Blog
A Festive Season of Celebrated Performances: Irvine Barclay Theatre
11.13.24
Irvine Barclay Theatre, a premier destination for performing arts in Orange County, continues its fall season with a selection of holiday events the whole family will enjoy.
Christmas with The 5 Browns
Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.
Celebrate the season with The 5 Browns, a Juilliard-trained sibling piano quintet known for their dynamic holiday arrangements. Dubbed the “Fab Five” by People magazine in 2002, the quintet has since performed worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall and the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. With eight albums topping the Billboard classical music charts, their holiday concert promises an unforgettable experience. Tickets start at $34.
Big Band Holiday - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Ekep Nkwelle & Robbie Lee
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), joined by vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee. Led by JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, the evening will feature soulful renditions of seasonal favorites, playful improvisations, and storytelling. (Note: Wynton Marsalis will not appear in this performance.) Tickets start at $34.
The Nutcracker by Festival Ballet Theatre
Dec. 7–24, various times
A holiday tradition, Festival Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker enchants audiences with stunning scenery and exquisite costumes. Journey with Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more as they bring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life. Choreographed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, this magical production features world-renowned guest artists and talented local dancers. Tickets start at $54.
The Holidays with Canadian Brass
Thursday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.
An Orange County favorite, Canadian Brass returns with seasonal favorites and holiday classics. Presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, this concert features talented musicians, including Chuck Daellenbach (tuba) and Joe Burgstaller (trumpet). Tickets start at $42.
The King’s Singers
Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.
The King’s Singers, celebrated for their remarkable a cappella harmonies, perform festive pieces from their travels around the world, including Disney classics and holiday standards like “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Tickets start at $34.
For tickets or more information on any of these performances, visit Irvine Barclay Theatre at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, California 92612, near UC Irvine. Tickets are available at thebarclay.org or by calling (949) 854-4646.
Blog
Celebrate the Holidays in Dana Point: Turkey Trot, Festive Dining, and Local Shopping
11.13.24
Join Dana Point in celebrating the holiday season with exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment, including the return of the Festival of Lights on November 13 and the 47th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.
The Turkey Trot, organized by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP), welcomes thousands each year to the coast. Participants can run or walk in the 5k, 10k, 15k, or Kids’ 1-mile Gobble Wobble through the scenic Harbor. Each registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, finisher medal, and a virtual goody bag packed with exclusive offers from local businesses. For details and registration, visit TurkeyTrot.com.
This year, donations to the race’s local charities, Ocean Institute and Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay, will be matched by The Giving Machine through the #LightTheWorld initiative. The Giving Machine, returning to Dana Point Harbor on November 26, is a global movement encouraging service and generosity during the holidays. The distinctive red vending machines, located near the Harbor’s Community Room and Clock Courtyard, offer a unique chance to double your impact with every donation. Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday on December 3 for The Giving Machine’s official launch event, featuring the In-N-Out Truck, Santa, and live music by The Kyle Fisher Band.
After the race, indulge in Thanksgiving Day specials at Harbor restaurants, including:
- Gemmell’s Restaurant: 12 PM-6 PM, 3-Course Thanksgiving Dinner & Other Entrees
- Turk's: 8 AM-11 PM, Traditional Turkey Dinner
- Coffee Importers: 6 AM-2 PM, featuring seasonal favorites like the Eggnog Latte, Nogachinno, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Holiday Turkey Panini
- The Brig: 7 AM-Close, Full Menu with Thanksgiving Specials
Support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 30, by exploring unique gifts, from custom art and upscale clothing to dog-friendly items and vintage Harbor treasures at the charming boutiques in Harbor Wharf and Village.
For more information about Thanksgiving events and upcoming holiday specials, visit Dana Point Harbor at danapointharbor.com.
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from the blog
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- 10.08.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 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
- 09.26.25 – Mastro’s Brings Its Iconic Dining Experience to Irvine Spectrum
- 09.25.25 – San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein Comes to Segerstrom Center
- 09.19.25 – 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
- 09.16.25 – Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- 09.16.25 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns September 20
- 09.15.25 – The Market Place Opening Celebration
- 09.12.25 – Segerstrom Center Welcomes Yearlong Karon Davis Installation
- 09.08.25 – Pacific Symphony Opens 47th Season with Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
- 09.08.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market
- 08.24.25 – An Evening at The Lido Theater to Benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
- 08.20.25 – Seafolly Opens First U.S. Flagship in Corona del Mar
- 08.16.25 – Stone Groove Stillhouse Brings World’s First Audio Distillery to Anaheim
- 08.14.25 – Harvest Restaurant Showcases Seasonal California Cuisine
