Tis the Season

Pacific Chorale joins forces with members of Pacific Symphony in the spectacular Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for one of most extravagant musical celebrations in Orange County's holiday calendar MORE

♦ Culture ♦

Nochebuena at Musco Center for the Arts Celebrates the Season in a Uniquely Mexican American Way

It’s important for Jimmy Cuéllar and Kareli Montoya to carry on the tradition of mariachi and folklórico. But the husband and wife duo do so in a way that truly highlights their past and their present.

Their identity as artists and as human beings shape the shows they create for Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, respectively. “Nochebuena: Christmas Eve in Mexico,” which is returning to Musco Center for the Arts for the fourth year, is no exception.

“This is truly, truly a Mexican American show,” Montoya said. “We try to bring Christmas to the crowd here in the U.S. and we do that through a fusion of musical styles and traditions.”

This year’s show takes place on Dec. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., the second show recently being added due to high demand.

♦ Food ♦

Panoringan: Four New Speakeasies to Warm Your Winter Heart; Plus, OC’s Newest Michelin Listings

I recognize that my coverage of all things beverage-related is lacking, so when the opportunity arises to feature a topic I’m interested in, I run with it. The notion of a speakeasy first came to be during the 1920s Prohibition era when it became illegal to sell alcohol. Being told not to do something only made the desire to imbibe stronger (insert “Footloose” analogy here), and many entrepreneurs began offering spirited sips behind unmarked doors. These undisclosed watering holes required lowered voices so the police wouldn’t bust them, thus explaining the term speakeasy.

Recently there’s been an uptick of these bars hidden in plain sight stretching from San Clemente to Huntington Beach. While most speakeasies are focused on pouring a proper drink, a few offer a modest menu of small plates. Some are better tucked away than others but all are spirited alternatives to your usual neighborhood spot where everybody knows your name. Also, be warned that the more custom the beverage requested, the longer it will probably take to prepare – like upwards of 15 minutes or more. Keep these speakeasies under lock and key while they are still unknown to the hoi polloi.

Family Holiday Dinner

The Chance Theater presents a new sketch show from Orange County's AAPI comedy troupe No MSG Added that spotlights the unique anxieties that come when it's time to face the relatives around the holiday table MORE

3rd Annual TamalFest

This free Saturday festival in downtown Santa Ana will feature live music, local arts and crafts, and many opportunities to enjoy delicious tamales MORE

Winter Solstice

Stimulate the brain and the senses with a special series of seasonal exhibits and activities at Irvine's Pretend City Children's Museum MORE

Santa Hates Me

This variety show from Bare Bones Theatre in Laguna Beach will combine music, poetry, and tall tales that could be a one-way ticket to Mr. Claus's Naughty List MORE