The holiday season has arrived in full force, and the lineup of events offers something for everyone. Here’s a sampling of what’s coming in early December.

Dec. 4 “A Christmas Story”

“A Christmas Story,” based on the Jean Shepherd classic, comes to the Liberty High stage for one performance on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The Old Man wins his Major Award, Flick gets his tongue stuck to the flagpole and Ralphie seeks “the Holy Grail of all Christmas presents”: A Red Ryder 200-shot carbine air rifle. Parents of Playmakers and Theatre Arts classes present the stage adaptation by Philip Grecian, which includes all the familiar and much-loved characters, including the infamous leg lamp. Tickets are $5; $4 for children 12 and under.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Stage Right Conservatory Theatre, Inc. presents the play by James W. Rodgers based on the film by Frank Capra and produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company. “It’s a Wonderful Life” celebrates not only the season, but the American philosophy of life: that hard work, fair play and the love and support of family and community will be rewarded. The production runs for two weekends beginning Friday, Dec. 4 at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. in Antioch. Performance dates are December 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and December 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. The play is directed by Bryan Anthony and is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (age 65) and $5 for children (10 and under). Seniors pay only $5 for the Sunday matinees. Discount tickets are available if purchased prior to opening night. For more information, call 925-216-4613 or visit www.srctgrp.org.

Dec. 5 Oakley Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Oakley presents its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the city’s Decennial Anniversary Celebration. The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. at City Hall on Main Street. Children are invited to make a holiday craft project, play games, and make suggestions to the evening’s special guest, Santa Claus. Parents may bring their cameras to capture the moment. The Freedom High School Choir and the Oakley Elementary School District Chorus will perform and will lead the audience in Christmas carols as the town Christmas tree is lit. Refreshments will also be served. For more information, call 925-625-7041 or e-mail coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Holiday Gift Shop

Stop by the North River Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy some unique holiday shopping in the gift shop. There’s a selection of Droll Yankee feeders, field guides and nature books, hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, carved birds and local art, as well as the amazing turned bowls and other items created by the Southeastern Massachusetts Woodturners. Refreshments will be served and crafts provided to entertain the children while shopping. The gift shop, located at the Marsh Creek Trail on Grant Street in Brentwood, will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discovery Bay Parade of Lights

This land-based celebration is a favorite in Discovery Bay and attracts thousands of residents and non-residents every year. This year, Grand Marshall Warren Rupf will lead the parade, which features nearly 1,000 participants. The procession begins at 6 p.m., but come early if you want a good spot, as parking will be limited. The route has changed this season and will include full street closures during the event. The parade will begin at the Discovery Bay Marina, continue right on Marina Road, left on Willow Lake Road and right on Riverlake Road continuing over Discovery Bay Boulevard. From there, the parade will turn left on Sandpoint Road, left on Discovery Bay Boulevard, and end at the Discovery Bay Shopping Center. The town’s tree lighting and parade awards ceremony will immediately follow the parade. For more information, call the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce at 925-240-6600.

Holiday De Lites

For more than 25 years, the Holiday De Lites Street and Boat parades have been a tradition in Antioch’s Rivertown District. The twilight street parade begins at 4 p.m., followed by a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the City Hall parking lot. The city’s holiday will be lit at dusk, around 5:30. The Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m., so bring your cameras and mittens and get a start on the holiday season. This year, due to the economic downturn, craft and food vendors will be absent, but many downtown businesses and restaurants will be open. The event is also an opportunity to donate a toy or two to Grannies Anonymous, who will distribute the toys to local children later in the month. Toy collection bins are located along the parade route at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St.

Dec. 11 Holiday Gift Workshops

Bring the kids to the second annual Holiday Gift Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. in Oakley at 204 Second St. Children can make personalized gifts, cards and gift wrap for their families and friends. Space is limited, so register early. For more information, call 925-625-7041.

Christmas Extravaganza

Join the Joint Christmas Extravaganza and bring a Toys for Tots donation, too. Enjoy an evening of dining and dancing, along with plenty of prizes, at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. Members and spouses of the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building Inc., American Legion Posts 202 and Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Riders, VFW Post 10789 and Ladies Auxiliary, Marine Corps League 1155, Summerset Veterans Group and What a Country Challenge are all welcome. A no-host bar opens at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 7 p.m. and music and dancing run to 11 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, call John Hofstadt at 925-989-9923.

Dec. 12 Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a pancake breakfast and a visit with St. Nick himself on Dec. 12 at the inaugural Heritage High School Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the HHS Band Club and Performing Arts Boosters. The two organizations are taking the reins from the Brentwood Park and Recreation Department this year as a way to raise money for the band’s trip next year to the Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii.

The fun-filled event features a tasty pancake breakfast, a visit with Santa, live music by the Heritage Jazz Band, and much more. The event, held at the new Brentwood Senior Center on Griffith Lane, is divided into three sessions: 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., and 10-11 a.m.

Tickets are $8; children under 3 are free. To purchase tickets, call Kathi Reed at 925-240-8382 or drop by Holiday on Ice at the Streets of Brentwood (Mondays through Thursdays), Loard’s Ice Cream or Tummies to Tots. Tickets are also available through Heritage High band students.

A Special Day with Santa

The Special Kids Foundation invites East County families to enjoy a visit with Santa at Smith Family Farms on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. The third annual event is an opportunity for special-needs children and their families to enjoy a private moment with Santa and have their picture taken (compliments of Special Kids Foundation) amid the beautiful backdrop of the Smith Family Farms in Brentwood.

“This event is a nice way for families to avoid long lines, crowds and unpleasant stresses that are often difficult for our kids to tolerate,” said Lisa McBride, president of Special Kids Foundation. “This even makes it possible for each child to have a few moments to share their secrets with Santa and go home with a sweet holiday memory.”

Smith Family Farms is located at 4400 Sellers Ave.

Holiday Run and Walk for Health

The 33rd annual Holiday Run and Walk for Health, promoting fitness and clean living in Northern California, is the longest-running fitness event in East County. Come on out and walk or run and enjoy the health fair. The fun begins at 7:30 a.m. at Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch.

Breakfast With Santa

Santa’s helpers will be cooking up a special holiday breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Black Bear Diner, 3231 Main St. in Oakley. Santa Claus will be on hand to chat with children – and don’t forget to bring your camera. The $8 adult breakfast includes three pancakes, an egg, choice of bacon or sausage, plus coffee, juice or milk. The child’s breakfast (12 and under) costs $5 and includes two small pancakes, an egg, bacon or sausage and choice of milk or juice. Call 925-625-7041 for more information.

SJYC Lighted Boat Parade

Dress up your boat, turn up your music and make this your brightest and loudest Christmas Eve ever. Santa will arrive by boat before the parade begins at 4 p.m. Parents with young children are encouraged to bring a wrapped gift for Santa to give them. The Christmas parade features music and decorated boats. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Carol.” The parade starts and ends at the San Joaquin Yacht Club, 550 Riverview Place, Bethel Island, and sails clockwise around the island. You can view the boat parade at the Yacht Club, The Rusty Porthole or your favorite waterfront location.

For more information, call 925-684-3407.

Dec. 13 Christmas House Tour

This is the Woman’s Club biggest fundraiser of the year and benefits its scholarship foundation plus other local charities. The $20 price of admission includes a tour of six Antioch homes and two local businesses plus a reception at Veterans Memorial Hall, Sixth and E streets. Tickets are available at Fine Things, 314 G. St., and the Historical Society, 1500 W. Fourth St. For more information, call 925-522-8663.