Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy
Nov. 23 – Dec. 15, Sawdust Festival Grounds
Partake in holiday merriment this season at the Sawdust Art Festival’s 23rd annual Winter Fantasy. Beginning Nov. 23, the Sawdust Festival grounds are transformed into a holiday wonderland as more than 175 featured artists gather to sell their handcrafted goods and provide art demonstrations to visitors of all ages. With a petting zoo, appearances by Santa Claus and some of the most unique gifts in Southern California, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at this Laguna Beach holiday tradition. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)
ART
Permanent Collection
Through Jan. 19, 2014; Laguna Art Museum
Complementing early November’s Art & Nature event, the Laguna Art Museum will showcase standouts from its permanent collection, including nature-inspired pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors to the exhibit may view works by leaders of Laguna Beach’s famed artists’ colony as well as pieces on loan from various collections. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
Day With(out) Art
Dec. 1, Laguna Art Museum
On World AIDS Day, Laguna Art Museum collaborates with AIDS Services Foundation Orange County to present a Day With(out) Art. The museum will display panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the largest piece of ongoing folk art in the world. Guests of the museum on this day may also join in a community art project in which participants create their own “quilt” panels based on the current World AIDS Day theme: “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.” (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
“Conversation with … Laurie Brown”
Dec. 5, Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Art Museum’s “Conversation with …” series continues with acclaimed Southern California photographer Laurie Brown, best known for her desert landscapes and panoramic images. Following a Q-and-A session, the photographer will sign copies of her new book, “Las Vegas Periphery: Views from the Edge.” (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
ENTERTAINMENT
“A Christmas Memory”
Dec. 3-29, Laguna Playhouse
Set in 1933 in rural Alabama, “A Christmas Memory” tells the story of a young boy named Buddy, who is being raised by three eccentric cousins. With several twists and turns, including some heartbreaks, this heartwarming tale tells the story of friendship, love and the true meaning behind the saying “it’s better to give than to receive” around this special time of year. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)
B.B. King
Dec. 8, Segerstrom Center for the Arts,
Costa Mesa
This December, legendary blues guitarist B.B. King makes his first appearance on the Segerstrom stage. With a musical career that spans more than 70 years, B.B. King remains one of the most influential blues musicians in the world, helping to revolutionize the genre while increasing its popular appeal. (714-556-2787; scfta.org.
“Evita”
Dec. 10-22, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
Michael Grandage directs this adaptation of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical. Chronicling the brief but incredible life of Eva Peron, “Evita” features classic songs that tell the heart-wrenching story of Argentina’s most beloved first lady. (714-556-2787; scfta.org)
“Ring of Fire”
Jan. 7 – Feb. 2, 2014, Laguna Playhouse
This winter, warm up with the inspiring words and music of the legendary Johnny Cash. “Ring of Fire” presents more than 30 of the iconic singer’s best songs, including “I Walk the Line,” “In the Sweet By and By,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Ring of Fire.” (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)
Upcoming Concerts
Ongoing, The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
Ryan Cabrera, 8 p.m. Nov. 30; Crystal Bowersox, 7 p.m. Dec. 1; New Riders of the Purple Sage, 8 p.m. Dec. 4; Howie Day and Tyler Hilton, 8 p.m. Dec. 7; Dishwalla, 8 p.m. Dec. 12; Don McLean, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14; Gary Ho Ho Hoey, 8 p.m. Dec. 20; Berlin featuring Terri Nunn, 8 p.m. Dec. 21; Donavon Frankenreiter, 8 p.m. Dec. 31 (949-496-8930; thecoachhouse.com)
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
RUFF THANKSGIVING DAY EVENT
Nov. 28, Tivoli Terrace
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with friends and family, and our furry, four-legged friends shouldn’t be left out. RUFF (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends) presents its annual Thanksgiving brunch charity event, featuring a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings (vegetarian options also available). (949-580-1092; ruffrescue.org)
Annual Tree Lighting ceremony
Dec. 1, montage laguna beach
Illuminate the season at Montage Laguna Beach, where thousands of twinkling lights accent a towering holiday tree. The evening’s festivities also include holiday carolers, hot cocoa, children’s activities and live music. (949-715-6000; montagelagunabeach.com)
Tree Lighting and Sand Sculpture Dedication
Dec. 1, The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point
Olympic volleyball legend Misty May-Treanor helps host this year’s Tree Lighting and Sand Sculpture Dedication at The St. Regis Monarch Beach (4-7 p.m.). Guests and locals alike are welcome to join in this fun-filled celebration of the holidays. (949-234-3200; stregismb.com)
Hospitality Night
Dec. 6, Downtown Laguna
Join family and friends as the city welcomes Santa Claus and prepares for the holiday season. Forest Avenue will close for the evening to make way for the festivities, and Laguna’s South Coast Cinemas will present its annual showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (949-494-1018; lagunabeachchamber.org.
Yappy Howl-iday Celebration
Dec. 7, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel invites guests and their four-legged friends to its scenic Dana Lawn for an afternoon of festive celebrations and holiday-themed photos. Admission is complimentary, but guests are asked to bring dry or unopened canned dog food, toys or treats to benefit the Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless animals find their forever homes. (949-240-2000, ritzcarlton.com)
Tree lighting ceremony at crystal cove
Dec. 7, Crystal cove historic distric
At sunset, twinkling lights and decorative ornaments on an evergreen tree will adorn Crystal Cove’s beach in time for the holiday season. In addition to a tree lighting, the historic district’s seaside cottages will be transformed into a magical display of lights, vintage decorations and giant candy canes. (crystalcovebeachcottages.org)
’Tis the Season!
Dec. 22-23, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
The Pacific Chorale reprises its annual performance of classic holiday songs and carols. Led by conductor John Alexander, this celebration of the season features the Southern California Children’s Chorus and members of the Pacific Symphony. (714-556-2787; scfta.org) LBM
