December 23, 2006  - Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights is a 45 to 50 minute boat cruise through the navigable channels and waterways of a residential community known as Huntington Harbour. Residents of this community comprised of five manmade islands (that's part of the City of Huntington Beach) deck their boats with boughs of holly and string colorful lights to reflect an annual event theme. In 2006, Cruise of Lights celebrates the season with "Music for All Ages." Annual attendees to an event that's existed nearly 50 years may recognize that most years the event has a musical theme to educate about the  tremendous effort by volunteers of the nonprofit Huntington Harbour Philharmonic to raise money for music programs in the schools. It's a delightful experience ideal for all ages. Note, ticket holders go to Huntington Harbour Mall, 16821 Algonquin, where they park for free and board a bus for a short 3 minute trip to the boat dock of Huntington Harbour Yacht Club where yachts depart for the cruise. Volunteers are on hand to direct you to your bus and boat.  Read more   Event Times: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. Ticket Cost: $14.50; $8.50 age 2 -12; Call: 714-840-7542. Fax your order anytime to: (714) 840-7573.  www.cruiseoflights.org

December 23, 2006   Huntington Harbour Holiday Lights Gondola Cruises. See the houses twinkling and all aglow for the annual Cruise of Lights event in which the multi-million dollar homes in the 6 navigable channels (including Sunset) can be viewed only in a gondola. The gondoliers offer rides nightly through the holidays. Choose a Sunset Cruise till 6 p.m. or Holiday Lights cruise till midnight each night. The gondola ride is slower, more intimate and ideal for romance or family & friends. Expert gondoliers will guide you on a fabulous tour through channels and bays the larger yachts can't navigate. It's a 5 Diamond holiday activity (wear warm clothes, blankets provided).  Location: Peter's Landing and Marina, Huntington Beach (Pacific Coast Highway near Anderson). Offered each evening through New Years 2007.  Tickets /  Photos

December 23, 2006  Saturday Car Cruisers known as the Donuts Derelicts share Hot Rods, Street Cars, Woodies, Imports and a variety of restored vehicles at Adams and Magnolia Ave. Parking is available in the Ace parking lot or Adams Avenue Donut Shop with overflow parking extending to Drug Emporium lot across Adams.  Time 6 a.m., over by approx. 8:30 a.m. No phone number available. Cost: Free admission.

December 23, 2006  Nutcracker Ballet (full version) - is a traditional Christmas performance  at Golden West College Mainstage Theater.  It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house. As the clock strikes midnight strange things begin to happen. Clara begins shrinking as her beautiful Christmas tree grows high above her. The toys around the tree come to life while the room fills with an army of mice, lead by the fierce Mouse King. As the Nutcracker awakens, he leads his army of toy soldiers into battle with the mice. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $13/ general admission; $12/ students, seniors, kids 12 and under.  Golden West College Mainstage Theater.  Golden West College,  Location: 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, California 92647.  Call (714) 895-8150. www.gwctheater.com

December 23, 2006  Art Exhibit - Anderson Gallery features fine arts exhibits with a collection of watercolors, oils and sculptures and mixed media from renown artists Bill Anderson, Raul Anguiano, Henry Fukuhara, Howard Hitchcock, Milford Zornes and more. Time: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Location: 16812 Pacific Coast Highway (next to Captain Jack's Restaurant). Call: (562) 592-4393.  Photos

December 23, 2006  Band - Say When plays from 8 to 10 p.m. at Chimayo at the Beach, 315 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Call: 714-374-7273.

December 23, 2006 Live entertainment - Karaoke Christmas Party 8:00pm. Dinner menu and cocktails are served nightly. Age 21, valid ID required. $10 minimum order per person applies. Call for details about additional cover charge for select shows. Location: Martini Blues Supper Club, 5874 Edinger Avenue. Call: 714-840-2129 or Toll Free at (888)24-BLUES 25837. www.martiniblues.com  Photos

December 23, 2006  Roller Blading Fun Roll - Join the group of roller bladers who meet near the Huntington Beach Pier for a fun roller blade 16-mile round trip at an easy going pace (all levels and ages, plus bicycles welcome) from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach.  Time: 10:30 a.m. Cost: Free. Just show up!  www.funroll.com   

December 23, 2006  Newland House Museum Tour - The historic Newland House is features a museum and docent led tours from local historians who provide information about the two-story Victorian home built in 1898. Location: Newland Center at Beach Boulevard and Adams Avenue, 19820 Beach Blvd.,   Huntington Beach  CA  92648. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $2. Call: (714) 962-5777. Photos

December 23, 2006 – Christmas Eve Services at Beachcities Community Church. Time: 5 p.m. (tent.), Auditorium, Location: 9872 Hamilton Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646. Times: 5:30 p.m. Call: (714) 698-0668. www.beachcities.org

December 23, 2006 Christmas Eve services - First Christian Church, 1207 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Time:
6 p.m. Call: (714) 536-2589, ext. 2. www.fcchb.com

December 23, 2006  Tour -  Take a tour of the Shipley Nature Center. Trained docents provide renovation information, answer questions, and lead tours. You are free to wander the trails, view renovation progress, and spot birds, turtles and other wildlife. Note that the gates are closed for inclement weather, and the Nature Center may be closed for major holiday weekends and the fifth Saturday in some months. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Donations accepted.  Location: Huntington Central Park West on Golden West Street between Slater Ave. and Talbert - Central Library Dr., Huntington Beach, CA (Map Location: 17732 Golden West St.) Call: (714) 842-4772.  www.fsnc.org  Photos

December 23, 2006 Live musical entertainment - Band usually includes jazz selections at The Arbors, 6060 Warner, Huntington Beach, CA . Time: 9 p.m. Cover: Food or one drink minimum. Call: (714) 842-5111. photos

December 23, 2006  Snowflake lights adorn the Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street through the New Year 2007. Artificial snowflakes strewn with twinkling lights line the downtown Huntington Beach street, continuing on the Huntington Beach Pier, the icon that vacation travelers and local residents recognize as the symbol of Huntington Beach. Time: Sunset to dawn, daily. Photos

December 23, 2006 Band - Another Monkey and DJ Matt at Hurricanes Bar & Grill, 200 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA Call: (714) 374-0500. 21+, ID. 32 beers on tap plus thousands of cocktail creations, including signature 26 oz. Hurricanes Twister. w spectacular ocean/sunset patio overlooking the heart of Main Street USA. Happy Hour 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. M-Sat; Sunday 7-10 p.m. & M-W 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m.  Photos

December 23, 2006 Christmas Eve Services - A special Christmas Eve weekend includes the Miracle of Christmas to partake in one of five identical services. Time: 6 p.m. Location First Christian Church, 1207 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA Call: (714) 536-2589

December 23, 2006 Band - The Dave Goldberg & Duane Allen Quartet features Dave Goldberg, Sax; Duane Allen, Guitar; John Crooks, Bass; Dustin Haner, Drums. Cavallino Ristorante, 8052 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646. Call (714) 536-6665.

December 23, 2006  Band - BB Chung King / The Buddaheads perform from 8 PM to 1 AM. Location: 117 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Call: (714) 960-9996. www.perqs.com   Photos

December 23, 2006 Band - The Heat at Tumbleweeds Bar & Saloon where food is served till Midnight every day! Pool, darts, Monday Night Football Specials and meal deals. 21094 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, California (714) 960-3776

December 23, 2006 - Band - Red Chair Lounge at Hyatt Regency Resort in Huntington Beach features smooth jazz nights with the delightful sounds of the April Spain Duo performing from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. 21+, ID. Location: 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA Call concierge for info: (714) 698-1234. Photos

December 23, 2006 Band - Jennifer Corday Duo at Pete's Sunset Grille at Hyatt Regency Resort in Huntington Beach, performing from 7 to 10 p.m. 21+, ID. Location: 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA Call concierge for info: (714) 698-1234.   Photos