The Weekender: Christmas Festivities, Boutique Sales, Choral Performances

As you plan your weekend here are some of the events in the Lamorinda area happening from Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening.

On Thursday evening, the St. Mary's College Dance Company will feature the work of eight of the college's seniors.

"Horizons" begins at 8 p.m. in the LeFevre Theatre at the college, 1928 St. Mary's Road in Moraga.

On Friday morning, a three-day holiday boutique sale will begin.

The Santa's Bag Boutique will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lafayette Community Center Live Oak Room, 500 St. Mary's Road.

The boutique will feature local vendors selling handmade arts, crafts and novelties.

On Friday afternoon, the 12th annual Tarabrook Holiday Boutique will get under way.

The boutique will be from noon to 8 p.m. at 1 Tarabrook Drive in Orinda. The sale will also be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday evening, Lafayette will host its annual holiday celebration.

"It's A Wonderful Life in Lafayette" is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Lafayette Plaza Park at Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Boulevard.

There will be food, music, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.

Also on Friday evening, Moraga will host its annual holiday celebration.

The festivities being at 6:30 p.m. at the Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St. Mary's Road.

The Moraga Community Chorus will perform and Santa will light the town Christmas tree at 7 p.m.

Also on Friday evening, travel writer Rick Steves will host a forum on European travel.

The talk by Steves is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Orinda Theatre, 2 Orinda Theatre Square.

Also on Friday evening, the Contra Costa Children's Chorus will perform.

"My Spirit Rejoices" begins at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive in Lafayette.

Also on Friday evening, a Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah will be presented.

The 20th annual community concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen's Drive in Orinda.

On Saturday, there will be an opportunity for children to have their picture taken with Santa Claus for free.

The photo sessions are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5A Rent A Space, 455 Moraga Road in Moraga.

On Saturday afternoon, a performance of popular opera arias will be presented.

Opera & Ornaments: A Merola Opera Program Holiday Concert begins at 2 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Also on Saturday afternoon, a holiday celebration will be held in downtown Orinda.

The festivities begin at 4 p.m. in Orinda Theatre Square.

The events include a children's ornament workshop, visits with Santa Claus, carriage rides and Christmas carols.

Also on Saturday afternoon, Hospice of the East Bay will dedicate its Tree of Lights in Orinda.

The ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. by the large tree near the Bank of America in Orinda Village.

On Saturday evening, a live nativity will be unveiled.

The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane.

The church's courtyard will be transformed into the Bethlehem manger where Jesus was born.