December
2011
Calendar
of Fun Things To Do - S.F. Bay Area... and beyond
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Happy Holidays!
Top 20+ Special Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Dec.-Ongoing — "The
Best of Broadway" San Francisco 2011-2012 Season,
Curran, Golden Gate
and Orpheum Theaters, S.F. Get into the Holiday Spirit — treat
yourself to a Fun Broadway Show in San Francisco.
More
Info on The Best of Broadway Shows
Dec. 1 — London's Trafalgar
Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, London, U.K. Celebrate the Holidays! London's famous Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place in Trafalgar
Square on Thursday,
December 2nd. What began in 1947, today draws huge crowds, so get there early for a good viewing spot. Enjoy traditional Christmas Carols during the Holiday Season — carol-singing takes place in the evenings on December 5-22nd from 5-9pm.
Fun Things To Do in London
Dec. 1 "The Best Time of the Year: A Christmas Special with the San Francisco Sympony" @ Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. This fun Holiday Concert features old favorites and Christmas classics. Show begins at 8pm. Tickets $25-68. Half price for ages 17 and under.
More
Info on "The Best Time of the Year: A Christmas Special with the San Francisco Symphony
Dec. 1-3 Holiday
Traditions at Filoli "Visions of Sugarplums Dancing",
Filoli House & Gardens, Woodside. This year's theme at Filoli is "Wise Old Owl." Enjoy a fabulous Holiday Season at Filoli. Shop the Holiday Boutique. Events
include Evening Dinner Parties, Lunch Buffets, Children's
Party... and more. 650-364-8300
More Info on Holiday Traditions at Filoli
Dec. 1-4 — Pirates in Paradise Festival, Key West, Florida. Pirates in Paradise Festival features top-name entertainment, Historic Reenactments & Pirate Invasions, Maritime and Pirate Exhibits, Pirate Sails and Sunset Cruises, Pirate Parties, Pirate Walking Tours, Pirate Pub Strolls... and more!
More Info on Pirates in Paradise Festival
in Key West
Dec. 1, 8, 15 Nightlife
at the Academy, California Academy
of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, S.F. Enjoy "Nightlife at the Academy." Mingle, explore
the museum at night, interact with scientists and other experts,
enjoy DJ music and no-host bar. This makes a FUN night out! 6-10pm.
Adults ages 21 and over.
More
Info on Nightlife
at the
California Academy of Sciences
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Click
here to check out
Holiday Events in the U.S.
and International locations
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Skip
the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
Skip
the Line: California Academy of Sciences "Behind the Scenes
Platinum Tour"
Dec. 1-11 — "TOTEM" Cirque Du Soleil, Under the Grand Chapiteau @ AT&T Park, S.F. Don't miss Cirque Du Soleil's new show, "TOTEM" — a fascinating journey into the evolution of mankind. Great Gift Idea! Share the Holiday Memories with the Family or Friends!
Buy Cirque Du Soleil - Totem Tickets @ TicketNetwork - Last San Francisco Show is Dec 11th
Dec.
1-18 The Great Dickens Christmas Fair,
Cow Palace, South S.F. Five Weekends of Holiday Fun featuring lively and colorful
characters from Dickens' London. Entertainment includes
continuous performances on five stages and in the streets.
And for the kids — Punch & Judy Puppet Shows, Victorian
Fairies, Father Christmas, Interactive Theatrical Performances,
Games and Holiday activities, and Victorian Arts & Crafts.
International foods and English specialties like Fish & Chips
and English Bangers. British Ales, wine and champagne too.
No pets allowed.
11am-7pm.
800-510-1558
More Info on The Great Dickens
Christmas Fair
Dec. 1-18 — Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Enjoy live entertainment featuring Disney characters, spectacular fireworks extravaganza, and a festival Holiday Parade. Complimentary cookies, hot chocolate... and more. Fun for kids and big kids too! 7pm-12 midnight
More Info on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Dec. 1-18 29th
Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, S.F. Enjoy talented
local, national and international jazz artists — performances
throughout the city.
415-788-7353 or 800-850-7353
More Info on San Francisco Jazz
Festival
Dec. 1-24 "A Christmas
Carol",
A.C.T. Geary Theater, 415 Geary at Mason, S.F. Don't miss this
classic A.C.T. Dickens show featuring Ebenezer Scrooge,
Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmases
Past, Present, and Future. Fun for the whole family!
Buy "A Christmas Carol" Tickets for ACT Geary Theater in San Francisco from TicketNetwork
Dec. 1-24 Teddy
Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco,
Lobby Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, S.F. Bring your kids to a Fun Teddy
Bear Tea with Stretchy the Elf, Merry Xmas Elves and Santa Claus. Enjoy classic holiday
storytelling, balloons, and a special visit and photo with
a cuddly Ritz-Carlton Teddy... a small teddy bear to take
home. Feast on hot chocolate, assorted sandwiches and teddy
bear cut-out
cookies.
Two seatings daily: 10am and 1pm. Book
now — the
Teddy Bear Tea
sells out every year. Tickets are $80 each. Call 415-773-6198
for "Teddy Bear Tea" restaurant reservations.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Dec. 1-31 Holiday Concerts
at Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Celebrate the Holiday Season — treat
yourself to a Festive Holiday Concert at Davies Symphony Hall.
Fun for the whole family!
Buy Holiday Davies Symphony Hall Ticket with TicketNetwork
Dec.
1-31 — Beach
Blanket Babylon
Holiday Shows @ Club Fugazi, 678
Beach
Blanket Babylon
Blvd., S.F.
Spectacular "only in San Francisco" show
runs Wed & Thurs at 8pm; Fri & Sat at
6:30pm and 9:30pm; Sun Matinees at 2pm and 5pm; Wed Matinee at 5pm on 12/14 and 12/21. Fri, Dec. 24 @ 2pm is a matinee performance and minors are welcome. Special Holiday
Performances.
Group Tickets 415-421-6788;
Info: 415-421-4222
More
Info on Beach Blanket Babylon and Holiday Shows
Dec. 1-Jan. 2, 2012 "The Rockettes Magical Journey" — NEW Radio
City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show @ Radio City Music
Hall, New York City, N.Y. It's well worth a
trip to New York City just to see the fabulous Radio City
Christmas Spectacular Holiday Show, starring the world-famous Rockettes. Be
sure to book well in advance; this show is very popular with tourists and locals alike!
Buy Radio City Christmas Spectacular Tickets
Dec. 1-Jan. 3, 2012 — Hyde
Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park,
London. Fun for the whole family! Winter Wonderland includes
an Ice-Skating Rink, Giant Wheel, Christmas Circus, fun rides
and attractions. Visit Santa at Santa Land and ride the Santa
Express. Enjoy shopping at the Christmas Market. Holiday foods
and ales. Free admission into Winter Wonderland — tickets
req'd for rides and attractions. 10am-10pm. Closed Christmas
Day.
More
Info on Winter Wonderland Hyde Park London
Buy
Winter Wonderland Tickets with Ticketmasters UK
Dec. 1-Jan. 3, 2012 — Holiday Sugar Castle @ Westin St. Francis, (Landmark Lobby), Union Square, S.F. Get into the holiday spirit — bring your kids to see one of the country's largest sugar castles! The spectacular 12-foot rotating Holiday Sugar Castle weighs more than 1,200 pounds and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by silver sugar trees, stars and snowflakes made out of pastillage, chocolate balls in brilliant colors and elves constructed out of marzipan... YUM! Complimentary hot chocolate will be served. 10-11am
More Info on Holiday Sugar Castle
at Westin St. Francis
Dec. 1-Jan. 6, 2012 — Holiday Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center, New York City. Fun for New Yorkers and tourists alike! The Holiday Ice Rink Schedule runs thru' January 6, 2012. Mon-Thurs 9am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 8:30am-12 midnight, Sun 8:30am-10pm. Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue, between 49th & 50th Streets in NYC.
212-332-7654
More Info on Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center
Dec. 1-Jan.
8, 2012 — Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center,
Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero Center, S.F. Celebrate the
Holiday Season at Embarcadero's fun Holiday Ice Rink. 90-minute
sessions start on every even hour. Open daily 10am-10pm Sun-Thurs,
10am-11:30pm Fri-Sat. Note: Rink may be closed for private events (see web site below for more info).
More
Info on Holiday Ice Rink
at Embarcadero Center
Dec. 1-Jan.
16, 2012 — Holiday Ice Rink
at Union Square,
Union Square, S.F. Skate into the Holidays! Celebrate the festive
holiday season at Union Square's FUN Holiday Ice Rink. 90-minute
sessions start on every half hour. Open 10am-10pm Sun-Thurs,
10am-11:30pm Fri-Sat. Note: Closes at 9:30pm on Dec 31 (New
Year's Eve). 415-781-2688
More
Info on Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Dec. 1-Jan. 16 — "Napa On Ice", Napa Valley. Enjoy Holiday skating in Napa's new outdoor ice-skating rink, located on the corner of 2nd & Coombs Streets in downtown Napa. Available throughout the holidays. Rink is open daily from 10am-10pm and is $12 per person, skate rental included. 707-251-5895
More Info on Napa On Ice
Dec. 1-Jan. 22, 2012 — "Pissarro's People" @ the Legion of Honor, S.F. "Pissarro's People" exhibit features nearly 100 works of art, including 37 paintings and numerous works on paper made over the course of Pissarro's entire career. Highlights include portraits of the artist’s friends and family as well as notable genre scenes set in the fields and marketplaces of rural France.
More Info on Pissarro's People
Dec. 1-Feb. 12, 2012 — "Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power" from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna @ the de Young, S.F. Worldwide exclusive presentation features 50 paintings by 16th-century Venetian painters Titian, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Mantegna... and more (all on loan from the Gemäldegalerie of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna).
More Info on Masters of Venice
Dec. 1-Apr. 8, 2012 — "Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Court", Asian Art Museum, S.F. See the dazzling world of Indian royalty from the 1700s to the 1940s. The exhibit features more than 200 artworks, including a gold throne, a silver carriage, Man Ray photographs, and a diamond belt.
More Info on Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts
Dec. 2 Jack London
Square Lights Up for the Holidays, Jack
London Square (foot of Broadway and Pavilion), Oakland. Celebrate the Holiday Season along
Oakland's waterfront Enjoy festive holiday music and the lighting of their 15-ft 8,000-lb Christmas
Tree. Lighting takes place at approximately 6pm at the foot of Broadway and Embarcadero.
More
Info on Jack London Square Lights Up for the Holidays
Dec. 2 — NASCAR "Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony"
in Vegas,
Wynn Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. For the third year in a row, Las Vegas will be the official
host city of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week.
Previously, the Cup Series event had been held in New York City every year
since
1981. The awards ceremony will feature the Top 10 Drivers in the final series standings. The event will l culminate Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas.
More
Info on Nascar Awards in Las Vegas
Top 20+ Fun Things
To Do in Las Vegas
Buy NASCAR Tickets for someone that Loves Racing
Dec. 2-3 "The Snowman with the San Francisco Symphony" at Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Delight your
children with this charming animated film that tells the story of a young boy's magical friendship with a snowman. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets $22-57. Half price
for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000
More Info on "The Snowman with the San Francisco Symphony"
Dec. 2, 9 & 16 — Friday
Nights at the de Young, de Young
Museum, Golden Gate Park, S.F. "Friday Nights at the
de Young" features a mix of live music, poetry, films,
dance, art-making demos, lectures, docent tours and interactive
kids activities.
More
Info on "Friday Nights at the de Young"
Dec. 2-24 — Smuin Ballet "The Christmas Ballet" at various SF Bay Area locations. Bring your family or treat yourself
and friends to this FUN Magical performance
and celebrate Smuin Ballet's Holiday Season.
415-556-5000
Dec. 2-3:
Sunset Center, Carmel
Dec. 7-11: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 14-24:
San Francisco @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
More Info on Smuin Ballet "The Christmas Ballet"
Dec. 3 — Oakland Children's Holiday Parade, Oakland.
One of the nation's premier parades, the Oakland Children's Holiday Parade draws over 100,000 spectators every year. It takes place on Saturday, December 4th at 2pm — at Broadway and 11th Street to 20th Street, to Harrison Street. Festive Holiday Parade floats and costumed characters — fun for kids and big kids too!
More Info on Oakland Children's Holiday Parade
Dec. 3 — Lighted Yacht Parade, Oakland. Come and see the magical Lighted Yacht Parade as it sails through the Oakland/Alameda estuary. Each year, on the first Saturday in December, the Lighted Yacht Parade kicks off the Holiday Season. 5:30-9pm.
More Info on Lighted Yacht Parade
Dec 3 — 21st Annual Union
Street "Fantasy of Lights" Holiday Celebration, Union
Street, S.F. Join in the month-long celebration of events this
season on Union Street bet Van Ness & Steiner, Fillmore Street
from Union to Lombard. Fantasy of Lights Holiday Celebration takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 3-7pm. Decorate a cupcake at the Metro Theater from 3-5pm. Santa arrives in front of the Metro Theater at 5:30pm (he'll be there 'til 7pm for pictures).
800-310-6563
More
Info on Union Street "Fantasy of Lights" Ceremony
Dec. 3 — Lighted
Boat Parade at Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz. Lighted
Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats
parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor, beginning at 5:30pm. Charter boats available.
Fun family event. Hot drinks and snacks available at various
locations through the south harbor. Boat parade sponsored by
the Santa Cruz Yacht Club — and includes a canned food
drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. 5:30-8:30pm; Rain or shine.
More
Info on Lighted Boat Parade at Santa Cruz Harbor
Dec. 3 — Holiday
Lighting Ceremony San Anselmo,
Lawn at Town Hall, downtown San Anselmo. Fun for the whole family! Holiday entertainment, complimentary refreshments, candy canes and balloons — and free pictures with Santa. 5-6:30pm. 415-454-2510
Holiday Lighting Ceremony San Anselmo
Dec. 3 — Napa
B&B Tour & Taste Event, Napa. Tour Napa B&Bs — each
inn will host a wine reception, featuring a Napa Valley winery.
Live entertainment and limo transportation will be provided.
3-7pm.
More
Info on Napa B&B Tour & Taste
Dec. 3 — 3rd Annual Piedmont Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll, Key Route Plaza (under the Clock Tower) at Piedmont Avenue and 41st Street, Oakland. Join in the fun. 510-428-1838
More Info on Piedmont Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll
Dec. 3-4 "Deco
the Halls" Art Deco and Modernism Holiday Sale,
Concourse Exhibition Center, 8th & Brannan Street, S.F.
1900-1980 Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Vintage
Western, Mid-Century Modern furniture, accessories, art, pottery,
books, jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles. General Admission:
$10, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun
11am-5pm. 650-599-DECO
More Info
on "Deco the Halls" Holiday Sale
Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 — Santa Claus at Jelly Belly,
Jelly Belly Candy Company, One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield. Come
and visit Santa at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield.
Bring your iPhone or camera, or get a professional photo with Santa.
707-399-2266.
More
Info on Santa Claus at Jelly Belly
Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 — "A Holiday Tradition"
at Dunsmuir Historic Estate, Oakland. Spectacular Decorations, scheduled
Mansion Visit, Holiday Teas, Costumed Carolers, NEW Ice Rink... and more! Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday
11am-5pm. Advance reservations recommended.
925-866-9559
More
Info on "A Holiday Tradition" at Dunsmuir Historic Estate
Dec. 3-4, 10-12,
17-23 — Santa
Cruz Holiday Lights Train, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,
Santa Cruz. Sing along to Holiday Carols and sip cider as you
enjoy a 60-minute
round-trip
ride on a vintage train adorned with twinkling lights through
the streets of Santa Cruz. Enjoy live entertainment and a visit
from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Have fun at Santa's Kingdom (at
the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk) — one fun activity (Holiday
miniature golf, laser tag or arcade games) is included in the
Holiday Lights Train Ticket price. Advance reservations recommended.
Trains depart and return in front of Neptune's Kingdom at the
Santa Cruz Boardwalk. 831-335-4484
More Info
on Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 & 19-23 Gingerbread
Architectural Extravaganza — Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort
Baker, Sausalito. Celebrate the Holidays creating your very own Gingerbread House at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Weekends 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30pm; Weekdays 9:30am, 10:30am and 11:30am. 415-339-3900
More
Info on Gingerbread Architectural Extravaganza at Bay Area Discovery
Museum
Dec. 3-11 — Mad Hatter Holiday Festival, Downtown Vallejo (Georgia Street to the Waterfront). Enjoy Parades, Concerts, Holiday Musicals, Santa's Palace, Arts, Christmas Tree Auction, Kids Activities, Santa's Elves... and more!
9am-6pm 707-853-0702
More Info on Mad Hatter Holiday Festival
"Viva ELVIS" Cirque
du Soleil in Vegas - FUN Show for Elvis Fans!
"Viva ELVIS" Cirque du Soleil is a FUN show to see over the Holidays. Now playing at CityCenter in the heart
of the Las Vegas Strip — it's a great show for Elvis fans!
Buy Viva Elvis Cirque du Soleil Tickets in Las Vegas from TicketNetwork 
Dec. 4 "Deck the Hall" Festival Holiday Concert @ Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Treat
your whole family to this fun Holiday classic. Post-concert parities in the lobbies include entertainment, arts & crafts, decorated trees and refreshments. Tickets $36-50.
More
Info on "Deck the Hall" Celebration — San Francisco Symphony
Dec. 4 — 25th Annual Cable Car Caroling, meet at Event Center at St. Mary's Cathedral, S.F. at 12:30pm prior to boarding a Cable Car. Join in the Institute on Aging's 25th Annual Cable Car Caroling Fundraiser Event. Tour the city in motorized cable cars, stopping to carol at senior homes and residences throughout the day. Afterwards, enjoy a warm holiday dinner. Silent Auction and Prize Raffle. 12:30-6pm. Rain or shine. 415-750-4111
More Info on Cable Car Caroling Fundraiser Event
Dec. 4 Antiques by the
Bay "Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire", at
the former Alameda Point Naval Air Station, Alameda. Northern California's
largest antiques and collectibles show is a must-see for antique and collectible
lovers. 6-7:30am $15 (vendors set up at 4am); 7:30-9am $10; 9am-2pm $5; 2-3pm Free.
Free admission for children 15 and under.
510-522-7500
More
Info on Antiques by the Bay
Dec. 4, 11, 17-23 Christmas Train,
Sacramento RiverTrain, Sacramento, CA. The Christmas
Train is a special treat for children of all ages. Your Christmas
journey includes Santa, Elves, Storytellers, Musicians, plus
hot cocoa and cookies. You can even wear your pajamas! Tickets
sell out fast, so be sure to book well in advance. Tickets:
Adult $29, Child $23. 800-866-1690
More
Info on Christmas Train
Top 20+ Special Gift Ideas for the Holidays
NO San Jose Inflation Celebration in 2011, San Jose. Last year (2010) visitors got a
sneak preview of The San Jose Holiday Parade at the Annual
Inflation Celebration, held on Saturday (the eve of the annual Holiday Parade). Spectacular
floats arrived on the eve of the parade right outside the Tech
Museum of Innovation on Market Street and Park Avenue. The night
featured giant helium balloons, dazzling floats, children's activities,
fun giveaways, live entertainment... and more!
More Info
on last year's San Jose Inflation Celebration on the eve of the Holiday Parade
NO San Jose Holiday
Parade in 2011, San Jose. The San Jose Holiday Parade is considered one
of the "Top 25" Parades in America. It's the largest parade of
its kind in Northern California, and one of the largest in California.
Last year (2010) spectators came to
see Giant Helium Balloons, over two dozen Marching Bands, Creative Floats,
Clowns, Santa Claus...and more. Parade began at 8:30am. Parade route: Santa Clara Street and Delmas Avenue (near
the
HP Pavilion), proceeding east on Santa Clara Street, turning right on Market
Street, marching south past Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park and ending at San
Carlos Street. 408-794-6200
More
Info on last year's San Jose Holiday Parade
Dec. 7 — 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 7 — Foster City Tree
Lighting Ceremony, Foster City Recreation Center Lagoon
Patio. Enjoy light refreshments, festive holiday music and more.
A special "holiday visitor" will be in attendance.
Tree lighting begins at 6pm. In the spirit of giving, please
bring a canned good or non-perishable item to donate to the Shelter
Network, helping families in need. Free Admission. 6-7pm.
650-286-3380
More
Info on Foster City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 9-11 — London Chocolate Festival, Southbank Centre Square, London, U.K. Calling all chocoholics! Celebrate all things chocolate all year round. Fri-Sat
11am-9pm; Sun
11am-6pm. Free admission.
More Info on London Chocolate Festival
Dec. 9-27 San Francisco Ballet "Nutcracker",
War Memorial Opera House, Van Ness at Grove, S.F. This timeless
tale is a San Francisco holiday tradition and fun for the entire
family. Captivating music, dance and costumes (over 170 storybook
characters). 415-865-2000
Buy Tickets to See the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker during this Holiday Season
Dec. 10 — SantaCon San Francisco, S.F. SantaCon is your opportunity to be Santa!
SantaCon locations around the world
More Info on SantaCon San Francisco
Dec. 10 "Peter and
the Wolf" at Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Delight your
children with this charming Holiday Concert. Christmas carols
and a traditional sing-along make this perfect for music lovers
of all ages. Show times: Saturday 1pm and 4pm. Tickets $15-57. Half price
for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000
More Info on "Peter
and the Wolf" —San Francisco Symphony
Dec. 11-Jan.2 — Yountville Holiday WinterScape Ice Rink, V Marketplace, 6525 Washington Street, Yountville, Napa Valley. Vintage Winter Pavilion includes a clear-top tent and holiday music. Put on your skates and have some fun! Yountville's temporary Holiday Ice Rink is open 11am-11pm daily through Jan. 2 (11am-5pm Dec. 24th and 31st). Closed Christmas Day. Adults $12, $8 ages 12 and under (includes skate rentals).
Hot & cold beverages, festival music and decor. 707-948-5012
More Info on Yountville Holiday WinterScape Ice Rink
Dec. 12-14 & 17-24"Santa
Express Train" — Napa Valley Wine Train, downtown
Napa Valley. Fun Holiday Train ride for the whole family. Sing
Carols with Santa and his elves along the route. Wine Train is
located in Downtown Napa, just off Soscol and First Streets.
Afternoon Train Dec. 12-14 @ 3pm-5:30pm;
Morning Train Dec. 17-24 @ 8am-10:30pm. NOTE: Trains sell out early, so be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
800-427-4124 or reserve online.
More Info on "Santa
Express Train" — Napa Valley Wine Train
Dec. TBD — Annual Holiday
Gift Show,
Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 10th & Broadway, Downtown
Oakland. Holiday Gift Shopping from 100 exhibitors. Top Bay Area
performers. Tickets: Adults $5, Children 12 and under free. Sat & Sun 11am-6pm. 510-866-4685
More
Info on Holiday Gift Show
Dec. 13-15 "Colors
of Christmas" at Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Enjoy
some of the greatest Christmas music and the most memorable pop
hits ever. Shows start at 8pm. Tickets $15-86. 415-864-6000
More
Info on "Colors of Christmas" — San
Francisco Symphony
Dec. 15 — Golden Globe Award Nominee Announcement, Hollywood, CA. Announcement of nominations for "The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards" take place on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011.
More Info on Nominees for Golden Globe Awards
Dec. 16-18 "Handel's Messiah" at Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Friday, 12/16 @ 7:30pm. Saturday 12/17 @ 7:30pm; Sunday 12/18 @ 2pm. Tickets $30-135. 415-864-6000
More
Info on "Handel's Messiah" — San
Francisco Symphony
Dec. 16-18, 22-24 — Telegraph
Avenue Holiday Street Fair 2011
(Severe Rain Dates Dec. 19-21), Telegraph Avenue (located between Dwight Way and Bancroft Way, near
the U.C.Campus), Berkeley. Shop
for fun Holiday Gifts at the 24th Annual Telegraph Avenue Holiday
Street
fair
in downtown
Berkeley,
CA.
Free admission. 11am-6pm.
More Info on Telegraphy Avenue Holiday
Street Fair
Dec. 16 — Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Holiday Parade, Fisherman's Wharf, S.F.
Enjoy the oldest and largest Lighted Boat Holiday Parade on San Francisco Bay. See 75+ fishing boats and yachts decked out with festive holiday lights and decorations as they travel from Pier 39 to the St. Francis Yacht Club (starting at 6pm) as part of the annual Fisherman's Wharf Holiday Parade — the fun event has taken place since December 1994. Best viewing site for the parade is along the SF waterfront. 415-673-3530
More Info on Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Holiday Parade
Dec. 16-Jan. 7 — Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Fishing Boats & Yachts, Fisherman's Wharf, S.F. Check out Fisherman's Wharf festive fishing boats and yachts — decked out with holiday lights and decorations. After the annual Holiday Parade, Fisherman's Wharf boats will stay lit until January 7, 2012. Best viewing site for the nightly display is on Jefferson Street between Jones and Taylor streets at the Sportfishing Harbor. 415-673-3530
More Info on Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Fishing Boats & Yachts
Dec. 17-18 — Brunch
with Santa at Jelly Belly, Jelly Belly
Candy Company, One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield. Join Santa
and Mrs. Claus for a yummy brunch 10:30am-12 noon. See Frosty,
Rudolph and Mr. Jelly Belly too. FUN Family entertainment and
photo ops! Advance ticket sales required; spaces are limited.
Tickets offered exclusively through JellyBelly.com.
NOTE: Dates and times are subject to change, so be sure to call ahead and confirm.
Toll-free: 1-800-JB-BEANS (1-800-522-3267; US only) or 707-399-2390 (all countries)
More
on Brunch with Santa at Jelly Belly
Dec. 17-18 — 3rd Annual Renegade
Craft Fair Holiday Sale, Concourse Exhibition Center, (Concourse's East Hall, 620 7th St.), S.F. Renegade
Craft Fair Holiday Sale is a fun "do-it-yourself"
event, showcasing 250+ talented artists and crafters. Shop
for unique
clothing,
jewelry, holiday items, prints, posters and more! Food and beverages will be available. Free admission.
11am-6pm.
More Info on Renegade Craft Fair
Candlestick Park Antiques & Collectibles Fair has been cancelled — stay tuned for updates on new location. The Candlestick Park Antiques & Collectibles Fair was Northern California's newest and hottest show, featuring 500 booths selling antiques and collectibles. It was scheduled to be held on the third Sunday of every month, but due to the 49ers' football season (starting in September 2011), the fair was bumped several times. Stay tuned for updates...
More Info on Candlestick Park Antiques & Collectibles Fair
Dec. 20-28 "Happy
Chanukah 2011"
Chanukah begins at sundown on Tuesday,
Dec. 20th. Menorah
Lighting Ceremony and festivities takes place in Union
Square, S.F. late Tuesday afternoon (actual lighting at 5pm). 415-668-6178
More Info on
Menorah Lighting in Union Square
Dec. 20-28 — World's Largest Chanukah Menorah Lighting, Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, by Central Park (between the Plaza and Pierre Hotels), NYC. The 32-ft high, gold-colored, 4,000-lb steel structure will be lit nightly at 5:30pm with genuine oil lamps. First candle lighting on Tues, Dec. 20th.
917-287-7770
More Info on World's Largest Chanukah Menorah Lighting in NYC
Dec. 21 Winter Solstice
at Stonehenge, Stonehenge, Wiltshire, U.K. Stonehenge
draws millions of visitors from around the world, especially
during the Summer
and Winter Solstices — the
shortest and the longest days
of the year — when the sun rises in perfect alignment to the circle of
stones.
More Info on Winter Solstice
at Stonehenge
Stonehenge Tours (including Private Viewing Tours)
Dec. 22-24 "Twas the Night" at Davies Symphony
Hall,
S.F. Don't miss this Special Holiday Concert at Davies Symphony Hall — Fun for the whole family!
Thursday, 12/22 and Friday, 12/23 Shows @ 7pm, Saturday, 12/24 Show @ 2pm. Tickets: $15-68. Half price for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000
More Info
on "Twas the Night" at San
Francisco Symphony
Dec. 24 Track
Santa's Sleigh & Reindeer on Xmas Eve, North American
Air Defense Command (NORAD). This time of year brings a lot of
activity to the North Pole region. Log onto the Annual NORAD
Tracks Santa web site to track Santa's Sleigh and Reindeer from
4pm on Christmas Eve via radar. Fun for adults and kids alike!
More Info on NORAD Tracks Santa
Dec.
25 Merry
Christmas!
FUN Christmas Tip — See Local Christmas Lights & Decorations - Don't forget to visit
the local neighborhoods that go all-out to decorate their
homes/streets with
Christmas Lights. Check your local papers or Search for them on
the Internet.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, look in the following areas:
- Alameda: Thompson Avenue (3200 block)
- Palo Alto: Fulton Street (1700 and 1800 blocks)
- San Carlos: Eucalyptus Avenue (1900 block)
-
Millbrae (151 Minorca Way)
- San Mateo: Kenwood Avenue (Smaller Displays)
Top 20+ Special Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Dec. 25 — Disney World Christmas Parade 2011, Walt Disney World, Florida. See all your favorite Disney characters, floats featuring celebrities, fun musical performances... and more! Check local TV listings for Disney World Christmas Parade viewing times.
More Info on Disney World Christmas Parade
Dec. 26 - Day After Christmas Sales
Get up early and go to your local stores and malls to buy holiday merchandise at 50% or more discount — last year we got some great bargains!
Dec. 30 — "Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover" at the California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F. Kids can camp out for the night and see the museum in a whole new light. Sleepovers include after-hours access to Academy exhibits, a special penguin talk, live animal demos, two planetarium showings, story time with cookies and milk, continental breakfast... and more! 6pm. Tickets are $99 per person ($79 for Academy members). Overnight parking in Music Concourse Garage. Next day admission to the Academy.
More Info on Penguins + Pajamas Sleepovers at California Academy of Sciences
Dec. 28 5th
Annual Good Riddance Day, Times
Square, New York City. Write down all your worst memories of
the past year, then dump those bad unwanted memories and anything
you want to say "good riddance" to (pink slips, mean bosses,
photos of your ex,
negative thoughts, illness, nasty letters/emails, air-head celebrities,
politicians you hate... you get the idea) into the giant shredder
located in the heart of
Times Square. It's
so
liberating — gather and ditch the old before ushering
in the new. Shredders and sledgehammers will be provided.
12 noon-1pm at Broadway Plaza, bet 46th & 47th Streets. 212-768-1560
*Time subject to change, so be sure to check websites below:
Times Square Official website
More Info on Good Riddance Day in NYC
Watch Times Square Webcams Live from your home
Dec. 31 New Years
Eve Party Tips — Have FUN Ringing in
the New Year!
Planning a Party? Check out our New Year's Eve Party
Tips
Dec. 31 New Years
Eve Celebration & Ball Drop in Times Square... and Wishing Wall,
Times Square, New York City, NY. Times Square... what a great place to celebrate
and ring in the New Year. Expect HUGE crowds
and plan
to have FUN! Make a wish for the New Year — Your Hopes, Dreams and New Year's Resolutions will be added to the confetti that flutters down at the stroke of midnight in the heart of Times Square on New Year's Eve. 212-768-1560
More Info on New Year's Eve Celebration and Wishing Wall in Times Square, NY
Watch New Year's Eve in Times Square on Live Webcams Live from your Home or Party
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve & Fireworks in London, UK
Tips for Planning your Night Out in London - Fireworks and Festivities on New Year's Eve
Plan for the 2012 New Year's Day Parade & Festival in London
Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve Fireworks at the Embracadero in San Francisco, CA
New Year's Eve Fireworks take place at the stroke of midnight at the Embarcadero in downtown S.F. Head south of the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero — arrive early to get a good viewing spot (from Mission to Folsom Streets). Free admission.
Dec. 31 New
Years
Eve Masquerade Ball with San Francisco Symphony, Davies
Symphony Hall, S.F. Celebrate New Year's at the San Francisco Symphony's New Year's
Eve Masquerade Ball. Doors open and party begins at 8pm with the Martini Brothers in the lobby. Concert begins at 9pm. After the concert, enjoy complimentary La Marca Prosecco and desserts, dance to "Tainted Love" on the First Tier or to the Peter Mintun Orchestra on the stage of Davies Symphony Hall.
Balloon drop at midnight. Tickets
$85-195. New in 2011:
Pre-concert Dinner in the grand lobby of the War Memorial Opera House. 415-864-6000.
More Info
on "New
Year's Eve Masquerade Ball" at San Francisco Symphony
Dec. 31 — "New Year's Rockin' Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party"
and
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, N.Y. The festivities begin at 8pm (ET) on ABC with a two-hour special to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Dick Clark's famous New Year's Eve show — "New Year's Rockin' Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party." Following the special at 10pm (ET) is "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest", featuring Lady Gaga, who will perform just minutes before 12 midnight. The show is bi-coastal — Fergie (of the Black Eyed Peas) will host the Los Angeles part of the show.
More Info on
New Year's Rockin' Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party
Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve 2011 "Black, White & Pink Ball" aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa Valley. The evening begins with sparkling wine and seafood reception in the station, followed by a four-hour gourmet journey through the twilight vineyards. At 11pm, the train returns to the station — enjoy dancing and a sparkling wine toast at midnight. Live entertainment until 1am. 1-800-427-4124
More Info on New Year's Eve 2011 "Black, White & Pink Ball"
Dec. 31 "Romp
with the Beasts!" New Year's Eve at Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa
Rosa. Go wild this New Year's at Safari West's Annual "Romp
with the Beasts!" Indulge in a Gourmet Dinner and Dancing
in the company of exotic animals.
$100 per person for Dinner/Dance. 6pm-12am. Leave after midnight strikes or enjoy all the creature comforts
and spend the night
in a luxury safari tent — $500 for two tickets (includes overnight accommodations, continental breakfast plus Mimosas, and a bottle of complimentary Champagne in your luxury safari tent. Reservations required.
707-579-2551 or 800-616-2695
More
Info on "Romp with the Beasts" New Year's Eve at
Safari West
Read about our Safari West adventures and see fun animal pics
Dec. 31 New Year's Eve Express,
Sacramento RiverTrain, Sacramento, CA.
New Years Celebrate the New Year in style. Tickets
include dinner, champagne toast, coffee &
soda, live music and party favors. Tickets:
Silver $67, Gold $92 . The fun starts at
8:30pm.
800-866-1690
More
Info on New Year's Eve Express
Dec. 31 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl 2012 (formerly Emerald
Bowl),
AT&T Park, S.F. The Emerald Bowl is now the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Get tickets to see the country's top college
football teams — it's the only post-season game matching
teams from the Pacific-10 Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference.
The sell-out game is also one of the highest rated bowl games
on TV. Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl takes place at
12:30pm
PST.
Buy Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Tickets for December 31st in AT&T Park, San Francisco
Thru' Feb. Monarch Butterflies at
Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific Grove on Monterey
Peninsula. If you like butterflies, don't miss a visit to the outdoor
Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary — see thousands of beautiful
butterflies clustered on pine, eucalyptus, cypress and redwood
trees. The Monarch Butterflies arrive at the Sanctuary in October,
where they overwinter until late February, before joining in the
spring migration. The Sanctuary is located just minutes from Cannery
Row in downtown Monterey. Fun for kids and big kids too!
More
Info and Pics of Monarch Butterflies and Monarch Grove Butterfly
Sanctuary
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January
Calendar of Fun Events
We recommend calling ahead to confirm all dates,
times and locations. Every care is taken to ensure that all information
in Love to Eat and Travel is accurate and up-to-date; however,
information is subject to change.