Friday, Dec. 1

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: Enjoy this production at the Camino Real Playhouse. The story follows an average man from a small town whose dreams of escape and adventure have been squashed by family obligations and civic duty. His guardian angel descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born. Tickets start at $27. Various times and dates through Dec. 14. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949-489-8082 or caminorealplayhouse.org

Saturday, Dec. 2

Holiday Heartbeat: Warm up with the holiday music series at The Source all throughout December. Highlights include a special holiday dance production by the Buena Park High School’s Dance Production, a chat performance with world-renown pianist Dr. Kookhee Hong, and performances by students of Professor Bongshin Ko, Assistant Director at Cal State Fullerton’s School of Music. Free. 6:30 p.m. 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. 714-521-8858 or thesourceoc.com

The Iron Maidens: Enjoy a live performance at the Tiki bar by The Iron Maidens, a female tribute band to Iron Maiden. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $13.50.17000 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa. 714-522-8256 or brownpapertickets.com

Sunday, Dec. 3

Santa photos: Santa Claus will be coming to the Irvine Spectrum beginning Nov. 24. He will be available to take photos and Christmas wishes with kids of all ages. Various times and dates through Dec. 24. Free. 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. 949-753-5180 or shopirvinespectrumcenter.com

Lighting Ceremony: Attend the Light of Love holiday parade in Huntington Beach. This annual tradition will feature a children’s parade, a band, several classic cars, a snowflake lighting ceremony, and an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The parade will start at Orange and Main Street, continue down Main Street, and will end at Pier Plaza, next to the Huntington Beach Pier. Free. 3-7 p.m. 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Shi Zhiying: The Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach presents Shanghai-based artist Shi Zhiying. In this exhibit, Shi demonstrates the influences that Buddhism and the natural world have on her approach to painting. Various times and dates through Dec. 31. $7.50-10. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach. 949-759-1122 or ocma.net

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Holiday movie night: Stop by Pacific City to enjoy a free screening of the movie, ‘Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.’ Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. The movie will show on Deck Two. Free. 6-9. 21010 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-930-2345 or gopacificcity.com

Thursday, Dec. 7

Aladdin and His Winter Wish: This classic fairytale based on Aladdin and friends will feature modern music, dancing, humor and lots of magic. Tickets start at $25. Available various times and dates Dec.7-31. Laguna Playhouse. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-497-2787 or lagunapayhouse.com

Comedy night and open mic: Join the John Johnson Show for some laughs at Black Bull Chophouse every Thursday night. Hosted by John Johnson with DJ Killmoney. Free. 7-9:30 p.m. 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., #112, Huntington Beach. 714-969-6700 or surfcityusa.com

Themed Thursdays at the Ice Rink: Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center ice rink every Thursday for a night of music, prizes and entertainment. Come dressed in the “Reindeer and Red Noses” theme and receive $5 off tickets. $16-20. 6-8:30 p.m. 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. 949-753-5180 or shopirvinespectrumcenter.com