Friday, November 29

• Today is Black Friday, the official start of the holiday shopping season. In observance, California Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, is offering free admission from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP at calbg.org.

 

• The American Museum of Ceramic Art, at 399 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, invites the public to Black FriGlaze at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., a pottery workshop starting at $35 including 1 bisque piece, or a ceramic material that has been fired once. RSVP at amoca.org/events.

 

• Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, hosts Imaginarium, a family-friendly 5 to 10 p.m. Christmas light show, through January 5, 2025. The exhibit it closed December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. Tickets are $25. More info is at fairplex.com/event/imaginarium.

 

• The 2024 Mission Inn Hotel and Spa’s Festival of Lights are illuminated from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily. The annual event features millions of holiday lights, live music, food vendors, and attractions at 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, through December 31. Santa is at the hotel from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, carolers are onsite 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and vendors are open 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Visit riversideca.gov/fol for more info.

 

Saturday, November 30 

• For a list of local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, go to business.claremontchamber.org.

 

• The City of Glendora’s Recreation and Human Services Department is requesting donations of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for its 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. stuff-the-bus toy drive at Walmart, 1950 Auto Center Dr. Donations will go to local families in need. Visit cityofglendora.org for more info.

 

• Chamberlain Choose and Cut, the Claremont-based choose and cut your own pine or cypress tree farm, opens for its 34th season at 10 a.m. today. The farm, located at 3436 Padua Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through December 22. Call (909) 626-0243 for more info.

 

• Inland Valley Repertory Theatre mounts “Winter Wonderettes” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. today and at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 1 at University of La Verne’s Morgan Auditorium, 1950 Third St. Tickets, $45-$55, and info are at ivrt.org.

 

• The free and open to the public Novemberfest at Barnes and Noble, 5183 N. Montclair Plaza Ln., Montclair, runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and features arts and crafts, face painting, live musical artists, and giveaways.

 

• Stargazer Productions’ “Tibbies’ Holiday Follies,” a show inspired by the television specials of holidays’ past, runs at 7 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. December 1 at Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets, $54-$61, are at lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

 

Sunday, December 1

• It’s the first Sunday of Advent, a Christian and Catholic tradition celebrated on each of the four Sundays before Christmas.

 

• Folks can schedule a photograph with Santa Claus at Montclair Place, 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Ln., at montclairplace.com/event. Hours vary daily. Santa will be at the mall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. His schedule is at montclairplace.com.

 

Monday, December 2

• Score some of this year’s latest online deals on Cyber Monday.

 

• The public can ring in the holiday season with Upland’s free 6 p.m. tree lighting ceremony at Historic Downtown Upland, at the intersection of East Ninth Street and North Second Avenue.

 

• La Verne’s free and open to the public tree lighting ceremony, featuring live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus, takes place at 6 p.m. at La Verne City Hall, 3660 D. St.

 

Tuesday, December 3

• Today is GivingTuesday. The day, created in 2012, encourages donations to local and national nonprofits. More info is at givingtuesday.org.

 

• The Friends of the Claremont Library’s holiday fine book sale runs through December 31 from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at Claremont Helen Renwick Library, 208 N. Harvard Ave.

 

• A free story time with Santa event takes place from 11 to 11:15 a.m. at Montclair Place’s Center Court, 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Ln., today and December 10 and 17. More info is at montclairplace.com/event.

 

Wednesday, December 4

• Plaza West Covina, 112 Plaza Dr., invites the public to donate a new, unwrapped gift for children in need during the California Highway Patrol’s CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donations can be taken inside the mall, between Best Buy and Forever 21. More info is at plazawestcovina.com/event.

 

• The National Hot Rod Association hosts twilight cruise nights, a free and open to the public car show, on the first Wednesday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m. at the NHRA Motorsports Museum, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. This month’s event will double as a California Highway Patrol CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Info is at fairplex.com.

 

• Young people ages 13-18 can work with library staff at the Lewis Family Branch Library, 3850 E. Riverside Dr., Ontario, to create gifts for loved ones during a free 4 to 5:30 p.m. event.

 

• The Glendora Chamber of Commerce hosts a 6 to 9 p.m. holiday mixer— $55 for members, $70 for non-members — at CocoVino Los Angeles, 131 N. Glendora Ave. Bring a gift for the scavenger hunt. RSVP at business.glendora-chamber.org.

 

Thursday, December 5

• Those taking photos with Santa Claus on the Thursdays before December 25 at Montclair Place, 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Ln., are encouraged to wear ugly sweaters. Hours vary. Santa is on duty today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Register at montclairplace.com/event.

 

• A 5 to 7:30 p.m. holiday mixer hosted by the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is $20 at West Park Senior Living, 801 Cypress Way. RSVP at chambermaster.sandimaschamber.org/events.

 

• Matthew Jaramillo, founder of Yarntario, invites the public to a free and festive 5 to 8 p.m. coaster-making workshop at the Ontario Museum of History and Art, 225 S. Euclid Ave. Participants must RSVP at ontariomuseum.org/programs.

 

• Tickets for the Children’s Foundation of America’s 5:30 to 9 p.m. holiday gala, Winter Wonderland, at Padua Hills Theatre, 4467 Padua Ave., are $150 and include a cocktail hour, photo opportunities, festive activities, client testimonies, a silent auction, dinner, and more. Register at childrensfoundationofamerica.org.

 

• The City of Montclair hosts Holly Jolly Holiday, a free and open to the public 6 to 8:30 p.m. tree lighting ceremony that also features photos with Santa Claus, at the Montclair Youth Center, 5111 Benito St. More info is at cityofmontclair.org/holly-jolly-holiday.

 

Friday, December 6

• This month’s 7 a.m.Upland Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, will double as a gift drive for CASA of San Bernardino County. Tickets are $23 for members, $28 for non-members. respectively. RSVP at uplandchamber.org/event.

 

• The Harvest Festival, a holiday arts and crafts event, opens at 10 a.m. today and December 7 and 8, at Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Tickets are $5, free for children 12 and under. Go to harvestfestival.com/pomona for more details.

 

• The City of Claremont’s free and open to the public holiday promenade kicks off at 5 p.m. in the Village. The tree lighting ceremony is set for 6 p.m. at the Claremont Depot, 200 W. First St. Pictures with Santa will be available from 5 to 8 p.m. at city hall. More info is at ci.claremont.ca.us.

 

• Rancho Cucamonga’s IncredAbles Friday Night Fun Club invites special needs children ages 8 and up to its 5:30 to 8 p.m. Holly Jolly holiday dance at Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd. Tickets are $6 at cityofrc.us/events.

 

Saturday, December 7

• Breakfast with Santa Claus takes place today at Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga. The first seating begins at 8:30 a.m., the second at 10:30. Tickets are $25 for children ages 3 to 17, $20 for adults. Children under 3 are free. For more info or to register go to cityofrc.us/events.

 

• Finkbiner Park, 160 N. Wabash Ave., Glendora, is the site of a free and open to the public 9 to 10:30 a.m. gingerbread house decorating party. For more information, call (626) 852-4891.

 

• Glendora Community Services Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for families in need at Walmart, 1950 Auto Center Dr., during a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. toy drive.

 

• The special needs community is invited to meet and greet Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to noon at Blaisdell Community Center, 440 S. College Ave., Claremont. RSVP at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/claremontrecreation, search “Santa.”

 

• Tickets are $10 for a 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. brunch with Santa Claus at La Verne Community Center, 3680 D St. Call (909) 596-8776 to RSVP.

 

• Upland invites the public’s furry friends to take free photos with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to noon at Baldy View Dog Park, between Mountain and San Antonio avenues.

 

• The Young Ladies Institute hosts its annual Christmas banquet at St. Joseph Auditorium, 1150 W. Holt Ave., Pomona, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $30. Attendees must RSVP by November 30 by calling (909) 261-6007.

 

• Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga, holds 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. performances of “The Silhouettes: The Light of Christmas.” Tickets, $28-$50, are at lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

 

• Ontario Museum of History and Art’s Studio Saturday program, at 225 S. Euclid Ave., offers patrons a chance to create free custom holiday wrapping paper and stamps from noon to 4 p.m. Info is at ontariomuseum.org/programs.

 

• “Tommy Humbug and the Christmas Runaways” runs at 1 and 3:30 p.m. today, and at 3:30 p.m. December 8, at the Little Theatre at Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Tickets, $13-$20, are at tickets.haughpac.com/events.

 

• Inland Pacific Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. December 7-8 and 21-22 at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; and at 2 p.m. December 14-15 at Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside. Tickets, $39-$101, are available at ipballet.org.

 

• Children’s Foundation of America volunteers begin this year’s gift-wrapping fundraiser at Montclair Place, 5060 N. Montclair Ln., at 2 p.m., continuing through December 24. More information and hours are at montclairplace.com.
• Citrus College mounts “Christmas Is…” at 2 p.m. today and December 8, 14, 15, and 7 p.m. December 14, at Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Tickets are $17-$34 at tickets.haughpac.com/events.

 

• The free and open to the public San Dimas holiday extravaganza runs from 2:30 to 9 p.m. with crafting time with Mrs. Claus near Walker House, 121 N. San Dimas Ave. The let it snow parade kicks off at 4 and the tree lighting is at 6.

 

• The deadline is 3 p.m. today for the public to donate gifts or make monetary donations for the Kiwanis Club of Claremont and Inland Valley Hope Partners’ annual Adopt-A-Family program. Gifts can be dropped off at the Kiwanis’ See’s Candies store, 191 S. Indian Hill Blvd., weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit claremontkiwanis.org to sign up to purchase items on the list.

 

• The Claremont Chorale performs “Christmas Classique” at 4 p.m. at Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for children ages 6 to 16 Children 5 and under are free. Go to claremontchorale.org/concerts for more info.

 

• La Gran Posada, a free and open to the public live performance featuring traditional Mexican songs, folkloric dancers, and multiple mariachi bands, takes place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Fox Theater, 301 S. Garey Ave., Pomona. Doors open at 6:30. More info is at eventbrite.com, search “La Gran Posada.”

 

Sunday, December 8

• A sensory-friendly Santa Claus drops by Plaza West Covina, 112 Plaza Dr., from 9 to 10 a.m. to take photos with the special needs community. To view Santa’s photo schedule, photo packages, and other events, visit amusemattebooksanta.com/plaza-west-covina.

 

• Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 1700 N. Towne Ave., Claremont, invites the public to “The Mystery and the Majesty,” a free 5 p.m. concert featuring the Good Shepard Choir led by music director Edward Zeliff.

 

Tuesday, December 10

• Holy Name of Mary Church, 724 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, hosts the free annual Amazing Greys Christmas party from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Sacred Hearts Hall for All. RSVP via email to amazinggreyshnm@gmail.com.

 

• Five-time Grammy-nominated jazz pianist David Benoit performs tunes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 8 p.m. at Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets, $56-$76, are at lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

 

Wednesday, December 11

• Today is the final day to contribute to the gift card donation drive hosted by La Verne Chamber of Commerce, Haynes Family of Programs, and David and Margaret Youth and Family Services. Gift cards can be dropped at La Verne Chamber of Commerce, 2332 D St., Unit E, and at Haynes, 233 Base Line Rd., La Verne. Online donations can be made at givebutter.com/dmholidaywishes by Friday, December 13. A list of gift cards requested is at business.lavernechamber.org.

 

Thursday, December 12

• Admission and parking is free as Granite Creek Community Church, 1580 N. Claremont Blvd., Claremont, kicks off its 23rd annual living nativityat 6 p.m. today. The event includes food trucks, a kids space, gifts, pottery, jewelry, plants, and art, and runs through Sunday, December 15. Learn more at granitecreek.org/living-nativity or search “Living Nativity” at eventbrite.com.

 

Friday, December 13

• Pomona Chamber of Commerce’s 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. holiday for heroes luncheon at the Metro Event Center, 205 E. Second St., Pomona, is $60 for members, $80 for non-members, at pomonachamber.org.

 

• Older adults 50 and up are invited to attend Rancho Cucamonga’s 6 to 8:30 p.m. jingle bell dance at Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd. Admission is $15 at cityofrc.us/events.

 

• Crescendo Theatrical Productions mounts “A Crescendo Christmas 2024” at 7:30 p.m. today, and 2 p.m. December 14–15, at University of La Verne’s Dailey Theatre, 1950 Third St. Tickets are $20. Search “A Crescendo Christmas 2024” at Eventbrite.com for info.

 

• Inland Pacific Ballet performs “A Candlelight Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. today and December 14 at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont. Tickets, $41-$85, are at ipballet.org.

 

• The Pomona Concert Band performs “Sounds of Christmas Joy,” a free and open to the public 7:30 p.m. concert at Palomares Park Community Center, 499 E. Arrow Hwy., Pomona. More info is at pomonaconcertband.org.

 

• Eleven-member a cappella group Voctave performs its 8 p.m. holiday special, “It Feels Like Christmas,” at Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Tickets are $26-$58 at tickets.haughpac.com/voctave2024.

 

Saturday, December 14

• Running Legacy Inc.’s holiday 5K, 10K or Penguin Waddle Kid’s Run gets underway about 7 a.m. at Fairplex. Tickets and more info is at fairplex.com. A pre-race health and fitness expo will be held at Fairplex In-N-Out Drag Strip, 2398 E. Arrow Hwy., La Verne.

 

• Ontario’s annual Rudolph Dash and 5K Reindeer Run begin at 8 and 8:30 a.m., respectively, at D Street and Euclid Avenue. Fees for the children’s run are $5 per, the 5K $40, through December 13. Fees are increased on the day of the event. For more info or to register, go to ontarioca.gov/5kreindeerrun.

 

• La Verne’s 25th annual Winter Wonderland at Heritage Park, 5001 Via de Mansion, runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities include snow runs, play lands, arts and crafts, Mrs. Claus’ cozy kitchen, and a visit from Santa. Admission is $10 before December 2, $15 after. Tickets are available at the door and at cityoflaverne.org, click “recreation”/online registration/special events. More info is at business.lavernechamber.org.

 

• The annual free and open to the public Glendora Christmas Parade starts at 9 a.m. at Bennett and Glendora avenues.

 

• Rancho Cucamonga hosts a free and public 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. snowy hula day at Heritage Community Park, 5546 Beryl St. featuring a snow play area, crafts, and photos with Santa Claus. Admission to the snow play area is $10 and slots must be reserved in advance at cityofrc.us/events.

 

• Create an accessory dwelling unit or detached, one-story living quarters for gingerbread people at 1 p.m. at Lewis Family Branch Library, 3850 E. Riverside Dr., Ontario, during the ninth annual free and open to the public Gingerbread House Building Program.

 

• Upland’s holiday parade and faire returns from 2 to 7 p.m. in downtown Upland, 305 N. Second Ave. The parade begins at 3:30.

 

• At 6 p.m., Tin Box Theatricals leads a free and public performance of “A Celtic Christmas” at Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111, N. Mountain Ave.

 

Sunday, December 15

• Running Legacy Inc.’s holiday half marathon begins about 7 a.m. at Fairplex In-N-Out Drag Strip, 2398 E. Arrow Hwy., La Verne. A pre-race health and fitness expo opens at 6. Race fees are at fairplex.com. They are subject to increase as the date approaches.

 

• Kiwanis Club of Claremont’s annual 5:30 p.m. holiday party at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, 830 W. Bonita Ave., is free for club members, $25 for guests. Email bmoraga@me.com by December 6 to RSVP.

 

Monday, December 16

• It’s the last day for pet photos with Santa Claus at Montclair Place, 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Ln. Santa will be at center court from 3 to 7 p.m. View his schedule at montclairplace.com.

 

• The Claremont High School choir performs “Jazzy Jingles,” at 7 p.m. tonight and December 17 at Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 W. Harrison Ave. Tickets are $11.25 at claremonthschoir.ludus.com.

 

Tuesday, December 17

• Rancho Cucamonga’s Senior VIP Club invites adults 50 and over to Frosty Fest, a free 9 to 10 a.m. party with dancing, singing, food and giveaways, at the James L. Brulte Senior Center, 11200 Base Line Rd. RSVP at cityofrc.us/events.

 

Wednesday, December 18

• Staff and volunteers at the Lewis Family Branch Library, 3850 E. Riverside Dr., Ontario, will wrap holiday gifts for free from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Library goers can also wrap gifts using provided materials.

 

• Learn about posadas, a Mexican holiday tradition, and create sharable holiday gifts from 5 to 6 p.m. at Ovitt Family Community Library, 215 E. C St., Ontario. More info is at ontarioca.gov.

 

Friday, December 20

• Newborns and children up to age 5 can enjoy a free winter wonderland with penguin and ornament creation stations, snow play, and games from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Ovitt Family Community Library, 215 E. C St., Ontario.

 

• “Christmas at The Grove” runs at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at 276 E. Ninth St., Upland, with performances by Grammy-nominated guests. Tickets are $45-$65 at eventbrite.com, search “Christmas at The Grove.”

 

Saturday, December 21

• Today marks the first day of winter. 

 

Sunday, December 22

• Claremont Symphony Orchestra’s free “Messiah Sing-Along Concert” takes place at 1:30 and 4 p.m. at Bridges Hall of Music, 150 E. Fourth St., Claremont. Visit claremontso.org for program info.

 

• Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande take the Lewis Family Playhouse stage for “Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico” at 1 and 5 p.m. at 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets, $50-$71, are at lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

 

Monday, December 23

• Want to help a child in need this holiday season? Grab a tag from the giving tree at Montclair Place, 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Ln., purchase the item listed, secure the tag to the new, unwrapped gift, and place it in the drop box at center court by 9 p.m.

 

Tuesday, December 24

• City of Claremont offices will be closed today through Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

 

• Santa Claus will be available for photos at Montclair Place, 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Ln., from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. before heading back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas day. View his photo schedule or make reservations at montclairplace.com.

 

Wednesday, December 25

• Merry Christmas from the Claremont Courier!