertainment, specialty foods and Kidzone. Fairplex. (925) 392-7300, harvestfestival.com, fairplex.com
Feast of Lights
Dec. 2–5 I Redlands
Worship service celebrates—through spoken word, tableaux, song and instrumental offering—the birth of Jesus and the symbolic message of the Star of Bethlehem. Memorial Chapel (University of Redlands). (909) 748-8116, sites.redlands.edu/feastoflights
Train to Santa’s Workshop
Dec. 2–18 I Perris
Weekend train rides to Santa’s Workshop include sing-alongs, games, storytelling, children’s play area, refreshments and visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Orange Empire Railway Museum. (951) 943-3020, oerm.org
“Holiday Follies”
Dec. 2–Jan. 1 I Fontana
Song & dance revue featuring traditional and updated holiday classics. Tickets may be for dinner and show or show only. Tibbies Center Stage. (909) 429-7469, centerstagefontana.com
Christmas Celebration
Dec. 3 I Riverside
Entertainment, crafts for children, visits with Santa. Canyon Crest Towne Centre. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (951) 686-1222, cctownecentre.com
Christmas at the Rains House
Dec. 3 I Rancho Cucamonga
A 19th century style holiday celebration with music, refreshments, and tours of the 1860 house. 3 to 7 p.m. 8810 Hemlock St. (off Vineyard Ave.). Admission $3, ages 5 to 11 $2, under age 5 free. (909) 989-4970
Redlands Christmas Parade
Dec. 3 I Redlands
“Redlands Lights the Way” is the theme of the 27th annual Christmas Parade, a festive nighttime event beginning at 6 p.m. in Historic Downtown Redlands. (909) 748-0637, redlands-events.com
“More Holiday Magic”
Dec. 3 I Riverside
Vocalist Lindsay Scott and the Riverside County Philharmonic present an afternoon of holiday favorites. Fox Performing Arts Center. (951) 779-9800, thephilharmonic.org
Streets of Bethlehem
Dec. 3–4 I Corona
Living re-enactment of the Holy Night and performance of The Christmas Story. Corpus Christi Church. (951) 202-9910, streetsofbethlehem.net
The Nutcracker
Dec. 3–4 I Grand Terrace
Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet brings young Clara’s fantastic dream with battling mice and waltzing flowers to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Grand Terrace Performing Arts Center. (951) 686-6500, DanceIE.com
It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec. 3–23 I Redlands
George Bailey’s encounter with a wayward angel comes to life in this stage tribute to the beloved holiday movie. LifeHouse Theater. (909) 335-3037, lifehousetheater.com
Kimberly Crest Tree Lighting
Dec. 4 I Redlands
Tree lighting ceremony, local choirs, ginger cookies, cider and photos with Santa at the historic home. (909) 792-2111, kimberlycrest.org
“Ring in the Season”
Dec. 8 I Moreno Valley
The Moreno Valley Wind Symphony performs a free concert of holiday music. Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center. mvwindsymphony.org
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan
Dec. 8 I Rancho Cucamonga
The two country music stars team up for a night of their hits, include Tillis’ “Maybe It Was Memphis” and “Mi Vida Loca” and Morgan’s “Something In Red” and “Except for Monday.” Lewis Family Playhouse. (909) 477-2752, lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Holiday Celebration
Dec. 9 I Riverside
Santa Claus will be on hand for the lighting of the holiday tree. The event also includes The Sara Niemietz Band. Riverside Plaza. 6 to 8 p.m. Shopriversideplaza.com
The Nutcracker
Dec. 9–11 I San Bernardino
Inland Dance Theatre brings young Clara’s fantastic dream with battling mice and waltzing flowers to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. California Theatre of the Performing Arts. (909) 885-5152, californiatheatre.net
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Dec. 9–11 I Hemet
The music and radio broadcasts of the 1940s serve as a backdrop for this play about a family gathering for Christmas on the brink of World War II. Ramona Hillside Playhouse. (951) 658-5300, ramonahillsideplayers.org
Luminaria Nights
Dec. 9–10; 16–17 I Claremont
Illuminated evening walks feature live acoustic music, cookies and hot cider, and more than 1,000 candle-lit luminarias lighting a half-mile path. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. (909) 625-8767, rsabg.org
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 9–18 I Riverside
Dickens’ novella about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is performed by Riverside Community Players. (951) 686-4030, riversidecommunityplayers.com
Legends of R&B and Doo Wop
Dec. 10 I Upland
A musical journey down Memory Lane by Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Eddie Holman, The Original Tymes and Harold Winley and The Clovers. Highlander Auditorium, 850 N. San Antonio Ave. 1-888-718-4253, affordablemusicproductions.com
The Nutcracker
Dec. 10–11 I Riverside
Inland Pacific Ballet brings young Clara’s fantastic dream with battling mice and waltzing flowers to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Fox Performing Arts Center. (951) 779-9800, riversidelive.com
Victorian Christmas
Dec. 11 I Riverside
1890s-style celebration at the Heritage House features tours of the house, Father Christmas, music, crafts, home-baked sweets and hot mulled cider. 8193 Magnolia Ave. Noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. (951) 826-5273, riversideca.gov/museum/heritagehouse/
38th Annual Riverside Messiah Sing-In
Dec. 11 I Riverside
Free interfaith performance of Handel’s glorious oratorio features orchestra, chorus and soloists. Music scores will be available for audience members who would like to “join” the chorus. 7 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4375 Jackson St.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 16–23 I Temecula
The Ballet Studio brings young Clara’s fantastic dream with battling mice and waltzing flowers to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Old Town Temecula Community Theater. 1-866-653-8696, temeculatheater.org
Disney’s Frozen Sing-Along
Dec. 17 I Rancho Cucamonga
Watch Frozen on a large screen and sing along to the movie’s most popular songs, including “Let It Go.” Lewis Family Playhouse. (909) 477-2752, lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Miracle on 34th Street
Dec. 17 I Riverside
Is the Macy’s toy department Santa the real Santa Claus? Watch the classic movie on the big screen to find out. Fox Performing Arts Center. (951) 779-9800, riversidelive.com.
“Miraculous Wonder”
Dec. 17 I Temecula
Temecula Valley Symphony presents Bach’s Mass in B minor, Christmas overtures, Hanukkah melodies, Duke Ellington’s Peanut Butter Brigade, music from Frozen, and a sing-along. Golden Bears Theater (Temecula Valley High School). (951) 587-1536, temeculavalleysymphony.org
“Home for the Holidays”
Dec. 17 I San Bernardino
This holiday concert by San Bernardino Symphony includes Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” selections from “The Nutcracker,” and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” California Theatre of the Performing Arts. (909) 381-5388, sanbernardinosymphony.org
The Nutcracker
Dec. 17–18 I Claremont
Inland Pacific Ballet brings young Clara’s fantastic dream with battling mice and waltzing flowers to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Bridges Auditorium (Pomona College). (909) 607-1139, ipballet.org
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 17–18 I Redlands
Inland Master Chorale presents Handel’s glorious oratorio with soloists, a 60-member chorus, and a chamber orchestra. First United Methodist Church. (909) 798-4462, inlandmasterchorale.org
Messiah Singalong
Dec. 18 I Claremont
Claremont Symphony Orchestra presents two free performances of Handel’s glorious oratorio. 1:30 and 4 p.m. Bridges Hall of Music (Pomona College). (909) 596-5979, claremontso.org
orange County
Winter Fantasy
Nov. 19–Dec. 18 I Laguna Beach
More than 170 artists display and sell original arts and crafts over the course of five weekends; plus entertainment, outdoor cafes, art classes, petting zoo, and Santa. Sawdust Art Festival grounds. (949) 494-3030, sawdustartfestival.org
Winter Fest
Dec. 16–Jan. 1 I Costa Mesa
Ice tubing, light show, ice skating, snow play, rides, entertainment, crafts, games, seasonal foods, visits with Santa, toddler play area, and family-friendly New Year’s Eve party. OC Fair & Event Center. (714) 855-1187, WinterFestOC.com
greater palm springs
Wild Lights
Nov. 23–Dec. 24 I Palm Desert
Extensive light displays and Tunnel of Lights, carousel, trackless train, music, festival foods and beverages. Select nights at The Living Desert. (760) 346-5694, livingdesert.org
International Tamale Festival
Dec. 3–4 I Indio
Hundreds of vendors and thousands of tamales, tamale eating contest, live entertainment, wine and beer gardens. Old Town Indio. (760) 832-8620, tamalefestival.net