Blog
The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
11.12.25
Festival Ballet Theatre presents its beloved holiday production of The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre from December 6 through 24, 2025. This family favorite enchants audiences of all ages with breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, bringing the magic of the season to life.
Under the direction and choreography of Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, this full-length traditional production features Festival Ballet Theatre’s professional dancers, exceptional young performers from across Southern California, and world-renowned guest artists.
Guest Artists
- Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, New York City Ballet - Dec. 13 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Tyler Donatelli and Angelo Greco, Houston Ballet - Dec. 20 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, Joffrey Ballet
A Special Holiday Tea Party Experience
Before select performances, guests can enjoy a festive Tea Party in the Barclay’s Jade Room. The elegant event begins one hour prior to showtime and includes gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours, and scones with tea and lemonade. Adults may enjoy a glass of champagne, and children will delight in meeting characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara, as they share the story behind the ballet. Each guest will receive a party favor and photo opportunities will be available.
Tickets for the Tea Party are limited and must be purchased in conjunction with a Nutcracker performance. The option to add the Tea Party appears after selecting performance seats while tickets remain.
Tickets and more information can be found here.
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Ticket Office: (949) 854-4646
Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat–Sun, Noon–4 p.m.
Blog
Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
11.12.25
The holiday season arrives early at Pendry Newport Beach with the return of its annual Chefsgiving celebration on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. The festive evening takes place on the Garden Lawn and brings together some of Orange County’s most talented chefs for a holiday-inspired feast that supports Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Guests will enjoy chef-attended stations featuring elevated takes on classic Thanksgiving dishes, paired with wine and live entertainment. Tickets are $150 per person and include a $30 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank.
This year’s participating chefs include:
• Chef Karlo Evaristo, 6100 Bread
• Chef Zack Kasmar, Pelican Hill
• Chef Rainer Schwarz, Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck
• Chef David Serus, Montage Laguna Beach
• Chef Nelson Sanchez, Westin South Coast Plaza
• Chef Michael Treanor, Laguna Niguel Ritz Carlton
• Chef Diego Bernal, Balboa Bay Club
• Chef Michael Campbell, Pacific Pearl Catering
• Chef James Jung, Jarbq
• Chef Jonathan Delacruz, Lido House
• Chef Jojo Ruiz, SET Steak and Sushi
• Chef Theresa Ebilane, Pastry at Pendry Newport Beach
• Chef Krista Martinez, Viamara at The Elwood Club
• Chef Juan Carlos Hernandez, Tree Shack Bar and Grill
• Chef Ben Martinek, hosting chef, Pendry Newport Beach
Complimentary valet available. Reservations required here.
Garden Lawn at Pendry Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
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from the blog
- 11.12.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 11.05.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.04.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.04.25 – Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays
- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
- 11.02.25 – North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond
- 10.30.25 – An Evening with John O’Hurley at The Lido
- 10.28.25 – Día de los Muertos Rooftop Brunch at Top of the V
- 10.27.25 – Sip & Shuck Returns to Laguna Beach Nov. 2 to Benefit CASA
- 10.26.25 – A Crystal Cove Takes Mimosa Brunch to the Next Level
- 10.26.25 – Rose Bakery Café Opens in Orange
- 10.21.25 – Last Chance to Dine at 608 Dahlia Before Oct. 26
- 10.20.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Announces Fall and Holiday Season Lineup
- 10.20.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival 2025: ‘Blue Moon’ Shines on Opening Night
- 10.19.25 – Wahoo’s Marks 38 Years with Free Community Celebration in Costa Mesa
More Daily Doses
- 11.12.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.10.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
- 10.15.25 – Tales of Wonder and Imagination: Alexander Shelley Leads Pacific Symphony in ‘Scheherazade’
- 10.14.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 10.13.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 10.08.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Honors
- 10.05.25 – Fashion Meets Film: StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island October 15–19
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
