The holidays are fast approaching and there is so much to do. Instead of stressing yourself out in the gift-giving rush, take a moment to enjoy some holiday happenings in East County.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

Holiday Concert

Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bell Ringers visit St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd. in Antioch, at 7:30 p.m. for a candle-lit evening of music for Advent and Christmas. There is no charge for admission. For more information, call 925-756-7628 or e-mail walter.ruehlig@gmail.com.

Hanukah Service

Rabbi Ira Book leads a Hanukah workshop and service from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Cortona Park Senior Living Community, 150 Cortona Way in Brentwood. All are welcome.

Winterfest

Brentwood Neighborhood Church, 50 Birch St., hosts a winter carnival at 6:30 p.m. The fun includes a live nativity scene, plus music, jump houses and balloon animals. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.brentwoodnc.org.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

Stage Right Conservatory Theatre performs “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center on Dec. 16-18. Based on the 1946 film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a holiday classic that tells the story of George Bailey as he experiences what life would be like if he were never born. For tickets and show times, visit www.srctgrp.org/shows.

Holiday On Ice

Brentwood’s popular outdoor skating rink, back for the fourth year, is open seven days a week through Jan. 16. Skaters can glide on a lighted ice rink protected from the elements by a magnificent tent. For hours and prices, call 925-513-1702 or visit www.brentwoodholidayonice.com.

Christmas Tree Lot

Oakley Boy Scout Troop 152 hosts its fourth annual Christmas tree lot at 3460 Main St. (behind Scheer Home Systems). The Scouts provide quality Noble and Douglas fir trees for sale, as well as fresh wreaths and charming ornaments. Delivery is available. The lot remains open through Dec. 18. For hours and more information, call 925-625-5391.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

‘Hallelujah Light Has Come’

Celebration Singers perform “Hallelujah Light Has Come” at 6 p.m. in Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. Admission is free. For more information, call 925-516-0653 or visit www.goldenhills.org.

Winter Walkabout

Take a stroll through historic downtown Brentwood and visit Santa’s village. The event features carriage rides and Christmas carolers. While you’re there, check out the restaurant tasting tour. The festivities run from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 925-858-6693 or visit www.brentwooddowntown.com.

Hanukkah Party

Congregation B’nai Torah invites the public to its annual Hanukkah party at 6 p.m. at St. George’s Church, 301 E. 13th St. in Antioch. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite menorah for a group candle lighting, and share in the potluck dinner by bringing their favorite non-meat dish. The family-friendly event features music, games, fabulous food and fun. For more information, e-mail mattjcord@comcast.net or visit www.bnaitoraheastbay.org.

Meet the Messiah

Antioch Wesleyan Church, 2800 Sunset Lane, invites guests to a lively, 15-minute interactive, biblical-era drama in which visitors travel back in time in search of the newborn Messiah. The event also includes a marketplace with crafts, food and music. The program is also held Sunday, Dec. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Holiday Pet Photos

Delta Animals Safe Haven invites families and their pets to PetSmart, 5879 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for photos with Santa Claus. Photo-ops are also scheduled for Dec. 18. For more information, visit www.deltaanimalssafehaven.org or call 925-219-0151.

Winter Workshop

The City of Oakley hosts a fun, holiday-inspired workshop filled with games and arts and crafts at 1250 O’Hara Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop is appropriate for children ages 3 to 11. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, call 925-625-7041 or e-mail ncarmody@ci.oakley.ca.us.

‘The Nutcracker’

The Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater presents “The Nutcracker,” the timeless holiday tale of a girl’s dreams brought to life. Performances are scheduled for noon and 4 p.m. at Antioch’s El Campanil Theatre. Additional performances will be held Dec. 18. For tickets and more information, visit www.elcampaniltheatre.com or call 925-757-9500.

Santa Paws

Don’t exclude your pets from celebrating the holidays. Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization has invited Santa to Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet with your four-legged friends and pose for pictures. For more information, visit www.eccchalo.org.

Holiday Concert

The Summerset Singers give a holiday concert from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193 Griffith Lane. The program includes traditional Christmas carols, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” and many other inspirational selections. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $8.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

The Streets of Brentwood, 2565 Sand Creek Road, hosts its second annual Menorah Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Take part in the festivities, enjoy the music, latkes, jelly doughnuts, crafts and dreidels, and watch Jeremy the juggler perform. For more information, visit www.shopstreetsofbrentwood.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 24

Uncommon Inspiration

Motivational speaker and musician Ardon Lockyer visits Agape Bible Fellowship, 605 W. Mandeill St. in Antioch, at 6 p.m. to share inspirational messages of the season. For more information, call 925-709-4424 or e-mail info@agapebfm.org.

Christmas Eve Services

Brentwood Neighborhood Church, 50 Birch St., hosts Christmas Eve services at 5, 7 and 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.brentwoodnc.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

Christmas Breakfast

Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch, 913 Sunset Drive, hosts a Christmas breakfast and gift giveaway at 9 a.m. Worship services commence at 8 and 10 a.m. Immediately following breakfast, any child in need will be provided a Christmas gift. For more information, call 925-522-2017 or visit www.gbfofantioch.org.