Featured Event: LA PASTORELA | 11/27 – 12/20
One of the masterpieces of the centuries-old tradition, El Teatro Campesino presents its biennial spectacle “La Pastorela” in the Old Mission San Juan Bautista. After a sign from the Angel of the Lord, the scruffy shepherds embark on their spiritual journey to visit the Holy Child, only to find themselves beset along the way by the demonic followers of Luzbel. “La Pastorela” vibrates with stirring action, vivid color, and robust humor-all set to glorious live music and dance-throughout the mission basilica. Performed in Spanish for over thirty years, “La Pastorela” reaches all audiences with El Teatro Campesino’s broad visual acting style and English librettos. 406 2nd St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 http://elteatrocampesino.com/calendar/
Always – Patsy Cline | 11/13- 12/5
This is the story of Patsy Cline (Diane Milo) and her dear friend, Louise Seger (Christy Wait), complete with down-home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation. It includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight…27 songs in all. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.” Fridays-SundaysTimes: Fri, Sat: 8pm Sun: 2pm. $25. Limelight Theater is a “bring your own dinner and wine” theater. http://www.limelightactorstheater.com/
Christmas in the Park | 11/27- 1/10
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José 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. Some of the original displays housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters. Guests enter a winter wonderland of lights, songs and local entertainment while strolling through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by San José schools, community groups and businesses. Venue: Cesar Chavez Park, Address: South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95112 http://christmasinthepark.com/index.php
17th Annual Fantasy of Lights | 12/5- 12/29
Fantasy of Lights is a 1.5 mile drive-through holiday lights and display entertainment extravaganza for the whole family. Now in its 17th season, Fantasy of Lights continues to be the premier holiday lights spectacular in Northern California. The mostly animated larger-than-life displays, the special sounds of holiday music piped through your own car radio and the sights and sounds of an erupting Volcano in the dangerously fun Dinosaur Den, Santa Shooting Hoops, a pen of Playful Penguins, blazing Pirate Ship cannons, Tunnels of Lights, and winking, Twinkling Trees will have you “oohing and aahing” throughout the ride. Venue: Vasona Lake County Park , Address: 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/fol/Pages/AnnualFoL.aspx
Chef Steve TAMALADAS Classes | 12/7 & 12/14
Chef Steve, culinary artist and instructor, will hold two culinary classes in Redwood City. These TAMALADAS, or tamale events are traditionally held to bring family and friends together especially during the holidays. More than a cooking session people would gather to gossip, discuss life events, politics, and, of course, make tamales. Chef Steve will discuss the origins of tamales from Mesoamerica, specifically Central Mexico, to now, over 24 countries worldwide. The different types of tamales and their derivatives will highlighted along with the variety of ingredients and local sources. Attendees will use traditional ingredients along with veggie varieties. The class will culminate with a sit down authentic Tamale Dinner. Guest will also have the opportunity to take some tamales home to enjoy during the holidays. The first of two classes will be held on December 7th, 2015, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Avenue Redwood City, CA 94061. A second class will be on December 14th, 2015, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm also at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center. All classes are open to the public. Where: Veterans Memorial Senior Center (VMSC),1455 Madison Avenue Redwood City, CA 94061. http://holidaytamaleclass.brownpapertickets.com/
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train Roaring Camp Railroad | 11/27 – 12/23
Choo, Choo, Santa Claus is coming to town, not by sleigh, not by snow but by Train! Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart! Continue the merriment with your choice of arcade games, mini-golf or laser tag at Santa’s Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Bring the whole family for festive fun. Happy Holidays! Dates: 11/27/2015 – 11/28/2015 , 12/5/2015 – 12/6/2015 , 12/12/2015 – 12/13/2015 , 12/18/2015 – 12/23/2015 9am-5pm http://www.roaringcamp.com/
A Christmas Carol San Jose Youth Shakespeare | 11/28 – 12/6
“Let me hear another sound from you and you’ll keep your Christmas by losing your situation!” Bitter old miser Ebenezer Scrooge finds his way to a gentler, kindlier man after visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Come see SJYSs Fall production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Original theatrical adaptation by Artistic Director, Bob Rumsby. Venue: The Studio Theatre at Houge Park Address: White Oaks Avenue and Twilight Drive Building 1, San Jose, CA 95124. Times: Fri: 7pm, Sat: 3pm & 7pm Sun: 6pm http://www.sanjose.org/events/a-christmas-carol/
The San Jose 2015 Holiday Craft Markets – SJ Made | 12/5-12/20
Join us for three intimate maker markets in December. This year’s Holiday Craft Market at San Pedro Square Market is split into three separate events. For the first three weekends in December, SJMADE has curated high quality intimate markets filled with locally designed and crafted goods. Find us in the main entry space at San Pedro Square Market. Venue: San Pedro Square Market, Address: 87 North San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110 http://www.sanjosemade.com/about/
The Nutcracker by San Jose Dance Theatre | 12/4-12/6
San Jose Dance Theatre presents its 50th production of The Nutcracker. The only production in San Jose with a live orchestra, San Jose Dance Theatre’s production features students from across Silicon Valley. San Francisco Ballet’s Tiit Helimets and Sasha De Sola will be returning for their second year with the company, reprising the role of Sugar Plum Cavelier and Sugar Plum Fairy. Join San Jose Dance Theatre in celebrating this monumental year! Venue: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Address: 255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95113 http://sanjosetheaters.org/event/the-nutcracker-san-jose-dance-theatre/
America’s Got Talent Auditions | 12/8
America’s Got Talent Auditions comes to San Jose, California on Dec. 8th! AGT Auditions are open to any age, any talent, and any dream. Audition to be a contestant on AGT for the next season which airs in the Summer of 2016. Sign up here. Venue: San Jose Convention Center, Address: 150 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95113 http://www.americasgottalentauditions.com/
Frida & Diego | 12/8
Join Fiestas Fridas, Cine+Mas SF and The Mexican Museum as we celebrate a significant part of Latino, San Francisco and Art World History. Schedule: Tuesday December 8th. 9 to 5 pm, San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place. Purchase an official copy of the marriage certificate signed by Frida and Diego in 1940. It is printed on official City Paper (really colorful), embossed with the city’s raised seal and will be stamped December 8th 2015, exactly 75 years later. Ask for the Recorders office. Fiestas Fridas and the Mexican Museum will be on site to assist in filling out the paperwork. The city requires a $15 fee and Identification for Marriage license copy requests. 1 Marriage License coy for person. All ages welcome. 3 to 4pm City College of San Francisco, Diego Rivera Theater, 50 Phelan Avenue. A docent led tour of the Pan American Unity Mural by Diego Rivera. This free tour is limited to 50 people. The first 50 people in line by 2:45 PM will get the tour. We apologize for the space limitations. All ages welcome. For more info on the mural: http://www.ccsf.edu/en/about-city-college/diego-rivera-mural.html Wednesday December 9th. 8:00 to 11:00 PM The Café, 2369 Market St, SF. Join us for a night of LIVE Salsa with Susanna y su Orquesta Adelante and DJ Chili D, 2 for 1 drink specials, $7 cover with a portion of the proceeds going to the San Francisco Frida Kahlo Festival in July and the Mexican Museum. 21 and up only. Come to any of these events dressed as Frido, Frida or Diego and receive a complimentary Fiestas Fridas poster featuring artwork by Heather Calderon. Vendors will be on site featuring FRIDArte for your holiday shopping.
Holiday Open House + Wine Stroll Santana Row | 12/8
Give to those in need while you complete your holiday shopping during Santana Row’s Holiday Open House +Wine Stroll benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. Purchase a ticket and receive food & wine tastings inside Santana Row shops and restaurants, holiday fashion modeling, a signature Santana Row wine glass and exclusive shopping incentives. Plus, bring a donation of canned food into the Concierge, when purchasing your ticket and receive $5 off. Times: 6pm-9pm $40. http://www.santanarow.com/
Mix 106.5s Very Merry Mixxer 2015 | 12/10
Mix 106.5‘s Very Merry Mixxer is a great night of acoustic music in an intimate setting. This year, they’ve partnered with Michael Franti and the Do It For The Love Foundation, founded by Franti and his wife, Sara, to make some dreams come true. Do It For The Love connects people with life threatening illnesses, wounded veterans and children with significant challenges with incredible musical experiences to brighten their lives and create unforgettable moments. Venue: City National Civic, Address: 135 West San Carlos Street. $15-$20
San Jose, CA 95113 http://sanjosetheaters.org/event/mix-106-5s-very-merry-mixxer-2015/
Hands-on History Days: Children’s Holiday Festival | 12/12
Join us for the annual Children’s Holiday Festival! Santa will arrive at History Park aboard a historic trolley to greet children — a wonderful photo opportunity for parents! Holiday music and caroling will set the scene, with the Snow Queen leading story time. Children can create their own hand-made gifts, decorations and ornaments at a variety of craft activity stations. Everyone will enjoy seeing the historic buildings decorated for the holidays; be sure to pick up a souvenir specially created by the San Jose Printer’s Guild in the Print Shop! Venue: History Park Address: 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112, 12pm-4pm. $5. http://historysanjose.org
Christmas Flamenco Juerga Flamenco Society of San Jose | 12/12
The Flamenco Society of San Jose will host “Christmas Flamenco Juerga” (Flamenco Jam Session) with musical arrangements composed of dance, song, and guitar. This is a performance in the Spirit of Christmas with a Flamenco festival style. Showcasing a great cast of flamenco artists; Koko de la Isla, dancer Geoffrey Hawkings, guitarist Pamela Martinez, dancer and a surprise singer. Special guest appearance by the “Central Unified Flamenco & Classical Guitar Ensemble”, featuring over 20 flamenco & classical guitarists. This promises to be a very special event. Feel the passion, power and emotion of flamenco with a Christmas mood and in an intimate setting. Come see and hear the wonderful singing and beautiful dance of great artists. Tickets: $15-$25 Venue: Historic Hoover Theatre Address: 1635 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126. http://www.theflamencosociety.org/id23.html
Stuff the Bus at Christmas in the Park Toys for Tots | 12/12
Join the US Marine Reserves, Christmas in the Park, the San Jose Police Reserve Unit, 94.5 KBAY and VTA as we invite you to bring new and unwrapped toys so that we can “stuff the bus” for the Toys for Tots program. Toys will be collected on the northbound Market Street side. http://christmasinthepark.com/index.php
Disney’s The Little Mermaid CMT San Jose – Marquee Production | 12/4 – 12/13
CMT Marquee Productions is proud to present, for the first time, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, it includes popular songs from the Disney picture as well as numbers written for the theater production. Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a beautiful love story for the ages. Visit a magical kingdom, where the young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above, even as her colorful friends reveal their world under the sea. Staged by Artistic Director Kevin R. Hauge, this production will be a holiday treasure for the entire family to enjoy. Venue: Montgomery Theater, Address: 271 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113. $24 – $30 http://sanjosetheaters.org/event/cmt-disneys-the-little-mermaid-marquee-production/
The Nutcracker San Jose Youth Ballet
The annual production of The Nutcracker will delight audiences with the story of Clara, a little girl whose much-loved Christmas gift springs to life and spirits her off to a magical land where toys and candies dance. The production, directed by Artistic Team members Cristina McClelland, Xavier Ferla, and Maggie Parungao-Ferla, will offer a cherished memory for every viewer whether they’re continuing a holiday tradition or making their very first journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.
After the show, attend the Sugar Plum Fairy Party to enjoy refreshments and get the chance to meet and mingle with the cast, take pictures, and get autographs! A separate ticket is needed for the party and may be purchase online. Venue: School of Arts and Culture at The Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, Address: 1700 Alum Rock Avenue,San Jose, CA 95116. Times: Sat: 1pm & 6pm; Sun: 1pm. $8-$25. http://www.sjyb.org/
Tivo’s Santa Run Silicon Valley | 12/13
new tradition in San Jose is the jolly Santa Run Silicon Valley, presented by Tivo! The TiVo Santa Run Silicon Valley is a 5K Run/Walk that is fun for the whole family. There is also a Kids Fun Run for the young ones from ages 2 to 7 years old! We encourage you to dress up as your favorite holiday character or tradition; Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, reindeer, elves, dreidel, menorah, ornaments, tree, candlestick. The ideas are limitless. You can do it as a group too! Bring the whole family for a day of fun; looking at festive displays, community trees and watching live entertainment at Christmas in the Park. Or, warm up those legs before the run and skate at Downtown Ice under the lighted palm trees or warm up with some hot chocolate. Either way, grandparents, parents and kids alike will all enjoy the timeless memories these great activities have to offer. The Santa Run benefits our favorite holiday traditions; Christmas in the Park, Downtown Ice, and Reading Partners. Venue: Plaza de Cesar Chavez Address: 201 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113. $12 – $40 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tivo-santa-run-silicon-valley-2015-register-now-price-increases-on-december-1-tickets-15735573524
Silicon Valley Ballet Season of Hope Concert Series | 12/14
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph announces the annual Season of Hope Concert Series, celebrating the 12 days before Christmas! This event is a wonderful collaboration between various arts organizations and the San Jose Cathedral Foundation’s Office of Social Ministry. By fostering the spirit of hope all through the year, the Cathedral provides food, shelter, medical care, and a job search program to those in need, regardless of race or creed, crossing all cultural boundaries. The annual performance series located in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph offers nourishment for your spirit by presenting a soul-satisfying multicultural musical event for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. The December 14th concert features the Silicon Valley Ballet, with Delia Rawson, Director. FREE. Venue: Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. Address: 80 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113. http://www.stjosephcathedral.org/news-events/annual-cathedral-events/the-season-of-hope-concert-series/
San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra Season of Hope Concert Series | 12/15
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph announces the annual Season of Hope Concert Series, celebrating the 12 days before Christmas! This event is a wonderful collaboration between various arts organizations and the San Jose Cathedral Foundation’s Office of Social Ministry. By fostering the spirit of hope all through the year, the Cathedral provides food, shelter, medical care, and a job search program to those in need, regardless of race or creed, crossing all cultural boundaries. The annual performance series located in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph offers nourishment for your spirit by presenting a soul-satisfying multicultural musical event for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Times: 7:30pm-8:30pm. FREE. Venue: Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. Address: 80 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113. http://www.stjosephcathedral.org/news-events/annual-cathedral-events/the-season-of-hope-concert-series/
A Christmas Carol | 12/3 – 12/27
Northside Theatre CompanyA holiday ghost story by Charles Dickens This will be Northside’s 33rd production of this holiday event! This stage adaptation of the Dickens classic captures all the power, humor and warmth this ageless tale has to offer. This is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a lonely miser, who, through the help of spirits and visions from his past, present and future, finds a second chance to become a loving, generous and kind human being. Directed by Meredith King. Fri & Sat: 8pm Sun: 3pm. $17-$22. Thurs: 8pm (except 12/24 show @ 1pm). http://www.northsidetheatre.com/website/ntc.html
The Nutcracker Silicon Valley Ballet | 12/12 – 12/26
Nearly 100 dancers fill the stage with classic holiday magic and surprises in Karen Gabay’s stylish, smart staging. Brimming with bravura dancing and just the right amount of gingerbread to put even Ebenezer Scrooge in the holiday spirit, this is the traditionalNutcracker to see. $25-$110. Venue: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Address: 255 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, CA 95113. http://siliconvalleyballet.org/