Downtown Ice
Tue Dec 6 - Sun Jan 29 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Ice skate under the stars and palm trees in the heart of downtown San Jose's holiday activities. Beginning its 16th season, Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice has become a holiday tradition and one of the top outdoor skating experiences in the western United States. The one-of-a-kind circular rink will attract more than 40,000 skaters and thousands more spectators.
Fresh Produce Art Exhibition and Sale
Tue Dec 6 - Sun Jan 8 at Anno Domini
Artists from around the world have created hundreds of original works of art for this highly anticipated annual exhibition and affordable art sale. The artists were invited based on their unique artistic vision and contribution to urban contemporary arts and culture. The 11th Annual Fresh Produce exhibition features 45 artists from 14 countries!
Christmas in the Park
Fri Nov 25 - Sun Jan 1 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San Jose at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 30 years, this whimsical event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the holidays. Each year, the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 60 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and the 60-foot Community Giving Tree.
Fantasy of Lights
Tue Dec 6 - Sat Dec 31 at Vasona Lake County Park
The Fantasy of Lights is Vasona Park's annual drive-through holiday lights tradition. Every night through the end of the year, the park will be transformed with colorful twinkling lights and holiday music. Popular displays include the Fantasy Train, Tunnel of Lights, Motorcycle Santa, and Pirate Ship with booming cannon.
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
Fri Dec 16, 7:30pm at Flint Center for the Performing Arts
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker has toured America and Canada for 19 years as the largest Russian ballet tour in North America. Averaging 100 performances during November and December, this coast-to-coast attraction combines the highest caliber Russian ballet, cutting edge production values and the traditional appeal that consistently fills theaters.
The Nutcracker
Sat Dec 10 - Fri Dec 23 at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Hailed by The San Francisco Chronicle as "one of the most entertaining versions of NUTCRACKER anywhere in the country", Dennis Nahat's treasured holiday classic returns for an extended run December 10-23 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.
The Nutcracker
Sat Dec 10 - Sun Dec 11 at Santa Clara Convention Center Theatre
Santa Clara Ballet presents a classic rendition of The Nutcracker. Featuring local dancers and guest artists, Santa Clara Ballet's version is a faithful retelling of the Nutcracker story. Now in their 36th year, the Santa Clara Ballet has entertained locally and abroad, having toured as far as Prague for performances.
Theatre
A Christmas Carol
Wed Dec 7 - Sat Dec 24 at Northside Theatre Company
Northside Theatre Company presents its 28th annual production of this holiday event. This excellent stage adaptation of the Dickens' classic captures all the power, humor and warmth this ageless tale has to offer. It is a great Christmas present for the entire family.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Wed Dec 7 - Sun Dec 18 at The Stage
"Every Christmas Story Ever Told" is a fond and furious look at the holiday classics and traditions we all remember. From Frosty to Rudolph and the Grinch to It's A Wonderful Life, no pop culture holiday icon is spared in this whirlwind of holiday merriment by the San Jose Stage Company.
A Christmas Carol
Tue Dec 6 - Sat Dec 24 at San Jose Repertory Theatre
San Jose Rep's original adaptation of Dickens' novel brings a level of authenticity, history, and even economic relevance to this well known tale of greed and redemption. This is A Christmas Carol the way Charles Dickens dreamt it, with recreations of traditional Victorian carols performed by actors in lavish period costumes.
The Christmas Ballet
Wed Dec 7 - Sun Dec 11 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Baby, it's cold outside but it'll sizzle around the Bay Area when Smuin Ballet kicks off the holidays with its 2011 edition of "The Christmas Ballet." Audiences can expect everything from a rollicking sock hop, a high-leapin' "Drummer Boy," and some naughty Sugar Rum Cherries to appearances by the King of Rock'n'Roll, tap-dancing Christmas trees, and cute hula girls and surfer dudes.
Winter Fairy Tale
Sat Dec 17 - Sun Dec 18 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
See a wizard bring to life a touching fairy tale full of magic, beauty, and intrigue. With spectacular costumes, special effects, and technical precision of movement set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov, this is a superb holiday experience for all ages in the world famous Russian Ballet style.
Music
Sweet Joy
Sat Dec 10, 4pm and Sat Dec 17 2:30pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Sat. Dec. 18, 4pm at St Patrick's Seminary
Program Highlights: "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl, "In Terra Pax" by Marek Jasinski, "Gloria Kajoniesnsis: by Levente Gyongyosi. The Peninsula Women's Chorus heralds the sweet joy of this year's anniversary, marking 45 years of soulful music-making. We ring in this landmark year with jubilation, celebrating with some of the music that shaped the history of the chorus.
Winter's Gifts: Bells
Sat Dec 10 - Thu Dec 22 at Multiple Locations
South Bay Guitar Society is a volunteer-driven California chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit fine arts organization. In addition to member support, the Society receives assistance through the City of San Jose and Arts Council Silicon Valley grants.
Vivace Youth Chorus
Sat Dec 17, 4pm at Westminister Presbyterian Church
The Vivace Youth Chorus performs an ensemble of holiday favorites at the West Minister Presbyterian in San Jose. In 2003, Artistic Director, Peggy Spool, along with a motivated group of parents, founded the Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose. They were determined to bring a youth chorus to the San Jose area-a chorus welcoming to interested young singers from all areas of our community.
Winchester Orchestra Holiday Concert
Sat Dec 17, 7:30pm at West Valley College Theatre
Sun Dec 18, 7pm at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
The Winchester Orchestra, under music director Henry Mollicone, presents a special evening of holiday music, accompanied by the West Valley Masterworks Chorale, Lou De La Rosa, choral director.
Chanticleer
Thu Dec 22, 6pm and 8:30pm at Mission Santa Clara
Chanticleer's sumptuous blend of voices rings in the holiday season with profound, peaceful, and joyous music in beautifully decorated missions, churches and cathedrals around the Bay Area.
Chanukah
Chanukah Palooza 2011
Sun Dec 11, 12-4pm at Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley JCC's Chanukah Palooza is by far the coolest Chanukah celebration you've ever seen, offering many ways to celebrate Chanukah. Chanukah Palooza features holiday vendors, miles of good food, and bounce houses for kids of all ages. There's even a Guitar Hero tournament for teens (and a few brave adults, too)! Chanukah Palooza is a free event, open to all members of the community!
