Holiday Events in Your Area
Santa Comes to Northgate Toy Giveaway
Gonzalez Northgate Market
2180 East Lincoln Ave
Anaheim
Thursday, Dec. 14
1 â 4 p.m.
Toys available while supplies last. Bring your camera and get your picture with Santa. For more information: http://www.anaheimtownsquare.com/
Fullerton Union High Schoolâs Sounds of the Season Winter Choral Concert
Plummer Auditorium
201 E Chapman Ave
Fullerton
Friday, Dec. 15
7 â 9 p.m.
Academy of the Arts Choral Music Program, with performances by Menâs Chorus, Womenâs Chorus, Womenâs Ensemble, Vocal Ensembles, soloists and small groups, and special performances by local junior high school choirs. Contact: www.fuhsmusic.com, (714) 932-6260
Muzeo Museumâs Polar Express Pajama Party
Muzeo Main Gallery
241 S Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim
Friday, Dec. 15
4:30 â 7 p.m.
Put your PJs on and bring a blanket for Muzeo Museumâs Polar Express Pajama Party! Donât miss this magical Christmas journey! Includes admission to Muzeo Express: Holiday Model Trains, a meet and greet with the conductor, a viewing of The Polar Express, Christmas craft making, and enjoy hot chocolate and treats!
Guests can bring blankets to sit on the floor, or use chairs provided. Recommended for ages 5-12. Admission for children $15, adults $10 (Members FREE with a Childrenâs Ticket). For more information: http://muzeo.org/tickets/.
Fullerton Arboretum Holiday Luminaria Stroll
Fullerton Arboretum
1900 Associated Road
Fullerton
Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16
5 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy a family-friendly evening in the garden with a stroll through the luminaria-lined pathways. Event includes live music, a peek into Heritage House, a childrenâs craft and evening admission to the garden. The Arboretum will also host a small winter market with a several vendors selling handmade items. Beverages will be available for purchase.
All proceeds from this fundraising event support environmental education, plant conservation, and the diverse gardens of the Fullerton Arboretum.
Children under 12 are free. Members $10. Non-Members $15
Holiday Heartbeat, a Holiday Music Series
The Source
6940 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park
Saturday, Dec. 16
6 - 8 p.m.
Warm up with the Holiday Heartbeat music series at The Source all throughout December!
Highlights include a special holiday dance production by Buena Park High Schoolâs 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 Fullertonâs School of Music. FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING. ALL AGES. For more information: http://thesourceoc.com/holiday-heartbeat/
Stanton Little Elves Workshop
Stanton Central Park
10660 Western Ave.
Stanton
Saturday, Dec. 16
Noon â 4 p.m.
While parents finish any last minute Christmas shopping, participants will take part in holiday activities such as games, crafts, and making holiday treats. For children ages 5-12. There is a $10 pre-registration fee to participate in the workshop. For additional information, please contact our Community Services Department at (714) 890-4270.
Anaheim Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
City National Grove of Anaheim
2200 East Katella Ave
Anaheim
Saturday, Dec. 16
2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Experience a spectacle of towering Christmas trees, waltzing flowers, battling toy soldiers and menacing mice. Anaheim Ballet's full-length Nutcracker with the Symphony Irvine is the production you and your family must see. The enduring theme remains unchanged: good overcomes evil. But Anaheim Ballet's staging of the family classic is constantly updated, which keeps the production fresh. Tickets start at $25. Visit the City National Grove of Anaheim website for more information, or call (714) 712 â 2700.
Muckenthaler Holiday Festival
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W Malvern Ave.
Fullerton
Sunday, Dec. 17
Noon - 4 p.m.
Free Admission â Family Friendly. The Muckenthalerâs annual Holiday Festival features various activities, including live stage performances and arts and crafts. This family-friendly event also provides free art workshops for kids, a childrenâs play area, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. http://themuck.org. 714-738-6595.
26th Annual First Night Fullerton
Fullerton Downtown Plaza
125 E Wilshire Ave
Fullerton
Sunday, Dec. 31
7p.m. â Midnight
This popular family-oriented, alcohol-free event will take place in Downtown Fullerton on Harbor Blvd., Pomona Ave., and Wilshire Ave. The event is free to the public and has an estimated attendance of over 15,000 guests every year. This yearâs festival will feature musical stage performances by a variety bands, roaming entertainment, games, food vendors, activities and more. The festival ends at midnight as the sky lights up with an incredible display of fireworks to ring in the New Year. For more information, call (714) 738-6545 or visit the City of Fullertonâs website.
Volunteer Opportunities
Dinner for the Needy and Food Pantry
First Lutheran Church
215 N Lemon St
Fullerton
A hot dinner is served every Tuesday night beginning at 6pm. The doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The Caring Hands Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to Noon.
For more information, contact the church office at (714) 871-7820
Free Dinner for the Needy
First Christian Church
109 E Wilshire Ave
Fullerton
Every Wednesday Evening
Approximately 100 homeless people from the Fullerton area come to our church to receive a hot meal, career counseling and clothing. Volunteers come from several nearby congregations to prepare and distribute the meals. CareerWise counselors are on site from Pathways of Hope to give free job interview and resume advice. For more information call (714) 525-5525, or email Fullerton1stcc@gmail.com .
I wanted to take a moment to wish you a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends.
The holidays are a wonderful time to show your gratitude by donating to those in need. But if you are not careful, scammers may take advantage of your generosity
Make the most of your charitable giving and avoid scams by researching before you donate. Here is a list of tips to donate wisely:
- Research the charity to make sure it is legitimate and trustworthy. Wise Giving Alliance, Council of Better Business Bureaus' Foundation, and American Institute of Philanthropy provide information on a number of charities.
- Do not give your credit card number to a telephone solicitor or in response to any unsolicited phone call you receive.
- Avoid on the spot donation requests from unfamiliar organizations. Don't give in to pressure to make an immediate donation before researching the organization.
- If you receive an e-mail or text message asking for a donation to a charity, contact the charity directly and confirm that the request is legitimate.
- Make charitable contributions directly on a charityâs website when possible. If donating by check, use the full name of the charity rather than initials or an abbreviation.
For more detailed information and tips, check the Attorney General's Guide to Charitable Giving for Donors at: http://oag.ca.gov/charities/publications