by Andrew Alonzo | [email protected]

Friday, November 24

• California Botanic Garden invites folks to stop by before or after Black Friday shopping at 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, for its 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Green Friday event, including free admission for registered guests. Reserve tickets at calbg.org.

• “Beatriz at Dinner” (2017) is this week’s free 12:30 p.m. movie matinee at the Blaisdell Community Center, 440 S. College Ave., Claremont. Free popcorn is available. Call (909) 399-5367 for more information.

• Ophelia’s Jump Productions, 2009 Porterfield Way, Suite H, Upland, premieres “Sealed Orders,” by Jean Collinsworth, at 8 p.m. The production runs through Sunday, December 10. Tickets, starting at $32, and info are at opheliasjump.org, or call (909) 734-6565.

Saturday, November 25

• Brock Christmas Tree Farm, the only choose-and-cut pine and cypress tree farm in Claremont, located where Mountain Avenue meets the Thompson Creek Trail, opens for its 62nd season at 9 a.m. The farm is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Sunday, December 17. Call (909) 626-0243 for info.

• Rustic and Modern Collective,200 N. Second Ave., Upland, offers a 1 to 4 p.m. holiday clay workshop. Admission is $45. Reservations can be made at eventbrite.com, search “Rustic and Modern Collective.”

• The Friends of the Claremont Library’s free fourth Saturdays poetry event this month is a 2 p.m. open mic reading at the Claremont Helen Renwick Library, 208 N. Harvard Ave. Signups begin 10 minutes prior. Writers are invited to bring up to two poems or pages to read.

Sunday, November 26

• Eric Croissant plays a free 2 to 5 p.m. show at College Center, 665 E. Foothill Blvd., Claremont. More info is at jazzatcollegecenter.com.

• Claremont Symphony Orchestra will present a 3:30 p.m. program at Bridges Hall of Music, 150 E. Fourth St., Claremont, including works by Alexander Borodin and Max Bruch, and soloists Albert Rice, clarinet, and David Sage, viola. Go to claremontso.org for more info.

Monday, November 27

• Kiwanis Club of Claremont’s See’s Candies fundraiser runs through December 24 at 191 S. Indian Hill Blvd. The popup store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays. Kiwanians take orders during the weekly farmer’s market in the Village and online at claremontkiwanis.org.

• A free and open to the public current events discussion group takes place Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Joslyn Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont. Call (909) 399-5488 for details.

• Every Monday, a free financial literacy group meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Joslyn Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont. Call (909) 399-5488 for more info.

• Pomona College’s West African Music Ensemble, with guests from Volta Drum Dance, will hold a free and open to the public performance beginning at 8 p.m. at Lyman Hall, 340 N. College Ave., Claremont. Call (909) 607-2671 for more info.

Tuesday, November 28

• Support local charities and philanthropic missions by donating this Giving Tuesday. Visit givingtuesday.org for opportunities in your area.

• During its health and wellness hour, Service Center for Independent Life will host a fleece blanket making hour for unhoused veterans from 11 a.m. to noon at 107 S. Spring St., Claremont.

Wednesday, November 29

• A free chair exercise group for seniors meets at 9:35 a.m. at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Rd., Claremont. Call (909) 399-5490 for info.

• Seniors can participate in free games of bridge at the Joslyn Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Call (909) 399-5488 for more info.

Thursday, November 30

• The Glendora Public Library hosts award-winning author Naomi Alderman, who will discuss her new book, “The Future,” and answer questions during an hourlong virtual event starting at noon. Register at cityofglendora.org.

• Highpoint Brewing Company, 402 W. Arrow Hwy., Unit 12, San Dimas, is the site for the 5 to 7 p.m. San Dimas Chamber of Commerce’s holiday mixer. Members are $10, non-members $15. RSVP at sandimaschamber.chambermaster.com.

• Children’s Foundation of America’s annual holiday fundraiser gala, featuring a cocktail hour, photo opportunities, holiday treats, dancing, and community awards, runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Padua Hills Theatre, 4467 Padua Ave., Claremont. Tickets are $150 per person at eventbrite.com, search “CFA holiday gala.”

Friday, December 1

• The Friends of the Claremont Library’s annual holiday fine book sale, at the Claremont Helen Renwick Library, 208 N. Harvard Ave., begins at 10 a.m. and runs throughout the month of December. Payments can be made by cash or check. Email [email protected] for more info.

• The American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, holds its free open house and holiday market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting today through Sunday, December 3. RSVP at amoca.org.

Saturday, December 2

• The Glendora Public Library and Glendora Recreation and Human Services Department invites all to a free and open to the public 9 to 10:30 a.m.gingerbread house decorating party at Finkbiner Park, 160 N. Wabash Ave., Glendora. Questions? Call (626) 852-4891.

• The Claremont Helen Renwick Library’s On the Same Page Committee hosts a free and open to the public 10 a.m. reading of “This Is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel, the group’s community read for 2023-24. The library is at 208 N. Harvard Ave. More info is available via email to [email protected].

• The City of Claremont’s Santa Claus meet and greet for people with special needs takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at Blaisdell Community Center, 440 S. College Ave. Offerings include a playground with adaptive equipment, photo opportunities with Santa, crafting activities, and light refreshments. RSVP using the form.jotform.com link at ci.claremont.ca.us. Email [email protected] for more information.

• Inland Pacific Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. today at the Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets begin at $73 at cityofrc.us. Additional showings take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 3; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, December 10.

• La Verne holds its annual free and open to the public holiday stroll from 3 to 6 p.m. in Old Town La Verne between D and 3rd streets, including caroling, live music, and a free photo with Santa, and a 6 p.m. a holiday story time and tree lighting ceremony.

• Browse artwork around the City of Trees during the free 6 to 9 p.m. Claremont Art Walk. More information will appear in the next edition of the Courier. Email [email protected] for more info.