holiday

Holiday listings are compiled by Cheryl Eddy. Listings for Dec 3-Dec 9 below; check back each week for updated events. For information on how to submit a listing, see 8 Days a Week. For complete holiday listings, including additional East Bay events, see www.sfbg.com.

attractions

Exploratorium 3601 Lyon; EXP-LORE. $8-9.50. Sat/6: "A Toying Around Holiday Program," with a participatory, toy-instrument making workshop (1pm) followed by a live performance by Toychestra (3pm); for reservations call 674-2870. Sun/7, 2pm: Dactyls of Phrygia perform music on instruments made from found objects.

'Great Dickens Christmas Fair' Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva; 897-4555, www.dickensfair.com. Sat-Sun, 11am-7pm. Through Dec 21. $6-20 (season pass $25-55; parking $7). The annual event invokes Charles Dickens' London with strolling performers, costumed Victorian characters, food booths, and vendors selling arts and crafts.

'Holiday Gingerbread House Contest and Display' Pan Pacific San Francisco, 500 Post; 771-8600. Through Dec 30. The 18-story hotel lobby hosts a competitive display of holiday gingerbread houses built by local pastry chefs, culinary school students, home cooks, and youths.

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink Embarcadero Center, Justin Herman Plaza (foot of Market St); 772-0500, www.embarcaderocenter.com. Daily, 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat, open until 11:30pm). Through Jan 4. $3.50-7.50 (skate rental $3.50). Aspiring gold medalists and klutzes alike are welcomed at the seasonal outdoor rink.

Metreon 101 Fourth St; www.metreon.com. Through Dec 28. The mall hosts indoor snowfalls (daily, noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm), plus "Studio 105," featuring Live 105 radio broadcasts daily and appearances by rock stars and celebrities.

benefits

'Puttin' on the Dog' Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell; (415) 499-4000. Tues/9, 11am. $90. Guide Dogs for the Blind benefits from this holiday luncheon.

Holiday party and fundraiser First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin; 753-0909, www.iyisf.org. Sat/6, 6-9:30pm. $15-25. The nonprofit BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California hosts an event with Indian cuisine, performances, henna tattooing, and more.

Macy's Union Square Holiday Tree Purchase tickets to sponsor lights and strings of lights at UCSF Medical Center, 505 Parnassus; at UCSF Mount Zion Medical Center, 1600 Divisadero; or at 1-888-689-UCSF, www.ucsfhealth.org/tree. Through Dec 24. $10 a light. Help illuminate the giant tree at Macy's Union Square by sponsoring a light; proceeds go to UCSF Children's Hospital to help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

'One Warm Coat' Community service booth (across from Ann Taylor), Stonestown, 19th Ave at Winston; 564-8848, www.shopstonestown.com. Sat, noon-6pm. Through Jan 3. The Girl Scouts of the San Francisco Bay Area collect clean, reusable coats (hats, gloves, scarves, and other outerwear are also accepted) to be passed on to children and adults in need.

'Santa PAWS' Ghirardelli Square, West Plaza, 900 North Point; 346-1010. Sun/7, noon-4pm (holiday hat contest, 3:30pm). $10-25. Cats (and dogs) in hats can get their photos snapped with Santa to benefit Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), which offers pet care assistance to low-income people living with AIDS.

'Teddy Bear Tea' Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton; 773-6198, www.ritzcarlton.com. Daily, 10-11:30am and 1-2:30pm. Through Dec 24. $58. The Greater Bay Area Make-a-Wish Foundation benefits from this daily activity (with storytelling, hot chocolate and cookies, balloons, and more) for kids and their stuffed animals.

'Tenderloin Tessie's Holiday Dinners' volunteers First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin; 255-7503, 922-0422. Dec 25, 12:15pm-4pm and 4pm-6pm. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve holiday meals; call to sign up.

'Wreaths for the Arts' New Conservatory Theatre Center, Lobby, 25 Van Ness; 861-4914, www.nctsf.org. Tues-Sat, 1:30-7pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Through Dec 21. Wreaths designed by local and national celebrities, public officials, designers, and NCTC students are on display (and on sale, $50-500) to benefit the theater's YouthAware Programs and Conservatory scholarships. Bay Area

'Holiday Wreath Sale' Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera; (415) 457-2487, ext 104. Sat/6-Sun/7, 10am-6pm. The Marin AIDS Project benefits from the sale of wreaths designed by Marin florists, interior decorators, and other individuals.

'Messiah Sing' First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2619 Dwight, Berk; fccsb@mindspring.com. Sun/7, 2:30pm. Free (donations accepted). The historic church hosts an afternoon of singing and music; proceeds benefit the church's restoration efforts.

'Messiah Sing' St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen's Dr, Orinda; (925) 254-3770, www.ststephensorinda.org. Fri/5, free (donations accepted). Contra Costa and Solano Food Bank benefit from this concert.

'Santa Paws' Nitro Dog, 61 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette; www.smileydog.org, www.pawseastbay.org. Sat/6, 11am-3pm. (also Dec 13, 11am-3pm, Pet Food Express, 2220 Mountain Blvd, Ste 170, Oakl; Dec 14, 11am-3pm, Redhound, 5525 College, Oakl). $25. Smiley Dog Rescue and Pets Are Wonderful Support/East Bay benefit from this event, which enables pet owners (dogs, cats, birds, and fish are welcome) to be photographed with Santa.

'Tree of Light Ceremony' Aldersly Garden Retirement Community, 326 Mission, San Rafael; (415) 453-7425. Wed/3, 7pm. Free ($10 for tree light). Nonprofit retirement community Aldersly Garden hosts its annual Tree of Light, which features lights placed by community members in recognition of loved ones.

tree lightings and celebrations

'Black and White Holiday Ball' Metronome Ballroom, 1830 17th St; 252-9000. Fri/5, 7:30pm. $20. This black tie-optional party starts off with dance lessons (7:30-9pm), then features dancing until midnight, with a performance by competitive ballroom dancers.

'Good Vibrations Holiday Ball' Club NV, 525 Howard; 974-8985, ext 201, www.goodvibes.com. Thurs/4, 8pm-2am. $25. See 8 Days a Week.

Holiday party 351 Buena Vista East; www.sfbay.sierraclub.org/GLS. Sat/6, 4:30-7pm. Free. Gay and Lesbian Sierrans (a section of the Sierra Club for the LGBT community) hosts a holiday party featuring a dessert potluck.

'Snow Ball ... A Holiday Mixer' San Francisco LGBT Community Center, Ceremonial Rm and Roof Terrace, 1800 Market; 1-866-668-4634, mgm-mhr@onebox.com. Sat/6, 4-7pm. Free (donations accepted). Midlife Gay Men and Stop AIDS Project's "In Our Prime" cohost this winter party for midlife gay/bi men. music

'A Brass and Organ Christmas' Grace Cathedral, 1100 California; 1-866-468-3399, www.gracecathedral.org. Sun/7, 3pm, and Dec 19, 7:30pm. $15-40. The Bay Brass ensemble and organist Susan Jane Matthews perform holiday favorites and classical masterpieces.

'A Candlelight Christmas' St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fulton at Parker; 441-4942, www.sfbach.org. Sat/6-Sun/7, 8pm. $15-30. The San Francisco Bach Choir performs music from Renaissance Germany, Spain, and Italy.

'Chopin Foundation Children's Christmas Concert' Victorian Englander House, 807 Franklin; 362-6080, www.victorianenglanderhouse.com. Sun/7, 4pm. $5-10. Young pianists perform works by Chopin.

'Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Christmas' Masonic Auditorium, 1111 California; (415) 478-2277, www.tickets.com. Sat/6, 8pm. $38-48. Sax player Dave Koz takes the stage with guitarist Marc Antoine, trumpeter Chris Botti, keyboardist and trombonist Brian Culbertson, and crooner Bobby Caldwell.

Holiday guitar concert Old First Church, 1751 Sacramento; 474-1608, www.oldfirstconcerts.org. Sun/7, 4pm. $6-12. Guitarist Lawrence Ferrara performs segments of The Nutcracker Suite, among other works.

'Holiday Madness' Plush Room, 940 Sutter; 885-2800, www.plushroom.com. Mon/8, 8pm. $15-20. Bay Area vocalist Shaynee Rainbolt performs both traditional and humorous Christmas songs, plus a tribute to John Lennon on the 23rd anniversary of his death.

Jane Siberry Fillmore, 1805 Geary; www.ticketmaster.com. Thurs/4, 8pm. $29.50. Chanteuse Jane Siberry performs songs from Shushan the Palace, a new collection of alternative holiday selections.

'Sing-It-Yourself Messiah' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 864-6000, www.sfcm.edu. Mon/8, 8pm. $20-49. The San Francisco Conservatory of Music celebrates its 25th anniversary of hosting the annual holiday tradition.

'ViV and a Movie Holiday Special' Slim's, 333 11th St; info@vivandamovie.com, www.slims-sf.com. Fri/5, 8pm. $10-14. Rockers ViV and friends perform live music, and there are independent short films, art, and a fashion show. Bay Area

'Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Annual Christmas Concert' Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakl; (510) 465-6400, www.oigc.org. Sat/6, 7:30pm. $10-35. The multiracial, multicultural, interfaith choir performs its 18th annual concert of contemporary and traditional gospel and Christmas songs. hanukkah and kwanzaa

'Chanukah Bazaar' Congregation Beth El, 2301 Vine, Berk; (510) 848-3988, ext 26. Sun/7, 11am-3pm. Free. This event features food, gifts, and a silent auction. nutcrackers and cracked nuts

'Dance-Along Nutcracker' Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission; 978-ARTS, 255-1355, www.sflgfb.org. Sat/6, 2:30 and 7pm; Sun/7, 11am and 3pm. $14-40. The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band hosts its annual audience-participation Nutcracker performance; this year's theme is "Around the World."

'Nutcracker' Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna; 345-7575. Sat/6-Sun/7, 2pm (also Sat/6, 8pm). $22.50. City Youth Ballet's dancers, ages 6 to 19, perform the holiday classic.

'Nutcracker' War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness; 865-2000, www.sfballet.org. Fri-Sat and Dec 9-11, 17-18, 22-23, 7pm (also Sat and Dec 19, 22-23, and 26, 2pm); Sun and Dec 24, noon and 5pm. Through Dec 28. $12-96. San Francisco Ballet performs its long-standing version of the classic tale. theater, comedy, and performance

'Beach Blanket Babylon' Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St); 421-4222. This week: Wed/3-Thurs/4, 8pm; Fri/5-Sat/6, 7 and 10pm; Sun/7, 1 and 4pm. $25-70. Evening shows, 21 and over only. Ongoing. Steve Silver's 30-years-running musical revue unfurls the annual holiday version of the show, complete with tap-dancing Christmas trees.

'Black Nativity' Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 620 Sutter; 474-8800, www.ticketweb.com. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4pm. Through Dec 21. $25-32. The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre performs its annual production of Langston Hughes's lively gospel musical.

'A Christmas Carol' Geary Theater, 415 Geary; 749-2228, www.act-sf.org. Opens Wed/3, 7:30pm. Runs Sat/6-Sun/7, Tues/9, Dec 13-14, 16-17, 20-21, 23, 26, 2pm; Sat/6-Sun/7, Dec 10-13, 17-23, 26, 7:30pm; Dec 24, noon and 4:30pm. Through Dec 26. $11-68. Steven Anthony Jones stars as Scrooge in American Conservatory Theater's version of the Dickens classic.

'Festival of Lights' Veterans Building, Green Room, 401 Van Ness; 346-8959, www.ticketweb.com. Sun/7, 3pm. $12-15. A global array of winter holidays – including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, the solstice, and more – are celebrated in kid-friendly fashion with music, comedy, theater, and dance.

'Foiled Again: A Wrapping Paper Caper IV' New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org. Previews Wed/3-Thurs/4, 10 and 11:30am. Opens Sun/7, 2pm. Runs Mon-Thurs, 10 and 11:30am; Sun and Dec 20, 22-23, 27, 29-30, and Jan 3, 2pm. $10-12. Lunatique Fantastique presents an all-new episode in its annual kid-friendly, "holiday who-dunnit" puppet performance.

'Hansel and Gretel' Florence Gould Theatre, Palace of the Legion of Honor, 34th Ave at Clement; 392-4400, www.goldengateopera.org. Sat, 2pm. Through Dec 13. $15-25. Golden Gate Opera performs its annual, kid-friendly version of the fairy tale, with a score by Engelbert Humperdinck.

'Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey in a Manger' New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org. Wed-Fri and Dec 30, 8pm (no shows Dec 24-26 and Jan 1); Sat, 7:30 and 10pm. Through Jan 3. $25-34. The New Conservatory Theatre Center hosts "America's Favorite Dragapella Beauty Shop Quartet" in their world premiere holiday show.

'Santaland Diaries' Shelton Theatre, 533 Sutter; 846-3424. Opens Fri/5, 8pm. Runs Wed-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 7pm. Through Dec 21. $20. SteinBeck Presents produces David Sedaris's tale of life as a Macy's elf, starring John Michael Beck.

'Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You' Actors Theatre, 533 Sutter; 345-7575. Opens Fri/5, 8pm. Runs Thurs-Sat, 8pm (no show Dec 25); Sun, 5pm. Through Dec 28. $12-15 (Thurs, pay what you can). Plan "B" Productions presents Christopher Durang's racy comedy, followed by Holidaze: An Improv Comedy.

'Uncle Dickie's Wicked Little Christmas' Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy; 776-7427, www.ticketweb.com. Opens Thurs/4, 8pm. Runs Wed-Sat, 8pm. Through Dec 20. $15-20. Three Wise Monkeys Theatre Company presents an evening of irreverent holiday one-acts.

'The Velveteen Rabbit' Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard; 978-2787. Wed/3-Fri/5, 11am; Sat/6, 1 and 4pm; Sun/7, 2pm. $10-38. ODC/San Francisco performs its popular holiday production (early advance tickets strongly recommended), choreographed by KT Nelson and based on the classic children's story. arts and crafts

'ArtFusion Holiday Show' Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez; www.artfusionsf.com. Sat/6, 10am-5pm. Free. Thirty Bay Area jewelers, fashion designers, photographers, and other artisans join forces at this show, featuring a wide array of one-of-a-kind gifts.

'Bizarre Bazaar' Lola Gallery, 2517 Mission, second fl; 401-6800, www.lolabrown.com. Dec 6-21: Mon-Sat, noon-8pm (opening reception, Sat/6, 6-10pm; Christmas party, Dec 11, 9pm). Free. The Lola Gallery hosts an exhibition and sale featuring artistic creations at affordable prices.

'Craft Showcase Four' Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Fort Mason Center, Bldg A, Marina at Laguna; 775-0991. Tues-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun-Mon, 11am-5pm. Through Dec 28. Free. More than 300 new and unique artworks by California craftmakers – including those who work in glass, clay, enamel, metal, wood, and fiber – are on display and can be taken home at time of purchase.

'Creativity Explored Annual Holiday Art Sale' Creativity Explored Gallery, 3245 16th St; 863-2180, www.creativityexplored.org. Fri/5, 6-9pm; Sat/6-Sun/7, 11am-6pm. Free. Show up early to this popular sale, featuring drawings, illustrated books, sculptures, and more.

'Deco the Halls' Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St; (650) 599-DECO, www.artdecosale.com. Sat/6, 10am-6pm; Sun/7, 11am-5pm. $6-8. The largest art deco through 1960s sale in the country features more than 200 dealers selling furniture, accessories, art, books, clothing, collectibles, and other items.

'Fogbelt Studio's Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale' Fogbelt Studio, 2528 25th Ave; 661-8502, www.fogbeltstudio.com. Fri/5, noon-8pm; Sat/6, 10am-6pm; Sun/7, noon-6pm. Free. The studio's 25 artists show unique, handmade gifts, including dolls, handcrafted journals, soap, jam, and more.

'The Gift Giving Show' Canvas Gallery, 1200 Ninth St; www.thecanvasgallery.com. Sun-Thurs, 8am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 8am-2am. Through Dec 17. Free. Paintings, collages, photographs, and other works of art priced at $200 are on display at this exhibit of gift-ready works.

'Holiday Crafts Day' Randall Museum, 199 Museum Wy; 554-9600. Sat/6, 10am-3pm. Prices vary depending on materials; call for details. The Randall Museum hosts a day of all-ages craftmaking, including beeswax candles, soap, and more.

'Shop' Mezzanine, 444 Jessie; www.jacintadesigns.com/shop.html. Tues/9. 5:30pm-midnight. Free. More than 70 designers and exhibitors working in different mediums sell their wares in a "one-stop shopping and lounge experience."

'St. Brendan Christmas Boutique' St. Brendan Church Hall, 234 Ulloa; 731-2665. Sat/6, 10am-6pm; Sun/7, 10am-2pm. Free. This sale features handcrafted gifts, gourmet baskets, ornaments, and a showcase (Sat. only) of sports memorabilia, hand-painted furniture, and other items.

'Third Street Holiday Warehouse Sale' 2415 Third St, second fl; 561-9703, www.3rdstreetsale.com. Sat/6, 8:30am-4:30pm. Free. More than 45 vendors sell samples, seconds, overruns, and discontinued inventory, including baby clothing and bedding, candles, jewelry, bags, children's shoes, and more.

'Winter Holiday Pottery and Craft Sale' Sharon Art Studio, Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park; 753-7004, www.sharonartstudio.org. Sun/7, 11am-5pm. Free. Pottery, jewelry, and glass artwork highlight this sale, which benefits Sharon Arts Studio. Bay Area

'Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios' Various locations, Berk; (510) 845-2612, www.berkeleyartisans.com. Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm. Through Dec 21. Free. More than 100 Berkeley artists and craftspeople open their studios as part of this annual event. See Web site for map.