VENTURA:
40th Annual Memorial Program Light Up a Life: Wed, Dec 11 – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura,
Livingston’s Light Up a Life events are just around the corner. For forty years these programs have offered comfort and solace to those who have experienced loss, providing a meaningful opportunity to honor the memories of loved ones. Whether they were lost recently or long ago, near or far, “Light Up a Life” serves as a heartfelt tribute that brings joy and reflection during this holiday season.
Light Up a Life is for everyone. The events feature touching readings, acts of remembrance, and a beautifully illuminated Tree of Life. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to take part in this year’s Light Up campaign. By making a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more, you can have a star bearing your loved one’s name displayed throughout the holiday season in our online memory listing and in our touching video tribute at the events. Your contribution plays a vital role in sustaining our hospice and bereavement programs across Ventura County. Reserve your star today at www.lmvna.org/LightUpALife.
Winter Wonderland, A Magical Evening for Autism Families: Thurs, Dec. 12, 5 PM to 9 PM. Camp Arnaz, 155 Sulphur Mountain Rd.
Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast is honored to host a Winter Wonderland special event in partnership with the Autism Society Ventura County. This exclusive evening invites Autism families to enjoy the festive beauty of Camp Arnaz. Guests will enjoy stunning holiday lights and displays, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, inclusive holiday crafts and activities, fun tractor rides and holiday horses. This event is designed to create a sensory-friendly, joyful environment where families can relax, connect, and celebrate the season together. Thanks to the generous support of Embarc, tickets are fully covered, providing a magical holiday experience at no cost to families. Please register. girlscoutsccc.doubleknot.com/event/special-event-autism-society-at-winter-wonderland/3086233
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights: Fri & Sat, Dec. 13 – 14
There’s magic in lights (and fireworks) mirrored in the water. Boaters deck their boats to the nines, then parade their shimmering creations on Friday and Saturday night, the visual extravaganza capped by fireworks. There’s child-like magic in the spectacularly decorated boats throwing their lights across the water. On dry land, small-town magic in kiddie rides, sweet treats, and cozy-warm drinks are all about the small Ventura Harbor Village. Cost? Keeping in the spirit, the event and parking are free. This year’s theme CANDYLAND brings all the sweetness of the season!
The Rubicon Theatre: A COWBOY LULLABY: Dec. 4 – 22 (launches their 26th season). The Platters Holiday Concert 12/16 – 12/17. 1006 E Main St.
A Cowboy Lullaby – A Concert of Songs and Poems from the Old West by James O’Neil and Dan Wheetman. Directed by James O’Neil. Musical Direction by Dan Wheetman. From the Drama Desk and Tony Award Nominees who Created Lonesome Traveler and I Dig Rock and Roll. www.rubicontheatre.org.
Dudley House Holiday Boutique: Sat. Dec. 14 & Sun. 15
30th annual fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum continues into December on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past where you’ll find quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles plus a silent auction and bargain “basement”. An outdoor flea market is added on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 197 N. Ashwood in Ventura. (805) 642-3345. Free. www.dudleyhouse.org.
Flamenco 805: Sat., Dec 14 & Fri, Dec. 20. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 S Oak St.
Close out the year with a fiery Flamenco music and dance event. Wendy Castellanos, local dance artist and founder of Flamenco 805 creates Ventura’s first traditional Flamenco Tablao. (A Tablao is an intimate venue where Flamenco musicians and dancers improvise a live show).
This is the 8th edition of the Flamenco 805 student recital! The show will open with the dance students of Wendy Castellanos and feature over 30 dancers from all over the 805. The student recital will be followed by an all-star cast of professional musicians & dancers from LA and abroad for a Flamenco Tablao show. Visit Eventbrite for tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/flamenco-tickets-1009562116467?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Footworks Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker: Fri, Dec 13, 7 pm; Sat, Dec 14, 1 pm; Sat, Dec 14, 5 pm; Sun, Dec 15,1 pm. Ventura College Performing Arts Center.
An enchanting holiday tradition for all ages. www.eventbrite.com/cc/footworks-youth-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker-3788733
Epilepsy Awareness Tri-County 1st Annual 1K/5K Run, Roll & Stroll. Sat, Dec. 14. 8:30 am. Promenade Park, Figueroa St. (Across from the Fairgrounds parking lot).
1st Annual Epilepsy Awareness Tri-County Run, Roll & Stroll, to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy! Bring your family and friends for a fantastic day with fun activities, delicious food, and a wonderful community spirit. This event is designed for everyone to enjoy while learning about available resources. Whether you’re a runner, a walker, accompanied by a service dog, or using a wheelchair, all are welcome! Enjoy informative booths, therapy animals, lively vendors, great music, tasty food trucks, and the stunning beauty of Ventura’s beachside. www.epilepsyawarenesstricounty.org/events
Museum of Ventura County – Winter Solstice Storytelling Festival: Sun, Dec 15, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
A vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, tradition, and community at our Winter Solstice Festival! The day features a performance by Hummingbird Women’s Drum and Chumash Dance Sisters; storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder; a Kids’ Corner; and activities like rock painting and cordage making led by Julia Fireflower, a Tataviam tribal member. Enjoy food by Island Smoke n Grill, Guamanian BBQ, and, as the day concludes, take part in a public prayer circle honoring forgiveness, community, and gratitude. This celebration of culture, storytelling, and togetherness is not to be missed. www.venturamuseum.org.
Ventura Music Festival/NAMBA Collaboration: Sun, Dec 15th. 7 pm. 47 S Oak St.
Ensemble Sangineto is an eclectic band which blends skillfully ancient harmonies and sonorities with modern rhythms. The wide-ranging musical experiences of the individual members converge to create fresh arrangements of traditional Irish, Scottish, Breton & Italian tunes and original compositions that display influences from many varied musical genres ranging from classical to folk, from Gregorian chant to musical, from pop to Celtic music. In December, make it a musical weekend with another wonderful community collaboration with NAMBA Performing Arts. nambaarts.com.
The Longest Night: Remembering Those Who Died Unhoused in Ventura County in 2024: Sat, Dec. 21, 3 pm & Sun, Dec 22, 3:30 pm
Reflection, Music, Inspiration. Organized by Homeless service providers, local city and county government, police, faith groups and people who are or have been homeless. With the support of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura and the City of Oxnard Commission on the Homelessness.
Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG): Sat, Dec 21, 9 am. 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117.
Online and Live at our temporary location Ventura County Computers. Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email, the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and Google. Due to limited space live attendance is reserved for members. Details for connecting to online events are emailed prior to the event. To receive connection
instructions, please sign up on our website at www.cipcug.org. (805) 289-3960.
Ventura Marathon: Sun, Feb 25
In its 11th year, the Ventura Marathon returns to our shores as another Boston Qualifier marathon in town. Created from a dream of embracing Ventura’s large community in a fun and fast event, thousands have run the course which starts in Ojai and ends in Ventura. Runners breathe in the fresh air and take in the beautiful views along the Ojai Valley Trail all the way to the Ventura River Trail. Run the full marathon or the half – your choice! Register at www.venturamarathon.com.
Ongoing:
Social Golf Club
Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com
Ventura Senior Men’s Group: First and Third Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion.
Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group. Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.
Play Bridge: Every Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.
ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse. For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].
Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm.
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.
Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.
Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.
Ojai:
It’s A Wonderful Life: Fri, Dec 6 – Dec 22. Ojai Art Center. 113 S Montgomery St.
Evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Directed by Gai Laing Jones, this timeless story unfolds as a 1946 live radio play, adapted by Joe Landry. Radio shows used to be immensely popular, with the “Golden Age” of radio lasting from approximately the mid 1920’s to the late 1960’s. Tickets can be purchased online, at the door, by phone at 805-640-8797 or email [email protected]. www.ojaiartcenter.org.
Rescheduled Johnny Mercer Concert: Sun, Dec 29, 3 pm. Ojai Woman’s Club, 441 East Ojai Ave.
American Songbook Today honors Johnny Mercer who wrote more songs that became “standards” than any other songwriter in history. They include Moon River, You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, Autumn Leaves, Dream, I Wanna Be Around, That Old Black Magic, Accentuate the Positive, Skylark, One for My Baby and One More for the Road, Blues in the Night, Something’s Gotta Give, I’m an Old Cowhand, Jeepers Creepers, My Shining Hour, Too Marvelous for Words, It’s Cold Outside, and about a hundred more! https://ticketsjohnnymercertribute.eventbrite.com
Santa Barbara:
Million Dollar Quartet: Throughout Dec., Ensemble Theatre Company, 33 W Victoria St.
The Tony® Award-nominated musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The play brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actor/musicians. Showcased hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more. https://etcsb.org.
Santa Paula:
Santa Paula Theater Center’s Winter/Spring 2025 Acting Conservatory: See dates below. 125 S. 7th St. Santa Paula
Acting with Intent Mondays from 2 – 5 pm or Mon evenings from 7 – 10 pm from Jan 23 – Feb 24, 2025 with a showcase to follow Mar 3. The Young Actors’ Studio Sat 2 – 4 pm from Mar 1 – Apr 5 with a showcase to follow the last class at 5 pm. Story to Stage Tues 3:00 – 4:30 pm from Feb 4 – Mar 18 with a production on Mar 25 at 3:30 pm. Unleash Your Voice: Write Bold, Short Plays That Pack a Punch Wed 7 – 10 pm from Jan 8 – Feb 5 with a showcase to follow Feb 12. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org
Acting with Intent $200. The Young Actors’ Studio $120. Story to Stage $120. Unleash Your Voice: Write Bold, Short Plays That Pack a Punch $120.
Contacts: Acting with Intent – [email protected]. The Young Actors’ Studio – [email protected]. Story to Stage – [email protected]. Unleash Your Voice: Write Bold, Short Plays That Pack a Punch – [email protected].
