Scene from Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Marty Sohl.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. Created by celebrated choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, this dazzling holiday treat features ABT’s roster of superstar dancers alongside stunning sets and costumes by Tony winner Richard Hudson. The Pacific Symphony provides the enchanting backdrop, playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
The Snow from Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Marty Sohl.
The Tale Unfolds:
The Nutcracker follows the journey of a young girl named Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas party. In her dreams that night, the nutcracker doll transforms into a handsome prince, embarking on a magical journey alongside her. Together, they traverse lands filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, a mouse army, and other exotic characters, brought vividly to life on stage by a cast of over 100 performers.
Breanne Granlund and Jonathan Klein in the Chinese Dance from Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Marty Sohl.
ABT’s Magnificent Rendition:
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker is a spectacle that embodies the joy of the holiday season. With its talented performers, enchanting sets, and vibrant costumes, it crafts a mesmerizing experience for audiences of all ages.
This rendition of The Nutcracker offers an opportunity to create enduring memories with loved ones. The magic woven by ABT’s performers, combined with the timeless tale and Tchaikovsky’s iconic melodies, promises to captivate and enthrall audiences throughout the performance.
The Nutcracker by American Ballet Theatre will grace the stage of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from December 8th to December 17th. Located at 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, this production invites patrons to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and indulge in the beauty of this classic ballet.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a celebration of artistry, storytelling, and the magic of the holiday season. Gather your loved ones and embark on a magical journey that promises to create cherished memories for years to come.
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and with it comes the delightful challenge of finding that perfect gift for everyone on your list. But fear not, because this year, we’ve curated a holiday gift guide that’s anything but ordinary. Say goodbye to the typical, mundane presents and prepare to dive into a world of unique and thoughtful treasures.
Whether you’re shopping for the tech enthusiast, the wellness guru, the culinary connoisseur, or the adventure seeker, we’ve got you covered. From innovative gadgets to artisanal creations, these handpicked items are sure to bring joy and wonder to your loved ones. So, grab your cocoa, cozy up, and let’s explore this collection of extraordinary gifts that will make this holiday season truly unforgettable!
A portion of every bottle sale helps provide clean drinking water to families in need.
Thirsty Child is a faith-based global non-profit organization dedicated to helping eliminate the global water crisis. Through their partnership, they are able to remind these individuals how vital they are too! Thank you for making an impact on our world and being vital to these families.
SCOTTeVest make vests, jackets, pants, shorts, and just about everything else, all with pockets to make your life easier. SCOTTeVEST is not your ordinary clothing company. Their garments feature specially designed pockets and features to make your life easier.
Lemonhead LA-creators of the original mess-free artisan glitter concentrates. Thier cult-favortite glitters are handcrafted in small batches by artists, for artists in Los Angeles, CA. Our commitment to creating the highest quality glitters in the world is just one reason why top celebrity makeup artists and beauty editors can’t live without LHLA in their kit.
Adorn your everyday sweets with our premium Bake The World Happy Treat Decorating Bundle! This box is filled with one of a kind Sprinkle Medleys, Classic Sprinkles and vibrant oil based food colors, offering everything you need to add colorful magic to all your sweets and all packaged in an adorable rainbow box.
The Original MEATER is the first truly wireless smart meat thermometer. Along with the MEATER app, it will help you cook the juiciest steak, chicken, turkey, fish, or other meats perfectly every time for every occasion.
As an industry leader and a trusted Korean brand, CUCKOO strives to consistently deliver premium quality kitchenware and home products to households around the globe. Our 6-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer (CR-0641F) allows you to cook all of your favorite grains at the touch of a button as well as cook oats, porridge, and quinoa. The all-new Steam function coupled with the included steam plate enables users to enjoy steamed dishes like veggies, dumplings, and much more all at your fingertips.
Game Night is Calling! Fun and Exciting Board Games for Family and Friends of All Ages. Large Collection of Popular Licensed Classics and Original Games. Start Playing Today! Brands: Codenames, Clue, Operation, Yahtzee and much more!
Unwrap the Magic: Shop Disney’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and the magic of Disney is here to make your holidays even more enchanting! As you prepare to deck the halls and trim the tree, why not sprinkle a little Disney magic into your celebrations? In this Shop Disney Gift Guide, we’ve handpicked the most delightful treasures from shopDisney, guaranteed to bring joy to every Disney lover on your list. From cuddly plush pals to festive accessories, let’s unwrap the magic together!
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Holiday Plush
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! These soft plush companions are dressed in their festive candy cane costumes and Santa hats, ready to bring joy to Disney fans of all ages.
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Collector’s Box Coffee
Experience all five of these incredible coffee flavors inspired by your favorite residents of Halloween Town! You’ll receive five 4oz bags bundled inside a fully printed collector’s box.
Flavors include: Ruff Weather (Oatmeal Cream Pie) Frog’s Breath (Chocolate Mole) The Pumpkin King (Pumpkin, Pecan & Praline) Mudslide Boogie (Mudslide Cocktail Flavor) Santa Jack (Cranberry Creme Bruleè)
LEGO® Disney Frozen Anna and Elsa’s Magical Carousel
Delight Disney Frozen fans with this set, featuring a carousel that turns, two mini sleighs, three LEGO® micro-doll figures and a Disney’s Olaf LEGO® figure.
Star Wars Mission Fleet Mando’s N-1 Starfighter Speed Run
Blast off into galactic action with the Star Wars Mission Fleet Mando’s N-1 Starfighter Grogu & Mandalorian action figure set. This Star Wars toy includes a 2.5-inch-scale Mandalorian figure with fully poseable arms, legs, and head, as well as design and detail inspired by The Mandalorian live-action series on Disney+. This Mission Fleet Star Wars playset also comes with a Darksaber accessory and Grogu figure, as well as the Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter ship, featuring series inspired design, an opening cockpit for the Mandalorian toy, and a hatch where Grogu can sit.
Delight any Marvel fan ages 7 and up this Christmas with the 2023 LEGO Marvel Avengers Advent Calendar. The fun starts on December 1 and will continue long after the last window has been opened. Behind each of the 24 doors is a daily collectible surprise for kids to discover throughout the Christmas buildup. There are 7 Super Hero minifigures – Okoye, Doctor Strange, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wong, Iron Man and Black Widow – plus mini builds and accessories that kids will recognize from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including a mini Quinjet and the Hydra Train.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with this Hanukkah ear headband featuring light-up menorahs! With its traditional blue coloring, it includes padded ears with embroidered flowers and screen art dreidels. The menorahs on each ear feature nine LED lights, which add a sparkle to the blue sequin bow.
Now you’ll have your very own Star with this cute plush based on the character in Disney’s movie Wish. Star glows, transforming its normal yellow exterior to a warm fiery orange. Give Star a hug and see if it grants your wishes!
Join us as we celebrate Disney 100 Years of Wonder with this beautiful Disney100 Celebration Ready-To-Play train set. This fun battery-operated set features window silhouettes of the beloved Sensational Six and is sure to bring hours of fun and imagination to your home.
Marvel Spidey and his Amazing Friends Web-Spinners Playset
Team Spidey’s Web-Quarters is bigger and better! Marvel Spidey and his Amazing Friends Web-Spinners Playset caters to big imaginations by creating immersive, unique, and new experiences every time kids play! The playset stands 27 inches tall and features an updated design inspired by Season 3 of “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.” Little Marvel fans can pretend to interact with their favorite wall-crawling Super Hero while feeling like they stepped into Spidey’s world. Kids will have hours of heroic fun with multiple play zones with action features and 360-degree play.
Disney Munchlings Plush – Season’s Sweetings 12-Day Advent Calendar
On the first day of Christmas you’ll truly love to open up the number ‘’1’’ window and see which deliciously cute Disney Munchlings plush awaits you. There’s a different plush every day for all 12 days of Christmas with this Disney Munchlings advent calendar featuring a dozen micro plush from the Season’s Sweetings collection. It comes in a tasteful holiday house-shaped box with sprinkles that opens to reveal 12 windows plus a ‘’Nice List’’ and a ‘’Naughty List.’’
Provide meal times with a taste of the holidays with this festive tray that will deliver tiers of joy. The Christmas tree design, featuring ceramic tiers set around a central goldtone metal post with star, includes colorful artwork of popular Disney characters and holiday decorations!
Welcome to the town of Springfield, where a noble spirit embiggens the smallest dog. BarkBox has collaborated with the town’s most cromulent citizens, The Simpsons!
This Shop Disney Gift Guide is your ticket to a holiday season filled with magic, laughter, and the joy that only Disney can bring. From classic characters to the newest additions, there’s a perfect Disney gift for everyone on your list. Unwrap the magic, share the joy, and make this holiday season truly unforgettable with these enchanting Disney treasures!
7 Things to Do at Universal Studios Hollywood at Grinchmas Time
¿Quién está listo para celebrar la temporada navideña en Universal Studios Hollywood? (Whos ready to celebrate the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood)
I recently took the family on a Grinchmnas adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood. It was our first time visiting during the holidays, and we absolutely loved it! There is just so much to do and enjoy during this time of the year that I know you will love.
Here is of your things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood during the holidays !
Disclosure: Thank you Universal Studios Hollywood for hosting Queen Bee Latina. All opinions are my own.
Now through January 1st, enjoy the holiday season at Universal. You can get a day pass or they also have several annual passes to choose from. Check them out here.
Photo credit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Photo Credit ot Universal Studios Hollywoode
The park it all decked out with holiday decorations this time of the year. The night lights up and the season vibe is like no other.
1. Meet n greets with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos
During the holiday season, Nov. 25 – Jan 1, get together with the Grinch at a Who-tacular celebration to enjoy the music and fun of Grinchmas. Meet the maven of mischief himself, his dog Max, and favorite Who-ville residents. You’ll also witness the spectacular lighting of a one-of-a-kind Dr. Seuss inspired tree to join in a celebration of music, song and light. Plus much more. Put a little snark in your holiday spirit with the Grinch!
Photo credit to Universal Studios Hollywood
How cute is this dog?
Photo credit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
2. Nightly tree lighting ceremonies at “Grinchmas” accompanied by a snowfall flurry Topsy-turvey “Grinchmas” tree, twisting and turning over 65 feet in height
This is such a wonderful sight to see!
Photo credit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
3. Visit the Who-ville Post Office
Kids can send their own personal letters to the Grinch! Universal donates to School on Wheels for every postcard sent! Isn’t that amazing?!
We met this lovely citizen from Whoville. She was spreading holiday cheer to guests.
Photo credit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
4. Story Time with Cindy-Lou-Who
This adorable story time is great for the entire family! Cindy shares the classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
5. A cappella Frog Choir where Hogwarts students entertain guests with their harmonized holiday themed songs
This sensational group is so entertaining. We loved watching this unique performance!
Dining at Universal Studios Hollywood can be an amazing experience! There are so many eateries to choose from.
If you have a family to feed. I highly suggest this amazing platter!
The Great Feast – $69.99 ( this feeds approximately 4)
Feast on a bountiful combination of herb roast chicken & spare ribs, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables and roast potatoes. Platter for Four $69.99, Add a starter salad with signature vinaigrette (per person) 4.49
6. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” dazzling light show.
This show really blew us away. The orchestrated lights, music, and fireworks are truly spectacular! The show runs every half hour in the evening. This is definitely a MUST at the park!
My son is a HUGE Harry Potter fan and this is his favorite show.
7. Holiday-themed fare including hot Butterbeer will be available at “Three Broomsticks”
Hot or warm my family absolutely LOVES the Butterbeer. This non-alcoholic drink is to be enjoyed either way!
Don’t forget to visit one of Universal’s newer attractions, The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash ride. This is one of my personal favorite rides. I love this bright, colorful and cheery ride!
There is so much do and enjoy at the park. There is truly something to enjoy for every age and for everyone in the family!
My familia had such an amazing time at the park! We love making memories and more importantly spending time as a family.
Happy holidays from the Camacho family to yours!xo
As we prepare for the holidays, many of us struggle to find the perfect gift for our loved ones. Well I’m here to tell to it doesn’t have to be that hard, because Disney has AMAZING gifts for your loved ones! Including: toys, home decor, jewelry, and even toys for your pets!
Here is a list that my children and I have compiled to help you on your on your shopping adventure. There are many products we you know will absolutely love. There is a little something for the entire family!
Thank you Disney Products for partnering on this post. All opinions are my own.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Stitch look so delicious reimagined as festive holiday treats from the Baked Treats series of Disney Munchlings. You won’t be able to resist giving these scented medium plush a cuddle this holiday season.
Dress up your ears for the holidays with this festive pair of earrings from BaubleBar featuring Chip and Dale. Donning red and green tam o’ shanters detailed with rhinestones, the nutty duo will bring a smile to your face!
by PopSockets PopSockets Get your phone in the spirit with this Mickey Mouse Holiday PopGrip by PopSockets with swirling snow effect. Providing a secure grip on your phone, it lets you text with one hand, snap better photos, and watch videos hands-free.
Available Now The National Geographic Light Up Crystal Growing Kit gives you everything you need to grow three amazing crystals and display them on a sleek, stylish light-up base. All will love this chemistry set, as they watch their fast-growing crystals form in as little as three days! The newly designed display has a seven different color options, three different brightness levels, and three different light display modes. It’s perfect as a nightlight or cool science-themed accessory in any room.
Marvel Studios Legacy Collection Titan Hero Series Available Now Hero. Legend. King. Commemorate the incredible impact of Marvel’s acclaimed Black Panther, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with figures and products from the Marvel Studios Legacy Collection. Kids can imagine joining a battle with this 12”-scale Marvel’s Black Panther Titan Hero Series action figure featuring entertainment-inspired design and multiple points of articulation, so you can pose it for any super powered adventures you imagine.
The lovable, funny young Mirabel is part of the Madrigal family at the heart of Disney’s Encanto. This detailed doll includes her movie-inspired outfit and accordion. Press the button to hear her sing The Family Madrigal, one of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs from the film.
Spark intergalactic holiday fun with Pop! Darth Vader as a snowman. Pop! Darth Vader shimmers in white snowflakes, with carrots and twigs as finishing touches for the limbs, helmet, and armor. Celebrate the seasons with a few stellar characters and expand your Star Wars set. Vinyl bobblehead is 4.60” tall.
Stuff the season with fun and surprises in Minnie’s holiday stocking. Embroidered details and furry trims will help make Santa’s annual visit a golden memory.
Your four-legged friend will sleep peacefully with the protection of Grogu in this pet bed. It’s designed after Baby Yoda’s hover pram and features the little Force wielder screen printed on the back watching over your furry pal as they lay on the fluffy pillow.
Our kitchen is the heart of our home, and this is where we share many precious memories. This year’s Thanksgiving will be a little different and quieter than others, but we will make it count! Drew and I made some #SUNNYD Whipped Sweet Potatoes and want to share this delicious recipe with you!
As a family, we love to cook together and try different recipes. Most people like to use red sweet potatoes, but we made this SUNNY Delight recipe with white ones. I have realized over the years that it’s ok to experiment and add my own spin on recipes.
Thank you Sunny Delight for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own,
