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The Coolest Things to do in the Valley this Winter
By Jonathon Freeman-Anderson

Southern California may not see winter like the rest of the world where it actually reaches below seventy degrees and occasionally there’s this frozen water stuff called snow falling overhead, but it does not mean the Holidays here are not cool. Throughout the holiday season, So Cal has a myriad of fun events and activities to check out and participate in, that are as cool, if not cooler, than any other lame, holiday excursion that requires too much effort for too little pay out. Imagine having to find the fun on the snowy mountains after being dared to ride Grandpa’s one-hundred-year-old, purely decorative toboggan down a double-black diamond ski slope, just to prove your self-worth to a skeptical loved one who is waiting comfortably in the ski lodge drinking hot cocoa and singing Christmas carols with a bunch of scary, burly mountain people. No one needs to get frostbite, trapped in an avalanche, or snow in the fine people of Southern California and unless you are locked in a deep freezer, that is not possible here.

Throughout the San Fernando and Conejo valleys, and the Los Angeles areas, there are so many fun things to do and see. For instance the intense electric-bill-busting light displays on these extreme holiday houses decorated as if they plan to lure Santa in, hold him for ransom, and hope he gets Stockholm syndrome so he will only make toys and fly his reindeer for the fascinating characters of the So Cal area. Try an enchanted carriage horse ride, an intense, dark-defying, Menorah lighting ceremony, or go around the city finding phenomenal Manger displays. Throughout the city, for the less-privileged still seeking holiday cheer, there are soup kitchens and shelters that people can go to and help others find some that holiday hope. If one is unsure this year about what to do for the holidays or how to get the family engaged in something other than the exciting world of fruitcakes, Valley Scene magazine wants to help make your holiday plans stay local, fun, and unique.

This December, throughout the Southern California area, multiple fun theatre, and live performance entertainment events are occurring ranging from family-oriented musicals, comedy, and drama, as well as, more mature, tongue-in-cheek, holiday parodies and secular theatre. Feel free to go online and look into the details of any of the following events for an unforgettable entertainment excursion.

“He is a mean one, that Mr. Grinch, not to mention a vile one. What's more, his brain is full of spiders; he has garlic in his soul and termites in his smile.” In other words, he is an actor's dream role. Unfortunately, Christopher Lloyd had to back out of his commitment to play the green meanie in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical, but the good news is that Stefan Karl, who won raves as the Grinch back East, is stepping into the part. John Larroquette plays “Old Max.” Seven new songs have been added, and the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who duet on a power ballad. In addition, the show is 90 minutes with no intermission.

In North Hollywood, at the Sherry Theatre, running Thursday through Sunday, December 3-12, is “Holiday Hangover: An Anthology for the Seasonally Affected.” Theatre Unleashed's collection of original works all happen the day after Christmas. This year, commiserate with Theatre Unleashed who brings sordid stories from the day after Christmas. Drown those yuletide blues in eggnog spiked with a bit of dark comedy because sometimes there are holiday memories people would rather forget. “Holiday Hangover an Anthology for the Seasonally Affected” is written by Sylvia Anderson, Phillip Kelly, Andrew Moore and Pamela Moore, Directed by Andrew Moore, and produced by Theatre Unleashed. General Admission is paying what you can. In addition, The Sherry is a Toys for Tots Collection Site. Please bring an unwrapped Toy to Donate! Help make the Holidays a little brighter for a child in need! For further information, please call: (818) 849-4039.

“A Christmas Carol,” based on Charles Dickens classic Christmas story, written by Richard Hellesen, music & lyrics by David de Berry, directed by Ernest A. Figueroa has its Southern California Premiere and opening, Saturday, November 28, 7:30 pm, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. The musical plays Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 7:30 pm, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm, through December 20, 2009. All of the elements of the original classic Dickens tale are here illuminated by mask, music, and puppetry. This production is the ultimate 3-D experience with ghosts, carolers, and old Ebenezer Scrooge coming to life right before your very eyes. Let your imagination go wild with The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.

California Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker Ballet. School Shows: Friday, Dec 11 at 9:30 am & 11:30 am. General admission: $5 Public Shows: Saturday, Dec 5th at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Sunday, Dec 6th at 1:00 pm & 5:30 pm Saturday, Dec 12th at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Sunday, Dec 13th at 1:00 pm & 5:30 pm General Admission: $18 and $22 Seniors & Students: $12 and $16

The Brian Setzer Orchestra will be performing December 18 and 19 at the Gibson Universal Amphitheatre. Known to put on a quality performance, Setzer’s December shows frequently have swinging Christmas covers and holiday cheer throughout the experience.

On December 10 and 11, catch Jason Brain’s original comedy, “Amerikana,” at Cal State Northridge in the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall off Zelzah ave., between Nordhoff and Lassen, in Northridge. Jason Brain’s “Amerikana” is a series of seven satiric one-acts providing a humorous perspective of American culture today. Produced and co-directed with CSUN alum, Jason Brain, by Jonathon Freeman-Anderson, “Amerikana” brings together talent from across the Cal State Northridge campus and the local San Fernando Valley community to provide an extravaganza of humor, art, poetry, and music. Each individual one-act makes a commentary on pre-conceived notions of appropriateness within American society. This free event begins at 8PM, CSUN’s Theatre Guild and University Student Union are sponsoring “Amerikana,” and though the event is free, it is assigned seating. Tickets are available on campus in the USU at the AS ticket office next to the performance hall. Get your tickets early as the seats for this two-day event are expected to go quickly.

A show that will appeal to individuals seeking an escape from the bombardment of holiday cheer that permeates the nation’s landscape like a So Cal wildfire ablaze with no limit in sight is “Chatsworth.” At the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks, extended through December 16 due to popular demand, is the mature, original play “Chatsworth.” This show is not recommended for children. Playwright Matt Robertson’s play follows a group of friends living in the valley and trying to make it in Hollywood. “Chatsworth” mirrors the all-too-familiar Los Angeles storybook fantasy of glitz and glamour turned into bitter, jaded, survival of a dream differed. Watch and discover that the price for Hollywood success may just be someone’s soul. Following the lives of writers, actors, singers, and comedians all hoping to get their break, “Chatsworth” explores the inner workings of the Valley’s familiar reality while striving to bridge the hump over the Hollywood Hills and escape. As many already know, true success in the Southern California world may take more than talent to make one’s dreams come true. What are the incentives of that glamorous Hollywood life really worth? Produced by Keith Stoller, and directed by LA Drama Critics Circle and LA Weekly Theatre Award winning director Roger Mathey, the show stars Alyssa Bonanno, Ry Higdon, James Kopp, Dana Wing Lau, Roger Mathey, Dustin Quick, Emily Schaub, Lorenzo Salazar, and David Rock. Tickets are $20.

Besides theatre and live entertainment, the So Cal area provides plenty of outdoor fun within the winter spirit sans frosty flakes of frozen ice. Like snowflakes, no two events are exactly alike and all the events are worth exploring.

Woodland Hills Ice is currently open and aspires to become an annual event. Located in the heart of the West San Fernando Valley at Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills, Ice features over 6000 square feet of real ice. An outdoor ice rink offers daily recreational ice-skating along with special events, skating exhibitions and shows, birthday parties, holiday activities, skating lessons and more throughout the duration of the holiday season and through the winter. Woodland Hills Ice will be open through February 21, 2010, including holidays. Single skate session prices includes skate rental and is located in the Westfield Promenade at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard. For more info call, 818.594.8740, or email topanga@westfield.com.

In Burbank, Dec. 1, at 6PM, catch the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony outside City Hall at 275 East Olive Avenue, Burbank. Visit with Santa on the AMC Walkway for some great photo ops, enjoy children’s characters, and face painting, holiday activities, gifts and more. Then Radio Disney presents Cymphonique to perform.

For an incredible holiday experience, try the Holly Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
Thu, Dec 3, 5:45 pm and 7:15 pm in Downtown Burbank, Corner of San Fernando Blvd and Palm, Burbank. See the best of Burbank’s holiday decorations from an open-top, double-decker bus and enjoy hot chocolate and caroling. Cost is $5 and two canned goods for the Downtown Burbank Salvation Army. Purchase tickets at the City of Burbank Community Services Building, 150 N. Third.

At the Porter Ranch Town Center, Tuesday, December 15, watch an ice sculpture carve a large 6’ menorah out of a 500-lb. block of ice at “Chanukah in Winterland.” Located at the Northwest corner of Corbin and Rinaldi, this event includes many fun family-oriented activities. Sponsored by Chabad of Chatsworth, Northridge, and Porter Ranch, The menorah carving starts at 6PM and lights at 7PM. Other features include music, hot latkes, Chanukah gelt, doughnuts and hot chocolate, fake snow, a grand raffle draw, special children’s performances, crafts for the kids, and dinner will be available for a nominal fee. Otherwise, this event is free of charge. For more information, visit chanukahatporterranch.com.

In Thousand Oaks, The Lakes ice rink is open for the holiday season through January 18, 2010. For more information call 805.494.0514 or go to www.thousandoaksicerink.com. The skate sessions are 1-hour in length starting every 90 minutes. Admissions - $9.00 per person. $3.00 Figure Skates/$4 Hockey Skates. Sponsored by Mastro’s Restaurants, The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, Willy Bietak Productions.

The Pierce Farm Center has completely transformed its annual Halloween Harvest Festival into Santa’s Magical Wonderland, featuring Rob & Cathy’s Trees in a fun, festive environment filled with the freshest Christmas trees, family-friendly rides, a night winter wagon adventure on the Farm, and Santa on stage in his own chalet to ring in the holiday spirit. Each year the farm decorates the center to capture the essence of the Christmas/holiday experience, and wow the families who enter the farm to search for that perfect tree. This year, the Farm is offering the lowest prices for trees that they have ever had, saving customers between 20-40% off previous year’s prices. Come down for the professional family portrait with Santa. Offering the largest selection of trees, sustained in water containers, in Los Angeles, The Pierce Farm Center is located at 20800 Victory Blvd., at the corner of Victory and Desoto in Pierce College in Woodland Hills, the Farm is open from 10am-10pm through December 24. All proceeds benefit the Foundation for Pierce College and sustain the Pierce College Farm Center. For more info call, (818) 999-6300, or go to piercefarmcenter.com.

On Saturday, December 12, in Oxnard, witness the festive Channel Islands Harbor Christmas Boat Parade, named the “Parade of Lights.” Located at 3900 Pelican Way, in Oxnard, the parade starts at 7 pm culminating a full day of family festivities. The all-day seasonal event, from 10 am to 5 pm, features fun family activities to celebrate the holiday season. Call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitor's Center at (805) 985-4852 for further info, or go to channelislandsharbor.org

Griffith Park-DWP Holiday Lighting Display is a popular, annual, fun, and free Southern California Christmas event. Kicking off this traditional Los Angeles celebration is the “Bicycles only” evening, December 4, 2009. All other special evenings will be for pedestrian traffic only, December 4 through December 17. Then on December 18, 2009, the beautiful lighting displays on Crystal Springs Dr. in Griffith Park become open for cars to drive through for the rest of the holiday season. The free event runs from 5pm to 10pm.

The last day of the Griffith Park Christmas lighting display is December 30.

On Sunday, November 29, at 6PM, check out the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

Starting at Hollywood Blvd & Orange, (west to Vine, south on Vine to Sunset Blvd, east back to Orange), the Parade includes marching bands, floats, vintage cars, celebrities, and Santa. This Hollywood, California tradition celebrates its 78th Anniversary for Christmas 2009. Once known as "Santa Claus Lane Parade," Gene Autry wrote the famous holiday tune that goes, "Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane" after attending the Hollywood Christmas Parade. The parade also got a new sponsor, the City of Los Angeles. Festive, fun, and free, the parade is top-notch holiday entertainment at just the right price. Traditionally, the parade has started near the Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, then heads east. At the famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine, the parade route has turned south and headed towards Sunset Boulevard. At Sunset Boulevard, the parade usually heads back west.

It is assumed that the parade will follow its usual route for Christmas 2009 that it had in past years. Meanwhile, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce posts a map of the parade route on its website. Susan Lucci is this year's Grand Marshal. For more info, go to thehollywoodchristmasparade.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood's Christmas celebration begins on December 19. Once Grinchmas begins on Dec. 19, it will run daily until the end of the month and will be open on all the major holidays, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Attractions include a Special Grinch mini-musical on the real movie set of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" Guests taking the Back Lot Tram tour receive a special stop made at the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" movie set. Guests enjoy a short live program in which the Who's of Whoville sing, dance and mug for the crowd. Meet and Greets with the Grinch and "real" Who's in a separate area where families could actually meet and take pictures with some of the Who's and the Grinch, himself. Live entertainment includes a band called "The Who's," a street show starring a singing Mrs. Claus and several Miss Claus "Santa Dolls." Universal Studios Hollywood is decked out in its finery, including huge toy soldiers, wreaths, poinsettias, and "snow" on the buildings. The Curious George playground is turned into the very heart of the Grinchmas snowfield where Snowmen are built and snowballs made guests eager to enjoy a "white Christmas," something Los Angeles never has inside the heart of the city. Snow is trucked in from the mountaintops at intervals, with more snow blown in to refresh the melt-off. All of Universal Studio's regular rides shows and attractions remain available during the Grinchmas activities. For more information, go to universalstudioshollywood.com.

At the Los Angeles Zoo, running through January 3, features a Reindeer Romp where reindeer will be paying the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens a visit.

A flurry of festivities and holiday entertainment will accompany this popular annual event. Make personal reindeer antlers and join the herd. Pay a visit to Santa and friends (weekends only) for a photo opportunity (nominal fee). Also at the zoo is a fun children’s camp called, Winter ZooCamp. Children will have the time of their lives over the Zoo’s hundreds of amazing animals. ZooCamp is for children independent of their parents and provides a safe and fun social setting where youngsters can focus on making both human and animal friends. ZooCampers will have the opportunity for a close-up experience with one or more program animals. Camp instructors may choose to view animal feedings or other fun Zoo activities that support the theme of their classes. Each camp features crafts, games, activities, and tours that focus on exploring concepts about and inspiring caring for animals and the natural world. Running from December 28, 2009 - January 1, 2010 (9am - 3pm), the camp caters to three age ranges, Critter Club (4-5 years old), Wild Bunch (6-7 years old), and Zoo Troop (8-9 years old).

For a romantic holiday excursion, try Enchanted Carriages. A local horse drawn carriage company that specializes in events and celebrations of all types, including Weddings, Quinceaneras, Holiday Events, Parties, Anniversaries, etc, Enchanted Carriages serves all of Southern California. Our Traditional Carriages are our pristine White Vis-à-vis, Limousine, Victoria and the Black and Burgundy Vis-à-vis all built in the design of the carriages used by the Royalty of Europe. The Cinderella Coach is a true fairytale come to life. For the more casual event, try a sporty Wagonette or Hay Wagon. An experienced coachman and attendant, both dressed in formal top hat and tuxedo, formal western attire and tailored to the event design, handle the carriages. Offering either Champagne or Sparkling Cider with champagne flutes in a basket for most events, Enchanted Carriages also offers holiday-themed rides. Christmas Holidays are a perfect time for carriage rides. Embellishing all the carriages with pine and holly garlands, Christmas bows and flowers and a sprinkle of lights entwined in the decorations for night rides, Enchanted Carriages have Christmas music playing as a complement to the clip clop of the horses' hooves and the jingle of sleigh bells. If the weather gets nippy or misty, they put the hoods up for a warm and cozy ride, as well as, plush lap blankets to stay comfy.

Valley Scene Magazine wishes everyone in the Southern California a happy, healthy holiday season! Don’t drink spiked eggnog and drive. Be Safe or Santa will put you on the wrong side of the naughty or nice list. Have fun in the winter sun and live up the rest of the year while 2009 lasts. God bless and peace to all this year.

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