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December
2009
Dec. 1-Jan. 3 — 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 Dec. 1-Jan. 4 — Walt Disney
Christmas, Walt Disney Family Museum, S.F. Special Holiday
screening includes The Nutcracker Suite from Fantasia (1940), Pluto's
Christmas Tree (1952), scenes from TV Xmas specials, rarely-seen
home movies of Walt and his family. See how Walt celebrated Christmas
at the Studio, at Disneyland, and at home.
415-345-6800 Dec. 1-Jan. 18 — Holiday
Ice Rink at 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 Dec. 1-end Jan. — Star
Trek Exhibit, Tech Museum, San Jose. Calling all Trekkies!
Limited engagement — First and Only Bay Area appearance.
The Star Trek Exhibit is the world's most comprehensive collection
of authentic Star Trek objects, featuring over 200 artifacts...
from all five Star Trek television series and 11 films
that span over 40 years. If you're a Star Trek fan,
you won't want to miss this exciting exhibit. 408-294-TECH (8324) Dec. 2 — 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. 6-7:30pm.
650-286-3380 Dec. 2 — Rockefeller Center Christmas
Tree Lighting, Rockefeller Center,
New York. The Dec. 2-31 — Beach Blanket
Babylon Holiday Shows Dec. 3 — London's Trafalgar
Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, London, U.K.
Come out to see London's famous Tree Lighting Ceremony in Trafalgar
Square on Thurs
Dec 3. Carol singing daily Dec 7-20th
- Fun Night Out! Dec-Mar 28, 2010 — "Tutankhamun
and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs",
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, S.F. Don't miss this historic
exhibit — FUN
for the whole family. Weekends are expected to sell out! Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-24 — 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 own camera, or get a professional photo with Santa.
707-399-2266. Dec. 3, 10, 17— Nightlife
at the Academy, California Academy
of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, S.F. This is the last month to
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. The Museum
is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences "Behind the Scenes Platinum Tour" Dec. 3-27 — "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! Dec. 3-31 — 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!
415-864-6000 Dec. 4 — NASCAR Awards
in Vegas,
Wynn Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. Las Vegas becomes the official
host city of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week.
The Cup Series event has been held in New York City every year
since
1981. Dec. 4 — Los Altos Tree
Lighting Ceremony, Downtown Los
Altos. See the Holiday Season in with the annual Tree Lighting
Ceremony in Los Altos. 650-949-5282 Dec. 4 — Jack London Square
Lights Up the Holidays, Jack London Square, Oakland waterfront. Celebrate the
Holiday Season along Oakland's waterfront — Jack London Square
Lights Up the Holidays. Fun activities include the Oakland Children's
Holiday Parade floats and costume characters. Holiday Lights at
6pm. Festive holiday music performed by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. 5:30-7:30pm Dec. 4 — "A Storybook
Holiday Festival" in Tiburon,
Main street (by fountain) to the end of historic Ark Row, Tiburon. Evening
festivities include: Classic Holiday Carolers, Costumed Characters,
Gingerbread House Making, Holiday Treats, Fun Face-Painting,
Winterland Photo Shop for the kids... and more! 5:30pm Dec. 4-6 — Sausalito Artists'
Winter Open Studios,
ICB (Industrial Center Building), 480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito.
Visit Sausalito's Artists' Winter Open Studios this Holiday Season — Sausalito's
largest art source for eclectic art works. A Sausalito tradition
for
40+ years,
the studios feature 80+ painters, sculptors, and craftspeople
— find exceptional works of art, unique crafts and special
gifts for the Holidays. 11am-6pm. 415-332-0730 Dec. 4-20 — — The
Great Dickens Christmas Fair,
Cow Palace, South S.F. Five Weekends (including the Friday
after Thanksgiving) 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.
Adults: $22, Senior/Student/Military (photo ID req'd $19,
Child (5-11) $10. Parking $10 per car. Discount for Advance
Tickets. No pets allowed. 11am-7pm. Dec. 4-27 — Smuin
Ballet's "Christmas Ballet Holiday Program 2009" at
various Bay Area locations (San Francisco, Mountain View,
Walnut
Creek and Carmel). Bring your family or treat yourself
and friends to this FUN Magical performance
and celebrate Smuin Ballet's Holiday Season.
415-495-2234 Dec. 5 — Lighted Yacht Parade, Jack
London Square, Oakland waterfront. Come and see the magical Lighted
Yacht Parade as it sails through the Oakland/Alameda estuary. 5:30-9pm.
Special performance by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra begins at
5:30pm. Click to buy StubHub Gift Certificates! Top 15+ Special Holiday Gift Ideas Dec. 5 — "Cirque
de la Symphonie" at Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Treat
your whole family to the festive Cirque de la Symphonie at Davies
Symphony Hall. The magical show features the incredible San Francisco
Symphony and Cirque de la Symphony (with highflying aerialists,
jugglers and more). Tickets $15-65. Half price for ages 17 and
under. Dec 5 — Union
Street "Fantasy of Lights" 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. Holiday Celebration 3-6pm. Dec. 5 — 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. 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. 5:30pm rain or shine. Dec. 5 — Holiday
Lighting Ceremony San Anselmo,
Lawn at Town Hall, downtown San Anselmo. Santa arrives at 5pm in
a fire truck. Free pictures with Santa. Complimentary refreshments,
treats
and holiday entertainment. Fun for the whole family! 5-7pm 415-454-2510 Dec. 5 — 10th
Annual San Jose Inflation Celebration, San Jose. Get a
sneak preview of The San Jose Holiday Parade at the 10th Annual
Inflation Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5th 3-7pm. Spectacular
floats arrive on the eve of the parade right outside the Tech
Museum of Innovation on Market Street and Park Avenue. The night
features giant helium balloons, dazzling floats, children's activities,
fun giveaways, live entertainment... and more! Dec. 5 — 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.
2-6pm. Dec. 5-6 — Caltrain
Holiday Train & Toys for Tots,
SF, Peninsula and South Bay stops. Decorated with more than 40,000
lights, the Caltrain Holiday Train will visit 9 stations along
the peninsula,
between
San
Francisco and Santa Clara. Free family-oriented event draws thousands
of visitors to train stations
every year.
Sing
along
to live
holiday
music.
Meet Santa
and Mrs. Claus... and other holiday favorites, including Rudolph
and Frosty. 800-660-4287 Dec. 5-6 — "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, Deco Society Members & Seniors $8. Sat 10am-6pm, Sun
11am-5pm. Vintage Fashion Show Saturday at 2pm. Swing Dance
Performance on Sunday at 2:30-pm. Architectural Walking Tours
Sat & Sun at 11am. Dec 5-6 — 31st Annual Celebration
of Craftswomen, Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, S.F. "Celebration
of Craftswomen" is the nation's largest women's crafts fair.
This fun two-weekend event features decorative ceramics and glass, sculpted
wood
and metals, jewelry, clothing, household furniture and accessories, fine
art sculpture, photography, paintings and children's toys. Live entertainment,
gourmet food and drink, Silent Auction and Raffle. 10am-5pm.
415-431-1180 Dec. 5-6, 11-13, 18-21 — 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. Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 — Holidays
at Dunsmuir Historic Estate, Oakland. Spectacular Decorations, scheduled
Mansion Visit, Holiday Teas, Costumed Carolers, and more! Saturday & Sunday
11am-5pm. Advance reservations recommended. 925-275-9490 Dec. 5-6, 12-13- 19-23 — Gingerbread
Architectural Extravaganza — Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort
Baker, Sausalito. 11am, noon and 1pm. Dec. 6 — San Jose Holiday
Parade, 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.
Come and
see Giant Helium Balloons, over two dozen Marching Bands, Creative Floats,
Clowns, Santa Claus...and more. Parade begins at 8:30am (televised live
on NBC at 9am). 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 Dec. 6 — San Jose ParadeFest
@ Christmas in the Park, San Jose. ParadeFest @ Christmas in the Park
(at Plaza De Cesar Chavez) immediately follows the San Jose Holiday Parade.
The ParadeFest features fun activities, special guests, awards ceremonies,
free giveaways, live entertainment... and more! Don't miss this fun family
event. 11-7pm. 408-794-6200 Dec. 6 — "Deck The
Hall" Children's Holiday Party & Concert at Davies Symphony Hall,
S.F. Treat your children to this festive Holiday Party featuring a magical
presentation onstage at Davies Symphony Hall. Recommended for ages 3-10.
Morning Party: 11am. Afternoon Party 3pm. Tickets: $15-65. 415-864- 6000.
Angel packages available @ 415-503-5500. Dec. 6 — 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. $15: 6-7:30am $15 (vendors set up at 4am); $10: 7:30-9am; $5: 9am-3pm.
Free admission for children 16 and under. Dec. 6 & 13 — 2nd Annual Santa
and Friends, Great Hall, San Francisco Zoo, S.F. Join in the fun "Santa
and Friends" at SF Zoo. Enjoy brunch, Santa, ornament-making, gingerbread
cookies, holiday stories... and more! 11am-1pm. 415-753-7236 Dec. 6, 13, 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
$31, Child $24. 800-866-1690 Dec. 8-27 — 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 Dec. 12 — 2nd
Annual Pet Parade, Cannery Row,
Monterey. Pet Parade starts at 11am. Dec. 11-19 — "Happy
Chanukah" Dec. 12-13 — Holiday
Kwanzaa & Christmas Gift Show,
Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 10th & Broadway, Downtown
Oakland. Holiday Gift Shopping from 100 exhibitors. Top Bay Area
performers. Sat & Sun 11am-8pm. 510-534-1594 Dec. 12-13, 19-20 — 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. Children
aged 3 and under are free. 707-399-2266 Dec. 13 — "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: 1pm and 4pm. Tickets $15-57. Half price
for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000 Dec. 13 — "Holiday
Pipe Dreams" at
Davies Symphony Hall, S.F. Soprano Lisa Vroman and
a quintet of San Francisco Symphony brass musicians join organist
David Higgs for this year's "Holiday Pipe Dreams"
Concert, showcasing Davies Symphony
Hall's magnificent 8,264-pipe Ruffatti organ. Enjoy
a mix of holiday music and classical
organ works. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets
$15-65. Half price for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000 Dec. 14-16 — "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 $15-85. 415-864-6000 Dec. 14-16, 19-24—"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. Dec. 17-19 — "Choral
Christmas Spectacular " at Davies Symphony Hall,
S.F. Dec 17 and 18 shows begin at 8pm, Dec 19 matinee at 2pm.
Tickets $29-65. Half price for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000 Dec. 17-19 — "A Creole
Christmas" with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Davies
Symphony Hall, S.F. Celebrate a Creole Christmas with
the FUN Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Show begins at 9pm. Tickets
$15-65. Half price for ages 17 and under. 415-864-6000 Dec. 19-Apr. 18 — "Cartier
and America" at Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, S.F. The
exclusive "Cartier and America" exhibit covers
the
history
of the House of Cartier, featuring a spectacular
array of more than 200 objects, including jewelry of
the Gilded Age and
Art Deco
periods. 415-750-3600 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. Dec. TBD — "Santa's
Sweets" Holiday Treat (Smuin Ballet),
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, S.F. Bring your family to "Santa's
Sweets" — a FUN reception for kids and adults alike.
Don't forget your camera for pictures with Santa and the dancers. 415-495-2234 Dec.-Ongoing — "The
Best of Broadway" San Francisco 2009-2010 Season, Dec. 21 — "Home
for the Holidays" with
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Irvin Mayfield at Davies Symphony
Hall,
S.F. Celebrate the Holidays with big-band New Orleans-style
jazz. Grammy-nominated
artist Irvin Mayfield leads this amazing 16-piece ensemble.
415-864-6000
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! Dec.
25 — Merry
Christmas! Dec. 26 — Emerald
Bowl 2009,
AT&T Park, S.F. 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. Emerald Bowl takes place at
5pm
PST. 415-947-2695 Dec. 26 — Annual
Kwansaa Celebration — Bay Area Discovery Museum,
Fort Baker, Sausalito. Fun event 10am-5pm. Free museum admission
and performances. The African Roots of Jazz 11am and
1pm. Dec. 31 — New
Year’s
Eve Masquerade Ball with San Francisco Symphony, Davies
Symphony Hall, S.F. The San Francisco Symphony's New Year's
Eve Masquerade Ball features Bramwell
Tomey, guest conductor of the famed Hollywood Bowl; popular
tenor Alfie Bow, playing selections from Viennese operettas
and 15-year old violin prodigy Chad Hoopes. Pre-concert
entertainment, fun party favors, complimentary champagne, savories,
and desserts following the concert. Dance
the night away on stage with the Peter Minton Orchestra — and Tainted
Love on the First Tier. Tickets
$80-195. 415-864-6000. Dec. 31 — "Romp
with the Beasts!" New Year's Eve at Safari West, 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. The fun starts at 6:30 pm.
Leave after midnight strikes or enjoy all the creature comforts
and spend the night
in a luxury safari tent. $100 per person for Dinner/Dance. Reservations
required. 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa. Dec. 31 — "Glitter
Ball"
New Year's Eve Party at Domain Chandon, étoile
Restaurant, Domaine Chandon, Yountville, Napa Valley. Dinner seating
7pm–8:30pm — five-course tasting menu paired with
Chandon wines. Lounge Party 9pm-1am features a live band, DJ
and dancing. "Glittery" attire suggested. Formal portrait, party
favors and midnight toast. Dinner/Party
Tickets: $200 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Lounge Party
Tickets only: $75.
800-736-2892 Dec. 31 — New Year’s
Eve Celebration & Ball Drop in Times Square,
New York City, NY. What a great place to celebrate
and ring in the New Year. Expect HUGE crowds and plan to have
FUN!
212-768-1560 Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve Express,
Sacramento RiverTrain, Sacramento, CA. January
Calendar of Fun Events— Coming Soon!
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.
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