Calender Events

Laguna Beach

Art

Sawdust Winter Fantasy

Weekends through Dec. 9, Sawdust Art Festival Grounds

An artist’s fantasyland has arrived in Laguna Beach this winter. The 22nd Annual Winter Fantasy is back and bigger than ever. Enjoy fine arts and crafts from more than 170 exhibitors, including jewelry, fused and blown glass, forged metals and much more. Families can bring out their inner artist together with holiday-influenced art projects, and food and other treats are accessible at four outdoor cafes. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

Conversations With … Craig Stone

Dec. 6, Laguna Art Museum

Learn about enigmatic artist Craig Stone and his pieces at the Laguna Art Museum. In the late 1970s, he wanted to explore how the perceived gender, race and ethnicity of an artist’s name influenced the acceptance, exhibition and reception of that artist’s work. He did this by creating each of his pieces under a different identity, to observe audience reactions. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

“Jerome Witkin: Drawings”

Through Dec. 13, LCAD

The deceptively simple drawings of Jerome Witkin will be on display at LCAD in December. These include intimate figure studies and portraits, as well as gritty urban landscapes that upon closer inspection reveal more complex uses of light and perspective. Several paintings, including “Keep Me In Your Heart For A While” and “A Boy And His Mother” will also be on display. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday between noon and 4 p.m., free admission. (949-376-6000; lcad.edu)

Holiday Happenings

Holidays in the Harbor

NOV. 30 – DEC. 15, DANA POINT HARBOT, DANA POINT

Dana Point Harbor is converting into a festive holiday bash this December. Just some of the activities planned include a holiday open house on Nov. 30, boat rides with Santa on Dec. 1 and 2, photos with Santa on Dec. 6 and 13, and of course, the holiday boat parades, held on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 by the water’s edge. This year’s theme is A Hollywood Holiday. (949-923-2255; danapointharbor.com)

CASA Holiday Luncheon 2012

Dec. 7, The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point

Indulge in an afternoon of fun, fashion and philanthropy at The St. Regis Monarch Beach. World-renowned fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg will present a fashion show, Fox 11 news anchor Christine Devine will be the keynote speaker, and American Idol alumni Michael Johns will perform. Proceeds from auction items and donations will go to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) mentoring and advocacy programs for abused and neglected children. (714-619-5140; casaholidayluncheon.com)

Christmas Boat Parade

DEC. 19 – 23, NEWPORT HARBOR

Watch as yachts, boats, kayaks and even canoes serve as beautifully lit parade floats on the calm waters of Newport Harbor. The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts this event, bringing Newport the best boat parade in California every year. With a Surf, Sand and Santa theme, it’s promised to be entertaining for the whole family. (949-729-4400; christmasboatparade.com)

“Plaid Tidings—A Special Holiday Edition of Forever Plaid”

Through Dec. 23, The Laguna Playhouse

The Plaids will be blessing Laguna with their presence again starting Nov. 27. This caroling quartet will put their own harmonic spin on classic holiday hits from the 1950s and 1960s. Along with sweet caroling sounds, the show includes humor and entertainment. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)

Entertainment & Activities

Children’s Garden Workshop

Dec. 9, Orange County Great Park, Irvine

On the second Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bring the kids to Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab to cultivate their gardening skills. Put on by the University of California Cooperative Extension Orange County Master Gardeners, these workshops are a fun and interactive way to learn about the history of agriculture and what it means to ensure a healthy and sustainable future. (949-724-6247; ocgp.org)

Teddy Bear Tea

Dec. 9 and 16, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Participate in a fun and festive tradition with hot chocolate “tea,” pastries and finger sandwiches. Guests are requested to bring an unwrapped teddy bear to be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Reservations are required, $65 per person. (949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com)

“Love, Chaos & Dinner”

Through Dec. 31, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa

This three-hour spectacle blends cirque, comedy and cabaret with a five-course feast and libations from Patina Catering. The show envelops diners as they find performers above, around and alongside them while they eat. After successful runs in Seattle and San Francisco, Teatro ZinZanni will debut an all-new show for its Southern California premiere. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at noon and 7 p.m. (714-556-2787; scfta.org)

Live! at the Museum: 

Neave Duo

Jan. 10, Laguna Art Museum

Violinist Anna Williams and cellist Mikhail Veselov of the Neave Piano Trio have been praised highly by the Boston Phoenix, New York City’s WQXR Radio and many more nationwide. In addition, they have been invited to participate in the prestigious SDSU School of Music and Dance program. While at the museum, catch a glimpse of the permanent collection (which showcases Californian art) located in the main level galleries. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

Upcoming Shows at The Coach House

San Juan Capistrano

DSB, rock, Nov. 30, 8 p.m.; Tyrone Wells, folk-pop, Dec. 1, 8 p.m.; Berlin, new wave, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.; Gary Ho Ho Hoey, surf-rock, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Johnny Lang and Tommy Castro, blues and rock, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; America, classic rock, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.; X-mas 2012, punk rock, Dec. 22, 8 p.m.; Tower of Power, rhythm and blues, Jan. 4, 8 p.m.; Beatles vs. Stones: Abbey Road/Jumping Jack Flash, rock, Jan. 12, 8 p.m. (949-496-8930; thecoachhouse.com)\