The week ahead in Orange County

Today

Nature hike: The public is invited on a West Coyote Hills hike with a group of experienced naturalists to explore plant life in the hills. Free. 8 to 10 a.m. Meet at Euclid Street and Lakeview Drive in Fullerton by the equestrian portion of Laguna Lake Park.

(714) 870-4252

Snow fun: The annual Holiday Snowhill returns to the Balearic Community Center in Costa Mesa. Enjoy a morning of playing in the snow (for kids 5 and younger), hayrides, a visit from Santa and more. The Costa Mesa Fire Department will accept new toys for the Spark of Love toy drive. 1975 Balearic Drive.

(714) 754-5158 or www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us

Holiday portraits: Save Our Strays of Huntington Beach presents Pet Portraits with Santa Claws. Members, $15; nonmembers, $18. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cottage by the Sea, 301 Main St., Suite 102. (714) 442-1446 or www.saveourstrayshb.org

Sunday

Food and Toy Drive: Supervisor Lou Correa will play host to a canned-food and toy drive at the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. Orange County residents gain admission by bringing one can of food per person or one unwrapped toy per family. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

(714) 953-8555

Hanukkah: The Hanukkah celebration at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace will feature remarks by Rep. Gary G. Miller (R-Diamond Bar), a lighting of the menorah by Rabbi David Eliezrie and traditional music by various choirs. Free. 5:30 p.m. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda. (714) 993-5075

Tuesday

Movie night: The historic Fox Fullerton Theatre will offer a free screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the Angelo’s & Vinci’s Ristorante parking lot, behind the theater. Concessions will be available for purchase and donations are welcome. Proceeds will go toward the restoration and refurbishment of the theater. Bring your own seating.

7 to 9 p.m. 550 N. Harbor Blvd. (714) 870-0069 or www.foxfullerton.org

Tea concert: The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center will hold a Tea at Three Concert featuring a vocal performance by Jane C. Kim. The event will also include snacks and refreshments. $2. 3 p.m. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Reservations and information: (714) 470-3062

Wednesday

Boat parade: Watch holiday decorated boats, canoes, yachts and kayaks sail along the harbor in the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The event runs through Sunday. The procession begins at 6:30 p.m. and finishes about 8:30 (about

9 p.m. for the extended route on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Free. (949) 729-4400 or visit www.christmasboatparade.com

Thursday

Variety shows: Nostalgia Night will take place at the Neighborhood Cup, a family-run cafe. The event will feature old television variety shows like those of Johnny Carson’s and Ed Sullivan’s. Free. 6:30 p.m.

1 Journey, Aliso Viejo. (949) 716-5100

Cruise of Lights: The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee presents the annual Cruise of Lights, a narrated cruise through Huntington Harbour of homes, decks, docks and boats lighted for the holidays. The event runs through Dec. 23. Park at Huntington Harbour Mall, 16821 Algonquin St., where shuttles will lead to the boat launch area. Proceeds benefit the philharmonic’s music outreach programs for Orange County students. Tickets, information: (714) 840-7542

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Source: The Orange County calendar is compiled by Yvonne Villarreal. Submit items two weeks in advance to [email protected] or by fax to (714) 966-7711.

Los Angeles Times