WINTER FANTASY THROUGH DEC . 17 ; SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL GROUNDS Get in the holiday spirit during the Sawdust Art Festival ’ s Winter Fantasy , where the grounds have been transformed into an enchanting wonderland . On Fridays and weekends in Laguna Canyon , visitors can shop for gifts for the art lovers in their lives while enjoying festive holiday decor , art classes , carolers , visits with Santa , falling snow and more . ( 949-494-3030 ; sawdustartfestival . org )

“ A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS ” THROUGH DEC . 29 ; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE The annual Lythgoe Family Panto returns to town with a family-friendly holiday show — complete with music , dancing and audience participation for all ages . This interactive iteration of the famed rags-to-riches tale follows a peasant girl who meets her prince , with a little help from her fairy godmother . ( 949-497- 2787 ; lagunaplayhouse . com )

“ LCAD INAUGURAL PERMANENT COLLECTION EXHIBITION ” THROUGH JAN . 21 , 2024 ; LCAD GALLERY Explore the talent of Laguna College of Art & Design ’ s alumni with this first look at the school ’ s permanent art collection . Diverse paintings and sculptures by artists like Aidan Barker-Hill , Trevor Christiansen and Hannah Tjia are being featured in an attempt to unveil the power of creativity and arts education . ( 949-376-6000 ; lcad . edu )

Above : Andre Woodward , who will present an installation at the art museum ; left : “ Climbing the Cathedral ” by Aidan Barker-Hill

“ BURGHERS OF CALI : A BALLAD OF REDWOOD SPIRITS ” THROUGH FEB . 4 , 2024 ; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM Part of this year ’ s Art & Nature initiative at the museum , this installation from Andre Woodward explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world through the examination of California ’ s coastal redwood trees . Using repurposed redwood burls formerly crafted into coffee tables , the piece reflects on the spirit of the trees and incorporates sounds of ancient forests and urban life . ( 949- 494-8971 ; lagunaartmuseum . org )

BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS DEC . 8-10 ; DANA POINT HARBOR Experience the joy of the holiday season as you watch colorfully

lit boats cruise the harbor in nearby Dana Point . This annual tradition , now in its 48th year , will light up the night with a Candyland theme for 2023 , presenting festive vessels adorned with sweet treats . Cash prizes totaling $ 10,000 will be awarded to participants in various categories . ( 949-496-6137 ; danapointharbor . com )

“ SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD ” DEC . 8-17 ; NO SQUARE THEATRE Designed to attract the next generation of theater aficionados , this modern show utilizes the power of characters , music and history to showcase the importance of the choices we make in life and love . With scenes set everywhere from a 1492 Spanish sailing ship

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : MARY HURLBUT ; COURTESY OF ANDRE WOODWARD ; COURTESY OF LCAD

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