Since shutting its doors in the late 1980s, the Uptown Theater in Napa has been one of those dream projects of restoration—everyone wants to see it shine like the architectural diamond it once was when it first opened in 1937, but who’s got the money? Alas, good intentions and good benefactors have recently combined to save the decaying theater, and the Uptown is slated to reopen in early 2010, with full restoration to its original art deco splendor. The job hasn’t been easy (when it closed, its ceiling fresco was covered and the large auditorium was subdivided into four smaller theaters with separate screens), but the results are reportedly beautiful. The public gets its first chance to witness the restoration when Napa County Landmarks leads its 21st annual Holiday Candlelight Tour, which begins inside the grand theater with a full presentation and Q&A with the new owners before covering vernacular residential architecture northwest of town. Fulfill your curiosity and toast to historic preservation on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Uptown Theater. 1350 Third St., Napa. 4pm to 8pm. $30. 707.255.1836.Gabe Meline
.Dec. 12: Holiday Candlelight Tour at Uptown Theater
