Ho-ho-holiday concerts are here! ‘Tis the season that is all about cheer, joy, and giving. Our gift to you: a list of concerts that you’ll find yourself having a great time and rockin’ around at. A good number of shows going on this month are also collecting donations and putting on toy drives to ensure everyone has a very merry Christmas. Interested? We’ve got you covered on the who, what, when and where.
12. KONSEPT ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
Join Konsept for its annual toy drive packed full of performances from Karlton Phre$h, Tark, Screech Da'reazon, and Cuffee & special guests on Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. at Proof Bar. There will also be DJ sets by Kike, Donovan, and GG Alan. Bring a gift to donate to children in need in exchange for a night of live music, drinks, and a fundraiser raffle.
11. GET LOW – A HIP HOP CHRISTMAS
Hear some throwback hip hop and R&B tracks for free on Christmas Eve at Alex’s Bar. The event is at 9 p.m. and is 21+
10. SPECIAL BLEND ANNUAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY
Need an excuse to bust out that ugly Christmas sweater? Well, here’s your chance. Join Special Blend at Slidebar for a free show and their annual ugly Christmas sweater party on Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. The event is free and 21+
9. A DO-RITE HOLIDAY 2016
The Do-Rite Collective will host its second annual toy drive at Footage Air Space in Brea. Live acts include Nick Pacoli, Monica Parales, K. Cero, Nieman, Cosmic Music and more. The event will take place Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15.
8. SANTA’S ROCKSHOP #4
Orange County Music League is putting on its fourth Santa’s Rockshop at The Karman. There will be music by Law, Sapien, Saint Blasphemer and a special guest. Guests can donate $10 or bring an unwrapped, brand new toy. All proceeds go to Orangewood Children’s Home. Santa’s Rockshop will take place on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.
7. BENEFIT FOR HARLEY
The Bash Dogs, Playdates, and Tunnels will be playing a benefit show on Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. at The Wayfarer. The event is 21+ and tickets are $8.
6. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TOY DRIVE
Tiki Bar will be hosting its own Rock ‘N’ Roll Toy Drive on Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. The event is 21+ and admission is free if you bring an unwrapped toy. There will be live music from Symbol Six, Big Rig Dollhouse, Motor Gun Hotel, The Bourbon Saints, and The Frank & Dino Show.
5. PUNXMAS TOY DRIVE
Toxic Kat Productions & KaoticRadio.com are putting on a punk rock extravaganza for a toy drive on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Acts include You There, Crash Coarse, Slacktone, Civil Disgust, The Bastards, Part Time Punks, and What's Left. No toy, no entry – the toy must be packaged and have a $10 value. No monetary donations will be accepted. The event is 21+
4. DAVID SIAHAAN CHRISTMAS SHOW
Hear David Siahaan sing sweet, soulful Christmas music off his holiday EP at The Glass House. The event is Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.
3. THE ROCKET SUMMER SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SHOW
The Rocket Summer will be playing a special Christmas show at Chain Reaction. The event takes place Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18.
2. SKA-XING DAY
Celebrate Christmas with some ska! Fishbone, Starpool, and The Aggrolites playing Ska-Xing day on Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
1. THE VANDALS CHRISTMAS FORMAL
An OC punk tradition that really needs no introduction. It's just not the holidays unless you've moshed to “The Legend of Pat Brown” in an ugly Christmas sweater. Dec. 23 at the City National Grove of Anaheim. 8 p.m. $20.
Yvonne Villasenor is often in a sleep deprived daze daydreaming about ’90s heartthrobs, dogs, upcoming album releases, and what she’s going to eat for dinner. When she snaps back to reality, she writes about OC’s latest music and artists.