THURSDAY, DEC. 12

History comes to cozy life in this special performance by the Long Beach Camerata Singers at the historic Rancho Los Alamitos. Adapted from the illustrative children’s novel, “Christmas Eve at Rancho Los Alamitos” by Katharine Bixby Hotchkis—based on her recollections of childhood Christmases on the ranch—the performance will be a musical adaptation of the book, telling stories about family holiday traditions from early in the last century.

The event also doubles as a music program geared for children ages 3 to 8 years old and will explore musical concepts such as melody, tempo, dynamics and rhythm.

Following the program will be light refreshments, children’s craft activities in the barnyard as well as tours of the ranch house decorated for the holidays.

Another great thing: Can’t get enough of the Camerata Singers? They’re also performing tomorrow, Friday, with Musica Angelica in their annual performance of Baroque Christmas.

Giving us a moment’s pause: Christmas in a barnyard. Sound familiar?

Christmas at the Rancho with the Long Beach Camerata Singers runs from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Rancho Los Alamitos; 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road. Adult tickets are priced at $15 with children ages 12 or younger priced at $10. Free admission for children ages two or younger. The event requires RSVP, which you may do so, here. Parking is limited at the Rancho Los Alamitos so consider carpooling or using public transport (or just arrive early, parking lot opens at 3 p.m.)