Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LA JOLLA--Learn about land and sea animals of the North and South Poles in “Santa’s Science Lab” at the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum Dec. 26-31. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $6.50, general; $5.50, seniors; $4.50, students and those 13-17; $3.50, kids 3-12. 2300 Expedition Way. (619) 534-FISH.

INDIAN WELLS--”New Year’s Jazz at Indian Wells” returns for the eighth year Dec. 29-31. Three full days of music by 23 bands and guest artists await. Tickets and ticket packages: $35-$250. Room rates: $68-$159. (310) 799-6055.

SANTA CRUZ--Can’t wait until Dec. 31 to ring in the new year? The Cocoanut Grove once again hosts the New Year’s Eve’s Eve gala, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 30. $13 in advance; $15 at the door. Tickets: dinner, dancing and midnight dessert buffet, $49 (must by purchased in advance); dancing and dessert buffet, $27 in advance or $30 at the door. 400 Beach St. Must be 21 to attend these parties. (408) 423-2053.

SAN DIEGO--Kick off 1996 at the 11th annual Charity Masked Ball Dec. 31 at the San Diego Convention Center. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $45 in advance; $55 at the door. Tickets, including a dinner buffet (6-9 p.m.), are $100, and must be purchased in advance. Sponsored by the San Diego League. (619) 437-8968.

HEALDSBURG--Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the annual Black and White Ball at Villa Chanticleer. Dinner is 7-9 p.m.; $30 includes dinner and festivities. 1248 N. Fitch Mountain Road. Sponsored by American Legion Post 111. (707) 431-7346.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.