Mark Your Calendar listings are published quarterly and updated every December, March, June and September

Catch Disney's new Toy Story Mania located in California Adventure and enter the crazy world of 4-D! Inspired by the Disney© Pixar films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story II,” Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. Read More...

Knott''s Halloween Haunt is celebrating it's 36th terrifying year.
Halloween Haunt is for goblins 13 and over. Much to scary for little ghosts! For the little ones, try Knott's Treasure Hunt in Camp Snoopy during dalylight hours. Knott's Halloween Haunt runs nightly through October 28. Tickets are seperate from General Admission.
October 3 – November 1
Live Your Worst Nightmare at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights
Event dates are October 3-4, 10-11, 17-19, 24-26, 30-31 and November 1.Tickets are $54 and are on sale now at the official Universal Horror website.

After rescuing the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail from the forces of evil, returning the Sankara Stones to their rightful place, and battling sinister foreign agents to find a mysterious Crystal Skull, what’s INDIANA JONES going to do next? He’s going to Disneyland!
Beginning May 22, deep in the heart of Adventureland — not far from the treacherous Temple of the Forbidden Eye, home to the heart-pounding Indiana Jones Adventure attraction — the daring Dr. Jones will take Disneyland Park guests on a thrilling series of exploits in the season-long INDIANA JONES SUMMER OF HIDDEN MYSTERIES.
Guests become archaeologists, to interact with Indy himself and to journey deep into exotic jungles to unscramble clues, all the while learning what life is like for one of the greatest adventure heroes of all time.
Among the highlights of the INDIANA JONES SUMMER OF HIDDEN MYSTERIES, created by Disneyland Entertainment in partnership with Lucasfilm Ltd.:
• Random Acts of Indy – In the crowded streets of exotic Adventureland, guests never know when Indiana Jones might make an appearance. It could be in their midst, perhaps it will be high overhead, or even right next to them as Indy dashes by. But look fast, because Indy’s never in one place for long, especially when he’s being pursued by sinister villains!
• Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger – In this intimate storytelling adventure presented multiple times each day at The Oasis, young Disneyland Park guests will uncover clues, decipher codes and embark on an archeological journey that culminates in an appearance by Indy himself!
• Indiana Jones Adventure Map – Disneyland Park guests will explore just like Indy does when they pick up a collectible map filled with mysterious clues. Artifacts and symbols are hidden throughout Adventureland and once they are revealed guests will find a special code, which they can take home to claim exclusive Indiana Jones digital content courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. It’s all at www.disneyland.com/indy starting May 22.
• Indiana Jones Meets the Jungle Cruise – One of the all-time classic Disneyland attractions takes on a distinctly Indiana Jones flavor this summer as guests are invited to find unexpected Indy-themed surprises along some of the most mysterious rivers of the world.
• New Indy Photo Location – Guests can boast to their friends back home that they outran a giant rolling boulder just like Indy himself - and then they can prove it with photographic evidence.
Indiana Jones Attraction Redefined The “E-Ticket” Experience
In addition to the special events offered throughout the INDIANA JONES SUMMER OF HIDDEN MYSTERIES, the Indiana Jones Adventure – Temple of the Forbidden Eye attraction continues to thrill guests daily - more than 95 million of them since its opening in 1995.
The Indiana Jones Adventure comes to life in an expedition through the fabled Temple of the Forbidden Eye, mysteriously hidden deep within the dense jungles of India. Look for action and thrills around every corner in this Disneyland guest-favorite where guests, boarding well-worn WWII troop transports, embark on what appears to be a standard archaeological tour.
Built long ago in tribute to the powerful deity Mara, the temple was rediscovered by Dr. Jones and his expedition team. According to temple lore, Mara could "look into your very soul," and then grant the "pure of heart" one of threemagical gifts: unlimited wealth, eternal youth or future knowledge. However, the ancient legend also issues a stern warning: "A terrible fate awaits those who gaze upon the eyes of Mara!" Dr. Jones would only say, "Records indicate that many have come... but few have returned."
Prior to boarding, guests are instructed by Indy’s longtime friend Sallah to look away from the eyes of Mara. He also asks them to keep an eye out for Indy, who entered the temple but has been missing from the expedition.
For those who dare look into the eyes of Mara, their journey takes a perilous twist. Their vehicles encounter clouds of smoke, fire, bubbling lava pits, ominous steam vents, a crumbling ceiling - even an "up close" confrontation with Mara. Legend says that Mara vaporizes the "unworthy" with beams of fire and other horrors such as screaming mummies, horrible bugs and rodents, snakes and poisonous darts.
Explorers discover even more surprises around every bend in this subterranean world where, just like in the blockbuster movies, escape is only temporary as they traverse a shaking suspension bridge, suffer an avalanche of creepy crawlies and face a gigantic rolling ball which threatens to flatten them and their vehicle. The journey is set apart by the fact that Disneyland Park guests never experience the same ride twice.
Disneyland Finding Nemo Submarine
Voyage Submerges in Tomorrowland

Although the Submarine Lagoon at Disney World has been torn down, replaced by an attraction for small children called “Pooh’s Playful Spot,” the Lagoon at Disneyland has beem completely refurbished on the Disney/Pixar Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage! As Disney fans plans their vacations, the presence of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland may be a factor in helping people decide whether to visit Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California.
When Submarine Voyage closed, Disneyland announced plans to build a submarine ride based on the Lost Continent of Atlantis, but that never materialized. In 2004, not long after Matt Ouimet became the president of Disneyland, one of the eight submarines in the original fleet, The Neptune, was spotted in the Submarine Lagoon at Disneyland being used to test some special effects for the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
Yesterland reported that new technology will be used in the Finding Nemo ride to create the illusion of an undersea journey: Instead of underwater plastic fish on strings, guests will gaze through the submarine portholes at projected images that appear to be moving through the water outside the boat. Some have suggested that each porthole may have it’s own effects box, similar to a small aquarium tank, that is in fact dry inside, keeping the projection equipment, set pieces, and Audio-Animatronics dry. Because there will be a space between the glass walls of these dry tanks and the submarines, from the rider’s perspective, are below the water level, the effect will appear as if the scenes are underwater as the guests look through the water to the scenes in the tanks.
The Seagulls who yelp “Mine Mine” in the movie Finding Nemo are also planned to appear in the outside queue area as brand new audio-animatronics. In addition to a brand-new loading station, an area providing wheelchair-bound guests who cannot ride the Finding Nemo attraction at Disneyland due to the configuration of the subs (they are grandfathered as they were built before ADA requirements) will be built at Disneyland allowing those who cannot ride to view a video presentation of the experience.
Guests will embark on an expedition to observe an active undersea volcano. But soon after departure, they will be delighted to discover their favorite Finding Nemo fish friends getting into the swim of things right alongside their submarine! Nemo and his friends are able to go along for the ride thanks to Disneyland’s new projection technology.
With new use of the subs’ vintage “sonar hydrophones,” Guests will hear fish talk with the same personalities and humor established in the Finding Nemo film. Guests will get to eavesdrop on the exploits of their favorite Finding Nemo characters: Dory the Blue Tang fish, Marlin the Clown fish, Crush the Turtle, Bruce the Great White Shark and the members of the Finding Nemo “tank gang,” and most importantly, take part in an ever changing adventure of trying to “find” Nemo throughout the Submarine Voyage. Along the way guests catch glimpses of Nemo Finding Nemo Submarinesin a variety of colorful undersea environments while joining Crush, Dory, Bruce and Marlin in the undersea search. There will be several moments when Guests aboard their submarine will be able to see Nemo while the other guests won’t! After surviving a sub-shaking volcanic eruption, the subs dive alongside a beautiful coral reef where Marlin, Nemo and all their friends gather to celebrate finding Nemo at last!
As with the old Submarine Voyage, the Finding Nemo submarines do not actually submerge; they are boats in which the passenger seating area is below the water level. For the Finding Nemo version of the attraction, two seats will be added to each submarine, bringing each sub’s capacity up to 40 guests. The subs have already been repainted yellow, but it is still unknown if they will be using the names from the 1980’s Submarine Voyage or if they will sport new ones. The diesel fuel that powered the original Submarine Voyage has been scrapped and the subs will now be electrically powered. DisneySubmarines.com offers you a Photo Tour that follows progress of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage construction site dating all the way back to October of 2004!
SAN DIEGO, California - Ancient wonders, historic intrigue and a modern-day forensic adventure come to life in MUMMIES: Secrets of the Pharaohs, an exciting new film now open in the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s IMAX Dome Theater.
Narrated by actor Christopher Lee (Lord Of The Rings and the original 1959 film The Mummy), MUMMIES tells the story of one of the greatest archaeological finds in modern history: the late 19th century discovery of a cache of 40 royal mummies—including 12 pharaohs of Egypt—in a single tomb. Among them were three of the greatest pharaohs that ever lived: the legendary Rameses the Great—considered to be the pharaoh of the Exodus and perhaps the only face from the Bible the world can actually see—along with his father Seti I, and his son.
MUMMIES takes audiences back thousands of years to the age of the great pharaohs, to explore why mummification was so vital to ancient Egyptian life. Throughout Egypt’s history, literally millions of mummies were made. Filmgoers will marvel at the sight of these human time capsules, shown in larger-than-life detail on the giant screen.
The film then leaps ahead to the 1800s, with a dramatic reenactment of the incredible events surrounding the recovery of the royal mummies. This real-life Indiana Jones tale of tomb-raiders and hidden treasure unravels the mysteries enshrouding the royal mummies, where they were hidden and how they were discovered. Prior to this, not a single pharaoh had ever been found. Believed by many to be the ultimate archaeological find, it was uncovered four decades before Howard Carter found the intact tomb of the boy-king, Tutankhamen.
Interwoven throughout the film’s historic narrative is a modern-day forensic story, a scientific journey to extract clues about our past that could have an impact on our future. Featuring top researchers, such as Egyptologists Dr. Bob Brier and Dr. Zahi Hawass (head of Egypt’s antiquities) along with DNA scientist Angelique Corthals, MUMMIES embarks on a genetic analysis of mummies that could have tremendous implications for the study of modern human diseases.
More than a decade ago, Dr. Brier and a colleague used the clues they had assembled to perform the first Egyptian-style human mummification since the time of the pharaohs. Surprisingly, the techniques and ingredients used for mummifying were only discovered in the last 15 years, after a 2,000-year memory lapse. Now, in the film, Dr. Brier and a DNA specialist check in on the progress of that modern mummy and conduct key genetic testing. The forensic aspect of the film includes a scientific first—a discovery that could help researchers understand how ancient diseases have evolved into modern-day counterparts. Perhaps the DNA held in mummies like Rameses will be able to help cure people today.
The mummies of Egypt’s pharaohs have meant different things to different people over the centuries. For the ancients they were a source of hope for the afterlife; for the tomb-robbers, a source of wealth. For scholars, mummies represent a source of knowledge, and for researchers, a source of genetic evidence that could advance medical science. For today’s filmgoers, these mummies are a source of educational entertainment for the entire family.
MUMMIES features breathtaking scenes of natural beauty and stunning locations combined with incredible CGI sequences, lavish sets and period recreations that immerse audiences in different eras of Egyptian history. IMAX cameras capture sweeping vistas of the swirling desert sand dunes, dramatic rocky cliffs of the Northern Sahara, and the real wonders of Egypt at key historic sites, with treasures honoring Egypt’s most prolific pharaohs.
Filmed by award-winning director Keith Melton (MYSTIC INDIA, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL) and renowned cinematographer Reed Smoot (MYSTERIES OF EGYPT, SHACKLETON’S ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE), and featuring a screenplay by Arabella Cecil (KILIMANJARO: To the Roof of Africa), MUMMIES: Secrets of the Pharaohs is a production of Giant Screen Films and Gravity Pictures, in association with The Franklin Institute, Hugo Productions and the Museum of Science, Boston. Support for the film was provided by the U.S. Dome Theater Alliance. The film is distributed by Giant Screen Films of Evanston, IL.
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (“the Fleet”) is home to Southern California’s only IMAX® Dome Theater and 100+ hands-on science exhibits for all ages. Watch immersive giant-screen films and amazing planetarium shows on the IMAX Dome and experience seven galleries of fun, interactive exhibits. A 23-passenger Motion Simulator Ride thrills visitors with journeys into exciting realms. Enjoy sandwiches, salads and healthful treats in Galileo’s Café. Find unique educational toys and games, books, IMAX DVDs and more in the Science Store. Located at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Blvd, the Fleet is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the public’s understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. For information regarding current admission prices, please call (619) 238-1233 or visit our Web site at www.rhfleet.org.
SOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Launches New Live Production
Get ready to be kept on the edge of your seat! North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction has “gotten medieval” all over again with a new show at Medieval Times in Buena Park. The new production features audience favorites including live jousting, swordplay, horsemanship and falconry. Guests are taken back in time as they cheer for one of six knights of the realm, named after historic regions of medieval Spain. In addition to a new script, there’s new lighting, choreography, battle scenes, horse dressage elements – executed by Andalusian stallions – and a new soundtrack performed by the Czech Republic-based Czech Film Orchestra. A high-output snow machine adds an unexpected magical element to the experience! Enjoy a feast and authentic tournament of Knights as the action unfolds with high drama and romance. Visit www.medievaltimes.com or call 1.888.WE.JOUST (888.935.6878).
SAN DIEGO, California – As new scientific studies forecast water shortages in the Western U.S. and around the world, a new giant-screen film explores the issues, presents real solutions and delivers an uplifting message of hope for future generations. Opening March 14, 2008 in the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater, GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE: River at Risk will take audiences on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis as they embark on a critical mission of water conservation and river restoration.
GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE is the newest film from MacGillivray Freeman Films, the critically-acclaimed producers of EVEREST and THE LIVING SEA. Featuring songs and music by Dave Matthews Band, the film combines science, adventure and breathtaking natural beauty to tell an inspirational story of how ordinary people can make a difference for our parched planet – one that is running out of clean, fresh water so fast that the U.N. estimates that 40% of the world could face life-threatening shortages by the year 2050.
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San Diego’s Old Town Trolley Tour

Dedicated to “seeing the best first,” the Old Town Trolley provides ongoing tours the ultimate San Diego spots. The tour presents Transportainment with San Diego's best conductors, who create a fast-paced two hour narrative that's both entertaining and educational. The trolley provides drop-off and pick-up at any one of its convenient stops. Visit oldtowntrolley.com/san-diego for locations. Tour features Old Town State Park, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, Coronado Island, Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego Zoo, Gasla.m.p Quarter, San Diego Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, Aerospace Museum, Lindbergh Field, Naval Station San Diego, Balboa Park, El Prado, Heritage Park, Star of India, Whaley House and much more!
www.sdGOdowntown.com
www.oldtowntrolley.com/san-diego
800.213.2474

TOY STORY MANIA! LAUNCHES WITH FOUR DIMENSIONS OF FUN AND A BIG BOOST FROM BUZZ AT DISNEYLAND RESORT
Inspired by the Disney•Pixar films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story II,” Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It’s a high-energy, immersive adventure in which guests don 3-D glasses and enter a wild 4-D world of game play with Woody, Buzz and other favorite “Toy Story” characters. Special effects add a fourth dimension of fun.
Buy Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets

October, November, December
House of Blues, Anaheim
October 5 – 8 pm, James (alternative); $20
October 16 – 8 pm, The Head Cat; Supersuckers (Rockabilly/Metal); $20
October 18 – 5:30 pm, The Academy Is…; We the Kings (Rock/Indie); $22.50
October 19 – 8 pm, Jorge Celedon & Jimmy Zambrano (Latin); $77.50
October 22 – 8 pm, Special R&B Performance with Wayne Brady (R&B); $35
October 23 – 8 pm, Sound Tribe Sector 9 (Electronica); $19
October 26 – 8 pm, Foreigner (Classic Rock); $62.50
November 1 – 8 pm, Cobra Starship; Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, Sing It Loud (Breakbeat); $17.50
November 4 – 8 pm, Ingrid Michaelson; Newton Faulker, David Ford (Indie/Folk); $18
November 15 – 8 pm, Hanson (Indie/Rock); $33
December 1 – 8 pm, Bell Biv DeVoe (Rap/R&B); $37.50
Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling 213.480.3232 or 714.740.2000. For show information, call House of Blues Anaheim Box Office at 714.778.BLUE House of Blues Anaheim, Downtown Disney

October 2 – 5
OC Auto Show
Dreaming about a hot new ride? Don’t miss the latest automobiles and vehicle trends at the 2009-model OC Auto Show where more than 500 new cars, crossovers, sport-utility vehicles, trucks and more roll into the Anaheim Convention Center. From gas-sipping small cars to the latest alternative fuel vehicles, compare the latest fuel efficient options and learn more about the “green” auto movement. Admission $10 for adults, $6 for seniors (62 and older) and free for children 12 and under. Advance E-tickets can be purchased and discount coupons can be downloaded from OrangeCountyAutoShow.com.
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim 92802
October 3 – November 1
Live Your Worst Nightmare at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights
Issuing a dare to “Live Your Worst Nightmare,” Universal Studios Hollywood has ratcheted up the intensity level to present a new “Halloween Horror Nights” for 2008. This year’s event will pair Hollywood’s top entertainment scenic and special effects artists with a cast of thousands to create terrifying new experiences, including a “Terror Tram” excursion that will feature a stopover at the infamous Bates Motel, a new scare zone based on the hit movie, “The Strangers” and a bloodcurdling new “Nightmare on Elm Street” maze, all contributing to Southern California’s most intense Halloween experience. Event dates are October 3-4, 10-11, 17-19, 24-26, 30-31 and November 1.Tickets are $54 and are on sale now at the official Universal Horror website.

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Beginning September 26 and continuing through November 2, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure® parks become a one-stop destination to experience unique entertainment, a lively mix of Disney characters in Halloween costumes and a variety of festive foods. During regular park hours, Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort offers plenty of not-so-scary fun, including special shows, opportunities to decorate Halloween cookies and listen to storytelling tales during “Woody’s Halloween Roundup” at Big Thunder Ranch. Disney also hosts Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party, a one-of-a-kind, private costume party for little ones to laugh and play with some of their favorite Disney Characters. The specially ticketed event will be held on the evenings of Oct. 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31 inside Disney’s California Adventure park and will feature select attractions and trick-or-treat experiences throughout the park. Tickets are $29 per person; Halloween night Oct. 31 is priced at $37 per person. Children ages two-and-under are free. For more, spookformation go here.
October 4 - 26
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland
LEGOLAND® California celebrates Halloween every weekend day in October with safe trick-or-treating on the Brick-or-Treat trail Oct. 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19 and 25 & 26. And on Saturdays, the Park hosts the first-ever Brick-or-Treat Party Nights from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring nighttime brick-or-treating, costume contests, live entertainment and photos with a giant LEGO® pumpkin! All Brick-or-Treat activities are included with regular admission (kids 3 – 12 and Seniors 60+ $49.95; Adults $59.95). For information, call 760.918.LEGO or visit LEGOLAND.com.

October 4 – November 2
Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s getting into the “spirit” of Halloween with a new and not-too-scary celebration — Halloween Spooktacular. Every weekend in October, and Halloween weekend too, guests will find an underwater fanta-sea with festive family fun for everyone. Clyde and Seamore will have their own spooky Halloween show, and “Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween” musical is sure to entertain. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating between noon and 6 pm in a safe, family-friendly environment. Halloween Spooktacular takes place at SeaWorld San Diego on Oct. 4–5, Oct. 11–12, Oct. 18–19, Oct. 25–26, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1–2.
Saturday, October 4
Southeast Asia Day
The Aquarium of the Pacific will celebrate its fourth annual Southeast Asia Day. The festival’s program will highlight the beauty and diversity of Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian cultures. Guests will enjoy live performances, including music, dance, and cultural craft demonstrations, and children can partake in arts and crafts.
Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
562-590-3100 or Aquariumofpacific.org
October 10 – 12
Women’s Head to Toe Expo
Plan a day with your girlfriend brigade! With an emphasis on health, happiness, style and a balanced life, the Head to Toe Women’s Expo offers something for every woman. Created by women for women, the Expo has assembled esteemed professionals from a wealth of industries that cater to women to create three magical days of rejuvenation, education and entertainment. Visit more than 200 exhibits and enjoy two stages, showing off the latest trends in hair and fashion, cooking demonstrations and a host of speakers from television to authors. Tickets, available at the door, are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (on Friday only) and children under 12-years old are free. For more information, visit Women's Expo website.
October 17 – 19
Long Beach Harvest Festival
The Festival returns to the Long Beach Convention Center offering customers an action packed weekend full of fun, food, shopping and entertainment. Browse through more than 24,000 handmade gifts, including amazing clothing, pottery, jewelry, gourmet food items accessories, home décor, and more. Enjoy live music and strolling entertainment acts, along with special children’s activities. Re-enter the whole weekend with just one ticket. Adults $9, seniors (62+) $7, youth (13-17) $4, 12 & under free. For more information, visit www.harvestfestival.com.
October 25-26
Scarium of the Pacific
Discover the creatures lurking in the depths of Pacific at the Scarium of the Pacific—a spooktacular educational Halloween event for the whole family. Enjoy special Halloween programs, including the annual children’s costume contest, the creepy coloring contest, magic shows, spooky storytelling, kooky crafts, eerie animals in the Great Hall, and more. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
November 1
Pumpkin Launch 2008
This day of family-friendly activities will be hosted at California State University, Fullerton’s Titan Stadium. Free activities include carved-pumpkin contests (bring your own carved pumpkin), a catapult contest, music, entertainment and the chance to watch engineering students launch pumpkins across the football field! For information, visit Discovery Science Center
Tuesday, November 11
Veterans Day
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
In celebration of Veterans Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific honors veterans, military personnel, police officers, and firefighters. These men and women are invited to enjoy the Aquarium with free admission on Veterans Day (valid service ID required).
Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
www.aquariumofpacific.org
November 15
Aquarium of the Pacific Opens - Our Watersheds: Pathway to the Pacific
This new exhibit will provide visitors of any age with sustainable solutions and the knowledge to help make a difference for the environment. It includes a watershed environmental exhibition, classroom, and native garden. A shaded outdoor area will feature five exhibits on local watersheds, including a model of the Los Angeles and San Gabriel watersheds with various interactive features. Hands-on exhibits will demonstrate practical and environmentally friendly ways in which we can live more sustainably with nature and its resources. Surrounding the classroom and outdoor exhibits, native landscaping will represent the flora found in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Watersheds and illustrate how native gardens can significantly reduce water use. The new building will be the first in Long Beach to receive the highest “green” rating--Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum rating.
Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802. For information and tickets, call 562.590.3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.
November 6 – 9
Third Annual Palm Desert Art of Food & Wine Festival
The Art of Food & Wine™ Palm Desert will hold its four-day celebration featuring the very best in art, food and wine hospitality and education. Celebrity chefs, elite vintners and exclusive restaurants will be showcased. The event will feature food and wine tastings, celebrity chef demonstrations, culinary seminars, art, music, shopping and golf — all nestled in Southern California’s beautiful Coachella Valley. For more information, call 1.866.96.TASTE (82783).
November 7
Taste of San Clemente
Enjoy the sights and ambiance of San Clemente as you sample epicurean delights and wine tastings from area restaurants and local wineries. For tickets and information, call 949.492.1131.
November 16 – 17
Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season by illuminating Fashion Island’s majestic Christmas tree with over 17,000 lights and ornaments. This event will be accompanied by Santa’s arrival and a song and dance spectacular by California Conservatory of the Arts. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. For more information, call 949.721.2000.
November 20 and 21
South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of Orange County’s oldest and best loved holiday traditions is the lighting of a live 95-foot tree at Town Center Park. Marvel at more than 20,000 twinkling lights while enjoying entertainment and Santa’s arrival. Free to the public, the ceremony takes place next to The Westin South Coast Plaza. The following morning, November 21 at 10 am, Santa arrives in his Village at South Coast Plaza. For more information, call 714.435.2000.
November 28 – January 4, 2009
The Glory of Christmas
This SoCal holiday classic creatively blends Christmas carols, a pageantry of live animals, flying angels and special effects as the nativity unfolds with colorful wonder. Pre-recorded orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra provides the musical backdrop for live performances by adult and child soloists. The Cathedral's world-renowned pipe organ also fills the all-glass structure with glorious sounds. Early reservations are required for good seating and dates. For reservations and information, call 714.54.GLORY (714.544.5679) or 877.544.5679.
December 17 -21
Newport Harbor Boat Parade
Multi-million dollar yachts, two-person kayaks, electric Duffy boats and other watercraft will glide through Newport Harbor to celebrate the 100th Annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade from December 17 - 21. Beginning nightly at 6:30 p.m., more than 200 vessels participate each night in this festive holiday celebration. Many will be richly decorated with animated Christmas scenes, music and costumed carolers. These Christmas floats will wind their way 14 miles around the harbor to give viewers in restaurants, yacht clubs, on public beaches, and in private homes an incredible sight. For additional information, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

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2009 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade
The 120th Rose Parade, themed Hats Off To Entertainment, will take place on Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 8 am on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. For tickets and information, call the toll free Holiday Hotline, 877.793.9911; the Visitors' Information line, 626.449.ROSE; or contact the Tournament of Roses office, 626.449.4100.
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