1. Festival of Lights
Tanaka Farms glows with thousands of dazzling lights, cheerful music and festive fun at the annual Hikari: Festival of Lights. Enjoy wagon rides, stroll themed walking paths, visit Santa and shop the Holiday Market. Opens Nov. 28. tanakafarms.com
2. Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving morning, participate in a 1-mile fun run, 5K race or kids’ “Gobble Wobble” dash as part of the Irvine/Orange County Turkey Trot at Irvine Valley College. Costumes are encouraged. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Nov. 27, itzabouttime.com
3. Art + Technology
Visit the Great Park Gallery for “25 Years at the Beall Center for Art + Technology,” a joint exhibition with UC Irvine celebrating the intersection of art, science and engineering. The show highlights the Beall Center’s 25-year history. Thursdays-Sundays, through Dec. 28, 949-724-6880
4. Christmas Train
All aboard the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train for a ride to the North Pole. Families can enjoy lights, decorations and the festive “Tunnel of Lights” before visiting Santa’s Village for holiday activities and treats. Nov. 28-Dec. 23, irvineparkrailroad.com
5. Men’s basketball
Fresh off a record-breaking 32-7 season and an NIT title game appearance, UC Irvine men’s basketball returns to the Bren Events Center for games against Weber State on Nov. 15 and Northern Iowa on Nov. 22. ucirvinesports.com
6. Holidayz at the Park
Great Park transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, art and holiday cheer during Holidayz at the Park. The celebration kicks off Dec. 6 with Illuminate Irvine, featuring live music, activities and the lighting of the holiday tree. Dec. 6-Jan. 4, cityofirvine.org
7. ‘Little Women’ musical
Experience Louisa May Alcott’s classic story brought to life in “Little Women: The Broadway Musical” at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Follow the March sisters in this tale of resilience, presented by UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Nov. 20-23, thebarclay.org
8. Christmas Throwdown
Kick off the holiday season with country flair at K-FROG’s Christmas Throwdown at Great Park Live with a night of festive country music. 4:30-9:45 p.m. Dec. 5, greatparklive.com
9. Finnish comedian Ismo
Ismo brings his WOO HOO! World Tour to Irvine Improv, showcasing his sharp wit and playful take on the quirks of the English language. Nov. 28-30, improv.com/irvine
10. Fitness hike
Unwind midweek with a fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in Irvine Ranch open space. Participants go at their own pace for the 3.5-mile route. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, letsgooutside.org
