What to Know”A Holiday Wonderland Special”Bob Baker Marionette TheaterHighland ParkNov. 14 through Jan. 17, 2027 (select dates)$28

Whispers and murmurs that a major luminary might put in a colorful cameo at a local venue?

It’s not an unusual experience in Los Angeles to hear word that somebody big and bright is set to shine on a specific celebration.

But when that luminary is actually luminous, at least in spirit, and wears the term “star” quite literally, then you can guess who the celebrity is and where they’re appearing.

If you just called out the name “Demitrius Nova Twinklestar III,” also known as Demi Star, one of the best-known characters to hold cute court at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, then you know your nostalgic stuff: The floating figure, which is, oh yes, a star, will soon serve as the happy host at “A Holiday Wonderland Special,” the Highland Park theater’s annual year-ending, year-beginning confection.

Or perhaps we mean “glow-st” rather than “host,” given that Demi Star possesses a certain shimmer.

You can admire that shimmer in person starting in mid-November when the holiday spectacular dances and prances at the vintage venue, with all sorts of seasonal songs, decorations, set pieces, and festive flourishes folded into the production. A production, by the by, that brims with bouncy and plucky puppets, some classic, some strange, and all quaintly charismatic.

Tickets are priced at $28 and are now available for purchase; certain dates, including those on weekends and near specific occasions, do sell out rather swiftly.

The beloved events are a favorite of families, including those people who choose to sit “criss-cross applesauce” on the floor near the stage with their little ones, and anyone who adores theater with plenty of nostalgic charm and wholesome appeal.

“Like a TV holiday special of yore, BBMT’s ‘A Holiday Wonderland Special’ features puppet fan favorites, decking the halls, singing a few carols, and welcoming winter,” is the spirited vow on the troupe’s site.

While the troupe moved into its Highland Park theater under a decade ago, the Bob Baker marionettes, founded by the beloved puppet builder the theater is named for, have delivered smiles and songs to Southern Californians for over 60 years.