FISH CAMP — From first cocktail to last dance, Tenaya Lodge is planning a get-down-and-boogie New Year’s Eve bash. Beginning with an hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception before progressing to a gourmet dinner with live entertainment, the evening will heat up with The Valley Cats taking the stage for a post-meal dance party. Midnight brings a champagne toast, hats and ...

WORLD — Ants in your pants? Here’s a solution — try a tech-check on jolly old Santa Claus as he and his crew of reindeer make their way around the world. The NORAD Tracks Santa website features Santa’s North Pole Village, including a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. Kids of all ages can check out NORAD Headquarters in the North Pole ...

OAKHURST — The Golden Chain Theatre brings a Christmas classic to the mountain communities this holiday season with the magical musical experience, “A Christmas Carol,” opening the weekend following Thanksgiving and playing until Dec. 23rd. The show is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ well-known 1843 novella of the same name, with music by the composer of Beauty and the Beast ...

With so many special events and activities taking place over the next few weeks, we thought it would be helpful to compile a timely list of all the entertainment-related and community-oriented holiday happenings in the mountain area between now and December 25. If we missed anything, let us know and we’ll gladly add it to the Big Local List of ...

YOSEMITE — It’s time for winter’s fun activities — Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, formerly Badger Pass, is scheduled to open on Thursday, Dec. 20. This includes the Nordic Center. The Day Lodge, rentals and food service will all open at 8:30 a.m. Lifts are open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. A courtesy shuttle is offered daily to and from Yosemite ...

MARIPOSA – On Thursday Dec. 19, 2002, an early-season snowstorm knocked out power to many areas of Mariposa County just two days before a very special event. Temperatures dropped, dark skies glowered and roads became icy. Though the town of Mariposa kept its lights on, it was touch-and-go for two days – could a musical infant still be born? Would ...

OAKHURST — For the ninth consecutive year, a group of choristers from the local area and a mini-orchestra made up of numerous talented local instrumentalists will come together for an impressive and inspirational Christmas program. This year’s program will feature a collection of musical pieces and accompanying inspirational texts and readings all supporting the theme, “Shine On, Christmas Star!” Singers ...

MARIPOSA – The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra (MSO) belatedly kicks off its 17th season with a popular Mariposa tradition: the MSO’s annual Festive Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Fiester Auditorium of Mariposa County High School. The MSO’s scheduled October opening concert of the new season had to be canceled due to MSO Founder/ Conductor Les ...

OAKHURST — Step into another world as the Sierra Pines Theater Company presents their long-awaited re-imagining of the classic fantasy tale by C.S. Lewis — Narnia The Musical commands the stage for just six shows, opening Friday. Directed by Ken Marks, Narnia The Musical  follows the four Pevensie children – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – as they enter an enchanted world through a wardrobe, ...

NORTH FORK  – The 20th annual “Songs of the Season” concert will get you into the Christmas spirit on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., in Kennedy Hall at the North Fork School The show will feature the North Fork Community Choir, conducted by Gina Clugston; and the Mountain Choral Company from Sierra High School, led by Bruce Weinberger. This ...