Yes, you can put your pinky up when you sip your drink at one of these local cultural finds. Join family and friends in a celebration of thefiner things in life, Santa Clarita style.

photography by Mel Carll

Assistance League's Sunset in the Vineyard at Compa Vineyard
On Sunday, November 4 from 1pm to 4pm at the exquisite private Compa Vineyard in Newhall, raise vital funds for Operation School Bell and other Assistance League efforts while enjoying fine cuisine, wines, live music and an auction. Over 20 local vintners and brewers will be pouring wines and beers; the students and chefs of the College of the Canyons Institute of Culinary Education will be serving elegant hors d'oeuvres and baking a variety of pizzas; and handcrafted artisan breads, cheeses and ice creams will delight your palate. It's all for a good cause; Operation School Bell provides new school clothes and shoes for over 2,200 students in the public schools in the Santa Clarita Valley. assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org

Holiday Dinner with Carolers at Marston's
On Wednesday, December 12, experience fine holiday dining accompanied by an acapella serenade by the Hart High School Choir Carolers in Marston's well-appointed restaurant. This limited-seating event is a holiday-season must. The Valencia favorite, which earned "Best Breakfast in California" acclaim by The Food Network Magazine and Zagat's "#1" status thanks to Marston's expertly-prepared dinner menu is also a holiday-catering superstar. Pickup, delivery and on-site options for breakfast, lunch and dinner abound. Take advantage of Chef Jim McCardy's customized selections for a classic just-for-you experience. 253-9910

courtesy of Shutterstock

Santa Clarita Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker hails the beginning of the holiday season. This winter classic weaves whimsy and wonder to create the perfect way to spend your Saturday or Sunday of December 15 (2pm and 7:30pm) and December 16 (2pm and 7pm). Cheer for the Nutcracker and his soldiers as they battle the malicious Rat King, laugh as dozens of gumdrops pour out of Madame Ginger's skirts and clap along as the Russian dancers spring through hoops. In addition to Santa Clarita Ballet's highly-trained company, The Nutcracker features professional dancers, too.
Tickets are now on sale via the Santa Clarita Ballet box office by phone or now online at santaclaritaballet.net. 251-0366

"The 39 Steps" at The Masters University
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a thrilling spy novel, add a splash of comedy and you have "The 39 Steps" - a fast-paced whodunit! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, suspense and good old-fashioned romance. Richard Hannay finds himself caught in national intrigue when a woman claiming to be a spy tells him about the mysterious "39 Steps." Can he help her before she is caught by their enemies? Soon, a shadowy organization is hot on his trail and Hannay becomes the focus of a countrywide manhunt with national security on the line. With more than 150 characters played by five flexible and brilliant actors, this show will combine uproarious laughter and imaginative stagecraft in an unforgettable semester of live theater.
362-2255