Just in time for holiday gift-giving, the Festival of Arts is pleased to announce that tickets for the highly anticipated 2026 Pageant of the Masters are officially now on sale. Running July 9 through September 4, 2026, “The Greatest of All Time,” will celebrate the artists, innovators, and masterpieces that have shaped the history of art. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PageantTickets.com or by phone at (800) 487-3378.

Masterpieces won’t just hang on walls or stand on pedestals—they’ll come alive in breathtaking tableaux vivants, blending art, music, and theatrical illusion. Audiences can expect a high-energy experience that honors the genius of the world’s great artists and the enduring power of their work to move and inspire. Next summer’s Pageant will take audiences on a global journey through timeless works and legendary creators, inviting them to decide who truly deserves the title “G.O.A.T.” in a show filled with surprises, spectacle, and magic.

The 2026 Pageant will feature legendary works by Michelangelo, Diego Velázquez, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Norman Rockwell. “My personal favorites are John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer,” shared Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy, “but works from around the world will also be given their due.”

Presented under the stars in the Pageant’s 2,600-seat Irvine Bowl amphitheater, real people will step into the spotlight, perfectly posing as their counterparts in larger-than-life works of art. Each living picture will unfold with the Pageant’s signature fusion of stage magic, original music performed by a live orchestra, and captivating narration.

The 2026 Pageant of the Masters production “The Greatest of All Time” will run nightly from July 9 through September 4, 2026. Advance tickets are on sale today. For updates, follow the Festival on social media @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

December Programming Includes NEW Teddy Bear Christmas Tea, Christmas Nights at the Casa, Family Sunday: Christmas Open House, and More.

The holiday season is almost here, and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is ready to have everyone rockin’ around the Casa this December with a festive lineup of seasonal events and community favorites. From the debut of a brand-new Teddy Bear Christmas Tea to the return of The Nutcracker and Christmas Nights at the Casa, the seaside cultural center is the perfect place to make merry memories this holiday season.

“The holidays are such a special time at Casa Romantica,” said Kylie Travis, Co-Executive Director. “We love seeing families, friends, and the community come together to celebrate through art, music, and tradition. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-standing holiday tradition, there’s truly something magical for everyone to enjoy.”

Among this year’s highlights is the Teddy Bear Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m., a heartwarming new event designed for children and their favorite grown-ups. Guests will enjoy dainty tea sandwiches, sweet seasonal treats, and festive beverages served on elegant tiered trays surrounded by whimsical teddy bear centerpieces. The afternoon features live holiday music by Lark Knowles and a visit from Mrs. Claus herself, who will delight guests with a reading of The Night Before Christmas. 

Families can experience the magic of The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy & Movement on December 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., tailored specifically to the intimate setting of Casa Romantica’s newly reopened Main Salon. On Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Family Sunday: Christmas Open House offers free admission for families to explore Casa Romantica’s decorated spaces, write letters to Santa, and enjoy a morning of holiday fun along the coast.

The festivities continue with Casa Romantica’s signature celebration, Christmas Nights at the Casa, taking place December 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can stroll through the illuminated gardens, sip hot cocoa or coffee from High Tide Coffee, and make s’mores under the stars. Each evening will feature live performances, including the South County Community Handbell Choir (Dec. 12), young artists from Community Outreach Alliance (Dec. 13 & 19), and the OC Sound Chorus (Dec. 20). The Casa Romantica Gift Shop will also showcase one-of-a-kind gifts and Casa-exclusive candles, adding a perfect touch of local artistry to the holiday season.

The month concludes with the Coffee Concert with High Tide Coffee on Friday, December 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring live music by Corey Angeli. It’s a cozy morning of ocean views, warm beverages, and seasonal melodies offering a peaceful way to close out the year on a high note.

From tea parties and ballet to s’mores and song, Casa Romantica’s December lineup offers something for everyone. From concerts and cultural celebrations to garden workshops and fall festivities, Casa Romantica’s holiday programming offers a rich blend of creativity, community, and coastal charm. For a complete list of events or to purchase tickets, visit CasaRomantica.org and follow @CasaRomanticaSC on social media.

Credit:  Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Celebrate the holiday season with experiences for every generation. From December 1–12, families can enjoy in-room Hanukkah Celebration kits, while nightly menorah lightings take place in the lobby from December 14–22. Mornings of hot cocoa and ornament painting are available daily at the Artist Cottage through December 25, while gingerbread house kits can be purchased for in-room enjoyment at Discover Ojai. Santa makes special appearances with Breakfast With Santa from December 19–21, and cookie decorating with storytelling runs December 19–20. On Christmas Eve, guests can join the Jingle Bell Jaunt morning walk or enjoy storytelling with Santa’s elves at the Artist Cottage. Travelers can also delight in letters to Santa, personalized in-room holiday trees and stockings, and surprise in-room elf cookie deliveries throughout the season.

The magic continues at the table with festive culinary experiences, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve dinners at The Oak or Olivella, reservations for The Oak and Olivella can be made here, as well as The Farmhouse’s Christmas Grand Buffet. The celebration continues with the New Year’s Eve Gala at The Farmhouse with flowing champagne, lively music, and dancing into the night, while little ones toast with sparkling cider and enjoy an array of festive treats at the Mini-Gala.

For travelers seeking a private holiday escape, Casa Elar offers Tuscan-inspired luxury across 10,000+ square feet, ideal for intimate gatherings or full-property buyouts.

Credit: Ojai Valley Inn.

Rosie, a four-year-old Magellanic penguin, is making her debut at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The public can now see Rosie swim and interact with her fellow penguins in the June Keyes Penguin Habitat.

Each penguin in the Aquarium’s habitat has a distinct personality, and Rosie is quiet, curious, and playful. She is being fed restaurant-quality food by the Aquarium’s animal care staff, including capelin, squid, and her favorite so far: herring. “We are so excited to have Rosie join our Magellanic penguin colony. She seems like she will be a bright addition to the group with her curious and social nature. We are looking forward to getting to know her as she settles in and begins to explore our habitat,” said Ashley Loper, Aquarium of the Pacific aviculturist II. Rosie came from an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility. The Aquarium of the Pacific participates in the AZA Species Survival Program (SSP) for Magellanic penguins.

Magellanic penguins are a medium-sized, temperate species native to the coasts of Argentina and Chile in South America. The public is also welcome to view Rosie and the rest of the penguins on the Aquarium’s live webcam. She can be spotted in her hot pink, orange, and yellow band around her flipper. The Penguin Cam is brought to us courtesy of explore.org, the philanthropic media organization and division of the Annenberg Foundation.

AQUARIUM: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place dedicated to connecting people to and conserving nature. The Aquarium’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Our Living Coastline, the Southern California Gallery, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for twelve months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

The most wonderful time of the year gets even brighter with the triumphant return of Magic of Lights presented by PNC Bank.  Produced by Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC, Magic of Lights will make its highly anticipated return to Empire Polo Club for the fourth consecutive year. Shining under the stars of the Coachella Valley, The Empire Polo Club will once again be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland featuring a spectacular drive-through light display and enchanting Holiday Village Powered by IID (Imperial Irrigation District). This beloved holiday tradition opens November 18 and runs through December 31.

Special “start of the season” pricing for a special sneak peek of the magic for a limited time of $24.99 to valid November 10-14, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to see the lights before the season officially opens!  Regular season price (November 15-December 31) is $35.99. Continue the magic throughout the holiday season with a season pass for only $79.99 (restrictions apply).

Throughout the engagement, guests can enjoy $5 off weekday discounts at the box office with valid ID. Discount nights include Military Mondays and First Responders & Healthcare Workers Wednesdays, presented by KESQ News Channel Three. Tuesdays are Double Drive-Thru Nights. Additional promotional nights will be announced at MagicOfLights.com/CoachellaValley.

Magic of Lights 2025 will debut the brand-new 750-foot Palm Tree Tunnel, making it one of the longest in California, plus more of your holiday favorites, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights to create a memorable holiday experience for the entire family.

“Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Coachella Valley,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live. “We’re proud to return to the Empire Polo Club and continue spreading the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make this season so special in our community.”

“We’re thrilled to once again host the Coachella Valley’s beloved holiday tradition, Magic of Lights,” said Mark Girton, VP/GM of Empire Polo Club/Empire Grand Oasis. “This year, guests can look forward an array of dazzling new displays and festive activities in the Holiday Village Powered by IID, creating memorable experiences for the entire family. Each holiday season, Magic of Lights brings joy and wonder to the community, and we’re proud to be part of a tradition that has truly become a must-see (and do!)  on everyone’s holiday list.”

Guests can experience the wonder of Magic of Lights’ most treasured holiday scenes from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle, including the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas, enchanting Winter Wonderland, the classic 12 Days of Christmas, delightful Toyland, playful festive Elves, and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Journey through the awe-inspiring 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights alongside additional captivating illuminated tunnels that will transport you into a world of holiday splendor.

“PNC is thrilled to once again serve as presenting sponsor for one of the most magical events of the holiday season,” said Jarrod Ingle, PNC regional president for Orange County & Inland Empire. “This celebration is all about bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to share in the joy of community and festive traditions. We can’t wait to experience the incredible displays and memories that await us this year.”

Other dazzling displays include the 32-foot-tall, animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, a Prehistoric Christmas scene, with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the iconic BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. With over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights offers a nostalgic and festive experience that everyone will love.

Plus, don’t miss the expanded Holiday Village powered by IID, where families can step out of their vehicles and explore a wonderland of walk-through attractions and an array of delightful holiday activities creating cherished memories—all at no additional cost.

“IID is pleased to be a new sponsor of the Coachella Valley’s dazzling Magic of Lights holiday tradition, where we will proudly be powering up the special Holiday Village that follows the wonderful drive-through light display,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “Be sure to make your way to the Holiday Village Powered by IID to continue to the magic of this special time of year.”

QUICK FACTS – MAGIC OF LIGHTS

• 2+ million lights illuminate each Magic of Lights experience
• 12.6 miles of light cord power every Magic of Lights event
• 3,750 dedicated staff hours required to construct each magical display
• Steel frameworks are precision-designed, cut, bent and welded into approximately 800 individual frames, combined in various configurations to create massive holiday scenes. Every frame is engineered using cutting-edge CAD technology and handcrafted in-house following detailed 15-page design specifications.
• Each Magic of Lights installation utilizes roughly 10 miles of steel framework and 10 miles of LED lighting woven throughout the displays, incorporating 10 distinct colors of LED bulbs.
• Magnificent scenes, including the animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie, soar up to 32 feet tall and stretch several hundred feet in length.

Magic of Lights illuminates the night from 5:30pm-9:00pm Sunday – Thursday and 5:30pm-10:00pm Friday and Saturday beginning November 18 through December 31. Tickets for this extraordinary holiday celebration are available for purchase starting today, with convenient per-vehicle pricing.

For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit MagicOfLights.com/CoachellaValley

Segerstrom Center for the Arts proudly celebrates a dazzling milestone—the 10th anniversary of Southern California’s most cherished holiday tradition, American Ballet Theatre’s breathtaking production of The Nutcracker. Returning to the grand stage of Segerstrom Hall for 14 enchanting performances, December 11–21, 2025, this spectacular production continues to captivate audiences with its timeless magic, exquisite dancing, and lavish design. Co-presented by the Center and American Ballet Theatre, this landmark season features ABT’s international all-star cast under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by Pacific Symphony.

A decade after its debut, The Nutcracker remains the region’s most magnificent holiday celebration—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. American Ballet Theatre has produced several critically acclaimed productions of this family-friendly classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker over the years. The Nutcracker, with its timeless music by Tchaikovsky and splendid costumes and scenery, is the perfect way to introduce children to ballet and inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince themselves.

This production, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, scenery and costumes by Tony Award^® winner Richard Hudson (Disney’s The Lion King), and lighting by Tony Award^® winner Jennifer Tipton, received its World Premiere in 2010.   

Casting for The Nutcracker

ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe has released principal casting which will include Isabella Boylston as Clara, the Princess, and James Whiteside as The Nutcracker Prince on Opening Night, Thursday, December 11. 

A number of dancers are making their debuts in their roles –Michael de la Nuez, Léa Fleytoux, Joseph Markey, Jarod Curley and Jake Roxander.

Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m. Isabella Boylston, James Whiteside

Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m. Catherine Hurlin, Joseph Markey*

Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Chloe Misseldine, Jarod Curley*

Saturday, December 13 at 7 p.m. Hee Seo, Cory Stearns

Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m. SunMi Park, Calvin Royal III

Sunday, December 14 at 4:30 p.m. Christine Shevchenko, Michael de la Nuez*

Tuesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo

Wednesday, December 17 at 7 p.m. Christine Shevchenko, Michael de la Nuez

Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m. Léa Fleytoux*, Jake Roxander*

Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m. Hee Seo, Joo Won Ahn

Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo

Saturday, December 20 at 7 p.m.  SunMi Park, Daniel Camargo

Sunday, December 21 at 11:30 a.m.  Catherine Hurlin, Joseph Markey

Sunday, December 21 at 4:30 p.m. Léa Fleytoux, Jake Roxander

*Indicates the first time in the role

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts 

Segerstrom Hall 

Ticket start at $39

December 11– 21, 2025

Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m.

Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m.

Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 21 at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In-person and Phone- 

The Box Office 

600 Town Center Drive 

Costa Mesa, CA 92626 

(714) 556-2787 

Monday 10 am – 2 pm 

Tuesday through Friday Noon- 5 pm 

Closed Saturdays and Sundays 

Online – SCFTA.org 

Credit: Segerstrom Center for the Arts®

The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square returns to downtown Los Angeles this winter, open from Thursday, November 20, 2025 to Sunday, January 11, 2026.  Our annual Opening Celebration takes place on Thursday evening, November 20, in Pershing Square.

Open seasonally, The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square has brought winter fun to sunny Los Angeles for more than 25 years. At 7,200 square feet, it is the city’s largest outdoor rink, offering visitors professional-quality ice for skating and entertainment, welcoming more than 45,000 skaters and 221,000 spectators annually. The rink fosters community, while embracing winter fitness and fun. This year’s beneficiary is once again the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks. Sponsors include DTLA Alliance, Classical California KUSC, Metro and Metrolink.

“Whether you are a Los Angeles resident or simply visiting for the holiday season, the Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is an absolute must when it comes to embracing winter in Los Angeles,” says Willy Bietak, president of Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions.

Special programs for the 2025-26 holiday season

Opening Celebration
Thursday, November 20, 2025 I 5 – 7pm
We’re kicking off the season with an unforgettable celebration featuring on-ice performances and special treats from Sprinkles. After the performances, hit the ice for some skating fun with friends and family.

DJ Spotlight – Collection of LA’s hottest DJs
Select Thursdays, December 4 – January 8  I 7 pm to close
Get ready to groove at DJ Spotlight, the ultimate weekly event where LA’s hottest DJs take you on a genre-spanning musical journey! From soul and funk to disco and new wave, and all the way through modern pop and 90s throwbacks, we’ve got your favorite tracks covered.

Classical Sundays presented by Classical California KUSC
Sundays I Noon and 1:30pm sessions
Join us every Sunday for our Classical Sunday Skate Sessions! Glide gracefully on the rink as you immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of classical music, presented by Classical KUSC. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.

Learn To Curl – Hosted by the Hollywood Curling Club I $25
Select Saturdays in December
Looking for a fun and unique way to spend your Saturday? Join us for our one-hour Learn-To-Curl lessons hosted by the Hollywood Curling Club! Experience the thrill of sliding stones on the ice and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow curlers.

Located at 532 South Olive Street, this landmark destination is easily accessible by car, bus, Metro (Pershing Square stop) or Metrolink. General admission to the rink, including skate rental, is $22, locker rental is $5, and skate helpers are $6.  Tickets can be purchased in advance starting October 8 online at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.

Private parties are available on select Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm session. Private parties are not available Nov 24-28,2025 and Dec 22, 2025  – Jan 4, 2026 (The rate for a private party is $10,000. Sessions are not open to the public if sold to a private party.)  

Reach us on Social Media     

Official Hashtag:  #HolidayIceRinkDTLA Facebook: facebook.com/HolidayIceRinkDTLA Instagram: @HolidayIceRinkDTLA

TikTok:    @HolidayIceRinkDTLA

ReflectSpace is pleased to present a solo exhibition of first-generation Colombian-American artist Carolyn Castaño. Born, raised, and educated in California, Castaño’s work reflects her experience as the daughter of immigrants—iterative, interdisciplinary—moving drawings and paintings from the two-dimensional flatness of paper or canvas to digitally printed fabric, to videos that incorporate animated drawings, to furniture pieces, to nail decals featured within the larger context of a video.

In Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler, Castaño draws on her late father’s photographic archive—comprising 4,000 photographs, films, and videos—to consider the fragility and ephemerality of memory and identity. The pictures in the exhibition are juxtaposed next to drawings of the landscape (inspired by Alexander von Humboldt’s landscapes and botanical studies) to consider how the land figures in the trajectory and memory of the migrant/immigrant.

The exhibition will include archives, mixed media work as well as work from Castaño’s “Future Ruana” series that is named after the humble woolen poncho worn in the Andes and used as a multipurpose, utilitarian object. Castaño reimagines the ruana as a metaphorical object with speculative implications like a magic carpet.

Complementing Castaño’s work, the PassageWay will feature photographs by young women from the Las Fotos Project—an organization that elevates the voices of teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring. Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler is curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan.

Carolyn Castaño is a Los Angeles–based artist whose eco-feminist practice spans painting, installation, video, and artist books. Her work explores landscape, migration, and female and family identities through a blend of drawing, photography, and performance with patterns drawn from textiles, design, and geometric abstraction. Castaño is the recipient of the 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship in Fine Arts, the 2013 Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant, and fellowships from the California Community Foundation and the City of Los Angeles.

Recent solo exhibitions include Craft Contemporary and the Orange County Museum of Art. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions LACMA and the 56th Venice Biennale. Castaño is a Professor of Drawing and Painting at Long Beach City College and holds degrees from the San Francisco Art Institute and UCLA.
 

Exhibition Dates:

November 15, 2025 – February 1, 2026 

Opening Reception:

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Artist Talk:

Exhibiting artists will participate in an artist talk on Thursday, January 22, 2026, 6:30 PM; more information can be found at ReflectSpace.org.

Location:

ReflectSpace / Glendale Central Library

222 East Harvard Street

Glendale, CA 91205

Phone: (818) 548-2021

Credit: REFLECTSPACE