Holidays are about traditions—staying true to sights, sounds, scents and tastes that evoke memories. Sometimes, though, it pays to spice things up with something new. That’s true in the South Bay, where solstice entertainment options offer interesting twists.
First off, Santa Clara County has added to its holiday charm offensive, which has long included Christmas in the Park, the West Valley’s Festival of Lights and Downtown Ice as regional draws.
This year, in addition to a new location for Blinky’s Drive Thru light show—which has moved to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds—there is a new illuminated spectacle in town. The DOCA Festival lights up Discovery Meadow in downtown San Jose, which is replete with installations by locals. Created by Yixin Zhang and Wan Zhao, the festival is open daily, 4:30 to 10:30pm, through Jan. 11. Zhao told KGO-TV on the opening day of the event, “We came up with one simple question: how can we bring stories, art and families together to have an immersive experience? And here we are.”
There are fresh touches in this year’s big Nutcracker offerings as well. San Jose Dance Theatre marks its 60th year by adding some festive themes—for example, for the Sweaters & Sparkles Matinee at 2pm on Dec 13, attendees can either break out their ugliest sweaters or their glitteriest outfits, while the 2pm show on Dec 20 is designated as the Tutus & Tiaras Matinee, where little ballet fans can dress up as their favorite character. San Jose Dance Theatre adds another new tradition: Guest Community Chimney Sweeps, with local notables—including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan—putting in cameo appearances.
New Ballet has its own new twists, including a collaboration with LEGOLand Discovery Center Bay Area that will provide a pre-show play zone for performances of My Very First Nutcracker on Dec 14, 21 and 22. According to New Ballet artistic director Dalia Rawson, the play zone “invites children to explore the same spirit of invention and artistry that inspires ballet.”
Other new elements for New Ballet are some very showy chandeliers created by local scenic artists, which Rawson says “immerse audience members even more fully in the action” at the California Theatre. She also describes new characters and costumes, including a battle scene featuring nocturnal animals that live in the area, such as raccoons and skunks, with masks created by Bev Shaltz of Tentacle Studios.
Robert Massey, executive artistic director of Symphony San Jose, says the orchestra’s accompaniment for New Ballet’s performances “is a wonderful way for Symphony San Jose to enhance the classical ballet experience for Bay Area families.” New Ballet returns the favor by having members of its troupe perform in the symphony’s Holiday Spectacular on Dec 6–7, which also includes Symphony San Jose Chorale and Cantabile Youth Singers.
Twinkle, Twinkle
During the darkest, longest nights of the year, it’s no wonder we crave light. Some of the region’s best light shows can be found in the South Bay.
DOCA Festival—Through Jan 11, 4:30–10:30pm daily. Discovery Meadow, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Step into a world of snowflakes, reindeer and twinkling lights at this brand-new light show and holiday exhibit. $19–$29. docafestival.com
Blinky’s Drive Thru Christmas Light Show—Through Dec 31, 5–10pm daily. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate F, 250 Umbarger Rd, San Jose. Now in a new location, Blinky’s Drive Thru features more than 200,000 lights illuminating tunnels, displays and giant candy canes, all synchronized to holiday tunes. And ticket purchases raise funds for Christmas in the Park. $25–$40. christmasinthepark.com/blinky-drive-thru
Winter Wonderland—Nov 26–Jan 3 in downtown San Jose. It’s a carnival, it’s a night market, it’s a food truck fiesta. Winter Wonderland offers family fun in the form of a Ferris wheel, a carousel and other amusement rides on Paseo de San Antonio starting on Nov 28, with additional rides on Park Avenue starting Dec 18. A Culture Night Market Holiday Gift Fair will be held on Paseo de San Antonio through Jan. 3 with vendors selling handmade goods and food from 5–10pm. Free, though some rides require tickets. winterwonderlandsj.com
Christmas in the Park—Nov 28–Jan 1, 6–11pm nightly. Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose. The original source of holiday cheer in DTSJ, Christmas in the Park has entertained generations of local children and adults alike with more than 40 musical and animated exhibits and a 50-foot yuletide tree, plus smaller evergreens decorated by local groups. In addition to the exhibits, which are a nostalgic flourish, there will be visits with Santa, live entertainment and holiday refreshments. But most of all, it’s a chance to marvel at the community spirit that keeps this event popping for 45 years. Free. christmasinthepark.com
Fantasy of Lights—Dec 6–30. Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos. Fantasy of Lights is in its 27th year as one of the valley’s biggest holiday draws. Visitors enjoy the show from the warmth of their vehicles as they drive through more than 50 themed and animated displays. $30+. parks.santaclaracounty.gov/fantasyoflights
Solstice Sounds
Cool Yule—Dec 2, 7:30pm, Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. The San José State University Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. Aaron Lington, presents a concert of yuletide favorites with a cool twist. $5–$25. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com/events
Festival of Lights—Dec 5–6, 7:30pm. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Celebrate the season with a decades-long holiday tradition as the SCU Chamber Singers and Concert Choir perform a diverse repertoire amid the glow of candlelight. $28–$32; SCU students free. scupresents.org
Holiday Spectacular—Dec 6, 2:30 & 7:30pm; Dec 7, 2:30pm. California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. Conductor Elena Sharkova takes Symphony San Jose through a seasonal program of holiday carols and classics, flashy dance numbers, audience sing-alongs and the always-popular “12 Days of Silicon Valley.” The program includes performers from Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers and New Ballet. $24–$121. symphonysanjose.org
Fall Festival Concert—Dec 6, 2pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio , San Jose. Golden State Youth Orchestra conductors Kristin Kunzelman and Mariya Borozina lead the Chamber Players, Camerata, and Galbraith Honor Strings in a program featuring Respighi’s Ancient Dances and Airs, Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Corelli’s La Follia, Britten’s Simple Symphony, Gounod’s waltz from Faust, and holiday favorites. $18–$25. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com/event
Holiday Musicale—Dec 6, 2:30pm. Memorial Church, Stanford University. Department of Music soloists and small ensembles present a program filled with holiday spirit. $27–$32; free for Stanford students. live.stanford.edu
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale—Dec 7, 2:30pm. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St, Stanford. The orchestra and chorale pair 18th-century classics choral classics by Vivaldi and Corelli (ideal for the holidays) with a world premiere by British composer Roderick Williams and a U.S. premiere by Caroline Shaw. live.stanford.edu
The Longest Night—Dec 7, 3pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. The San Jose Metropolitan Band presents its annual holiday concert, inspired by the winter solstice—a turning point toward light. The program explores symphonic pieces that evoke snowfall, candlelight and winter’s quiet hours. $13–$29 (children free). hammertheatre.vbotickets.com/events
Ren’s Winter Wonderland—Dec 7, 7pm. City Lights Theater, 529 S 2nd St, San Jose. South Bay musician Ren Geisick—a jazz songbird who blends Americana and blues into her repertoire—will turn over her talents to raise money for City Lights Theater Company for the 11th year, presenting holiday songs and more with musicians Jeff Goodkind, Chris Motter, William Bohrer, Jim Kassis and John Worley. $30–$48. 408.295.4200. cltc.org
Golden State Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert—Dec 7, 7pm, California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. Under the batons of Dr. Yun Song Tay and Dr. Richard Roper, the youth orchestra rings in the season with festive favorites, including Zimmer’s Lion King orchestra suite, Stravinsky’s Suite No. 1 for Small Orchestra, and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. $18–$25. gsyomusic.org
Stanford Medicine Orchestra Winter Celebration Concert—Dec 9, 7pm. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St, Stanford. Holiday classics and cinematic favorites, featuring Korngold’s Cello Concerto with Christopher Costanza and The Polar Express medley with the Stanford Medicine Chorus. $24. live.stanford.edu
Pink Martini’s Holiday Spectacular—Dec 10, 7:30pm. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St, Stanford. Led on stage by NPR’s Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez, and America’s Got Talent finalist Jimmie Herrod, the Pink Martini All-Stars tour brings the big-band sound to old favorites and new treats. live.stanford.edu
A Chanticleer Christmas—Dec 11, 7pm. Memorial Church, Stanford University. The San Francisco men’s vocal ensemble takes advantage of the church’s sublime acoustics with a new Christmas program each year. $76.68–$102.60. live.stanford.edu
Annual Sing/Play Along Messiah—Dec 12, 7:30pm. Memorial Church, Stanford University. The Department of Music presents Handel’s masterwork, conducted by Stephen M. Sano. Orchestral parts will be provided, and singers can purchase a score from the Stanford Bookstore. $27–$32; free for Stanford students. live.stanford.edu
Sing in the Season—Dec 13, 2pm. Campbell First United Methodist Church, 1675 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell. All the choirs from Vivace Youth Chorus demonstrate the skills they’ve learned. $25 ($5 students, free under age 5). vivaceyouthchorus.org
Fiesta Navideña—Dec 13, 5:30–9:30pm. Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose. All lit up with twinkling lights and an 18-foot Christmas tree, La Plaza invites the public to enjoy a free concert of norteño and conjunto sounds by Carlos y Charlos, dances presented by Los Lupeños de San Jose, and an interactive posada presented by Teatro Vision. There are also local vendors selling handmade crafts and hot tamales. Free. eventbrite.com
Stravinsky Pulcinella—Dec 13, 7:30pm. Cubberley Theatre, 4120 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. The Palo Alto Philharmonic performs contemporary composer Reena Esmail’s Avartan; Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, featuring soloist Geoffrey Burr; and the suite from Stravinsky’s Pulcinella ballet. Pre-concert talk begins at 7pm. $10–$25. paphil.org
Holiday Concert—Dec 13, 7:30pm. Church of the Ascension, 12033 Miller Ave, Saratoga. Nova Vista Symphony presents holiday favorites plus a Sound of Music medley, Humperdinck’s Overture to Hansel and Gretel and Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite. $25–$30; under 21 free. novavista.org
Jazz Mafia: Holiday Heist—Dec 14, 4 & 7pm. The Studio, Stanford University. These Bay Area jazzbos will hijack holiday classics, offering a fresh take on James Brown’s “Soulful Christmas,” Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy” and much more. Expect powerhouse vocals, lively horns and hip-shaking rhythms from this music collective cofounded more than two decades ago by trombonist/composer/producer Adam Theis. $16–$59.40. live.stanford.edu/events
San Francisco Boys Chorus—Dec 14, 5–6pm. Cura Contemporary, 17395 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. A festive performance featuring classical hymns and Christmas songs sung by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, a Bay Area cultural cornerstone that involves more than 240 singers from 50 Bay Area cities and 120-plus schools across four locations. $35. 408.778.1800. curacontemporary.com
An Italian Christmas—Dec 14, 7:30pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Accompanied by SJSU Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Fred Cohen, Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito embarks on a musical journey involving Christmas carols, seasonal songs and storytelling. $72–$94. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com/event
Season of Hope: Music at the Cathedral—Dec 14–17, 7:30pm. St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 80 S Market St, San Jose. This Silicon Valley Arts Coalition fundraiser for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County and Cathedral Social Ministries raises money to provide hospitality, meals, healthcare and reentry support to people rebuilding their lives. Schedule: Dec 14: Sandra Wright Shen; Dec 15: San Jose Symphonic Choir; Dec 16, Vivace Youth Chorus; Dec 17, 7:30pm: Altos Brass Quintet. Free. artssiliconvalley.org
James Lanman: The King of Christmas—Dec 15–16, 7:30pm. Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos. Backed by a four-piece band, James Lanman belts out vintage jazz and soul favorites and his own originals, joined by local singer Ren Geisick. $43. losaltosstage.org
Christmas at the California—Dec 15–18. California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. Across four evenings, students from Valley Christian Schools Conservatory of the Arts perform songs that make the season shine. $17.50–$21.50. sanjosetheaters.org
Winter’s Gifts—Dec 21, 7:30pm. Mission Santa Clara, Santa Clara University. San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the Choral Project join forces for the annual Winter’s Gifts holiday concert, under the direction of conductors Daniel Hughes and Barbara Day Turner. sjco.org
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour—Dec 21, 8pm. San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose. Saxophonist Dave Koz returns with the 28th edition of his long-running holiday tour, joined by guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, vocalist Haley Reinhart, multi-instrumentalist Casey Abrams and pianist Kayla Waters. Expect versions of Christmas classics, a Chanukah medley and hits from each artist. $118+. sanjosetheaters.org
Family Fare
Downtown Ice—Nov 26–Jan 19. Circle of Palms, 124 S Market St, San Jose. Feel like a true Californian, blades flashing in the sun as you zoom by under the palm trees for an hourlong skating session. $24.15. skateunderthepalms.com
Zoppé Family Circus—Zoppé Family Circus tells a family-friendly story augmented by acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, clowning and audience participation. $12–$35. Shows through Nov 30. redwoodcity.org/zoppe
Molecular Meals: Holiday Flavor—Nov 28–30, 2pm. Tech Interactive, 201 S Market St, San Jose. Using molecular gastronomy techniques, participants will create edible popping spheres inspired by favorite holiday meal flavors. All ages welcome. Molecular gastronomists under age 13 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. $20 plus museum admission. thetech.org
Menorahs and Miracles—Dec 7, 11am–3pm. Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Play dreidel games, go on a miracles scavenger hunt, savor a traditional treat, and listen to songs performed by Yavneh Day School students. $16–$18. 408.298.5437. cdm.org
Visits with Santa—Dec 12, 4–7pm; Dec 13, 1–6 pm; Dec 14, noon–5pm. Old Town Los Gatos. Santa will greet children in his festive workshop, with Los Gatos Rotary elves on hand to help take photos. Enjoy live entertainment and a holiday goodie bag courtesy of Lester Square, the presenting sponsor. Free. losgatoschamber.com
Children’s Heritage Holiday—Dec 13, 11am–3pm. History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. History Park will transform into a winter wonderland, with activities, crafts, seasonal treats, and cultural performances. $6–$11. historysanjose.org
Seasonal Stage
Plays, ballets and merry multimedia productions bring holiday cheer.
Merry-Achi Christmas—Nov 28, 2:30 & 7:30pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. Mariachi Sol de Mexico, led by José Hernández, provides a festive musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions. The multicultural celebration features holiday favorites from both Mexico and America. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com/events
A Christmas Carol—Nov 29–Dec 21. Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos. Based on the story by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by Michael Wilson, this version of the holiday classic performed by Los Altos Stage Company brings the phantasmagoric elements of Charles Dickens’ classic to life, featuring a dancing chorus of ghosts. Runs through Dec 21, plus a Pay-What-You-Can Preview Night on Nov 28. $28–$51. 650.941.0551. losaltosstage.org
Pacific Ballet’s Nutcracker—Nov 28–30 at Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Mountain View’s Pacific Ballet Academy presents its 34rd Nutcracker in two evening shows Nov 28–29 at 6pm and two matinees Nov, 29–30 at 1pm, plus an “autism/sensory friendly show” of Act II only on Nov 28 at 2pm. Tickets are $39, with student and senior discounts available. tickets.mvcpa.com
Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley—Dec 3–28. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. TheatreWorks artistic director Giovanna Sardelli directs this play by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this is the playwrights’ third Christmas at Pemberley trilogy, mixing in new characters with old ones. $39–$59. theatreworks.org
Swan Lake—Dec 4, 7pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose. How about a double dose of Tchaikovsky this holiday season? Catch the master’s achingly tragic Swan Lake in a touring production from Classical Arts Entertainment, featuring professional dancers from around the world. $40.50–$136.50. sanjosetheaters.org
Choreographers’ Gallery—Dec 4, 8pm; Dec 5, 7 & 9pm. Louis B. Mayer Theatre, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara. As a palate cleanser in between the nutcrackers and swans, Santa Clara University’s student dance community presents an evening of contemporary work. $10–$16; SCU students free. scupresents.org
Western Ballet’s Nutcracker—Dec 5, 7pm; Dec 6, 1 & 7pm; Dec 7, 1pm. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. This ballet company serves up four suite servings of its Nutcracker holiday show. Audience members are invited to Sweet Tea after each performance, when they can meet the dancers, take photos and see the costumes up close. $47–$55.50. tickets.mvcpa.com
When Santa Was a Baby—Dec 5, 9:30 & 11a.m.; Dec 6, 11:30am & 1:30pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Peninsula Youth Theatre’s young actors perform this world-premiere adaptation by Carol Doup Muller, based on the children’s book by Linda Bailey. $7 Friday, $20 Saturday. 650.903.6000. tickets.mvcpa.com
The Nutcracker—Dec 6, 6pm; Dec 7, 12:30pm. Heritage Theatre, 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell. South Bay Dance Center performs the quintessential holiday ballet. $34/$39. heritagetheatre.showare.com
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland—Dec 11, 6:30pm. San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose. Circus performers from around the world perform acrobatic feats of strength and skill to a mix of seasonal music. $61–$202. sanjosetheaters.org
The Christmas Ballet—Dec 11–13, 7:30pm & Dec 13–14, 2pm. MainStage, Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Smuin Contemporary Ballet brings back its seasonal ballet, which, as always, features new additions, including works by dance director Julia Adam, artistic director Amy Seiwert and San Francisco Ballet soloist Myles Thatcher, plus favorite numbers by Michael Smuin, Val Caniparoli, Nicole Haskins, Ben Needham-Wood and Rex Wheeler. $28–$125. mvcpa.com
San Jose Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker—Dec 12–14 & 20–21. Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose. Audiences will be transported into Clara’s dream, brought to life by over 100 dancers from San Jose Dance Theatre’s Academy and accompanied by the Cambrian Symphony, conducted by Scott Krijnen. There will be six full-length productions of The Original San Jose Nutcracker and one presentation of Once Upon a Nutcracker (for the youngest audience members) at 10:30am on Dec 12. sjnutcracker.com
New Ballet’s Nutcracker—Dec 13–14 & 20–23. California Theatre, 345 S First St, San Jose. This joyful holiday production transports the familiar story to turn-of-the-century San Jose. An added bonus: Symphony San Jose will accompany all performances. In addition to eight performances of the full-length ballet, a one-act presentation aimed at families with young children—My Very First Nutcracker, which is centered on the festive party scene—will be presented at 11am on Dec 14, 15 and 22. 408.286.2600 or newballet.com
The Bit-Cracker—Dec 13, 12:30 and 2:30pm. Louis B. Mayer Theatre, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara. Center Stage Dance Company presents the holiday chestnut with a computer-age twist. It’s the early 1990s, and young Clara receives her first computer for her birthday. Staying up late to explore it, she discovers a bug in the code and falls asleep, dreaming herself into a magical digital world. Tickets on sale at the Center Stage studio; email st********@***il.com. centerstagewillowglen.com
Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Snow White—Dec 13, 7pm, at Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. On its stopover in San Jose this holiday season, this international dance troupe presents a ballet based on the Brothers Grimm tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, set to musical motifs by Polish composer Bogdan Pavlovsky. Expect bright costumes, lavish scenery and exacting balletic technique demonstrated by a troupe of international dancers. $40–$112. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com
The Snow Queen—Dec 19, 7pm; Dec 20, 1 & 6pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales, this version of The Snow Queen was choreographed by Inna Bayer for the Bayer Ballet in 2014. A local tradition, Bayer’s version celebrates friendship, love, and courage. $42–$65.50. bayerballet.com
A Winter Wonderland—Dec 13, 7pm. Heritage Theatre, 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell. The Academy of Classical Ballet presents the story of Beatrice, who explores the enchanted forest and celebrates the joys of winter with the Peppermint Princess, the Winter Fairy, Jack Frost and other magical friends. $35. 408.866.2700. heritagetheatre.showare.com
An Irish Christmas—Dec 16–17, 2:30pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio , San Jose. Enjoy familiar carols and a frenetic display of Irish dancing that showcases Irish holiday traditions and features dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Wings. $62–$84. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com
Meet the Makers
Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts? The county is filled with makers’ markets that offer handcrafted items by local artisans.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop—Nov 29, 9am–4pm. La Herbalista Plant Nursery & Gift Shop, 1618 Willowhurst Ave, San Jose. More than 10 vendors will sell their wares, including houseplants, Italian garden pottery, body products, vintage lamps and more. Free. laherbalista.biz
SJMADE Holiday Fair—Nov 28–29, 11am–6pm. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway. It’s like an Etsy page come to life at this winter holiday craft fair, which draws more than 350 makers, artists, designers, curators, workshop guides, food producers and creative small businesses.In addition to the wares for sale at this huge holiday craft fair, other attractions include various workshops and a “winter themed” photo booth. Free. sanjosemade.com
Yuletide Oddities Show—Saturdays, Nov 29–Dec 27. Winchester Mystery House, 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose. This gift show of “weird and strange purveyors selling extraordinary wares” returns to San Jose’s oddest abode. Entry is included with admission to the Winchester Mystery House, or tickets to the show can be purchased separately. themenagerieodditiesmarket.com/yuletide
A Few of Our Favorite Things—Dec 2–24. Gallery 9, 143 Main St, Los Altos. member artists return to their favorite themes and mediums, offering up a collection of ceramics, photography, paintings, jewelry, and more. The opening reception will be held on First Friday, Dec 5, from 5 to 8pm. gallery9losaltos.com
Holiday Maker Market—Dec 6, 11am–5pm. Maker Nexus, 1330 Orleans Dr, Sunnyvale. Browse gifts from local craftspeople and tour this large makerspace while enjoying traditional holiday music, snacks and hot mulled cider. eventbrite.com
Holiday Market and Tree-Lighting Celebration—Dec 6, 3–8:30pm. Cityline Redwood Square, Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale. A day of holiday shopping fueled by seasonal cocktails and snacks, live performances, photos with Santa, and games and crafts. Free or $35 for VIP tickets. eventbrite.com
Local Artist Street Fair—Dec 13, 11am–6pm. 377 Santana Row, San Jose. Makers Market brings together local artisans, makers, and small brands for an open-air marketplace with 60-plus local makers showing off handmade jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, apparel, accessories, crafts, glass art, candles, pet treats, and more. Free. eventbrite.com
Santa’s Workshop—Dec 13, 11am–4pm. 1330 Orleans Dr, Sunnyvale. Under the guidance of Maker Nexus instructors, create one-of-a-kind gifts modeled on a variety of projects, from metalworking to folk crafts. Plus, enjoy treats, warm cider and holiday music. Free admission; projects cost between 1 and 4 tickets to make ($3 each, or four for $10). eventbrite.com
Los Gatos Holiday Market—Dec 13–14, 10am–5pm. Civic Center Lawn, 110 E Main St, Los Gatos. Shop for handmade gifts while enjoying wine, hot beverages, gourmet fare from food trucks, and live music by Phil & Rob. Free. lgkiwanisgives.org
San Jose Winter Wonder Market—Dec 13–14, 11am–6pm, South Hall, 435 S Market St, San Jose. After three years, this huge gift fair has become a local tradition, bringing more than 250 makers, artists, designers, culinary creatives and independent entrepreneurs together to show off their goods. And there’s a bonus for cat lovers: Mini Cat Town’s Kitten Lounge offers $15 tickets for 15 minutes of access to 30 adoptable felines. Free. sanjosemade.com
Neighborhood Cheer
From the peninsula to South County, local communities provide plenty of holiday pizzazz.
Holiday Wine Stroll Experience—Nov 28, 6–9pm, in Saratoga Village along Big Basin Way. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce knows how to welcome in the holiday season, setting up an evening to highlight local winemakers and Saratoga Village merchants. Shoppers will find live music, festive lights, and plenty of sips supplied by local winemakers, including Cooper-Garrod, House Family Vineyards, Mount Eden Vineyards, Roudon-Smith, Savannah Chanelle Vineyards and Thomas Fogarty. $60 (day of event). saratogachamber.org
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade—Nov 30, 6–8pm in downtown Los Altos along Main, State and 1st streets. The Stuart Highlanders Pipe Band, Festival of Lights Banner Guard and Los Altos High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders and illuminated toy soldiers will accompany various floats, including those bearing the Snow Queen and Mittens the Bear. losaltosparade.org
Los Gatos in Lights—Dec 5, 5–7pm, at Town Plaza Park, Los Gatos. Kick off the winter season with the annual tree-lighting ceremony, plus balloon artists, an interactive light show, a visit from Santa, and music from the Fisher Middle School Chamber Strings and the Harker School “Downbeat” Show Choir. losgatosca.gov
Cupertino’s Community Tree Lighting—Dec 5, 6–8pm at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd. In addition to illuminating the city’s communal fir, the event features a visit with Santa, a snowball room, holiday movie watching, and activities for children. Free. cupertino.org
Breakfast with Santa—Dec 6, 8:30–11:15am at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd, Cupertino. Families must pre-register for one of the three seatings at this annual celebration featuring Old Saint Nick and elves cooking up North Pole Pancakes. $18 ($22 nonresidents). cupertino.org
Los Gatos Children’s Christmas—Dec 6, 11am–1pm. Rain or shine, the city’s 69th annual parade will start on North Santa Cruz Avenue and head toward Main Street—and everybody who’s anybody will be there to follow along. Free. lgsrecreation.org/parade
Willow Glen Holiday Bubbly Walk—Dec 6, 2–5pm. Visit various locations along Lincoln Avenue for a little sip-and-shop action, with sparkling wine served at participating businesses. $60–$65. willowglen.org/willow-glen-bubbly-walk
Holiday Festival & Parade—Dec 6, 3pm in downtown Gilroy. What’s on tap for South County holiday revelers? Grand Marshals Erwin and Barbara Boggs will preside over the parade, and other festivities include a Trail of Treats and petting zoo for kids, a float contest, tree lighting, both Grinchville and Santa’s Village, and two stages with entertainment from 3 to 5pm. Free. downtowngilroy.com
Carol of Lights Celebration—Dec 6, 4pm, in downtown Campbell. This festive gathering checks a lot of holiday boxes: festive lights, enthusiastic caroling, and a visiting Santa, plus much more: a petting zoo, slides and bounce houses, crafts, face painting, and live dance and performances. Free. downtowncampbell.com
Willow Glen Trolley Rides—Dec 7–18, starting at Bank of America, 1245 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, Riders take 30-minute rides aboard old-fashioned cable cars. Trolleys can also be reserved for private parties. $22.13–$43.14. willowglen.org/trolley-rides
Community Tree Lighting Celebration—Dec 8, 5:30–8pm at Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. As the evergreen gets lit, there will be train rides, visits with Santa, holiday crafts and games, booths with information about holidays around the world, and live entertainment from various local groups, including Including Bayer Ballet, the Peninsulaires, Osipova Ballet Academy, and choirs from local schools. Free. mountainview.gov
Hometown Holidays—Dec 13, 10am–6:30pm. Downtown Redwood City. A parade dancing in the streets, live entertainment, carnival rides and photo ops with Santa keep families entertained. Free. redwoodcity.org
Magical Holiday—Dec 13, 2–5pm. Magical Bridge Playground, 171 W. Edmundson Ave, Morgan Hill. A holiday event with face painting, crafts, balloon art, live performances, and a visit with Santa. morganhill.ca.gov
