Kindling the Festival of Lights
On the first day of Chanukah, Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m., the Cirque du Chanukah takes place at Main Beach, featuring the circus performer The Incredible Chris, as well as music, face painting, cupcake decorating, and the lighting of the surfboard menorah. Admission is free.
Lighten Up, a comedy night at the Chabad Jewish Center, takes place Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The event features comedian Mark Schiff and musical entertainment from singer-songwriter Jason Feddy.
Children’s Choir Shares Their Spirit
The Laguna Presbyterian Church K-5 children’s choir brings tidings of great joy with its “Be Not Afraid” program during Sunday church services at 8:30 and 10 a.m., Dec. 9.
“The angel’s message wasn’t just for shepherds,” said Choir Director Linda White. “Our kids are excited about sharing the Christmas story in song.”
The service at 415 Forest Ave. is open to all.
Winter Concerts
LagunaTunes will be performing in “Making Spirits Bright” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave.
The high school’s “Essence” dance show takes place Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Artists’ Theatre.
The Laguna Beach high school and middle school bands perform in a free winter concert at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17, in the Artists’ Theatre, 625 Park Ave.
Alt Market Continues
Neighborhood Congregational Church will host a second week of this year’s Alternative Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 in Bridge Hall, 340 St. Ann’s Drive. No admission fee is charged, but there are many opportunities to purchase and donate, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the organizations shoppers choose to support.
Animals Receive Their Blessing
Neighborhood Congregational Church’s Annual blessing of the animals takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., led by Rev. B. J. Beu.
Bring your pet or even a photo of your beloved furry friend for the blessing at 340 St. Ann’s Dr.
St. Catherine’s Celebrates the Season
On Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 a.m., the church, 1042 Temple Terrace Dr., celebrates the Holy Day of Obligation, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., the church will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with an Advent Penance Service.
Christmas Stories Told
As presented by orator Frank Runyeon, the Christmas story is retold on Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. The evening begins at 5 p.m., followed by the free show at 6:15 p.m.
Sausage or hot dog dinners are available for $5.
Woman’s Club Hosts Party for Low-Income Families
All of Laguna Beach can help make the holidays brighter for low-income families in town by donating clean used clothing, household items, linens, and toys to the annual party at the Woman’s Club.
This year Santa will arrive at the Woman’s Club, 286 St. Ann’s Dr., on Friday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. Children will get to visit with him while their parents “shop” for needed clothing and supplies. All donated items are given free to the families.
Donations may be dropped off at the Club on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday, Dec. 14 before 5 p.m.
New, unwrapped toys and canned or packaged food are also appreciated to support the Adopt A Family program organized by the Laguna Resource Center’s Pantry.
For more information please call Marsha Bode at 949 244-2010
Creating Cards for a Cause
The Arty Party at the Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St. on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. is a hands-on, card-creating fundraiser in which participants make and take home original greeting cards. All proceeds will go to Art4Kids Inc.
Designs and all materials will be provided: handmade art papers, pressed leaves, gold leaf, gemstones, batik and all things sparkly. Participants are asked to bring scissors and a ruler.
Refreshments will be served. Parking is free. Reservations are required. The minimum suggested donation is $30 per person. For more info call 949-646-1100 or visit art4kidsinc.org.
