attractions

Exploratorium 3601 Lyon; EXP-LORE, www.exploratorium.edu. $8-12. The museum hosts a holiday film series. This week: "A Child's Christmas in Wales" (1963) and "The Sweater" (Cohen, 1980), (Sun, 2pm); "The Sun Dagger" (Sofaer and Ohde, 1982) and "Sunstone" (Emshwiller, 1979), (Tues, 2pm).

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

Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Sanctuary Visitor Center, Presidio Bldg 991, West Crissy Field Beach, the Presidio; 561-6625, www.farallones.org. Free. The center hosts "Creature Features," free programs for kids five and up and adults: "Blubber and Fur" (Wed/15 and Dec 23, 11-11:45am); "The Rocky Intertidal Show" (Thurs/16 and Dec 24, 11-11:45am); and "Awesome Jaws" (Fri/17 and Dec 22, 11-11:45am).

'Holiday Festivities in Japantown' Japan Center Kinokuniya Bldg, Post at Webster, and Japan Center Kintetsu Mall, Post at Buchanan; 922-9300. Free. Sat-Sun, 9:30am: Anime screenings, tabletop games, and a swap meet presented by Project 760 Productions. Sat, 1 and 4pm: Holiday mochi (rice) pounding ceremonies; 12:30-4:30pm: Karaoke competition (qualifying rounds); 4:30-7:30pm: Karaoke open mic. Sun, 12:30-3:30pm: Karaoke competition (semi-finals and finals); 3:30-7pm: Karaoke open mic.

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 adoptive homes.

'Studio 105' Metreon, Fourth St at Mission; 369-6000, www.metreon.com. Through Dec 24. In addition to hourly indoor "snowfalls" (11am-9pm) and other seasonal events, 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 the "Fairy Winter Wonderland Celebration" (Through Dec 23, noon-7pm) with children's theater performances (Sat-Sun, 12:30 and 3:30pm); Santa Claus in person (Sat-Sun, noon-4pm); Buki the Clown (Sat-Sun, 1:30 and 2:30pm); a puppet show (Sat-Sun, 11am, 2pm, 4pm); and arts and crafts (Sat-Sun, noon-3pm).

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

'Holidays at Dunsmuir' Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Ct, Oakl; (925) 275-9490, www.dunsmuir.org. Wed-Sun, 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.

'Holidays on Solano' Solano Ave, Berk and Albany; www.solanoave.org. Dec 18-24, 1pm. Free. Shop while enjoying live entertainment all along this store-packed street. Santa Claus drops by Sun/18 from 1-3pm; Dec 24, take a cable car ride up and down Solano and along San Pablo Ave.

Oakland City Center Above the 12th St BART Station, Oakl; www.oaklandcitycenter.com. Free. The Oakland City Center hosts free noontime concerts; this week, West African Highlife Band performs in honor of Kwanzaa (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).

Oakland Zoo 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakl; (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org. $5.50-9. Holiday events include "Breakfast with Santa" (Sat-Sun, 9am-noon) and craft workshops (check Web site for a schedule). benefits

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

Toy and book giveaway Arriba Juntos, 1850 Market; 278-9611. Fri, 4-6pm. Free. Children in the Mission benefit from this toy drive.

Bay Area

'Let Your Light Shine on Angel Island' To buy a light, call (415) 435-3522 or visit www.angelisland.org. Through Dec 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 the island.

'Operation Good Neighbor' Volunteers of America Bay Area, 1750 Harbor Bay Pkwy, Alameda; (510) 473-0500, ext 222, www.voaba.org. Sat, 7am. Free. Volunteers of America Bay Area needs volunteers to help with the annual holiday food basket project, which gives away more than 2,000 food baskets to local families. Call or check the Web site for other volunteer opportunities.

celebrations

'Good Vibrations' Kinky Circus' DNA Lounge, 373 11th St; 1-800-BUY-VIBES, www.goodvibes.com. Thurs, 9pm. $20-25. The sex-positive emporium hosts "three rings of debauchery" at this circus-themed holiday ball, featuring drag, burlesque, and go-go performers; food and drinks, including a "kinky martini"; and photo ops with porn stars.

Bay Area

'Light the Dark II' Court St. Plaza, Court St. at Fourth St, San Rafael; www.mpjc.org. Sun, 4:30pm. Free. This candlelight procession for peace, presented by the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition and the Marin Interfaith Council, winds through downtown San Rafael and ends with live music, reflection, and a planning session for future peace actions.

kwanzaa

'Fun Kwanzaa Crafts' Oakland Public Library, MLK Jr Branch, 6833 International, Oakl; (510) 615-5728. Wed, 2:30-3:30pm. Free. Preregistration is required for this creative crafts activity; supplies are provided.

Bay Area

'WinterFest' Oakland Museum of California, 10th St at Oak, Oakl; (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org. Sun, noon-4pm. $5-8. Explore winter traditions – including Las Posadas, Chanukah, Ramadan, and this year's focus, Kwanzaa – at this family event, featuring storytelling, music and crafts.

music

'A Brass and Organ Christmas' Grace Cathedral, 1100 California; 1-866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com. Tues, 7pm. $15-40. The Bay Brass perform with Grace Cathedral organist Susan Jane Matthews.

'A Cathedral Christmas' Grace Cathedral, 1100 California; 1-866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com. Sat-Sun, 3pm; Mon, 7pm. $15-50. The Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys perform with orchestra and organ in a concert of holiday music.

'A Celtic Christmas Concert' Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez; 454-5238, www.noevalleymusicseries.com. Sat, 8:15pm. $15-17. Todd Denman, Kyle Thayer, and fiends perform Celtic music, plus poetry and storytelling.

'A Chanticleer Christmas' St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker; 392-4400, www.chanticleer.org, www.cityboxoffice.com. Sat, 8pm. $25-42. Check Web site for additional northern California shows through Dec 23. See 8 Days a Week.

'Choral Christmas Spectacular' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org. Fri-Sat, 8pm. $29-62. The San Francisco Symphony and Chorus perform traditional holiday favorites and audience sing-alongs.

'Christmas and Solstice Music' Victorian Englander House, 807 Franklin; 362-6080, www.sfclassicalmusic.com. Sun, 3pm, $7-12. Pianist Seth Montfort performs.

'Colors of Christmas' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org. Wed-Thurs, 8pm. $15-75. Peabo Bryson, En Vogue, James Ingram, and Marilyn McCoo perform pop hits and holiday classics.

'Festival of Carols' First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin; 221-5590. Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4pm. $8-15. The San Francisco Choral Society performs Christmas carols.

'A Gospel Christmas' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org. Sun, 7pm. $10-50. The Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers of Los Angeles perform spiritual music.

Claire Holley City Church of San Francisco, 2460 Sutter; www.citychurchsf.org. Sun, 7pm. $8. The folk rocker performs Christmas songs and roosty gospel numbers.

'Home for the Holidays' Castro Theatre, 429 Castro; 865-3650, www.sfgmc.org. Thurs/16 and Dec 24, 7pm (also Dec 24, 5pm and 9pm). $15-20. See 8 Days a Week.

'Home for the Holidays' Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness; 392-2545, www.performances.org. Thurs, 8pm. $29-56. Mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter performs Scandinavian and European Christmas and folk music.

'Lusty Harmonies: Music with a Knack for Harmony' Main Post Chapel, Bldg 130 Fisher Loop, Presidio; (415) 861-3680, www.creativevoices.org. Sat, 8pm. $15-18. (Also Sun, 4pm, Cavalry Presbyterian Church, 1940 Virginia, Berk. Same phone and price). Creative Voices: New Ideas in Choral Singing performs works by Pärt, Rachmaninoff, Biebl, Britten, Barber, and Baade.

'Merry Mexmas' Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market; www.cafedunord.com. Sun-Mon, 8pm. $15-18. El Vez, the "Mexican Elvis," performs a holiday show.

'Messiah' Mission Dolores Basilica, 3321 16th St; 621-7900, www.americanbach.org. Wed, 7:30pm. $20-50. The Chorus and Orchestra of the American Bach Soloists perform Handel's masterpiece.

San Francisco Girls Chorus Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 392-4400, www.sfgirlschorus.org. Tues, 8pm. $14-12. The 325-voice chorus perform their 22nd annual holiday concert and sing-along, featuring the Sonos Handbell Ensemble.

'Unsilent Night' Dolores Park, 18th St at Dolores; www.philkline.com. Mon, 7pm. Free. See 8 Days a Week.

'What Sweeter Musick?' St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, 500 De Haro; 979-5779, www.sfca.org. Fri, 8pm. $12-22. (Also Sat, 8pm, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado, Palo Alto. Same phone and price.) The Choral Artists, a 24-voice chamber choir, perform a program of seasonal music featuring composers from the Renaissance to the 21st century.

'Wondrous Sounds of Christmas' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org. Sun, 2pm. $10-50. The Bay Brass combine the sounds of harps and brass instruments in this holiday concert.

Bay Area

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison, Berk; (510) 964-0665, www.bcco.org. Sun, 4pm. Free (donations welcome). The chorus and orchestra perform their winter concert, including A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten.

'Dmitri Matheny Winterfest: The Snow Cat' Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds, Sausalito; (415) 339-3900, www.baykidsmuseum.org. Sat, noon-1pm. $8-10. The jazz flugelhornist and composer performs a family-friendly musical tale.

'Home for the Holidays' Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro, Mountain View; (650) 903-6000, www.svgmc.org. Fri-Sat, 8pm. $22. The Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus performs carols and holiday tunes celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah.

'Stars of Wonder' St. Raphael's Church, 1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael; (415) 392-4400, www.sfgirlschorus.org. Fri, 8pm. $12-42. San Francisco Girls Chorus ensembles Chorissima and Virtuose perform a program of classical works and sing-alongs.

nutcrackers and cracked nuts

'The Nutcracker' War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness; 865-2000, www.sfballet.org. Dec 17-23 and 26-30, 1 and 7pm (no 1pm show Fri/17); Dec 24 and 31, 11am and 5pm. Through Dec 31. $22-135. See 8 Days a Week.

Bay Area

'MeshugaNutcracker!' Paramount's Great America, Showtime Theater, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara; 1-877-456-TIXS, www.njtf.org. 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' San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden, San Jose; (408) 288-2800, www.balletsanjose.org. Thurs/16-Sun/19, Dec 21-24, 7:30pm (also Sat/18-Sun/19 and Dec 22-23, 1:30pm); Dec 26, 3pm. $22-68. Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley performs Dennis Nahat's take on the classic.

theater, comedy, and performance

'Beach Blanket Babylon Seasonal Extravaganza' Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St); 421-4222. This week: Wed-Thurs and Mon-Tues, 8pm (also Wed, 5pm); Fri-Sat, 7 and 10pm; Sun, 1 and 4pm. $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. $25-32. Even godless radicals can't argue with Black Nativity's message of peace and goodwill. The 1961 gospel musical written by Langston Hughes infuses the birth of Jesus with the soul of Harlem residents and the roots of their African history. You hear it not only in the deeply passionate songs of adoration but also in the heavy sigh the cast heaves as Mary and Joseph struggle in poverty. Set in a typical African American Baptist church, the first act has members of the congregation performing the Nativity in colorful robes and head wraps, belting out "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and the hilarious song cycle "No Good Shepard Boy" (in which a particularly sinful shepherd endures the derision of his colleagues, all to the tunes of some of your favorite '70s funk). Nativity's guiding light, musical director and principal Robin Hodge-Williams, fills the shoes of the theater's eight-year veteran Arvis Strickling Jones with boundless charisma; her arrangement of "What Month Was Jesus Born In?" rocks the house. The second half ushers in a glorious parade of big, flashy hats and sparkling Sunday finery, as the church crowd pipes out the good news. When the beaming Judah Praise singers lift their rousing voices, it's difficult to resist leaping into the aisles and joining in. (Deborah Giattina)

'The Christmas Ballet' Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard; 978-2787, www.smuinballet.org. Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 and 8pm; Sun, 2 and 7pm. Through Dec 26. $20-60. See 8 Days a Week.

'A Christmas Carol' Geary Theater, 415 Geary; 749-2228, www.act-sf.org. Wed/15-Thurs/16, Sat/18-Sun/19, Tues/21, Dec 23, 2pm (also Sat/18-Sun/19 and Tues/21, 7pm); Fri/17, Mon/20 and Dec 22, 7pm; Dec 24, noon, 4:30pm. Through Dec 24. $11-68. American Conservatory Theatre presents Laird Williamson and Dennis Powers's adaptation of the Dickens holiday tale; Steven Anthony Jones stars as Scrooge.

'Festival of Lights' Veteran's Building Green Room, 401 Van Ness; 346-8959, www.ticketweb.com. Sun, 3pm. $12-15. The Lively Foundation presents an evening of music, comedy, theater, and dance, celebrating a cross-cultural section of winter holidays.

'Glad TV: A Christmas Special' Channels of Blessings, 2650 San Bruno; 330-9032, dugman4life@yahoo.com. Sat, 7pm. Free. Families are welcomed to this comedy variety show.

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

'Hooray for the Holidays! @#$!' Off Market Theater, 965 Mission; 896-6477, www.cafearts.com. Wed, 8pm. Through Dec 22. $5-10. This performance features local comedians riffing on the holidays.

'It Could Have Been a Wonderful Life' Phoenix Theater, 414 Mason, sixth fl; 989-0023, www.ticketweb.com. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. Through Dec 26. $18-20. Fred Raker performs his comedic look at showbiz.

'Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol' Actors Theatre of SF, Stage II, 533 Sutter; 296-9179, www.actorstheatresf.org. Wed-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. $10-25. Actors Theatre of San Francisco performs Tom Mula's revisionist take on A Christmas Carol.

'A Judy Garland Christmas' Castro Theatre, 429 Castro; 863-0611, www.ticketweb.com. Fri, 7pm. $27.50. A screening of Meet Me in St. Louis with star Margaret O' Brien in person highlights this event, which also features a tribute to Judy Garland by chanteuse Connie Champagne. Partial proceeds benefit the Family Link.

'Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey in a Manger' New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org. Wed-Fri, Tues/21, and Dec 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.

'Let it Snow! An Improvised Holiday Musical' Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter; 869-5384, www.un-scripted.com. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. $10-15. The Un-Scripted Theater Company performs.

'The Santaland Diaries' Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter; 820-1565, www.steinbeckpresents.org. Wed-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2 and 7pm. $20. Attention, all shoppers: Put your bags down and head for the nearest theater. After all that schlepping, credit-card charging, and bargain hunting, you're entitled to a retail break and a few good laughs to boot. Steinbeck Presents performs David Sedaris's The Santaland Diaries and Season's Greetings, adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello and directed by Richard Ryan. Settle in and rest your tired consumer heels as Jocelyn Dunbar of #714 Tiffany Circle (Cathy Fithian) reads from her family's annual holiday letter, complete with news about a baby named "Satan Says," a stepdaughter she wants to dress in burlap, and a trip to the White Paw shopping center. John Michael Beck takes center stage as David/Crumpet the Elf in The Santaland Diaries, working the not-so-jolly holiday season at Macy's, directing vomiting children, neurotic mothers, and Phil Collins fans toward Santa. A little rough around the edges, but heavy on the comic relief, these two tales will get you through to New Year's. (Anna Mantzaris)

'The Shadow Circus Christmas Carol' Edinburgh Castle Pub, 950 Geary; www.shadowcircus.com. Fri, 9pm. $5. Shadow Circus Creature Theatre uses puppets and music to weave a science fiction- and current events-informed version of the classic.

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

'Irving Berlin's White Christmas' Curran Theatre, 445 Geary; 512-7770, www.bestofbroadwaysf.com. Extended run: Tues-Sat, 8pm (also Wed, Sat, Dec 23, and Dec 30, 2pm; no show Dec 24; no 2pm show Dec 25); Sun, 2pm (also Dec 26, 7:30pm). Through Jan 1. $30-85. Best of Broadway presents a new musical based on the classic holiday film.

*'The Wrapping Paper Caper' Marsh, 1062 Valencia; 826-5750, www.lunfan.com. Dec 18-23, 27-30, and Jan 2, 2pm. $10-12. It's the holiday season, and most of us are more interested in what's inside a gift box than in the box itself. But packaging materials play a starring role in Lunatique Fantastique's family-oriented holiday jamboree, The Wrapping Paper Caper, in which seven dexterous puppeteers transform stray bits of wrapping paper, tinsel, a tape dispenser, and other holiday debris, into an ingenious puppet whodunit featuring a hapless detective, a saucy French demoiselle, and a strange being made from Styrofoam peanuts. Over the five years since its inception, the production has been successfully staged in comparatively large and high-tech venues like Zeum, where, regardless of your position in the auditorium, the puppets' cartoonish antics often appeared to be the work of invisible hands against a black backdrop. The Marsh, though more limited in terms of space and technical amenities, provides a different yet equally pleasing aesthetic. Wittily turning the imposing and decidedly uninvisible presence of the black-clad puppeteers into a theatrical virtue, the company makes the most of this intimate space. (Chloe Veltman)

Bay Area

'A Christmas Carol' Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic, Walnut Creek; (925) 943-7469, www.dlrca.org. Wed, 9:30am and 12:30pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm (also Thurs, 12:30pm); Sat-Sun, 2pm (also Sat, 8pm). $20-32. Center Repertory Company performs the Dickens classic.

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

'The Christmas Revels' Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside, Oakl; (415) 773-1181, www.calrevels.org. Fri, 7:30pm; Sat-Sun, 1 and 5pm. $15-42. California Revels presents the 19th annual theatrical celebration of the winter solstice, featuring music, dance, and drama of 18th-century Scotland.

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

'Striking 12' Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield, Palo Alto; (650) 903-6000, www.theatreworks.org. Tues, 7:30pm (no show Dec 28); Wed-Sat, 8pm (also Sat/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. Call for show times and prices. Through Fri/17. 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.

'Whiskers!' Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic, Walnut Creek; (925) 943-7469. Wed-Thurs, 9:15am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 4:15pm, and 7:15pm. $8-15. The Galatean Players Ensemble Theatre performs a musical adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit.

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

arts and crafts

'Affordable Art' City Art Gallery, 828 Valencia; 970-9900, www.cityartgallery.org. Wed-Sun, noon-9pm. Through Dec 31. Free. Pick up a piece created by a local, emerging artist for $150 or less at this aptly named sale.

'Arty Smarty Holiday Workshops' Hyena Theater, 2390 Mission, third fl; 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 craft items.

Blue Room Gallery 2331 Mission; 282-8411, www.blueroomgallery.org. Wed-Sun, 1-8pm. Through Jan 9. Free. The gallery hosts its annual holiday group exhibit, featuring more than 100 reassonably priced works of art.

Clay Studio holiday sale Space 743, 743 Harrison; 777-9080. Wed-Sat, noon-5pm and by appointment. 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 available at all price levels.

'Creativity Explored's Holiday Art Sale' Creativity Explored, 3245 16th St; 863-2108, www.creativityexplored.org. Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm; Sat, 1-6pm. Through Dec 31. Free. Artists at the gallery – all of whom have developmental, psychiatric, and/or physical disabilities – contribute work to the popular annual sale.

'Feria Urbana' Canvas Gallery, 1200 Ninth Ave; 504-0060. Sat-Sun, noon-5pm. Free. Local artists and designers sell a range of items at affordable prices.

'Gift Giving Show' Canvas Gallery, 1200 Ninth Ave; 504-0060. 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 Show' Market Street Gallery, 1554 Market; 621-2841, www.mesart.com. Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm; Sun, by appointment (reception Fri/17, 7-9pm). Through Dec 31. Free. MesArt and the Market Street Gallery present giftable works by emerging and established artists.

'Holiday Splendor Group Show' Hang Art Annex, 567 Sutter; 544-0610. Call for hours. Through Jan 3. Free. More than 50 artists contribute paintings to this show.

Meridian Gallery 545 Sutter; 398-7229, www.meridiangallery.org. Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm. Through Jan 7. Free. In conjunction with the exhibit "Issho/Together: Japanese American/Japanese National Artists in America," the gallery hosts a crafts store featuring toys, ceramics, crafts, and cards.

Mural art exhibit and sale Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center, 2981 24th St; 285-2287. Daily, 10am-4pm. Through Dec 23. Free. The Precita Eyes Muralists host their annual "holiday shopping extravaganza."

'Peace, Love, Joy, Art' ArtworkSF Gallery, 2801 Leavenworth; 673-3080, www.artworksf.com. Dec 19-Jan 6, noon-8pm. Free. ArtworkSF hosts its ninth-annual holiday art exhibit and sale, with works priced at $500 or less.

'Winter Solstice Crafts Faire' CELLspace, 2050 Bryant; 648-7562, www.cellspace.org. Sun, 10am-6pm. Free. Local artisans sell clothing, jewelry, toys, and other items at this annual sale.

Bay Area

Berkeley Artistans holiday open studios Various locations, Berk; (510) 845-2612, www.berkeleyartisans.com. Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm. 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 Wy, Berk; (510) 548-3333, www.ecologycenter.org. Sat, 10am-4pm. Free. In addition to organic produce, this market features local craftspeople selling a variety of handmade gifts, plus live music each day.

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, plus there's a gallery show, "Everything and the Kitchen Sink."

Berkeley Potters' Studio holiday show Berkeley Potters' Studio, 637 Cedar, Berk; www.berkeleypottersstudio.com. Daily, 10am-6pm. Through Dec 24. 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.

1870 Arts Center holiday show and sale 1870 Art Center, 1870 Ralston, Belmont; (650) 595-9679. Thurs-Sun, 1-5pm and by appointment. Through Jan 16. 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. Sat, 10am-4pm. Free. Creative Growth's 140 artists with disabilities contribute to this exhibition and sale.

Ruth Hyndman holiday open studio 12 Onyx, Larkspur; (415) 945-9228, www.ruthhyndman.com. Thurs, 1-8pm; Fri-Sun, 1-5pm. Through Dec 24. Free. The acclaimed ceramic artist opens her studio for holiday shoppers.

Telegraph Avenue holiday street fair Telegraph between Dwight and Bancroft, Berk; (510) 234-1013. Sat/18-Sun/19 and Dec 23-24, 11am-6pm. Free. Colorful Telegraph Avenue closes to traffic and fills with merchants, craftspeople, artists, community groups, and entertainers.

Union Street Glass sale 833 S. 19th St, Richmond; (510) 620-1103, (510) 620-1100. Sat, 9-5pm. Free. The East Bay design studio holds its annual fall sale.