holiday

Listings for Wed/1 through Tues/7 are below; check back each week for updated events. For information on how to submit a listing, see 8 Days a Week.

attractions

'Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party' Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva; 897-4555, www.dickensfair.com. Sat-Sun, 11am-7pm. Through Dec 19. $8-20. Victorian London comes to life at this fair, featuring costumed characters, food vendors, live music, and dancing.

'San Francisco SPCA Holiday Windows Express' Macy's, Stockton at O'Farrell; 522-3500, www.sfspca.org. During store hours, through Dec 24. Free (adoption fees $75-225). The animal welfare nonprofit brings cats and dogs to Union Square to help them find homes.

'Studio 105' Metreon, Fourth St at Mission; 369-6000, www.metreon.com. Through Dec 24. In addition to hourly indoor "snowfalls" (11am-9pm), the Metreon hosts radio station LIVE 105 for daily live broadcasts and performances.
Bay Area

Children's Fairyland 699 Bellevue, Oakl; (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org. $6. This week's events include interactive family workshops (Sat-Sun, noon-3pm); a holiday performance by the Children's Theatre Group (Sat-Sun, 12:30pm; also Sat, 11:30am, and Sun, 3:30pm); juggler Owen Baker Flynn (Sat-Sun, 1:30pm, 2:30pm); puppet shows (Sat-Sun, 11am, 2pm, 4pm); and an appearance by Santa Claus (Sun, noon-4pm).

'Gingerbread Architecture Extravaganza' Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds, Sausalito; (415) 339-3900, www.baykidsmuseum.org (preregistration required). Dec 11-12 and 19-23, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm. $15 plus museum admission ($7.50-8.50). Kids and their families can create and decorate gingerbread houses.

'Holidays at Dunsmuir' Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Ct, Oakl; (925) 275-9490, www.dunsmuir.org. Dec 4-19, 11am-5pm. $7-15. The historic mansion is fully decked for the holidays; take a self-guided tour or drop by for tea, a carriage ride, and other activities. The adults-only Dunsmuir holiday gala kicks off the season (Sat/4, 6:30pm, $75).

Oakland City Center Above the 12th St BART Station, Oakl; www.oaklandcitycenter.com. Free. The Oakland City Center hosts free noontime concerts; this week the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performs (Wed, noon-1pm). Ongoing events include stolling carolers (Tues and Fri, 11am-1pm, through Dec 24) and classical piano concerts (lobby of 1111 Broadway, Mon and Wed, 11:30am-1:30pm; Fri, 4:30-6:30pm).

benefits

'Art for the House' Shooting Gallery, 839 Larkin; 749-2184, www.hospitalityhouse.org/events.htm. Fri, 6pm. Free. Hospitality House's Community Arts Program benefits from this sale of art and greeting cards.

'Help Is on the Way for the Holidays' Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness; 392-4400 or 273-1620, www.helpisontheway.org. Sun, 7:30pm (preshow silent auction, 5:30pm; postshow reception, 9:30pm). $45-100. See 8 Days a Week.

Intersection's Holiday Party Intersection for the Arts, 446 Valencia; 626-2787, www.theintersection.org. Wed, 7-10pm. Free. Support the alternative art space by becoming a member or buying a raffle ticket at this holiday party.

Teddy Bear Tea Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton; 773-6198. Daily, 10-11:30am, 1-2:30pm. Through Dec 24. $58. The Make-a-Wish Foundation benefits from the children's tea party.

Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin; 255-7503. Volunteers needed Dec 24, 4-7pm; Dec 25, 8-11am, 12:30-4pm, 4-7pm. Volunteer to help set up, serve, and clean up at these holiday events, which guarantee all attendees "dinner, a gift bag, and respect." Donations are also appreciated.
Bay Area

Holiday Arts Festival Richmaond Art Center, 2540 Barrett, Richmond; (510) 620-6772, www.therichmondartcenter.org. Sun, noon-5pm. Free. A silent auction caps off this day of festivities, which also includes an arts and crafts sale and children's activities. Proceeds benefit the Richmond Art Center's exhibition and education programs.

'Let Your Light Shine on Angel Island' To buy a light call (415) 435-3522 or go to www.angelisland.org. Dec 1-31. $35-250. Remember a loved one or celebrate hope by buying a light on the holiday tree atop Mount Livermore on Angel Island State Park. Proceeds benefit the Angel Island Association, which supports preservation and volunteers on Angel Island.

'Small Works: Holiday Auction Event' Oakland Art Gallery, 199 Kahn's Alley, Oakl; (510) 637-0395, www.oaklandartgallery.org. Exhibition and preview Wed-Thurs, 11am-6pm, free; preparty Fri, 6:30-8pm ($35, includes auction admission); auction Fri, 8-10pm ($10). More than 90 Bay Area artists contribute small works to this event; all proceeds benefit the nonprofit gallery.

White Elephant Sale donations White Elephant Sale warehouse, 333 Lancaster, Oakl; (510) 536-6800. Sat, 10am-noon. The Oakland Museum of California benefits from donations of household items, furniture, clothing, etc. For pick-up of large items, call (510) 839-5919.

'Winter Celebration' Panama Hotel, Four Bayview, San Rafael; (415) 457-1115, ext 206. Mon, 5:30-8pm. $20-30. Spectrum Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns hosts its annual awards gala.

hanukkah

Bill Graham Menorah Union Square, Powell and Geary; 753-0910. Candle lightings: Tues/7, Dec 8-9, 12-14, 4:30pm; Dec 10, 3pm; Dec 11, 7pm. Bill Graham Menorah Day: Dec 12, 2-6pm. Free. Celebrate the Festival of Light alongside the giant outdoor menorah; festivities on Bill Graham Menorah Day include a Jewish music concert.

music

'Percussion Luncheon' Clarion Music Center, 816 Sacramento; (650) 365-1039, pacsticks@aol.com. Fri, noon. $5. The musicians of Pacific Sticks demonstrate percussion techniques and play holiday music.

'Psallite! A Candlelight Christmas' St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 650 Parker; 441-4942, www.sfbach.org. Sat-Sun, 8pm. $15-30. The San Francisco Bach Choir performs seasonal late-Renaissance and early-Baroque works.

'Sing-It-Yourself Messiah' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; www.sfcm.edu. Mon, 8pm. $20-49. The San Francisco Conservatory of Music hosts its 26th annual production of this choral event.

'Three Kinds of Stupid' holiday dance party Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell; 861-2011, rickshawstop.com. Sat, 9pm. $5. DJs pack the dance floor with soul, punk, poptronica, funk, and novelty tunes.
Bay Area

'Christmas Songbird Reunion' Bird's Nest Loft, 2875 Glascock, No. 109, Oakl; (510) 534-6163. Sun, 5-7:30pm. $20. Six jazz vocalists perform a Christmas sampler.

'Christmas Story' St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity, Walnut Creek; (415) 982-7341, www.sdgloria.org. Fri, 7:30pm. $20-25. (Also Sat, 7:30pm, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado, Palo Alto; Sun, 3:30pm, St. Gregory of Nyssa, 500 De Haro, SF. Same phone and price.) Soli Deo Gloria and Orchestra Gloria perform eclectic carols from across the globe; the concert also includes an audience sing-along.

'Glorious Sounds of Christmas' St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 2650 Sand Hill, Menlo Park; (650) 342-8785, www.ragazzi.org. Sat, 5pm. $10-25. (Also Dec 12, 5pm, Christ Church, 770 North El Camino Real, San Mateo. Same phone and price). Ragazzi Boys Chorus performs festive music from all parts of the world.

Kitka Lake Merritt Church, 1330 Lakeshore, Oakl; (510) 444-0323. Sun, 4pm. $18-20. See 8 Days a Week.

'Messiah-Sing' Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson, Kensington; (510) 525-0302, www.uucb.org. Sun, 6pm. $10. Bryan Baker conducts a sing-along concert of Handel's Messiah; also stop by for the church's Holly Fair Art Show and Sale (9am-8pm).

Michael Praetorius and the German Carol Tradition St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft, Berk; (415) 262-0272, www.calbach.org. $10-25. Fri, 8pm. $10-25. Also Sat, 8pm, St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield, Menlo Park; Sun, 4pm, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1755 Clay, SF. Same phone and price. The California Bach Society and the Whole Noyse present Praetorius's chorales for Christmas and Advent.

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakl; (510) 839-4361. Sat, 7:30pm. $10-30. The choir performs its 19th annual Christmas concert, with special guest Malcolm Williams.

'Voices in Peace IV: Litanies and Lullabies' St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft, Berk; www.coolcommunity.org/voci. Sat, 3pm. $15-20. Women's vocal ensemble Voci performs "music to calm and inspire us on the path to peace"; proceeds benefit the Global Fund for Women.

nutcrackers and cracked nuts

'Dance-along Nutcracker' Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission; 978-ARTS, www.sflgfb.org. Sat, 2:30 and 7pm; Sun, 11am and 3pm. $14-40. The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band provides the tunes for the annual audience-participation extravaganza; this year's theme is "Once upon a Tutu," incorporating children's stories and fairy tales into the traditional Nutcracker tale. Trauma Flintstone stars as the Big Bad Wolf.

'Nutcracker' Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna; 626-8878, 345-7575. Fri-Sat, 8pm (also Sat, 2pm); Sun, 2pm. $23.50. City Ballet School's dancers (ages 6 through 19) perform.
Bay Area

'MeshugaNutcracker!' Paramount's Great America, Showtime Theater, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara; 1-877-456-TIXS, www.njtf.org. Opens Tues/7, 8pm. Runs Tues-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Dec 26. $15-25. The National Jewish Theatre Festival puts a twist on tradition with this show, which layers Hanukkah stories over Tchaikovsky's score.

'Nutcracker' Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City; (650) 369-4119, www.ticketweb.com. Fri, 7:30pm. $14-35. Ballet America performs the candy-filled classic.

'Nutcracker' Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, Marin Center, Avenue of the Flags at Civic Center, San Rafael; (415) 472-3500, www.stapletonschool.org. Sat-Sun, 1 and 5pm. $14-26. Stapleton Ballet presents a faithful version of the classic holiday fantasy.

'Nutcracker!' Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph, Berk; (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu. Wed-Sat, 8pm (also Sat, 2pm); Sun, 3pm. $36-74. Matthew Bourne almost – but not quite – knew what he was doing when he first took on the traditional Nutcracker in 1991. His version, just like the hero, is both wooden and kicking. Imposing narrative coherence on an impossibly bifurcated libretto is his biggest feat; filling a story, sometimes more saccharine than sweet, with a much-needed dose of dissing is another. Creating emotionally involving characters is not yet at the top of Bourne's skills – the humor in the piece is big, but its pure dance values are negligible. Despite these provisos, Nutcracker! is very much worth seeing. It's funny and well-performed, and production is fabulous, with gorgeous sets (including a lusty open mouth) and costumes to die for. However, if you really love the traditional Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky meant it to be, this one is probably not for you. Otherwise, slurp it up and take this reimagining as the bubbly it's meant to be. (Rita Felciano)

theater, comedy, and performance

'Beach Blanket Babylon Seasonal Extravaganza' Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St); 421-4222. This week: Wed-Thurs, 8pm; Fri-Sat, 7 and 10pm; Sun, 1 and 4pm; Mon-Tues, 5 and 8pm. $25-70. Steve Silver's long-running pop-culture musical comedy gets its annual seasonal makeover.

'Black Nativity' Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 620 Sutter; 474-8800, www.lhtsf.org. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4pm. Through Dec 19. $25-32. The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presents its annual holiday production of the Langston Hughes gospel play.

'A Christmas Carol' Geary Theater, 415 Geary; 749-2228, www.act-sf.org. Opens Wed/1, 7pm. Runs Thurs/2, Sat/4-Sun/5, Dec 8, 11-12, 14-16, 18-19, 21, 23, 2pm (also Sat/4-Sun/5, Dec 11, 18-19, and 21, 7pm); Fri/3, Dec 9-10, 17, 20, 22, and 26, 7pm; Dec 24, noon, 4:30pm. Through Dec 24. American Conservatory Theatre presents Laird Williamson and Dennis Powers's adaptation of the Dickens holiday tale; Steven Anthony Jones stars as Scrooge.

'Dancing across Culture' Presidio Dance Theatre, 1158 Gorgas, the Presidio; 561-3997. Fri, 7pm; Sat, 2pm. $5-25. Presidio Dance Theatre presents repertory works and authentic folk dances at this holiday benefit performance, a preview of the company's spring 2005 season.

'Hansel and Gretel' California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Florence Gould Theatre, 34th Ave at Clement; 392-4400, www.goldengateopera.org. Sat, 2pm. Through Dec 18. $15-35. Golden Gate Opera performs its annual production of the storybook classic.

'Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol' Actors Theatre of SF, Stage II, 533 Sutter; 296-9179, www.actorstheatresf.org. Wed-Sat, 8pm (no show Wed/1); Sun, 2pm. Through Dec 19. $10-25. Actors Theatre of San Francisco performs Tom Mula's revisionist take on A Christmas Carol.

'Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey in a Manger' New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org. Wed-Fri, Dec 21, and 28, 8pm (no show Dec 24); Sat and Dec 31, 7:30pm (no show Dec 25). Through Dec 31. $25-35. The "dragapella beauty shop quartet" takes on the holidays, with new songs added for this year's production.

'The Santaland Diaries' Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter; 820-1565, www.steinbeckpresents.org. Opens Thurs/2, 8pm. Runs Wed-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2 and 7pm. Through Dec 19. $20. SteinBeck Presents brings David Sedaris's satirical comedy to the stage.

'Uncle Dickie's Wicked Little Christmas 2' Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy; 776-7427, www.ticketweb.com. Opens Thurs/2, 8pm. Runs Wed-Sat, 8pm. Through Dec 18. $15-20. Richard J. Bermier and Tanta Productions present a performance of yuletide one-acts by "brazen writers who turn the holidays upside down."

'The Velveteen Rabbit' Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard; 978-2787, www.ybca.org. Wed-Fri, 11am; Sat, 1 and 4pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Dec 12. $10-38. ODC/San Francisco presents KT Nelson's dance interpretation of the children's story.
Bay Area

'The Christmas Ballet' Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro at Mercy, Mountain View; (650) 903-6000, www.smuinballet.org. Wed-Sat, 8pm (also Sat, 2pm); Sun, 2pm. $20-50. Also: Dec 15-26 (Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 and 8pm; Sun, 2 and 7pm), Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard, SF; (415) 978-2787. $20-60. The company performs Michael Smuin's eclectic holiday show, with ballet, tap, swing, and jazz dance set to a variety of styles of music.

'Christmas My Way' CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek; (925) 944-0597, www.ctacrossroads.org. Fri-Sat, Dec 9, and 16, 8pm (also Dec 18, 2pm). Through Dec 18. $22-25. CTA Crossroads Theatre performs a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra.

'Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol' Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview, Los Altos; (650) 941-0551, www.busbarn.org. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun/5, 3pm; Dec 12, 7pm. Through Dec 18. $18-25. Bus Barn Stage Company performs Tom Mula's twist on the Dickens tale.

'The Play of Daniel' St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft, Berk; (510) 843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org. Dec 6-11, 8pm. $22-25. Aurora Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Pacific Mozart Ensemble, performs the 12th-century liturgical play.

'Striking 12' Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield, Palo Alto; (650) 903-6000, www.theatreworks.org. Previews Wed/1-Fri/3, 8pm. Opens Sat/4, 8pm. Runs Tues, 7:30pm (no show Dec 28); Wed-Sat, 8pm (also Dec 11, 18, 2pm; no shows Dec 24-25); Sun, 2 and 7pm (no 7pm show Jan 2; no shows Dec 26). Through Jan 2. $20-50. Theatreworks performs a "rewired" musical version of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Match Girl.

'We Offer Him Our Drums and Dance' Black Repertory Group, 3201 Adeline, Berk; (510) 652-2120. Dec 4-17, call for show times and prices. Black Repertory Group presents a tribute to company founder Nora Vaughn in the form of Claire Singletary's modern Christmas play, featuring the Bay Area Professional Dancers.

'The Wrapping Paper Caper' Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds, Sausalito; (415) 339-3900, www.lunfan.com. Sat-Sun, 11am and 1pm. $12. Also: Dec 11-12, 18-23, 27-30, and Jan 2, 2pm, Marsh, 1062 Valencia, SF. 415-826-5750. $10-12. Innovative puppet troupe Liebe Wetzel's Lunatique Fantastique performs the holiday whodunit.

'The Woman in Black' The Stage, 490 South First St., San Jose; (408) 283-7142. Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Dec 19. $20-42. San Jose Stage Company performs Stephen Mallatratt's Christmas ghost story.

tree lightings and family events

'Adventsfeir' German School of San Francisco, Mercy High School, 3250 19th Ave; www.germanschool.com. Sun, 3-5pm. $10. Traditional Christmas performances and food highlight this German celebration.

'Arty Smarty Holiday Workshops' Hyena Theater, 2390 Mission, Third Flr; 821-3444. Tues, 9am-1pm. Through Dec 28. $25 per class. Teacher Erika Peterson leads kids ages 3 through 7 in making gingerbread houses, ornaments, and other crafts.

'Holiday Crafts Day' Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way; 554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org. Sat, 10am-3pm. Prices vary depending on materials. Bring the kids for a day of holiday craft activities, plus yo-yo demos and a musical performance by tyke-friendly rockers the Sippy Cups.

Holiday wreath workshop San Francisco Botanical Garden, Strybing Arboretum (near Ninth Ave at Lincoln), Golden Gate Park; 661-1316, ext 354, www.strybing.org. Sat, 10am-2pm. $15-35. Preregistration is encouraged for this popular wreath- and garland-making workshop.

Ritz-Carlton tree-lighting ceremony Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton; 773-6198. Thurs, 5:30-7:30pm. Free. The hotel illuminates its 40-foot tree, with help from Santa Claus, costumed carolers, and other guest stars.

Scandinavian Christmas Fair Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough; www.chapters-swea.org/sanfrancisco. Sat, 9am-4pm. $2-5. Swedish Lucia, Scandinavian foods and music, and other cultural delights highlight the fair.

'Season's Greenings' Crissy Field Center, 603 Mason, the Presidio; 561-7752, www.crissyfield.org. Sat, 11am-3pm. Free (activities, $1 or less). Create gifts, wrapping paper, and cards from recycled materials at this DIY event, which features a variety of stations stocked with materials for craft-making.

'Very Beary Tree Lighting Festival' Cannery, Del Monte Square, 2801 Leavenworth; www.thecannery.com. Thurs, 5-7pm. Free. Strolling carolers, cookie decorating, a teddy bear tea party, and other festivities highlight the Cannery's tree lighting.
Bay Area

'Holiday Family Day' Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell, Palo Alto; (650) 329-2366, www.cityofpaloalto.org/artcenter. Sun, 2-4pm. Free. The art center hosts a free afternoon of card-, gift-, and ornament-making.

'Light Up the Lights' Habitot Children's Museum, 2065 Kittredge, Berk; (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org. Sat, 3pm. Free with admission ($5-6). The hands-on discovery museum hosts a concert for kids with songwriter Gary Lapow.

Lighted yacht parade View from Jack London Square, Oakl; (510) 645-9283, www.jacklondonsquare.com. Sat, 3-8pm. Free. The Encinal Yacht Club presents the 28th annual version of the aquatic parade. This year's theme is "Boats in Toyland"; Jack London Square hosts a big-band performance by the Ben Oni Orchestra.

Oakland holiday parade Starts at Broadway and 11th St, Oakl; www.oaklandholidayparade.com. Sat, 2pm. Free. Giant character balloons, performance groups, marching bands, and floats highlight the Oakland Tribune's annual parade.

San Mateo County History Museum holiday programs San Mateo County History Museum, 777 Hamilton, Redwood City; (650) 299-0104, www.sanmateocountyhistory.com. Sat, noon. $2-4. The San Francisco State Handbell Choir performs, followed by an afternoon of crafts for kids.

art shows and sales

'Affordable Art' City Art Gallery, 828 Valencia; 970-9900, www.cityartgallery.org. Opening Fri/3, 7-10pm (gallery hours Wed-Sun, noon-9pm). Through Dec 31. Free. Pick up an artwork created by a local, emerging artist for $150 or less at this aptly named sale.

Christmas boutique St. Brendan School, 234 Ulloa; 731-2665. Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 10am-2pm. Free. The 34th annual incarnation of this boutique offers up gourmet food items, handmade ornaments, and more.

Clay Studio holiday sale Space 743, 743 Harrison; 777-9080. Wed-Sat, noon-5pm and by appointment. Through Dec 18. Free. Clay Studio artists sell functional pottery and sculptural ceramics, priced from $1 to $100.

'Craft Showcase 5' Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Fort Mason Center, Bldg A, Marina at Laguna; 775-0991, www.mocfa.org. Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am-5pm; Sat, 10am-5pm (closed Dec 25). Through Dec 28. Free. Holiday gifts and collector's items by more than 40 California artists highlight this exhibit, featuring works at all price levels.

Creativity Explored's holiday art sale Creativity Explored, 3245 16th St; 863-2108, www.creativityexplored.org. Special opening weekend hours: Fri/3, 6-9pm; Sat/4-Sun/5, 11am-6pm (gallery hours Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm; Sat, 1-6pm). Through Dec 31. Free. Artists at the gallery – all of whom have a developmental, psychiatric, and/or physical disabilities – contribute work to thepopular annual sale.

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

Fogbelt Studio holiday sale Fogbelt Studio, 2528 25th Ave; 661-8502, www.fogbeltstudio.com. Fri, noon-8pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, noon-6pm. Head to the Sunset studio for handmade hats, beeswax candles, jewelry, and more; a "kids-only" area features gifts priced at $3 and under.

'Gift Giving Show' Canvas Gallery, 1200 Ninth Ave; 504-0060. Opening Thurs/2, 6pm-midnight (gallery hours Sun-Thurs, 8am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 8am-2am). Through Jan 6. Free. Popular Canvas Gallery artists contribute works – all priced at $200 or less – to this multimedia show.

'Holiday Splendor Group Show' Hang Art Annex, 567 Sutter; 544-0610. Dec 2-Jan 3 (opening reception Thurs/2, 6-8pm). Free. More than 50 artists contribute paintings to this show.

Winter holiday pottery and craft sale Sharon Art Studio, Golden Gate Park; 753-7005, www.sharonartstudio.org. Sun, 11am-5pm. Free. The Sharon Art Studio hosts a sale of pottery, jewelry, and glass artwork.
Bay Area

Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire Former Alameda Point Naval Air Station, Alameda; (510) 522-7500, www.antiquesbythebay.net. Sun, 9am-3pm. $5-15. More than 800 booths packed with merchandise from the 1980s and earlier fill this monthly sale.

'An Artisan Marketplace' Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento, Berk; (510) 883-0600, www.belladonna.ws. Sat, 11am-4pm. Free. The sale features jewelry, bath and body potions, and astrology readings.

Art exhibition Masonic Lodge, 19 Corte Madera, Mill Valley; (415) 221-0810, (415) 331-1928. Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm. Free. An array of art objects, including works by members of the Bay Area Metal Arts Guild and Scintillant Studio, are offered at this exhibition and sale.

Berkeley Artisans holiday open studios Various locations, Berk; (510) 845-2612, www.berkeleyartisans.com. Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm. Through Dec 19. Free. Download a map for this self-guided tour of studios featuring work by more than 100 artists and craftspeople.

Berkeley Farmers Market holiday crafts fair Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, Center at MLK Jr Way, Berk; (510) 548-3333, www.ecologycenter.org. Sat, 10am-4pm. Through Dec 18. Free. In addition to organic produce, the market features local craftspeople selling a variety of handmade gifts, plus live music.

Berkeley Potters' Guild holiday sale and show Berkeley Potter's Guild, 731 Jones, Berk; (510) 524-7031, www.berkeleypotters.com. Sat-Sun and Dec 20-24, 10am-6pm. Through Dec 24. Free. Twenty ceramic artists offer their works for sale, and there's a gallery show, "Everything and the Kitchen Sink."

Berkeley Potters' Studio holiday show Berkeley Potters' Studio, 637 Cedar, Berk; www.berkeleypottersstudio.com. Sat/4-Sun/5 and Dec 11-24, 10am-6pm. Free. This show features works – teacups, sculptural baskets, and more – by 17 ceramists

'Celebration of Exceptional Handmade Crafts' ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 843-2527. Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Through Jan 1. Free. Shop for ornaments, cards, ceramics, glass, and other items made by local artists. Weekend hours feature artist demonstrations and a performance by the Berkeley Community Chamber Singers (Dec 11, 3-5pm).

Civic Arts Education-Clay Arts Guild holiday sale Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget, Walnut Creek (ceramics at Studios D and E, 1313 Civic, Walnut Creek); (925) 943-5846. Opening Thurs, 5-9pm (sale Fri, 10am-9pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm). Free. The two arts groups join forces for this sale, featuring ceramics, paintings, jewelry, fiber arts, and much more.

Dance Palace holiday crafts fair Dance Palace Community Center, Fifth St at B St, Point Reyes Station; (415) 663-1075, www.dancepalace.org. Fri, 3-9pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm. Free. More than 40 craftspeople pack the 34th annual edition of this fair.

1870 Arts Center holiday show and sale 1870 Art Center, 1870 Ralston, Belmont; (650) 595-9679. Dec 2-Jan 16 (gallery hours Thurs-Sun, 1-5pm, and by appointment; open studios Fri/3, 5-9pm and Sat/4-Sun/5, 1-5pm). Free. The art center hosts its annual show and sale.

'Favorite Things' Creative Growth Art Center, 355 24th St, Oakl; (510) 836-2340, www.creativegrowth.org. Fri/3, 5:30-8pm; Sat, 10am-4pm. Through Dec 18. Free. Creative Growth's 140 artists with disabilities contribute to this exhibition and sale.

Holiday art fair California College of the Arts, 5212 Broadway, Oakl; (510) 594-3666. Sat, 11am-3pm. Free. California College of the Arts students, alumni, and staff contribute one-of-a-kind gift items to this sale.

Holiday craft sale and open house Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), 1958 University, Berk; (510) 883-9490, ext 2. Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Gifts on offer include handcrafted items from the Philippines, India, and South Africa.

Holiday plant and gift sale UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial, Berk; (510) 643-2755, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu. Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Get something for the green thumb on your list at this sale, featuring unusual bulbs, house plants, carnivorous plants, and other gift ideas.

Industrial Center Building open studio ICB, off Hwy 101 (take Sausalito/Marin City exit; go South on Bridgeway; left on Harbor; ICB is third bldg on left), Sausalito; (415) 332-1077, www.icbbuilding.com. Fri, 6-9pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm. Free. Eighty-five artists contribute works to this sale.

Muir Beach Quilters holiday arts fair Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape, Muir Beach; (415) 383-6762. Sat, 11am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm. Free. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, candles, and quilts (of course) are among the items available at this fair.

Pizzichillo and Gordon Glass Studio holiday exhibit and sale Pizzichillo and Gordon Glass Studio, 2680 Union, Oakl; (510) 832-8380. Sat, 10am-4pm. Free. The glass artists exhibit and sell vases, bowls, pitchers, jewelry, and other items.

Rockridge area artists holiday open studios Various locations, Oakl; (510) 428-2915, art2send@aol.com. Sat-Sun, noon-5pm. Free. North Oakland artists open their studio doors for holiday shoppers; many items are $50 or less.

Salami Factory holiday open studios 1599 Sir Francis Drake, Fairfax; (415) 488-1436. Sat-Sun, 11am-5pm. Free. Stop by this studio for sea glass jewelry, landscape paintings, watercolors, and more.

Small Press Distribution Holiday Open House Small Press Distribution, 1341 Seventh St, Berk; (510) 524-1668, www.spdbooks.org. Sat, noon-4pm. Free. This year's theme is "The Conjunction of Writing, Gardening, and Writing about Gardening"; stop by for readings and for sale prices on SPD's mountain of books.

'Spirit of the Holidays Gift Fair' Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Grace Pavilion, 1350 Bennett Valley, Santa Rosa; (707) 861-2035, www.sonomagiftfair.com. Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm. Through Dec 12. $2-5. This shopping event features more than 300 booths divided into seven themed areas.

We Care holiday boutique and craft fair Barbara Milliff Children's Center, 2191 Kirker Pass, Concord; www.wecarebmcc.org. Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm. Free. We Care Services for Children benefits from this sale by local artists and craftspeople.