Each week, Arts Orange County and Culture OC deliver you this look at the stories and events happening in our arts and cultural community.

Handel's Glorious Messiah

The overwhelming joy of this immortal classical work, featuring the "Hallelujah" chorus, as delivered annually by the world-class musicians of Pacific Symphony MORE

A Season Aglow: Orange County’s Dazzling Christmas Lights, Boat Parades and Light Festivals

Whether on the water or on foot, Orange County offers countless ways to bask in the glow of holiday lights.

Rose Center Theater Announces Major Management Changes

The city of Westminster has decided to transform a city-owned venue, the Rose Center Theater, into a community cultural center. The transition is scheduled to begin after Dec. 31.

The Friends of the Rose, which has managed the venue for nearly two decades, made the announcement today on the Rose Theater’s website. “This was not a decision initiated by Friends of the Rose. It was a choice made by the Westminster City Council as part of their new vision for the building’s future use,” the statement said.

The Santa Ana Stop: Your Launchpad to the County’s Most Layered Downtown

This series breaking down the 11 stops along Metrolink’s OC Line isn’t a popularity contest. That’s good, because if it were, Santa Ana’s station would win.

It may not be as architecturally flashy as Anaheim’s $200 million light show, or as close to a thriving downtown as Fullerton or Orange, but its design, history and, most important, location make it the county’s most compelling station.

A Cornucopia of Options: What to Do in Orange County During the 2025 Holiday Season

Performances, exhibitions, holiday festivals and more are in store for the culturally curious in our 2025 holiday guide.

Each week, we recommend a variety of events and experiences from the listings at SparkOC.com, our free website for Orange County's arts and cultural community.

MenAlive Yuletide Radio Hour

A "live broadcast" from the stage of the Ebell Theater in Santa Ana features classic holiday tunes spruced up by guest singing groups and a new chapter in the crime-busting adventures of Nick Holiday, "North Pole Private Eye" MORE

Happy Holidays: Selections from the Hilbert Christmas Collection

Free on display at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, a festive special exhibit features work by Norman Rockwell as well as original art from Disney’s "Mickey’s Christmas Carol" and Chuck Jones’ animated version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" MORE

Christmas Tree Lighting

Live performances, a toy drive, and a Santa Train ready for kid riders will all contribute to the evening of holiday spirit in downtown Buena Park MORE

New Slate 2025

Experience cutting-edge world premiere choreography from Dance Department MFA Candidates at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine MORE