DATEBOOK

Huntington Beach Independent, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; fax to (714) 965-7174; call (714) 965-7176 or e-mail hbindependent@latimes.com. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication.

TILL DEC. 15

The Fine Arts Gallery at Golden West College, 15744 Golden West St., Huntington Beach is showing a collaborative photo exhibit from American photographers Lorena Turner and Roger Triana, and members of the community of La Boquilla, a poor fishing village outside of Colombia, South America. Admission is free. Call (714) 892-7711 ext. 51032.

TILL DEC. 16

The Annual Holiday Book Sale is at the Huntington Beach Main Library, 525 Main Street, with proceeds benefiting the library branch. Books will be offered at half-price Dec. 14 through 16. Call (714) 375-5071.

FRIDAY

First Christian Church, 1207 Main Street, Huntington Beach sets the scene for Christmas from 6 to 9 p.m. with its annual “Living Nativity,” an automobile drive-through event featuring over 200 participants portraying characters including Jesus, Mary, and the three wise men. Cars line up early. Call (714) 536-2589, ext. 278 or go to www.fcchb.com.

SATURDAY

For a great view of the houses decorated for the holidays, take a gondola cruise through the channels and bays of Huntington Harbour. Choose the Sunset Cruise till 6 p.m. or the Holiday Lights Cruise till midnight. Wear warm clothes; blankets are provided. Gondolas leave from Peter’s Landing and Marina, 16400 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. Call (562) 592-3295 for reservations and prices.

“Santa Claws” will be at Cottage by the Sea, 301 Main St., Huntington Beach, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so bring your pet in for a holiday portrait. Cost is $20. Call (714) 219-9495.

Bella Terra Mall, 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach has holiday activities including live musical performances scheduled throughout the day. Santa will visit and be available for photos from 1 to 4 p.m., and Dickens carolers will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Call (714) 897-2534 or go to www.bellaterra-hb.com.

A five-year anniversary show celebrating “Comedy on the Back Stage” is taking place at Martini Blues Supper Club, 5874 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach at 8:30 p.m. Hosted by comedy producer, comedian and actor Bill Word, there is a $5 cover charge and $10 minimum. Call (714) 840-2129 or go to www.martiniblues.com.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Decorated boats will be cruising the water from 5 to 9 p.m. near the Peters Landing and Marina, 16400 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach as the Huntington Harbor Philharmonic Boat Parade’s “Music for all Ages,” begins the start of the holiday season. Call (714) 840-7542.

SATURDAY TILL DEC. 24

Golden West College’s Ballet Repertory Theater performs the traditional Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker,” at the Mainstage Theater, 15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach. Tickets are $13; $12 students, seniors and groups; $11 children under 12. For performance times, call (714) 895-8150 or go to www.gwctheater.com.