Nothing lifts the spirits like the thought of wall-to-wall activities at this time of year, right? OK, maybe not, but at least that’s a positive problem. You won’t have to brainstorm about what to do in and around the South Bay with your family, friends and out-of-town visitors. Not today or virtually any date through the end of the year.
Anything you could wish for, from wine strolls to Messiah sing-a-longs, from tree lightings to multiple “Nutcracker” productions, is happening over the next few weeks. See for yourself.
NOV. 28
Opening night of Christmas in the Park, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Park and S. Market streets, downtown San Jose. See the tree lighting, then the official arrival of Santa Claus. Enjoy a live performance by the Santa Clara Big Band and a special appearance by “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” 6 p.m., then 9 a.m.-midnight through Jan. 1. Free. christmasinthepark.com.
Hawaiian Airlines/Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice, Circle of Palms, between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art. Take a spin on the South Bay’s largest seasonal outdoor skating rink. Hours vary. Through Jan. 11. $13-$17 at sjdowntown.com/downtownice or 408.291.0525.
Docent-led tours of the Ainsley House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. The house is decorated in holiday themes inspired by the 1920s and ’30s. Plus, the holiday boutique offers seasonal gifts, ornaments, tea accessories and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28-30, then Wednesday-Sunday Dec. 3-18. $8 general, $6 senior, $4.50 youths 7-17 years old at the door. Members free.
Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show, San Jose Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose. Black Friday shoppers looking for unique gifts can forgo the big box stores and support independent artists and craftspeople. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30. $4-$9 at the door, $2 off with food donation. harvestfestival.com.
Tabard Theatre Company, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. You won’t believe the mayhem and fun when six bratty kids collide head-on with the story of Christmas, putting their spin on the Nativity and, ultimately, showing the true meaning of the holiday and the season. Through Dec. 20. Various times. $15 to $38 at tabardtheatre.org or 408.679.2330.
Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Lights Train, depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers sing carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones. Round-trip excursion is 60 minutes. Includes your choice of arcade games, mini-golf or laser tag. 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Also various times Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. $22 and $28 at roaringcamp.com or 831.335.4484.
NOV. 29
San Jose Symphonic Choir, “Messiah,” Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, 80 S. Market St., San Jose. A complete performance of the Handel masterpiece, accompanied by the San Jose Baroque Orchestra and soloists Emma Rosenthal, Sara Couden, Gabriel Cohen and Christian Pursell. 7:30 p.m. Also 4 p.m. Nov. 30 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga. $25 and $35 at sjsctickets@sbcglobal.net or 408.995.3318.
San Jose Youth Shakespeare, “A Christmas Carol,” The Studio Theatre at Houge Park Building 1, White Oaks Avenue at Twilight Drive, San Jose. The Dickens classic comes alive in this show directed by London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts graduate Audrey Rumsby. Assisting with the music and singing is Peggy Spool of Vivace Youth Chorus. 7 p.m. Also 4 p.m. Nov. 30; 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 7 p.m. Dec. 5; and 3 p.m. Dec. 6. $10 in advance at youthshakes.org or 408.978.5516. $15 at the door.
Photos with Santa, Ainsley House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. St. Nick will be seated in the living room of the Ainsley House, decorated as the perfect backdrop for holiday photos and cards. Guests must bring their own camera to take photos of their children with Santa. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 per family, $5 for members. campbellmuseums.org/ainsley-house.
DEC. 2
Holiday Wine & Dine Around, Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. Help out Second Harvest Food Bank by purchasing a $15 ticket on santanarow.com or at the concierge center and receive complimentary food and wine tastings at select Row shops and restaurants. 6-8 p.m. santanarow.com.
DEC. 3
Holiday teas and tours, Ainsley House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. Teas include finger sandwiches, champagne, tea and tasty treats in the Carriage House, followed by a docent-led tour of the Ainsley House. 1 or 1:30 p.m. Also Dec. 4,5,6,7,10,11,12 and 13. $40, $35 members. Reservations required at 408.866.2757.
TheatreWorks, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The whimsical, swashbuckling prequel to “Peter Pan,” this Tony Award-winning play is a music-filled adventure about a troupe of actors and the boy who never grew up plus the girl he’ll never forget. Through Jan. 3. Various times. $19-$74 at theatreworks.org or 650.463.1960.
DEC. 4
Willow Glen Elementary School annual tree lighting ceremony, 1425 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. The festival includes pictures with Santa, holiday crafts, festive treats (including homemade tamales and churros) and performances by students. Event gets under way at 5:30 p.m., live musical performances start at 6 p.m. The lighting takes place at 7:15 p.m. willowglen.org.
DEC. 5
Los Gatos Ballet, “The Nutcracker,” Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. The inaugural production of this perennial favorite by Los Gatos Ballet features guest artists Sarah Van Patten and Carlos Quenedit, principal dancers with the San Francisco Ballet. Additional guest artists from Ballet San Jose, plus the Philharmonic Orchestra of the San Jose Youth Orchestra, conducted by Yair Samet. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Also 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 7. $15 to $65 at losgatosballet.org.
Santa Clara University choirs, “Festival of Lights,” Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. The program draws on many traditions, those formed at SCU and those celebrated across the world, as it explores the changes of the seasons, a variety of holiday traditions, and concludes with an arrangement of “Silent Night” sung by candlelight. 7:30 p.m. $5-$15 at scupresents.org.
Bethel Church of San Jose, “Christmas Spectacular,” Bethel Church, 1201 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose. A magnificent musical celebration for all ages, featuring the Bethel Choir and Orchestra, Kingdom Kids Choir, Drama Ensemble, dance, multimedia and audience participation. Spanish interpretation is provided at all performances. 8 p.m. Also 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7, 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Free. bethel.org.
Valle Monte League’s 47th annual Christmas Tree Elegance events, DoubleTree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose. This year’s theme is “Uptown Holiday: Christmas on 5th Ave.” The Champagne Brunch takes place 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and the Manhattan Supper Club happens 6:30 p.m.-midnight. The evening affair will feature dinner, live entertainment and dancing, silent auction, tree drawings, fashion show and more. Brunch: $100. Supper Club: $175. At vallemonte.org. Information: 408.278.8001.
Northside Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol,” Olinder Theatre, 848 E. William St., San Jose. Ebenezer Scrooge returns in this Dickens classic, which Northside is presenting for the 31st time. 8 p.m. Also 3 and 8 p.m. through Dec. 28. $17 and $22 at northsidetheatre.com.
DEC. 6
History Park, annual Heritage Holiday Champagne Tea, Renzel Room of the Pacific Hotel, History San Jose, 1650 Senter Road between Phelan and Keyes, San Jose. Enjoy special blends of tea accompanying a light luncheon of scones, tea sandwiches and tea fancies. Entertainment to be provided by the Lyric Theatre of San Jose. Afterward, there will be docent-led tours of select decorated historic homes in History Park plus trolley rides. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $45. To make reservations, call Juanita at 408.918.1045 or email her at jlara@historysanjose.org.
58th annual Los Gatos Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade, downtown Los Gatos. The annual extravaganza starts 11 a.m. at Almendra Avenue at N. Santa Cruz Avenue, and ends approximately 1 p.m. on Church Street. It will take place rain or shine. Information: lgsrec reation.org/Pages/parade2.html.
Mountain Holiday Weekend at the Summit Wineries, Los Gatos. The five wineries in the Summit Road area invite you to a festive holiday weekend with live music, gifts for sale, decorations, food and wine. Burrell School Vineyards & Winery, MJA Vineyards, Silver Mountain (open Dec. 6 only), Villa del Monte Winery, Wrights Station plus the Summit Store will each offer a different experience. Also Dec. 7. More information, including hours: thesummitwineries.com.
San Jose Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” School of Arts and Culture Theater, Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. The troupe performs the holiday classic. Sugar Plum Party after the show. 1 and 6 p.m. Also various times Dec. 7, 13, 14. $20-$40 ($8 for Sugar Plum Party) at sjyb.org.
San Jose Symphonic Choir and the Nova Vista Symphony, “Holiday Magic V,” Church of the Ascension, 12033 Miller Ave., Saratoga. Selections will include Tchaikovsky’s “Suite from Sleeping Beauty” and Robert Shaw’s “Many Moods of Christmas.” 7:30 p.m. $25-$15 at sjsctickets@sbcglobal.net.
San Jose State University Choraliers and Concert Choir, “Home for the Holidays,” Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Seasonal music presented by the university groups. 7:30 p.m. $10-$35 at 408.924.4645.
“Irish Christmas,” Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell. A team of Irish traditional musicians, dancers from the Kerry Dance Troupe led by Kevin Horton (“Riverdance”), the Kerry Records voice squad and Irish actor Sheelagh Cullen. 8 p.m. $41 and $46 at cityofcampbell.com/heritagetheatre. ‘
DEC. 7
Santa Paws, Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. Bring your canine and feline friends to the Row for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Photos are $20 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at Park Valencia. santanarow.com.
DEC. 8
San Jose Symphonic Choir, “You-Sing-It Messiah,” California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. A nearly 40-year-old tradition in which the audience sings Handel’s solo arias and choruses, led by Maestro Leroy Kromm and accompanied by the San Jose Baroque Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. $15 and $20, $10 for groups of 10 or more at bmchenry@symphonysiliconvalley.org or 408.286.2600, ext. 23.
16th annual Fantasy of Lights, Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. 1.5-mile drive-through holiday lights and display entertainment extravaganza. Includes mostly animated larger-than-life displays, tunnels of lights and much more. 6-10 p.m. nightly, through Dec. 24. $15-$50 per vehicle. Information: sccgov.org/sites/parks/fol/Pages/AnnualFoL.aspx
DEC. 10
Smuin Ballet’s “Uncorked: The Christmas Ballet 2014 Edition,” Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. This popular holiday celebration offers something for everyone, from ballet, tap and swing to a wealth of other dances drawn from holiday traditions from around the world. 8 p.m. Also various other times Dec. 11-14. $49-$68 at smuinballet.org or 650.903.6000.
DEC. 12
Montalvo’s Yuletide Morning Tea, Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. Guests will be served assorted tea sandwiches, breakfast quiche, fresh fruit, scones, tarts and cookies, along with a selection of teas, coffee and mimosas. 10 a.m. $40 at montalvoarts.org or 408.961.5858.
Holiday luncheon, Sunnyvale Senior Center, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale. A holiday meal plus entertainment by SJSU’s Pitch Please, an all-male a cappella group. Doors open at 11 a.m. $13 non-members (50 and older), $11 for members. Information: 408.730.7360.
Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus, “Pure Imagination” concert, Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1550 Meridian Ave., San Jose. The chorus captures the childhood awe and excitement of the holidays. Familiar songs of joy meet songs from favorite childhood movies. 8 p.m. Also 8 p.m. Dec. 13, 3 p.m. Dec. 14. $15 and $20 at svgmc.org.
Santa Clara Chorale, “The Christmas Truce” choral concert, Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. In December 1914, German and English soldiers on the front lines of World War I set aside their weapons and took up carols in an historic, impromptu truce. One hundred years later, the chorale remembers this demonstration of humanity by singing carols and songs that were sung at this event, interspersed with readings from the letters of these soldiers, as well as seasonal choral pieces. 8 p.m. Also 4 p.m. Dec. 14. $5 to $25 (more for reserved seating) at scc.org.
DEC. 13
Montalvo’s Yuletide Holiday Champagne High Tea, Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. Guests will be served assorted tea sandwiches, scones, petit fours, lemon squares, holiday cookies, tea, coffee and champagne. 2 p.m. $45 at montalvoarts.org or 408.961.5858.
Montalvo’s Yuletide Children’s Tea and Visit with Santa, Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. Children and their parents will be served scones, assorted tea sandwiches, mini pizza, fruit, cupcakes and brownies, and hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Each child will have a chance to frost and decorate a petite gingerbread man, sit with Santa and receive a small gift. 10 a.m. $30 at montalvoarts.org or 408.961.5858.
Bay Shore Lyric Opera, “Hansel and Gretel,” Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga. Enjoy a family-friendly, English language version of the fairy tale opera adapted to 80 minutes. 6 and 8 p.m. Also 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 14. $10-$16 at brownpapertickets.com.
Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale’s 10th annual “Carols in the California,” California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. Come for the traditional sing-along of your favorite carols and a performance of John Rutter’s “Magnificat.” 7 p.m. $26 and $36 at symphonysiliconvalley.org or 408.286.2600.
Nineteen, “Big Band Christmas,” Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. The group Nineteen returns with its concert of holiday music done big band style. Special guest Tony Lindsay will also perform. 8 p.m. Also 2 p.m. Dec. 14. $13-$38 at tabardtheatre.org.
Karen Gabay’s “The Nutcracker,” San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents Karen Gabay’s staging of the holiday classic inspired by the traditional E.T.A. Hoffmann story. Gabay was a longtime dancer with the company. The production, which premiered in 2012, features nearly 100 performers, sets by Paul Kelly and costumes by Broadway legend Theoni V. Aldredge. 1:30 and 7 p.m. Also various times Dec. 14, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28. $25-$110 at balletsj.org or 408.288.2800.
DEC. 14
San Jose Wind Symphony, “Music for the Holidays,” McAfee Performing Arts Center, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga. Lift your spirits as SJWS fills the air with lively arrangements of holiday classics. The family-friendly concert, featuring the Vivace Youth Choir, includes a silent auction. Auction preview 2 p.m., concert 3 p.m. $5 to $20 at sjws.org. One free child ticket (12 and under) for each paid general or senior ticket available.
Santa Run Silicon Valley, Plaza de Cesar Chavez at Park and S. Market streets, San Jose. Work off some of those holiday goodies at this 5K run benefiting Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice. Come dressed as your favorite holiday character or tradition. 3 p.m. $8-$40 at santarunsv.com or 888.810.2063.
Open House at the Ainsley House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. See the Ainsley House decorations at night, with live music in the living room and light refreshments in the Carriage House. 5:30-8 p.m. Also Dec. 18. $15, $10 members on site; free for children under 10.
DEC. 17
Menorah lighting, Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. The Row celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights with kosher treats, entertainment, arts and crafts and other activitives. 4-6 p.m. at Park Valencia. Free. santanarow.com.
DEC. 18
Roaring Camp Railroads Hanukkah Train, depart from and return to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Gather at the Boardwalk on the third night of Hanukkah for the lighting of the menorah. Then set off on an incredible 60-minute train ride in excursion cars decorated with thousands of shining lights and decorations. Listen to Hanukkah stories, play dreidel and enjoy kosher refreshments. Evening includes your choice of mini golf, laser tag or arcade games. 6:30 p.m. $22 and $28 at roaringcamp.com or 831.335.4484.
DEC. 20
The Choral Project and San Jose Chamber Orchestra, “Winter’s Gifts: Evocation Featuring Taylor Eigsti,” First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto. Conductors Daniel Hughes and Barbara Day Turner collaborate to create this special concert, which has become a Bay Area holiday tradition. This year’s program features piano prodigy Taylor Eigsti, an American jazz musician and composer who’s performed alongside greats like Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman and Diana Krall. 8 p.m. Also 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. $10-$32 at sjcp.org, $10-$35 at the door.
Chanticleer Christmas, Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Share the joy of the season as this Grammy-winning “orchestra of voices” performs its holiday program amid the rich acoustics and ornate interior of the mission. 6 and 8:30 p.m. $35-$69 at scu.edu/missionchurch or chanticleer.org.
Red Hot Chachkas, “New World Klezmer,” Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale. A longtime Bay Area favorite, the Red Hot Chachkas have stirred up a unique recipe for upbeat klezmer music that’s perfect for this festive time of year. 8 p.m. $23 and $29 at recreationclasses.insunnyvale.org.
DEC. 22
San Jose Symphonic Choir, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, 80 S. Market St., San Jose. The group will be participating in St. Joseph’s celebration of the 12 days of Christmas, a series of benefit concerts to raise funds for those in need in the community. 7:30 p.m. Free-will offering will support the cathedral’s community outreach efforts.
DEC. 26
Margaret Cho, San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose. Cho has always been the agent provocateur of stand up. Never one to shy away from a difficult, or even taboo topic, there is no subject off limits. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Also 7 and 9:15 p.m. Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Dec. 28. $25 at sanjoseimprov.com.
