Orange County Hanukkah Celebrations Begin, Spirits Remain Bright

The first lighting of menorahs for Hanukkah began Thursday in Orange County with celebrations at home and with worship by virtual gatherings rather than in person.

"The story of Hanukkah is as relevant to COVID today as it was 2,000 years ago," said Chabad of Laguna Niguel Rabbi Mendy Paltiel. "The message is of love over darkness, kindness over tyranny."

A Winter Without 'Nutcracker' Strikes a Hit to Companies and Dancers

For ballet dancers young and old, one thing signifies the start of the holiday season more than anything else: "The Nutcracker."

Usually, family audiences would be crowding theaters across the county this time of year, anxious to see the familiar story of a girl's journey to the Land of Sweets. But as we all know, 2020 is not usual, even when it comes to age-old traditions.

Terry Dwyer Lands Job as CEO of Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in Florida

Terrence W. Dwyer, who served as president of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for 13 years, has found a new position as chief executive officer of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Orange County has returned to Tier 1 of the California Re-Opening Plan, precipitating the closure of many of Orange County's arts and culture organizations and venues. In addition, a curfew for non-essential activities after 10pm has been instituted by the state government. Arts Orange County will continue to spotlight a mix of virtual and streaming arts and culture offerings along with in-person events that conform to the most current safety guidelines. We encourage everyone to keep their lives enriched by the arts, but safely! Save lives by wearing masks and respecting social distancing protocols. 

A Very, Very Chance Holiday Cabaret

An on-demand musical virtual celebration featuring a long lineup of familiar faces from the Chance Theater stage  DETAILS »

Movies at Mile Square Park

The holiday classics "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Elf" will be on the giant outdoor screen for safe, drive-in viewing in Fountain Valley  DETAILS »

Online Exhibit: P O P·u·lar

Taking a cue from the musical "Wicked", the JoAnne ARTMAN Gallery uses the works of a trio of Pop Art experts to interrogate notions of beauty and conformity in modern culture  DETAILS »

Virtual: Nutcracker Tea Party with Segerstrom

The Segerstrom Center is rapidly adapting their intended Nutcracker Tea Party experience to happen in a virtual environment, with all the family-friendly magic and music intact  DETAILS »

On Demand: Yes, Virginia

The Laguna Playhouse presents an on-demand benefit reading of a heartwarming holiday comedy starring Arnetia Walker and Mindy Sterling  DETAILS »