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holiday Holiday listings are compiled by Lydia Brawner, Sarah Han, Sean Patrick Maylone, and Justin Yu. Listings for Wed/14-Tues/20 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 Sun/18. $8-20. Step into a day in the life of Victorian London at this annual fair, featuring costumed characters from literature and history, street vendors, games, and adults-only "after dark" festivities. 'Light Insight: Holidays at the Exploratorium' Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon; EXP-LORE. Sat/17, 11am-5pm; Sun/18, 10am-5pm; Dec 24, noon; Dec 26-31, noon-2pm. $8-13 (half priced admission Sat/17-Sun/18). The science museum presents a series of events that explore the wonders of light, including workshops on bioluminscence, light-based toys, interactive light sculptures, and a holiday film program. 'Reindeer Romp' San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Rd, Sloat Blvd at 47th Ave; 753-7080, www.sfzoo.org. Daily, 10am-5pm. Through Jan 1. Free with paid zoo admission ($4.50-11). Bring the little ones to see what Santa's hoofed helpers really look like at this special exhibit featuring four antlered reindeer. 'San Francisco SPCA Holiday Windows Express' Macy's, Stockton at O'Farrell; 522-3500, www.sfspca.org. During store hours, through Dec 26. Free. The SPCA presents an adorable display of cats and dogs; all featured pets are available for adoption. Bay Area 'The Christmas Revels' Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr, Oak; (415) 773-1181, www.calrevels.org, Fri, 7:30pm; Sat-Sun, 1-5pm. Through Sun/18. $15-42. Celebrate the Yuletide in grand Scottish medieval style with wasailing, morris dancing, singing, dancing, and a dragon. 'Holidays at Dunsmuir' Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Ct, Oakl; (925) 275-9490, www.dunsmuir.org. Daily, 11am-5pm. Through Sun/18. $7-11. The mansion presents self-guided tours of its historic grounds, holiday teas, horse-drawn-carriage rides, and more. 'Holiday Tea at the Cohen Bray Home' Bray Home, 1440 29th Ave, Oakl; (510) 843-2906, www.cohen-brayhouse.info. Sun/18, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm. $25. Reservation required. Enjoy tea, stories, and history inside this Victorian home. Knight Ridder's Downtown Ice Circle of Palms, South Market St across from Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose; (408) 279-1775, ext 45, www.sjdowntown.com. Wed/14-Thurs/15, Jan 3-15: Mon-Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri, 5pm-midnight; Sat, noon-midnight; Sun, noon-10pm. Dec 16-Jan 1: noon-midnight. $12-14. A glide around this outdoor skating rink is a perfect way to ring in the holidays; price includes skate rentals. 'Making Merry and Zeum' Zeum, 221 Fourth St; 777-2800, www.zeum.org. Daily, 11am-5pm (Dec 24 and 31, 11am-3pm; Dec 25 and Jan 1, closed). Through Jan 1. $5-7. Bring the family to Zeum for holiday workshops, exhibitions, performances, and more. benefits 'ACA Cares Christmas Food Drive' Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, 330 Ellis; 674-6000, www.glide.org. Mon/19. Call for hours. Free. Low income and homeless individuals are invited to feast on an Asian-fusion Christmas dinner prepared by the Asian Chefs Association. Grocery bag giveaway Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, 330 Ellis; 674-6000, www.glide.org. Tues/20, 8am-1pm. Free. Glide Memorial United Methodist Church benefits from this event. 'Holiday Fun Run' Begins at Pier 23;www.sfholidayrun.com. Sun/18, 11am. $30 registration fee. Martin Rottach Foundation and the American Heart Association benefits from this annual run. 'Jingle Belles' 540 Club, 540 Clement, www.hellsbellscarclub.com, Sat/17, 7pm. $5 donation or free with new toy donation. The fifth annual Hell's Belle's Car Club SF doll drive and holiday party features classic cars, a raffle, music, and a collection of new dolls and toys in support of the Hamilton Family Center. 'Mo's Kitchen Holiday Cabaret Fundraiser' San Francisco Marriott, 55 Fourth St; 674-6000, www.glide.org. Wed/14, 6pm. $200. This star-studded event features a performance by the Glide Ensemble, special guest appearances by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and La Toya London, and much more. 'Teddy Bear Tea' Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton; 773-6198. Daily, 10-11:30am and 1-2:30pm. Through Dec 24. $58. Binky the Elf and the Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear make appearances for this tea-time event; proceeds benefit the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. celebrations Fresh Ruby Skye, 420 Mason; 693-0777, www.freshsf.com. Sun/18, 6pm-midnight. $15-20. This holiday themed t-dance with DJ Jamie J celebrates the CD release of Dreamer '05. 'Good Vibes High Holiday Party' DNA Lounge, 375 11th St; 522-5460, www.goodvibes.com. Thurs/15, 8 pm. $25. Good Vibrations transforms the DNA Lounge into a high school for this holiday party; porn star Nina Hartley, as well as rock act the Charm School Drop Outs and DJ Atomic Pop, make up the school faculty. 'House of Voodoo Deathmas Ball' Il Pirata, 2007 16th St; www.houseofvoodoo.com/events.shmtl. Fri/16, 9pm. $3-5. Have a dark and gloomy holiday at this dance party featuring DJs Voodoo, Purgatory, and guests spinning goth, glam, industrial, electro, and '80s music. 'Intersection for the Arts Holiday Party and Gift Bazaar' Intersection for the Arts, 446 Valencia; 626-2787, www.theintersection.org. Fri/16, 7:30pm. Free. Intersection for the Arts (recently celebrating its 40th birthday) throws an annual holiday party that includes an art auction, crafts, and music. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians screening Brainwash Cafe, 1122 Folsom; 255-4866, www.brainwash.com/calendar.html. Sun/18, 7pm. Free. See 8 Days a Week. 'Three Kinds of Stupid and Rickshaw Stop Holiday Dance Party' Rickshaw Stop. Sat/17, 9pm, $8. A DJ dance party featuring rap, dancey rock, funky soul, new wave, and more with DJs BAS, Caldridge, and Brother Grimm; live set by Scissors for Lefty. 'Winter Solstice Party' Schroeder's Restaurant, 240 Front; www.sfatheists.com. Sat/17, 6pm. Free. Join the San Francisco Atheists at this meet-and-greet party featuring music, a ventriloquist act, a year-end review, and an awards ceremony. Bay Area 'Holiday Party and Boutique' Sanchez Concert Hall, 1220 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica; (650) 355-1882, www.pacificaperformances.com. Thurs/15 7:30pm-9:30pm. Free. Browse the many booths of the Pacifica Performances Holiday party and Boutique. Peruse and purchase seasonal food, drinks, holiday gifts and cards, and enjoy live music provided by the Seaside Singers and the Sanchez Social Club. 'Zambomba! A Traditional Flamenco Holiday Celebration' La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berk; (510) 849-2568. Sat/17, $20. This celebration of flamenco features guest artists Angelita Agujetas, Antonio de Jerez, and Los Niños Flamencos. hanukkah and kwanzaa 'In Bed with Fairy Butch Hanukkah Hoe Down' 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission; 970-9777. Sat/17, 9pm, $10-15 sliding scale. 9pm, $10-15 sliding scale. This Hanukkah show for butch and FTM admirers features strippers and a dance party featuring hip-hop, disco, old-school, and more with DJ Atomic Pop. 'Multicultural Chanukah Celebration' Golden Gate Club, Presidio, 135 Fisher Loop; 386-2604. Sun/18, 1:30-4:30pm. Free. Black, Asian, Latino, Native American, and mixed-race Jews and their friends and families celebrate the holidays with drumming, dancing, singing, workshops, and more. Bay Area Hanukkah Family Program Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell, Berk; (510) 549-6950, www.magnes.org. Sun/18, 2-4pm. Free. This event for the whole family includes Hanukkah music from the National Sound Archives in Jerusalem, art activities, and a treasure hunt. 'Kwanzaa Celebration' Oakland City Center, adjacent to 12th St BART Station, Oakl; (510) 628-9170, ext 116, www.oaklandcitycenter.com. Wed/14, 12pm-1pm, free. Witness the West African Highlife Band offer up a fusion of African- and world-influenced melodies. music 'An American Christmas.' Old First Church, 1751 Sacramento; 474-1608. Sun/18, 3pm. $15. Watch as a chorale of 125 young males from the Ragazzi Boys Chorus lend their Grammy-winning vocals to classic American carols. 'An Asian Winter and Other Litanies' Old First Church, 1751 Sacramento; 474-1608. Fri/16, 8pm. $15-20. The Peninsula Women's Chorus performs music from Asia, Hungary, and other parts of the world at this winter concert. 'A Baroque Christmas' St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2390 Bush; 567-7824, www.stdominics.org. Tues/20, 7:30pm. $10-20. Simon Berry directs this concert featuring the Solemn Mass Choir and Orchestra. 'Camp Clovenhoof's Wonderland in the Winter Lodge' Purple Onion, 140 Columbus; 956-1653, www.campclovenhoof.com. Sat/17, 9:30pm-2am. $10. This holiday music show features the Hot Hands of Explosion, Legitimate Business, and Nate Mezmer and Deshko. 'A Cathedral Christmas: The Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys with Orchestra' Grace Cathedral, 1100 California; 1-866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com. Sat/17-Sun/18, 3pm; Mon/19, 7pm. $15-50. The annual concert presents a selection of Christmas music performed by the world-renowned choir. 'A Celtic Christmas with Golden Bough' Old First Church, 1751 Sacramento; 474-1608. Sat/17, 8pm. $15. Broaden your horizons and experience through the wonder of rare Scottish, Irish, and Welsh carols as sung by the modern-day Celtic minstrels of Golden Bough. 'A Chanticleer Christmas' Memorial Church, Stanford University, Stanford; (650) 725-ARTS. Wed/14, 8pm. $44. (Also Sat/17, 8pm, St. Igantius Church, 650 Parker; 392-4400, www.chanticleer.org. $25-42.) The world-renowned all-male choral ensemble presents this holiday-themed program featuring carols, sacred works, and spirituals. Contra Costa Chorale Wells Fargo History Museum, 420 Montgomery, (415) 396-4165, Mon/19, noon. time. Free. Join this respected community chorus for a program of traditional and unusual carols. Frankye Kelly and Her Quartet Wells Fargo History Museum, 420 Montgomery, (415) 396-4165, Wed/14, noon. Free. Jazz and blues vocalist Kelly performs jazz and Christmas music. Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers Wells Fargo History Museum, 420 Montgomery, (415) 396-4165, Fri/16, noon. Free. This will be a concert full of songs to "ring" in the holiday season. Handel's Messiah Grace Cathedral, 1100 California; 621-7900, www.americanbach.org. Thurs/15, 7:30pm. $20-50. Jeffrey Thomas leads the American Bach Soloists Chorus and Orchestra at this concert. 'Home for the Holidays' Castro Theater, 429 Castro; 864-ARTS, www.sfgmc.org. Thurs/15, 7pm (also Dec 24, 5, 7, and 9pm). $15-20. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus presents this show commemorating the 40th anniversary of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The Klez-X Wells Fargo History Museum, 420 Montgomery, (415) 396-4165, Fri/15, noon. Free. This concert features a mix of high-energy modern and traditional klezmer music. 'Let It Shine: Holiday Music for the Season of Light' St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1755 Clay; www.musae.org. Sun/18, 4pm. $10-20. Eighteen-member women's ensemble Musae perform works by Bach, Symko, Porpora, and holiday classics. 'A Medieval Christmas' St. Gregory Nyssen Episcopal Church, 500 DeHaro; 979-5779. Sat/17, 8pm. $18-25. (Also Sun/18, 4pm, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito, Oakl; same phone number and price.) The San Francisco Choral Artists perform early Christmas music under the direction of Magen Solomon; stick around for the postconcert reception featuring refreshing mead. 'Los Straightjackets and Pontani Sisters Christmas Pageant' Slim's, 333 11th St; 255-0333. Thurs/15, 8pm. $16. This music and dance concert features masked rockers Los Straightjackets performing Christmas songs and retro-glam dancers the Pontani Sisters. 'Veronica Klaus' Blue Holiday Show' Jazz at Pearl's, 256 Columbus; 291-8255. Thurs/15, 8:30 and 10:30pm. $5-10. Jazz chanteuse Veronica Klaus is joined by Tammy L. Hall and her trio at this holiday show. 'A Very Shut-Ins Christmas' Amnesia, 853 Valencia; 970-0012. Thurs/15, 9pm. Call for price. The Shut-Ins perform with Grizzly Peak Bluegrass band at this country-tinged holiday show. Bay Area 'Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza' Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City; (650) 369-4119. Tues/20, 7:30pm, $55-90. The former Stray Cat performs shows in support of his latest CD Dig That Crazy Christmas and DVD Christmas Extravaganza. Brocelïande Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1301 Mowry Ave, Fremont; (510) 797-3724. Sat/17, 7:30pm, $15. The celebrated Celtic-music vocal and instrumental ensemble presents a concert of Christian and pagan holiday melodies. 'Et in Terra Pax/And on Earth, Peace' St. Raphael's Church, 1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael; (415) 392-4400. Fri/16, 8pm. $14-45 (Also Dec 21, 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; same phone number and price.) The San Francisco Girls Chorus presents their annual holiday concert program that centers on the theme of world peace. Juanita Ulloa The Dance Palace, 5th and B St., (415)663-1075, www.dancepalace.org, Fri/16, 7:30pm. Free. (Also Sun/18, 5:30 and 7pm, Peña PachaMama, 1630 Powell, SF; (415) 646-0018. Free with dinner. Tues/20, noon, Wells Fargo History Museum, 420 Montgomery, (415) 396-4165. Free.) Award-winning vocalist Juanita Ulloa presents a program of seasonal music for the whole family. 'W.A.V.E. Christmas Concert' Lake Merrit United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore, Oakl; (510) 465-4793, www.wavewomen.org. Fri/17, 8 pm. $5-15. The Women's Antique Vocal Ensemble presents "What Sweeter Music," a concert of English and Spanish Christmas music. nutcrackers and cracked
nuts 'The MeshugaNutcracker!' Presentation Theatre, Univesity of San Francisco, 2350 Turk Blvd; 1-877-456-4849, www.NJTF.org. Tues-Thurs, Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 1-5pm. Through Sun/18. $18-36. The National Jewish Theatre Festival presents this Chanukah-themed rendition of Tchaikovsky's score. 'The Nutcracker' Cowell Theater, Bldg A, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna; 441-3400, www.fortmason.org. Sat/17-Sun/18, 2 and 7pm. $23.50. The esteemed City Ballet School in association with City Youth Ballet present a unique performance of the timeless play showcasing the talents of young students ages 6 through 17. 'The Nutcracker' War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness; 865-2000, www.sfballet.org. Dec 15-23, and 26, 2 and 7pm (no 2pm show Thurs/15); Dec 24, 11am and 4pm; Dec 27-29, 2pm. Through Dec 29. $18-140. It's easy to make fun of The Nutcracker. It's a cash cow for every two-bit ballet company. It sentimentalizes the nuclear family. It has been shamelessly appropriated by big business. Its two acts don't even hold together very well. Yet give the old thing a chance, and you'll be drawn in. Tchaikovsky's score is irresistible. Take the narrative as a Freudian coming-of-age story, or just take it as an excuse for fun dancing. Helgi Tomasson's 2004 version is a little of both. What makes this one so special is that it's as gentle and luminous as the sun filtering through SF's proverbial fog – not a fleck of bombastic showmanship about it. Setting the work in an Edwardian environment, around the time of the Panama exhibition, may please local chauvinists, but its charm, imagination, and goodwill please even if you are not besotted by this place. The second act is Tomasson's more original reading. It spans a full day with early-morning butterflies, ladybugs, and dragonflies waking up, and ends with a magical transformation of a girl into a princess. The company dances beautifully, and the orchestra sounds splendid. Only one complaint: The choreography for the "Waltz of the Flowers" is too thin, and the knee-length costumes look like flopping shingles coming off a roof. Bring back the old skirts – they were so much more enticing. (Rita Felciano) 'Nutcracker Nutz and Boltz' Marsh, 1062 Valencia; 826-5750. Dec 17-23, 27-30, 2pm. $15-22. Puppet troupe Liebe Wetzel's Lunatique Fantastique performs its unique rendition of this traditional holiday favorite. Bay Area 'The Hard Nut' Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, Bancroft Way at Telegraph, Berk; (510) 642-0212. Thurs/15-Sat/17, 8pm (also Sat/17, 2pm); Sun/18, 3pm. $32-60. The Mark Morris Dance Group presents its adaptation of the traditional ballet. 'The Nutcracker' Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College, Berk; (510) 843-4689. Fri/16-Sat/17, 7pm (also Sat/17, 2pm); Sun/18, 2pm. $20. The Berkeley Ballet Theater presents their rendition, choreographed by Sally Streets and Robert Nichols and directed by Sarah Marcus and David Kato. 'The Nutcracker' Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakl; (510)_286-8914, www.oaklandballet.org. Sat/17-Tues/20, 2pm; Dec 21, 7:30pm. $6-54. See Dance Critic's Choice. theater, comedy, and
performance 'Beach Blanket Babylon Seasonal Extravaganza' Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St); 421-4222. This week: Wed/14, 5pm and 8pm; Thurs/15, Tues/20, 8pm; Fri/16 and Sat/17, 7pm and 10pm; Sun/18, 1pm and 4pm. $25-75. Steve Silver's musical comedy features pop-culture figures, tap-dancing Christmas trees, and one huge Christmas-themed hat. 'Black Nativity' Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 620 Sutter; 474-8800, www.lhtsf.org. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4pm. Through Dec 24. $25-32. Based on Langston Hughes's gospel play, this musical rendering of the Christmas story (directed by Stanley E. Williams) offers a rejuvenating respite from the commercial holiday madness going on just outside of this award-winning downtown theater (now celebrating its silver anniversary). Taking us back to the biblical roots of Christmas, the story of the nativity is told through rousing musical numbers (the opening rendition of "Joy to the World" has the audience clapping along from the first verse), narration, and dance (a modern dance and jazz fusion choreographed by Ronnie Reddick). The second act brings us into the modern era as the Word is spread in a black urban church. Small dramas played out among members of the congregation (a young boy goofs off in the background, a single woman flirts with a married man) give this act some semblance of a narrative, but in truth the fourth wall is about two inches tall here and this is about as close to being in church as you can get without actually being there. It's the soul-stirring gospel music that is this play's raison d'être, and with Robin Hodge-Williams as musical director and the legendary Miss Faye Carol heading up a talented and powerful group of vocalists, this is about as good as it gets. (Lara Shalson) 'The Christmas Ballet' Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard; 978-2787. Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 and 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Dec 23. $20-60. Smuin Ballet presents their annual holiday show featuring tap dancing, swing, ballet and more to classical, klezmer, jazz, and pop music. 'A Christmas Carol' Geary Theater, 415 Geary; 749-2228, www.act-sf.org. This week: Wed/14-Sun/18, 7pm (also Wed/14, Sat/17-Sun/18, Tues/20, 7pm). Through Dec 24. $18-80. A Christmas Carol is holiday fare of a special kind. Being an existential morality tale, it has a little bit of terror at the heart of it. This was Dickens's great innovation: a Christmas ghost story. (Although the biblical Christ story comes with a pretty spooky denouement already, for some reason it's never made it into Christmas celebrations proper.) American Conservatory Theater's new version of the holiday classic, co-adapted by artistic director Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh, plays up the spectacle associated with the traditional family feature, deploying some clever and impressive stage effects, as well as an original score by Karl Lundeberg (expansive and enchanted for the most part, though interspersed with a few not very memorable songs). The drama, however, comes over fitfully well. Some pacing and timing issues (that will probably be smoothed out in the long run) are partly to blame. But there's also just more emphasis placed on humor and joy throughout, so that even the fine Giles Havergal's Scrooge never seems as bitter and irremediable as he should. Whatever you want to say about humor and joy – it's Christmas after all – their impact is greater when the darkness and emptiness inside Scrooge and his world are allowed a little more face time with the audience. (Robert Avila) 'A Christmas Carol for Velma Gutflesh' Exit Theatre Cafe, 156 Eddy; (707) 889-6170. Fri/16-Sat/17, 8:30pm. $15. The National Theatres of the Americas presents this comedy by Joe Hogan about Velma Gutflesh, an unstable woman who's visited by the ghosts of love and redemption for the holidays. 'Christmas is the Best! Variety Show' Amnesia, 853 Valencia; 970-0012. Sun/18, 9pm $7. Uni and Dr. Trucker, Illbilly Feglte Fresh, and the Chainsaw Chubettes perform at this variety show. 'Christmas with Kielbasia and Katya' Martuni's, 4 Valencia; www.kielbasia.com. Sun/18, 7pm. $5. Drag divas Kielbasia and Katya perform at this holiday variety show featuring music, sing-alongs, banter, and more. 'Cinderella' Zeum, 221 Fourth St; www.african-americanshakes.org, www.ticketweb.com. Fri-Sun, 3pm (also Fri-Sat, 8pm; no 8pm show Dec 31; no show Dec 24). Through Dec 31. $20-25. African-American Shakespeare Company presents this classical fairy tale told from an African American cultural perspective. 'A Classic Christmas Special' Florence Gould Theater, Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th Ave and Clement; 392-4400. Sun/18, 2pm. $30-35. This holiday concert features San Francisco Opera singers Kristin Clayton and Bojan Knezevic, a ballet performance of "The Little Match Girl," pianist David Shepard and trumpeter Kale Cumings, and a performance of "The Gift of the Magi." 'High Water Radio' Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon; 392-4400. This week: Wed/14-Sat/17, Tues/20, 8pm (also Sat/17, 2pm); Sun/18, 2pm. Through Jan 1. $24-35. The Pickle Circus presents this exciting holiday show featuring high-flying acrobats, clowns, music by the Tin Hat Trio, and more. 'Holiday Follies' Bayfront Theatre, Fort Mason Center, Bldg B, Webster and Marina; www.improv.org. Fri/16-Sat/17, 8pm. $12-15. Players perform an improvisational show about what happens behind the scenes of a fictional long-running holiday production. 'Holiday Shorts III' Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason, sixth fl; (925) 283-9937, www.brookside-art.org. Thurs/15 and Sun/18, 8pm. $14-16. This performance features a collection of holiday-themed shorts by Bay Area playwrights from the Brookside Repertory Theatre. 'House of Burlesque' Bender's Bar, 806 S Van Ness; 824-1800. Fri/16, 10pm. $8. Misha emcees this burlesque show featuring Cherry Lix, Velvet Siren, Ruby Sparks, Lily Le Rouge, Roky Roulette, Miss Banana Peel, Oddum Pandemonium, Maid Pixie Upalot, and DJ Boonie Bondage. 'A John Waters XXXmas' Fillmore, 1805 Geary; 346-6000. Wed/14, meet and greet, 6:30pm; show, 8pm. $35-75. John Waters and Jonathan Richman run the night's entertainment; VIP ticket-holders can attend preshow meet and greet. 'Let It Snow! An Improvised Musical' Phoenix Theater, 414 Mason; 869-5384, www.un-scripted.com. Fri/16-Sat/17, 8pm; Sun/18, 3pm. $10-15. The Un-Scripted Theater Company presents a full-length improvised musical. 'Not Even a Mouse' Theatre Rhinoceros, 2926 16th St; 861-5079. Fri/16-Sat/17, 8pm; Dec Sun/18, 2pm. $10-15 sliding scale. This Christmas-themed production set in Edwardian times is written and directed by Daniel Tobias. 'Oy Vey in a Manger' Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness; 392-4400. Fri/16, 8pm. $25-35. See 8 Days a Week. 'Really Rosie' New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org. Sat/17-Sun/18, 2 (also Sat, 4pm); also Dec 27-31, 2 and 4pm. Through Dec 31. $8-14. New Conservatory Theatre Center presents this holiday musical event featuring music by Carole King. 'The Santaland Diaries' and 'Season's Greetings' Off Market Theater, Stage 250, 965 Mission; 896-6477, ext 2. Thurs-Sun, 8pm. Through Dec 30. $20-25. Director Richard Ryan brings the hilarious stories of David Sedaris to life. Bay Area 'A Christmas Carol' Napa Valley District Auditorium, 2475 Jefferson, Napa; 1-800-557-NVRT. Sat/17, 23, 8 pm; Sun/18, and Dec 24, 2pm; Dec 21-22, 7:30pm. Through Dec 24. $15-28. The Napa Valley Repertory Theatre presents a new adaptation by Domenique Lozano of the classic Christmas tale. 'Cirque Do Somethin'' Marsh Berkeley, Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way, Berk; 1-800-838-3006, www.themarsh.org. Sat/17-Sun/18, Dec 27-30, 1pm. $10-15 sliding scale. Moshe Cohen and Unique Derique present this holiday circus arts performance. La Posada: A Christmas Play Chabot College Little Theatre, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward; (510) 723-6830, www.chabotcollege.edu. Thurs-Sat, 7pm. Through Sat/17. $5. This family-friendly performance features comedy, romance, and music. 'New Jew Revue' 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley; (415) 383-9600. Fri/16, 8pm. $10-15. Brent Weinbach, Louis Katz, Jacob Sirof, Moshe Kasher, Sam Arno, Alex Koll, Mo Mandel, and Lynn Ruth Miller perform. 'North Pole Review' Asian Branch Library, 388 Ninth St, Ste 190, Oakl; (510) 238-3400. Tues/20, 2pm. Free. Fratello Marionettes presents this fun and zany production to get you in the holiday spirit. 'The Snow Cat' Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito; (415) 339-3900, www.baykidsmuseum.org. Sat/17-Sun/18, 11am; Dec 28-30, 11am and 12:30pm. $8-10. The Bay Area Discovery Museum presents jazz musician and composer Dmitri Matheny's musical interpretation of a medieval Japanese fable. 'Whiskers!' Dean Lesher Regional Center, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek; (925) 943-7469. Wed/14-Thurs/15, 9:15am, 11:15am, and 1:15pm; Dec 20-21, 11:15am, 1:15 pm, and 7:15pm; Dec 22, 1:15pm, 3:15pm, 7:15pm. $8-15. This Galatean Players Ensemble Theatre present this musical for the entire family based on Margery Williams' classic The Velveteen Rabbit. 'Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail' Sonoma County Repertory Theater, 104 N. Main St, Sebastopol; (707) 823-0177. Sat/17, 11am-1pm. $5-7. Theater for Young Audiences presents Sonoma County Repertory Theater's production featuring Winnie-the-Pooh and friends. tree lightings and family
events 'Festival of Lights' Union Street, between Gough and Steiner; 1-800-310-6563, www.sresproductions.com, www.unionstreetsf.com. Sat/17, noon-4pm. Free. Come out and watch beautiful art form in front of your eyes as professional ice sculptors bring holiday fantasies to life. 'Winter Break Workshops' Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way; 554-9600. Tues, 10am-noon and 1pm-3pm. Through Dec 30. $11. Enjoy loads of hands-on, low-cost workshops exploring arts, crafts, and sciences. Classes fill up fast, so register soon! 'Winter Wonderama' San Francisco Public Library, Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Branch, 3555 16th St; 355-5616. Tues/20, 10:30am. Free. (Also Tues/20, 2pm, San Francisco Public Library Ingleside Branch, 1649 Ocean; 355-2820. Free.) Children ages three to seven are invited to this winter-themed event featuring storytelling, puppetry, songs, magic performances, and more. Bay Area 'Holidays on Solano' Solano Ave, Berk and Albany; www.solanoave.org. Sat, 10am-2pm. Through Dec 24. Free. Celebrate the holidays at this annual neighborhood event, where you can shop in area stores while enjoying live entertainment. Skinny Santa Claus drops by Sat/17 from 10am-2pm. 'Night of Remembrance' Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont, Oakl; (510) 228-3207. Wed/14, 6-9pm. Free. This evening is dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have passed on. 'Breakfast with Santa' Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland; (510) 632-9525. Sat/17-Sun/18, 9am-noon. Free with zoo admission ($5.50-9, breakfast cost is extra). Before visiting the animals at the zoo, stop to have a tasty breakfast and have your photo taken with Santa Claus. Cookie decorating Lakeview Branch Library, 550 El Embarcadero, Oakl; (510) 238-7344. Fri/16, 3:30pm. Free. Subhaishini Coburn leads this cookie-decorating workshop for the whole family. 'Las Posadas' Cesar Chavez Branch Library, 3301 East 12th St, Ste 271, Oakl; (510) 535-5620. Sat/17, 3pm. Free. Learn about Mexican holiday traditions from anthropologist Sonia Ramirez Garcia while enjoying Mexican bread, hot chocolate, and coffee. arts and crafts 'Affordable Art' City Art Gallery, 828 Valencia; 970-9900, www.cityartgallery.org. Wed-Sun, noon-9pm. Through Jan 29. Free. You can buy masterpieces for $150 or less at this show featuring art by local artists. Artist-Xchange holiday gift fair Artist-Xchange, 3169 16th St; 864-1490. Sat, noon-6pm. Through Dec 24. Free. Local artists and designers sell their works at this event. Braunstein/Quay holiday group show Braunstein Quay, 430 Clementina; 278-9850. Opens Sat/17, 3-5pm; gallery hours, Tues-Sat, 11am-5:30pm. Through Jan 7. Free. This group show features new and smaller works by Braunstein/Quay gallery artists. 'Christmas Art Salon' La Casa Del Libro, 973 Valencia; 285-1399, www.librerialcasadellibro.com. Fri/16, 7pm; Sat/17 11am-7pm. Free. This art sale will feature works by 18 artists. 'Christmas Stockings: an Erotic Holiday' Fusion Artwork Gallery, lower level of Stormy Leather, 1158 Howard; 821-2431. Daily, noon-7pm. Through Jan 4. Free. This titillating art show features works by Carolyn Weltman, Ray Leaning, Barbara Jensen, Jack Henslee, Howard Austin Feld, Erik Drudwyn, Sherri Grotts, and others. 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. This art sale features works by artists with developmental, psychiatric, and/or physical disabilities. 'Faith Holiday Faire' 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission; 970-9777. Sun/18, noon-5pm. Free. The third-annual fair features one of a kind spirituality-focused gifts, jewelry, tarot card readings, and live music. 'Feria Urbana' Canvas Gallery, 1200 Ninth; 504-0060. Sat/17-Sun/18, noon-5pm. Free. Get the perfect gift for your hip friends at this clothing, accessory, and craft show featuring wares by Bay Area artists and designers. 'Infill Studios and the Third Street Art Collective's Open Studios and Holiday Party' American Industrial Center, 2345 Third St, Ste 236-237; jezebel001@yahoo.com. Thurs/15, 7-9pm. Free. Artists from the American Industrial Center present their new work at this party. Mexican Museum holiday art sale Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, Marina at Laguna; 202-9700, www.mexicanmuseum.org. Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm. Through Dec 23. Free. This holiday art sale features works by local and international artists. Ruby's Clay Studio annual holiday show Ruby's Clay Studio and Gallery, 552A Noe; 558-9819. Daily, 10am-7pm. Through Jan 3. The gallery presents this holiday show featuring works by 30 ceramists. Springer-Croke fine art group holiday exhibit Springer-Croke Fine Art, 3236 Sacramento; 931-1779. Wed-Sat, 11am-5pm, and by appt. Through Jan 20. The gallery presents this show featuring paintings, sculpture, and mixed media works by Marcine Franckowiak, Susan Friedman, Ginny Parsons, and others. Studio holiday sale Space 743, 743 Harrison; 777-9080. Wed/14-Sat/17, noon-5pm, and by appt. Buy ceramics of all kinds at this art sale. Velvet da Vinci holiday show Velvet da Vinci, 2015 Polk; 441-0109. Mon-Sat, noon-6pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Through Dec 31. This 15th annual art show features the latest work by the gallery's artists. Bay Area Berkeley Artisans holiday open studios Various locations, Berk; (510) 845-2612, www.berkeleyartisans.com. Sat/17-Sun/18, 11am-6pm. Free. Take a self-guided tour of the studios of more than 100 Berkeley artists and craftspeople (a map can be downloaded on the Web site). 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/17, 10am-4pm. Free. Buy organic produce and handmade goods while enjoying live folk, jazz, rock, blues, and world music and spoken word at this outdoor community affair. Berkeley Potter's Guild holiday sale and show Berkeley Potter's Guild, 731 Jones, Berk; (510) 524-7031, www.berkeleypotters.com. Sat-Sun, and Dec 19-24, 10am-6pm. Through Dec 24. Free. Buy ceramic art at this event featuring works for sale by 20 artists and a gallery show, "Playing With Fire." 'Bizarre Bazaar' Blankspace Gallery, 6608 San Pablo, Oakl; (510) 547-6608, www.blankspacegallery.com. Sat/17, 6-10pm. Free. Small artwork, clothing, and crafts are for sale at this event. Holiday exhibition and sale Creative Growth Art Center, 355 24th St, Oakl; (510) 836-2340, ext 15. Sat, 10am-4pm. Through Jan 6. Free. Creative Growth presents its yearly exhibit and sale featuring works by more than 140 visual artists with disabilities. 'Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair 2005' Telegraph Ave, between Dwight Way and Bancroft Way, Berk; (510) 234-1013. Sat/17-Sun/18, Dec 23-24, 11am-6pm. Free. More than 200 artists, merchants, and community groups set up for this four-block street fair featuring a handmade craft show. |
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