Last Chance to Check Out "The Nutcracker" Before Christmas

Here is a look ahead to events and happenings in Mission Viejo Dec. 16-22.

1. The week before Christmas is a great time to donate food to needy local families. Consider a donation of food of funds to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The organization distributes more than 18 million pounds of food annually through hundreds of community partners.
   
2. The Laguna Ballet is performing "The Nutcracker" at Saddleback College's McKinney Theater Dec. 19-22, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is the company's 28th annual production of the Russian classic.
3. Saturday is the first day of winter. We don’t always acknowledge this season in Southern California, but after a period of unusually cold weather and pleas to conserve natural gas, it sure feels like winter. Here’s a link to the official winter forecast.
   
4. Irvine Presbyterian Church, 4445 Alton Pkwy., hosts the Mr. Christmas Tree pageant Wednesday at 7 p.m. The church promises a "very enjoyable, light-hearted evening for all age groups."
5. Now through Dec. 31, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel hosts Gingerbread Spectacular. The pastry team has spent more than 400 hours to create the gingerbread display that will be dedicated to all of the Community Footprints partners the resort supports throughout the year. The display is made from gingerbread, doughnuts, sugar cubes, waffles, pretzels, cream puffs, rolls, cookies, crackers, cereal, macaroons, dried fruit, chocolate shavings, candy, candy and more candy. The display is free and open to the public at One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point.