The next month is a vital time for local performance venues, dance companies, theater troupes and other arts organizations as calendars are packed and seats are filled for holiday favorites. Here is what’s on tap:
DANCE
“Nutcracker for Kids”: Dancers from Festival Ballet Theatre perform and Roger Kalla conducts the Pacific Symphony in a condensed, 45-minute version of the classic ballet intended for children 5-11. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5. $35-$60. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org
ABT’s “The Nutcracker”: American Ballet Theatre brings its newest “Nutcracker” production to Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Various times Dec. 10-20. $29-$249 (prices vary by performance time). Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org
Festival Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”: Enjoy this familiar holiday ballet performed by one of Orange County’s resident dance companies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Various times. Dec. 12-24. Adults, $45; seniors 65 and older, $42; children 12 and under, $40. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 714-309-1280 or festivalballet.org
Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: The annual production will be performed with a live symphony orchestra and guest artists at the Long Beach Terrace Theater. 2 p.m. Dec.12-13 and Dec. 19-20; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. $31-$98. 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. 877-852-3177 or longbeachnutcracker.com
Anaheim Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Anaheim Ballet will perform at the City National Grove of Anaheim accompanied by Symphony Irvine. 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19. $22-$45. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 714-520-0904 or anaheimballet.org
Maple Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: The Maple Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a full-length rendition-with-a-twist of E.T.A. Hoffman’s time-honored classic which centers around Clara, a young girl who yearns to one day become a professional ballerina. Various times Dec. 19-21. $26-30. Northwood Performing Arts Theatre, 4515 Portola Pkwy, Irvine. 949-660-9930 or mapleconservatory.com
Orange County Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”: Students from Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy will perform at Northwood Performing Arts Theatre. 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 3 p.m. Dec. 6. $30. 4515 Portola Pkwy, Irvine. 949-360-4233 or dkcba.com.
South Coast Conservatory’s “The Nutcracker”: The classic story will be told through classical ballet infused with other dance genres as well as youth vocalists at Capistrano Valley High School. 2 p.m. Dec. 19-20. 26301 Via Escobar, Mission Viejo. 949-367-0099 or mvdpac.com
V & T Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: Under the Golden State Dance Foundation, students will perform at Fullerton College Campus Theater. 2 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20. $25-30. 321 E. Chapman Ave, Fullerton. 949-215-1553 or vandtdance.com
THEATER
“A Christmas Carol”: South Coast Repertory will present Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Various show times through Dec. 27. Tickets start at $27. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-708-5555 or scr.org
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales”: Camino Real Playhouse stages Dylan Thomas’ poetic homage to Christmas throughout the holiday season. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 20. $27-$37. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949-489-8082 or caminorealplayhouse.org
“It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play”: This holiday story is performed as a 1940s radio broadcast at STAGEStheatre. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 27. $18-$20. 400 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. 714-525-4484 or stagesoc.org
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”: The Maverick Theater’s annual holiday production plays off the campy 1964 movie about Santa being kidnapped by space aliens. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (except 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6) through Dec. 28. 110 E. Walnut Ave., Fullerton. Adults, $20; kids under 12, $10. 714-526-7070 or mavericktheater.com
“A Snow White Christmas”: This interactive family musical is based on the British “panto” tradition, which mixes classic fairy tales, family-friendly magic and modern pop songs. Various times and dates Wednesday-Dec. 27. $20-$80 (prices vary by performance time). Laguna Playhouse. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-49702787 or lagunaplayhouse.com
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”: Presented by Saddleback College, the family-friendly story made popular by the classic television special will be brought to life on stage. Various times Friday-Dec. 13. $8-$15. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949-582-4656 or saddleback.edu/arts
“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues”: Hear the truth about Santa straight from his flying reindeer in eight comedic sketches at the Chance Theater. Not intended for children. Various times. Friday-Dec. 20. $35. 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 714-777-3033 or chancetheater.com
“Sister’s Christmas Catechism – The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold”: As part of the “Nun For All Seasons” series, the Sister character created by Maripat Donovan explores the meaning of Christmas. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21. $40. Laguna Playhouse. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-49702787 or lagunaplayhouse.com
CONCERTS
Christmas With the Alley Cats: America’s premiere doo-wop group will sing ’50s- and ’60s-style Christmas tunes at the Brea Curtis Theatre. ; 3 p.m. today. $24-$32. 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea. 714-990-7722 or cityofbrea.net
“It’s a Wonderful Christmas, Carol”: MenAlive, the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, will blend two beloved Christmas tales through traditional and nontraditional holiday songs. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Saturday. $39-$49. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 949-854-4646 or thebarclay.org
“A Feast of Lights”: Saddleback College chorale ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Scott Farthing, and the symphony orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Yorgos Kouritas, come together for this special holiday program of vocal and orchestral music for all ages. 7:30 p.m. Friday 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 6. $20; $15, students/seniors. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. 949-582-4656 or www.saddleback.edu/arts
The Venice Christmas Show: The acclaimed vocal quartet Venice plays a holiday-themed set. 8 p.m. Friday. $20. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949-496-8930 or thecoachhouse.com
Power 106 Presents Cali Christmas 2015: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Pharrell Williams, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign and many more perform as part of the R&B and hip-hop station’s annual holiday show. 6:30 p.m. Friday. $50-$130. The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
102.7 KIIS-FM’s Jingle Ball: The pop station’s annual holiday show features One Direction, The Weeknd, Selena Gomez, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ellie Goulding and more. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Sold out. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.
Merry-Achi Christmas: Sol de México de José Hernández Mariachi returns for this annual extravaganza, joined by America’s first all-female mariachi group Reyna de Los Angeles and the Danzarts – Sabor Mexico Dance Company. 7 p.m. Saturday. $35-$86. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party: The veteran neo-swing band plays yuletide classics with its trademark cool. 8 p.m. Saturday. $50-$70. Carpenter Performing Arts Center. 6200 E Atherton St., Long Beach. 562-985-7000 or carpenterarts.org
Handel’s Messiah: The Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony perform the uplifting work that tells the Christmas story through music and choral singing. 3 p.m. Dec. 6. $40-$190. Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5788 or pacificsymphony.org
“The Ten Tenors – Home for the Holidays”: The Australian male choral group presents seasonal favorites such as “Joy to World,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Winter Wonderland.” 7 p.m. Dec. 6. $40-$70. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
Christmas Fantasia: Enjoy favorite holiday music performed by Vanguard University’s 200-member choir and orchestra at Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 8 p.m. Dec. 8. $25-$55. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
“Rejoice”: Orange County Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, featuring youth choirs, a Grand Chorus and symphony orchestra, performs a program of sacred and classical music. 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11. $18-$43. Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
Joe Nichols’ Country Christmas: The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter performs a mix of his own music and holiday tunes. 8 p.m. Dec. 11. $35-$75. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
The Young Americans – “The Magic of Christmas”: The full 250-member Young Americans cast performs on a stage adorned with 45-foot LED walls and 30 festive scene changes. Production numbers include hip-hopping penguins, dancing Santas, the “Nutcracker” suite, “The Polar Express” and Handel’s Messiah. Various times Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 16-20. $16-$59 (prices vary by performance time). The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 714-994-6310 or lamiradatheatre.com.
“Peter and the Wolf”: The Orange County Youth Symphony, under music director Daniel Alfred Wachs, performs Prokofiev’s classic work, along with “Festive Overture” by Shostakovich and selections from “The Nutcracker.” 3 p.m. Dec. 12. $15-$75. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
Holiday Big Band Jazz Concert: Joey Sellers will conduct arrangements of holiday classics at McKinney Theatre. Concert includes sing-along songs and a special gift for the first 150 audience members. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. $15 at the door; $10 presale. 8000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949-582-4656 or saddleback.edu
Colors of Christmas: The 22nd annual evening of holiday entertainment features Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. and Bebe Winans. 8 p.m. Dec. 12. $55-$100. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2015: The modern-rock station’s annual festival features Weezer, Silversun Pickups, X Ambassadors, Cage the Elephant, AWOLNATION, Foals and more on night 1, Chris Cornell, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, Cold War Kids, George Ezra and others on night 2. 4 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13. $80-$155. The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
“Sounds of Christmas!”: The All-American Boys Chorus, under the direction of Wesley Martin will sing seasonal favorites at Soka Perfroming Arts Center. 4 p.m. Dec. 13. $30-45. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. 949-480-4278 or soka.edu/pac
Los Angeles Symphony: Conductor Hyun S. Joo leads 50 musicians, a 50-member choir and three soloists in a holiday concert featuring classic opera arias, Korean art songs, Christmas music and classical pieces. 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
Will Downing’s Soulful Sounds of Christmas: Downing and fellow soul vocalist Kenny Lattimore team up for this holiday performance. 8 p.m. Dec. 13. $55-$65. City National Grove of Anaheim. 2200 E. Katella Ave. 714-712-2700 or citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
Mark O’Connor: “An Appalachian Christmas”: The Grammy-winning composer and violinist and his group perform arrangements of Christmas classics. 8 p.m. Dec. 15. $29-$79. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
“A Cirque Christmas”: A Christmas concert for the whole family that includes holiday music by the Pacific Symphony and performances by acrobats, dancers and contortionists of Cirque de la Symphonie at Segerstrom Concert Hall. 8 p.m. Dec 18-19. $78-$200. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5788 or pacificsymphony.org
The Brian Setzer Orchestra 12th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour: The former Stray Cats frontman and his big band swing through Christmas classics. 8 p.m. Dec. 18. $99.50-$109.50. Microsoft Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles. briansetzer.shop.ticketstoday.com
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show: The music legend performs hits such as “Chances Are” and “Misty,” along with Yuletide tunes. 8 p.m. Dec. 18. Sold out. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2015: Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer and Bill Medley join the Grammy-nominated saxophonist for his annual holiday shindig. 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 3 p.m. Dec. 20. $50-$95. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com
David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown: The jazz pianist performs Vince Guaraldi’s beloved music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” along with other selections, with guest appearances by Jane Monheit and the All-American Boys Chorus. 8 p.m. Dec. 19. $35-$45. Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center. 6200 E Atherton St., Long Beach. 562-985-7000 or carpenterarts.org
“Tis the Season”: The Pacific Chorale and Southern California Concert Chorus join members of the Pacific Symphony and organist Jung-A Lee for an evening of holiday favorites feaaturing an appearance by St. Nick himself. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 8 p.m. Dec. 21. $29-$139. Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5788 or pacificsymphony.org
The Holidays With Canadian Brass: This internationally renowned brass quintet will perform seasonal favorites, holiday classics and brass standards at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. 8 p.m. Dec. 21. $45-$65. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 949-854-4646 or thebarclay.org
Holiday Organ Spectacular: Organist Todd Wilson and members of the Pacific Symphony perform a mix of sacred and holiday music that makes full use of the $3.1 million William J. Gillespie Concert Organ. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. $15-$75. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
Fiesta Navidad: Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano return to Orange County for their annual celebration of Mexican cultural traditions. 8 p.m. Dec. 23. $29-$59. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
Orange County Christmas Extravaganza: “American Idol” winners Ruben Studdard and Kris Allen perform on a bill that includes other finalists from the show, including Tamyra Gray, Paris Bennett, Pia Toscano and Elliott Yamin. 8 p.m. Dec. 23. Proceeds benefit the Jessie Rees Foundation. Tickets begin at $100. Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 or scfta.org
