Calendar: December 2007 holiday events

CALIFORNIA

18th Annual Mendocino Coast Candlelight Inn Tour

The holidays bring a sampler tour of B&Bs and lodges in Mendocino County. Establishments in ocean-side towns pile on the old-fashioned decorations and offer light refreshments to visitors. The tour is self-guided; ticket buyers are mailed a map on which locations are marked. Participants can vote on their favorite gingerbread house; contenders will be displayed at various inns. Money raised goes to local charities.

When, where: 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 to 8 at various Mendocino County locations.

Cost: $25, $5 children 10 and younger, for all three nights.

Info: (707) 964-1228, e-mail [email protected].

‘The Dance-Along Nutcracker’

It’s the 20th performance of this offbeat holiday production by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Billed as “the wackiest ‘Nutcracker’ on Earth,” the audience-involved performance this year, subtitled “Ratified!” takes the point of view of the rats.

When, where: Dec. 8 and 9 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco.

Cost: $24, $16 children 12 and younger.

Info: (415) 255-1355, www.sflgfb.org.

Holiday Parade of Lights

The annual Ventura Harbor light show means twinkling boats as well as fireworks, plus a carnival for the kids with pony and train rides, a carousel and a visit from Santa. For those who would like to see the lights while afloat, Island Packers will offer its Parade of Lights harbor cruise, which includes hot cocoa.

When, where: Dec. 14 and 15 at Ventura Harbor, Harbor Boulevard and Schooner Drive.

Cost: Free admission; harbor cruise is $24, $17 for children 12 and younger.

Info: (800) 333-2989, www.venturaharborvillage.com; for the harbor cruise, (805) 642-1393, www.islandpackers.com.

NEW JERSEY

Dickens Christmas Extravaganza

The creator of Pip, Scrooge and Copperfield is celebrated during a three-day event in Cape May. Highlights include a self-guided tour of decorated inns, lectures, discussions and readings of Dickens’ work, living-history presentations and a multi-course feast with oyster stew, roasted duck and dried cherry bread pudding. The feasting is part of the final-night gala, when participants can come in Victorian garb or as a favorite Dickens character. Prizes are awarded for best costumes.

When, where: Dec. 2 to 4 at various locations in Cape May.

Cost: Package price $175 a person; some events can be purchased individually, with admission from $10 to $18 per adult.

Info: (800) 275-4278, www.capemaymac.org (search for Dickens).

MISSOURI

An Old-Time Christmas

Silver Dollar City, an 1880s theme park in Branson, calls it an Old-Time Christmas, but the offerings are decidedly high-tech. Among highlights: the five-story Christmas tree that plays music; its lights and those on 250 trees, on buildings and canopies blaze in time to the tunes. There’s also a light parade and a musical version of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with special effects.

When, where: Wednesdays to Sundays now through Dec. 2; Thursdays to Sundays from Dec. 7 to 23; and Dec. 26 to 30 at the park at 399 Indian Point Road.

Cost: $50.51; ages 4 to 11, $39.77.

Info: (800) 831-4386, www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com.

UTAH

Deer Valley Torchlight Parade

The Park City ski resort lights up Bald Eagle Mountain during the annual event. The parade of torch-bearing skiers down Big Stick ski run begins at about 6 p.m. The best spot to view the event is from the upper deck of Snow Park Lodge, where free hot cider and cookies will be served.

When, where: Dec. 30 at 2250 Deer Valley Drive S.

Cost: Free.

Info: (800) 424-3337, www.deervalley.com.

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