LONG BEACH, Calif. - The only tamale festival in Los Angeles County returns to Long Beach just in time for the holidays.
The all-day family-friendly event is happening at Long Beach City College on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Not only will festivalgoers have access to some of the best tamales the City of Angels has to offer, but adults will be able to partake in tequila testing as well.
"It’s going to be fun for the whole family. We’re going to have carnival games, and there’s going to be lots of shopping. We’ll have Tequila Pavilion which is new this year. We’ll have about 12–15 brands of tequila for adults to taste," said co-organizer Sal Flores.
General admission tickets are $20 per person and VIP tickets are priced at $70.
“WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ: A HOLIDAY PANTO” In this take on “The Wizard of Oz” from Lythgoe Family Panto, Dorothy is transported to the world of witches and munchkins by a blizzard, rather than a tornado, on Christmas Eve. The family-friendly holiday show is based on the British tradition of pantomime, and audience participation is encouraged.Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
DEC. 9
MAVIS STAPLES AND KANDACE SPRINGS Staples is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and three-time Grammy Award winner. The R&B and gospel singer started her career with the Staple Singers, her family’s band, and began performing as a solo artist in 1969.Vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Kandace Springs will open the concert.Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Photograph Courtesy of Irvine Barclay Theatre
DEC. 9 THROUGH 18
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE: “THE NUTCRACKER” More than 100 performers spin and leap across the stage to Tchaikovsky’s famous score in this version of the holiday ballet, choreographed by ABT’s artist-in-residence, Alexei Ratmansky. Clara’s dreamscape of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, fairies, and royal mice features sets and costumes by Richard Hudson, who won a Tony Award for his work on “The Lion King.” Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
DEC. 9 THROUGH 23
“FANCY NANCY SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS” It’s Christmas, and ebullient grade-schooler Nancy sells a few of her gowns and accessories so she can buy a sparkly new tree topper—but things don’t turn out exactly as she planned. This family-friendly show, appropriate for kids 4 and older, is funny and sweet, just like the best-selling books it’s based on.Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714-777-3033, chancetheater.com
DEC. 10 THROUGH 24
FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE: “THE NUTCRACKER” Choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s artistic director, Salwa Rizkalla, this version of the classic features some of the top young dancers from around Southern California performing alongside the company’s professional dancers and world-renowned guest artists. The pre-show tea party includes visits from some of the ballet’s famous characters. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 714-309-1280, festivalballet.org
Photograph Courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts
DEC. 11
CHITA RIVERA The Broadway legend, who originated the roles of Anita in “West Side Story” and Velma Kelly in “Chicago,” is a three-time Tony Award winner and was the first Latina to receive a Kennedy Center Honor. She’ll perform numbers from her most famous roles, along with songs from shows such as “Sweet Charity,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
California theme parks are preparing to transform into winter wonderlands for the holiday season.
We have collected a list of some holiday festivities happening at amusement parks across the Golden State.
The Disneyland Resort
Holiday magic is returning to the “Happiest Place on Earth” on Nov. 11. Guests can experience the Disney Festival of Holidays and the “¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” celebration at Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Across the way at Disneyland, families can see “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks show on select nights.
Santa will also be in the parks at various locations, the theme park said.
The holiday celebrations will conclude on Jan. 8, 2023. Guests will still need a valid theme park ticket and park reservation.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Grinchmas and Christmas time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will return this holiday season at Universal Studios. Park guests can meet the Grinch and all Who-ville residents or enjoy a hot cup of Butterbeer as Hogwarts castle lights up the night sky.
Seasonal treats and merchandise within the theme park and at Universal City Walk will be available for a limited time, the website stated.
Universal Studios’ holiday festivities will begin on Nov. 25 and last until Jan.1, 2023.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebrations begin on Nov. 14 and end on Jan. 8.
Guests can see snowfall, holiday fireworks, and meet Santa and Rudolph during the festivities. Guests can also take photos in front of the park’s 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, the website said.
Legoland
Christmas time overtakes the Legoland resort on select days from Nov. 19 to Jan. 8. Holiday characters, like Santa, the Gingerbread Man, and the Toy Solider, will be available for holiday photos and meet and greets.
The website stated that guests could also take photos in front of the 30-foot-tall Lego Christmas tree, decorated with over 400 Lego ornaments. Guests can also see the Holiday Light Show will illuminate the resort at night.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Holiday in the Park celebration will be available for select nights from Nov. 24 to Jan. 1.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in the park and available for meet and greets with guests. Visitors can also create arts and crafts with Mrs. Claus on select nights, according to the website.
The park will be decorated with holiday lights for the season.
Limited-time food offerings like enchilada soup, holiday-inspired shakes, brownies, and turkey mac n cheese sandwiches will be available for guests during the festivities.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm will transform into Knott’s Merry Farm from Nov. 18 to Jan. 8.
Park guests can see the park decorated in holiday lights, enjoy shows like “Home for the Holidays,” the “Snow and Glow” dance party experience or visit Santa’s Christmas Cabin.
Guests can enjoy holiday foods like crispy breaded turkey balls, cranberry sauce, and stuffing at participating restaurants in the park, according to the website.
California’s Great America
The Winterfest celebration at California’s Great America theme park features ice skating, cookie decorating classes with Mrs. Claus and photo opportunities with Santa.
The holiday celebration will be available for select nights starting Nov. 25., the website said.
