SOUTH COUNTY : Plays, ‘Nutcracker,’ Snow Say Christmas

Two holiday plays will be presented free over the weekend in Rancho Santa Margarita, and there will be other events tied to the season in the Saddleback Valley area.

Today, the Oasis Community Church will present “Mr. Todd’s Christmas” at 6 p.m. in the Lake Amphitheater, at the corner of Avenida de las Flores and Antonio Parkway. The production is being staged by the Master Repertory Company.

On Sunday at 6:15 p.m., the Mt. Hoag Community Church is sponsoring a re-enactment of the first Christmas featuring animals and a church choir as well as actors. The event will be at the Lake Amphitheater at Avenida de las Flores and Antonio Parkway.

Children can create their own holiday cookies in Mission Viejo at a cookie baking workshop today at La Paz Intermediate School, 25151 Pradera Drive. The program will run between 1 and 3:30 p.m., and the cost is $15.

In San Juan Capistrano, about 55 tons of snow will carpet Cook Park today from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Activities include a Santa’s craft workshop for children and a tot lot. Cost for 90 minutes of play, including a picture with Santa, is $10. The park is at Calle Arroyo and La Novia Avenue.

Despite the Laguna Beach fire, which destroyed many Ballet Pacifica props and costumes, its annual “The Nutcracker” show will go on this weekend through Dec. 23. Tickets are $15 for the ballet, which is being performed at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road. The 3:30 p.m. matinees are sold out for this weekend. For more information, call (714) 642-9275.