Various holiday events on tap this Saturday

LANCASTER – Various local holiday events are on tap this Saturday, Dec. 13, from an annual Christmas parade in Palmdale to a Magical BLVD Christmas in Lancaster. Here is a rundown of the family-friendly events, many of which are free and open to the community:

UAV’s Caring for the Community. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the University of Antelope Valley’s eighth annual “Caring for the Community” dinner service and toy distribution event will take place at UAV’s Lancaster campus, 44055 Sierra Highway. This event is free and open to the community.

The holiday turkey dinner with all the trimmings is prepared by the UAV Culinary Arts School and includes hot turkey, dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, several desserts, and beverages. The meal service is extended to everyone in the community.

Santa Claus will also spread cheer throughout the event by presenting a toy or bicycle, shoes or clothes to each child in attendance. No reservation is needed, just show up!

“Grinchmas” Christmas Parade in Palmdale. Starting at 10 a.m., Palmdale’s annual Christmas Parade will kick off at 47^th Street East and Avenue R, and then travel south on 47th Street East, before ending at Avenue S. More than 100 entries, including holiday-themed floats, school marching bands, community queens, Santa Claus and more, will be featured in this year’s parade.

View a map of the parade route here.

A Magical BLVD Christmas! From 5 to 9 p.m., Lancaster Blvd., between Beech and Genoa Ave., will come alive with dazzling Christmas decorations, spirited choirs and carolers, arts and crafts, dance performances, outdoor holiday movies and much more.

Highlights of the fifth annual holiday spectacular will include a 20-minute “Christmas Extravadance” presented by The Fashionate Rhythm Dance & Entertainment Company; a holiday train that takes attendees on a charming journey through festive streets; a children’s sledding area created with real snow; a live ice sculpting demonstration; and numerous photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other Christmas scenes.

For more information, including an entertainment schedule for this year’s event, click here. View photos from last year’s event on our Facebook page here.

‘The Nutcracker’ at LPAC. Performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. A time honored family tradition returns to the Lancaster Performing Arts Center as the Antelope Valley Ballet brings to life the beauty and wonder of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, The Nutcracker. With scenic pageantry and beautiful choreography from Artistic Director Kathleen Burnett, the audience will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a magical Christmas tree which seems to grow forever, mischievous mice, the Land of Sweets, and more.

Tickets can be purchased on the LPAC website here. The LPAC is located at 750 West Lancaster Boulevard in Lancaster.

‘The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold’ at Palmdale Playhouse. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the Palmdale Playhouse will present the holiday mystery/comedy “Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold.”

“It will be one ‘O-ho-ho holy night’ as Sister tackles the question, whatever happened to the Magi’s gold?” said Palmdale Recreation Supervisor Annie Pagliaro. “It’s CSI: Bethlehem when Sister invites her audience to be characters in a living nativity/crime scene!”

Tickets are $18/adults, $15/seniors, students, military, 12 and under, and available online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playhouse. For more information, call 661-267-5684. Palmdale Playhouse is located at 38334 10th St. East in Palmdale.

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