The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre

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.

Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences

Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, returns to the OC Fair and Event Center on November 28 with expanded attractions, immersive experiences, and flexible ticketing options. Guests can experience the magic of the holiday season with dazzling lights, fresh snow, thrilling attractions, live entertainment, and festive activities for families, couples, and holiday lovers of all ages. 

Winter Attractions

Experience the thrills of winter with ice skating under the stars, tubing down the 150-foot Snowflake Summit ice slide, and playing in fresh snow with the expanded Snow Play zone. Snow Play now features more snow, more slides, and more interactive fun for all ages, including a new falling snow area.

Spectacular Live Entertainment

At the center of Winter Fest OC is the 40-foot-tall Holiday Tree and the Holiday House, where guests can enjoy a nightly tree lighting celebration with lights and music. New for 2025 are themed entertainment zones featuring live music, character meet-and-greets, and surprise performances throughout the season. Additional live entertainment includes strolling performers, carolers, and stage shows to celebrate the holiday season.

Festive Photo Opportunities & Santa Visits

Winter Fest OC offers countless opportunities for festive photos with a variety of dazzling light installations and immersive holiday displays. Guests can also visit with Santa through December 24.

Flexible Ticket Options for Every Guest

Snow Pass: Ideal for one-day visitors looking to enjoy the best of winter fun. Includes access to all general attractions like the Snow Play with a snow pit, slide and snow carousel, 150-foot long 9 lane Snowflake Summit Ice Tubing slide, nightly tree lighting ceremony, dazzling light installations, nightly entertainment with character interactions, live bands, visits with Santa through December 24, and more. 

Snow Pass-Flex: Buy ahead and plan later. Snow Pass-Flex tickets include all Snow Pass attractions with the flexibility to attend any open date of your choice.

Snow Pass Family 4-Pack: Bundle and save with this special package designed for families or groups with four Snow Passes at a discounted rate.

Season Snow Pass: Make every day a snow day! This ticket grants unlimited entry for all 28 days of the festival run — perfect for locals and holiday enthusiasts.

NEW for 2025: Platinum Pass – The Ultimate Winter Fest OC Experience

Platinum Pass: Introducing the all-new Platinum Pass, your all-access key to the full magic of Winter Fest OC! This top-tier ticket includes every attraction, including unlimited ice skating on Southern California’s largest outdoor rink, unlimited carnival rides, bounce pass, Snowflake Summit fast pass, and one round of Polar Putt-Putt mini golf. Quantities are limited and early purchase is strongly recommended.

Platinum Pass-Flex: Buy ahead and plan later. Includes all Platinum Pass attractions with the flexibility to attend any open date of your choice.

Upgrade Your Snow Pass with Magical Add-on Experiences

Make unforgettable holiday memories at Winter Fest OC with a variety of Snow Pass add-on experiences available at checkout:

Ice Skating: Lace up for more fun by adding a 45-minute session of ice skating under the stars on Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink to any admission ticket, perfect for creating unforgettable memories on the ice!

Bounce Pass: Add even more excitement with unlimited access to the kids’ inflatable zone! Children ages 3 to 12 can enjoy bouncing, climbing, obstacle courses, and sliding into nonstop fun and laughter.

Polar Putt-Putt: Enjoy a frosty twist on a classic favorite with the newly designed nine-hole Polar Putt Putt mini golf adventure! This ticket add-on includes one round per person—perfect for testing your aim, conquering tricky obstacles, and competing for that hole-in-one victory. 

Snowflake Upgrade: Upgrade your Snowflake Summit tubing experience with express access to the Ice Tube Slide! Breeze past the line, use the dedicated entrance and lanes, and get more runs in during your visit.

Fireside Igloos: Bring your friends and family for a night to remember at the Fireside Igloos. Enjoy plush seating for up to 10 people, a private fire pit, a private bar, a special menu with craft cocktails and roasting s’mores, plus a breathtaking view of the nightly holiday celebration.

Visit WinterFestOC.com for more information

Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner

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