Puppet playtime

Puppeteers Nancy and Jack Mitchell pulled the heartstrings of children and adults alike at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa on Saturday with a holiday-themed puppet show.

The traveling puppet show was founded in the 1960s by Nancy Mitchell’s parents, Howard and Marjorie Mitchell.

The Holiday Puppet Show will return to the Orange County Market Place today for three shows, at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.

The Orange County Market Place kicked off the holiday shopping season this weekend with the puppet show and the arrival of Santa Claus, who will return to the Market Place every weekend 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 21. Children receive a coupon for a free photo with Santa at the entrance.

— Brianna Bailey