Events
Outdoor Skating
Dig out your ice skates for the opening of Napa’s full-scale outdoor skating rink. Open from Sat, Nov 15 through Sun, Jan 12. Second and Coombs Sts, Napa. $12. 707.227.7141.
Napa Wine Train Thanksgiving
Take in the beauty of Napa Valley on a real-life train while enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Thurs, Nov 28, 4–8:30pm. 1275 McKinstry St, Napa. $124–$159. 800.427.4124.
Festival of Lights
Yountville is gloriously illuminated for this 25th annual fest, featuring gourmet food and wine, a visit from Santa and carriage rides. Fri, Nov 29, 2–7pm. Downtown Yountville, Washington St. Free. 707.944.0904.
Heart of Sonoma Valley Open House
The 30th annual open house this year showcases 26 Sonoma Valley wineries, including Chateau St. Jean, Imagery Estate and Valley of the Moon. Fri–Sat, Nov 29-30, 11am–4pm. $45. 707.431.1137.
Napa Christmas Parade
Bundle up and enjoy an evening parade of lighted holiday floats while following Santa around town. Wed, Nov 26, 5-8pm. First and School Sts, downtown Napa. Free. 707.257.0322.
Festival of Lights
Winetasting celebration with carols, wreaths, pizza, movies, Santa and more. Nov 24 at Trentadue Winery, 19170 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville. 2–7pm. $15–$20. 707.433.3294.
Winter in the Wineries
A “passport” to some of the best wineries in the Napa Valley gives carte blanche for up to 15 tastings and discounts at participating vendors in Calistoga. Dec 6–Feb 9. $75. 866.306.5588.
Napa B&B Tour &
Taste Event
The bed and breakfasts of Napa invite you inside to savor select wines and tasty treats. Transportation and entertainment included. Sat, Dec 7, 3–7pm. $65 per person. See
www.napaholidaytour.com.
Lighted Tractor Parade
This small-town event features a lineup of vintage tractors, trucks and other fun vehicles all sparkled up. Santa makes an appearance. Sat, Dec 7, 7–8pm. Lincoln Ave, Calistoga. Free. 707.942.6333.
Luther Burbank Open House
Step into Luther Burbank’s former home and extraordinary gardens with a two-day open house. Cookies and spiced tea are served in the greenhouse by those in period costume. Sat and Sun, Dec 7-8, 10am–4pm. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, Santa Rosa and Sonoma Aves, Santa Rosa. $2 ages 12 and older. 707.524.5445.
ICB Artists Winter
Open Studios
The ICB Artists Association presents works of over 80 artists in the 45th annual Winter Open Studios, “Artists Exposed,” in the huge, iconic barrel-roofed structure on the Sausalito waterfront. Fri, Dec 6, 6-9pm. 480 Gate Five Rd, Sausalito. 415.261.7640.
Hanukkah Hootenanny
Judd’s Hill Winery presents its 8th annual Hanukkah Hootenanny, featuring an “extravagant latke bar” and traditional jelly doughnuts. Sun, Dec 8, noon–2:30pm. 2332 Silverado Trail, Napa. $50. 707.255.2332.
Windsor Holiday Celebration
Downtown Windsor buzzes with holiday cheer as folks enjoy train rides ($1), carriage rides ($1) and photos with Santa ($10) while the tree is lit and the snow machines fire up. Thurs, Dec 5, 5–8pm. Town Green, Windsor. Free. 707.838.1260.
Light Up a Life
St. Joseph Hospices honor lives lost with annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Healdsburg tree-lighting takes place Sun, Dec 1, 5pm, Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg. Petaluma’s takes place Fri, Dec 6, 7pm, Center Park (the strip of trees outside the Mystic Theatre on Petaluma Boulevard South), Petaluma. Santa Rosa’s tree-lighting event is Sat, Dec 7, 6pm, Railroad Square Depot, Santa Rosa. Oakmont’s is Sun, Dec 8, 6pm, Star of Valley Parish Hall, Oakmont. A light can be dedicated to a loved one with a $10 donation. Events are free. 707.778.6242.
Petaluma Lighted
Boat Parade
A dazzling parade of sparkling boats shine on the Petaluma River to ring in the season. Dec 7, 6:30pm. Petaluma River Turning Basin, Petaluma. Free. 707.769.0429.
Napa Holiday Candlelight Tour
This year’s 25th annual candlelight house tour showcases the history and eclectic architecture of Napa’s “Tree Streets: West of Jefferson,” featuring seven houses ranging from Victorian cottages to Craftsman bungalows. Sat, Dec 14, 3–7pm. 1219 First St, Napa. $35–$40. 707.255.1836.
Day of Holiday Giving
Watch holiday films free of charge if you bring a non-perishable food item or a new toy to be given to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and the Boys and Girls Club. Dec 18 at noon, 2:15, 4:30, 7, and 9:15. Various theaters; visit www.sregmovies.com for details. 707.523.1586.
Holiday Open House
In support of the Redwood Empire Food Bank, Heart of Sonoma Valley Association (HOSVA) holds its 30th Annual Holiday Open House, where guests can enjoy two days of wine tasting at 26 participating wineries. Nov 29-30. Fri and Sat 11-4pm. Various locations. $45. 866.794.9463. www.heartofsonomavalley.com.
Shopping
Holiday Make-In
Multiple art-making stations hosted by local artists, featuring a wide range of favorite handmade holiday projects to involve the whole family. Nov 17, 11am–4pm. $15. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.939.7862.
Rohnert Park Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire
The Recreation Department celebrates its 33rd year of hand-made arts and crafts. Nov 29–30, 10am–4pm. Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. Free. 707.588.3456.
Dance Palace Holiday Crafts Fair
Find unique, quality gifts at the 41st incarnation of this shopping extravaganza. Talented artists provide jewelry, pottery, clothing and more for a fun day of seasonal shopping. Dec 6, 4-9pm; Dec 7, 10am–6pm; Dec 8, 10am–5pm. Dance Palace, Fifth and B Sts, Pt. Reyes Station. Free. 415.663.1075.
Muir Beach Quilters Holiday Arts Fair
Proceeds benefit the Muir Beach Quilters, who donate funds to many organizations that help those in need. A perfect complement to a day at the beach; free shuttle from Muir Beach parking lot. Dec 7, 10am–5pm; Dec 8,10am–4pm. Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Dr, Muir Beach. Free. 415.383.6762.
A Dickens of a
Holiday Crafts Faire
Over 70 booths with handcrafted treasures, jewelry, household goods, ceramics and plenty more. Dec 7-8. Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm. $2. Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.543.3737.
Goddess Crafts Faire
Handmade gifts by local and regional women while live music and good grooves abound. Dec 14–15, 11am–7pm. Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St, Sebastopol. $5–$13; kids free. 707.823.1511.
Holiday Crafterino
Fifth annual craft show benefits COTS Committee on the Shelterless and includes jewelry, bath products, clothing, art, ceramics and much more. Food and free gift bags for early attendees. Nov. 30, 11am–4pm. Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd S, Petaluma. $1. 415.902.2034.
Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire
Over 35 local and regional artists showcase their art; attendees will have a chance to win special gift packages including art, wine, jewelry and other handmade crafts throughout the weekend. Dec 7-8. Sat 10-5pm; Sun 10-4pm. Bohemian Hwy and Graton Rd, Occidental. Free. 707.874.2242.
Holiday Home Tour and Winter Market
Enjoy a full day of touring stunningly decorated homes in Santa Rosa neighborhoods and shopping from various artisans. Dec 7, 11-5pm. 335 Round Barn Blvd, Santa Rosa. $45. 707.545.5567.
Becoming Independent Holiday Lights
Tenth annual arts and crafts show and sale with live performances, photos with Santa and more. Sat, Dec 7, 6-8pm. 1455 Corporate Center Pkwy, Santa Rosa. Free. 707.524.6600.
For the Kids
Santa’s Riverboat Arrival
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat with candy canes before joining a horse-drawn procession through downtown. Nov 30 at noon. Turning Basin, Golden Eagle Shopping Center, 2-80 E. Washington Blvd, Petaluma. Free. 707.769.0429.
Ringing in the Season
Bring the family to make holiday ornaments and decorating cookies. Dec 8, 2pm. Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville. Free. 707.944.0500.
VOENA
The angelic voices of this multicultural children’s a cappella choir, beautiful Victorian costuming and magical musical arrangements all come together to create a lively holiday celebration. Audience participation encouraged. Dec 17, 7:30pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $35. 707.226.7372.
Stage
Great Russian ‘Nutcracker’
Beloved Russian fairy tale characters and larger-than-life puppets add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling. Dec 18-19, 7pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. $28–$102. 707.546.3600.
‘Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol’
This festive ghost story runs Nov 21–Dec 15. Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 8pm; Wed, 7:30pm; Sun, 7pm. Matinees every Sun 2pm; Sat, Nov 30 and Dec 14, 2pm; Thurs Dec 5, 1pm. $36–$57. Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.5208.
‘The Nutcracker’
Contessi Ballet and the Petaluma North Bay Performing Arts Association present the timeless favorite. Nov 10-12 . Fri 8pm; Sat 2:30pm and 8pm; Sun 2:30pm. Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $18–$20. 707.588.3400.
‘Christmas with
the Crawfords’
The mother of all Christmas musicals, Christmas with the Crawfords is a cult holiday classic based on Mommie Dearest that will make you get out your old shoulder pads and hide every wire hanger in the house. Dec 6-7. Fri 7pm; Sat 7pm and 9:30pm. Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. $45-$125. 707.994.9900.
Clark Sterling’s Broadway Holiday
The best of Broadway meets the holiday season with Broadway veteran Clark Sterling and singers Danielle Kane, Michelle Jordan, Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill and Robert Dornaus. Nov 24, 8pm; Nov 25, 3pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $20–$30. 707.226.7372.
‘Nightmare Before Christmas’
Travel back to Christmas Town with the Pumpkin King when Tamara Grose presents Tim Burton’s timeless movie as a whimsical ballet. Nov 30 and Dec 1, 7pm. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $15–$20. 707.585.1137.
‘The Nutcracker’
The Stapleton Ballet presents its 25th “Nutcracker”, featuring vibrant new costumes and a magical tree that grows to over 40 feet. Dec 7–8, 1pm and 5pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $20–$32. 415.499.6800.
‘Posada Navideña’
The Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presents vibrant sounds and colors in a dance show celebrating the special traditions of a Mexican Christmas. Traditional Posada celebration following the performance. Dec 6 at 7pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. $5-$10. 707.546.3600.
Mayflower Community Chorus
Feel the spirit and be inspired by this African American tradition of vibrant gospel, blues and jazz harmonies from a full 45-piece chorus. Dec 9–10 at 8pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $5–$20. 415.499.6800.
The ‘Nutcracker’
Enjoy the magic of Ballet Califia’s 18th annual production of the Nutcracker live onstage. Features choreography from David McNaughton and Shelley Scott. Dec 13–14. Fri at 8pm; Sat at 2:30pm and 8pm. Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $18–$25. 707.588.3400.
The ‘Nutcracker’
The Marin Ballet culminates its 50th Anniversary Season with a production featuring stunning sets, intricate costuming, over 175 dancers and a sweet story to captivate the young at heart. Meet the cast at the candy cane party after the show. Dec 14-15. Sat at 1pm and 5pm; Sun at 1pm and 5pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $25–$40. 415.499.6800.
The ‘Nutcracker’
Santa Rosa Dance Theater with the Santa Rosa Youth Ballet Company present the timeless tale of a bright-eyed Clara and her beloved nutcracker prince. Choreographed by SRDT artistic director Tamara Statkoun. Dec 6–8. Fri at 7pm; Sat at 2pm and 7pm; Sun at 2pm. Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $20–$25. 707.588.3400.
‘Tapcracker’
Sherry Studio presents its 13th sensational year with this fun and offbeat performance. Students tap, jazz and hip-hop for a hilarious take on the Nutcracker that will keep you laughing throughout. Dec 21 at 2pm and 5:30pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $12–$25. 415.499.6800.
‘Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop’
Marin Dance Theatre performs this full-length, two-act children’s ballet in which a kindly toymaker gifts young Sophie with a magical journey to a beautiful snow kingdom. Meet the cast at the Teddy Bear Tea Party after the matinee. Dec 21 at 1pm and 5:30pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $27–$37. 415.499.6800.
The ‘Nutcracker’
Sebastopol Ballet presents its 22th annual production, with complimentary sugar plum parties before matinees, starting at 1pm Dec 20–22. Fri at 7pm; Sat at 2pm and 7pm; Sun at 2pm. Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave, Sebastopol. $10–$20. 707.824.8006.
‘Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail’
Join Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and the rest of the gang in this magical holiday tale produced by local youth for young audiences. Dec 15–16 and Dec 18-21. 11am, 2pm, & 7pm. Raven Theater, 115 North St, Healdsburg. $10. 707.433.6335.
Music
A Rockapella Christmas
Rockapella is a group of five of the world’s lasting pop vocal singers who will bring a very special gift this holiday season with a Rockapella Christmas performance on Dec 5 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $40-$45. 707.226.7372.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
David Benoit’s orchestra is joined by the local Napa Valley Children’s Chorus for classic show. Dec 13 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $35–$40. 707.226.7372.
Terry Bradford’s Community Chorus
Christmas favorites and pop favorites with special guests. Dec 12 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $30. 707.226.7372.
Windham Hill
Winter Solstice
The Windham Hill label brings some of its artists back to Napa to play traditional holiday music. Dec 14 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $20–$25. 707.226.7372.
A Visit to Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s toymakers invite you to visit their workshop with performances by Napa Valley Ballet on Dec 15 at 6:30pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $15–$25. 707.226.7372.
Hot Club of San Francisco
Gypsy-jazz group present swinging holiday show, “A Cool Yule,” in the style of Django Reinhardt on Dec 8 at 4pm. Occidental Center for the Arts. 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $10-$30. 707.874.1124. Also performing on Dec 19 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $20–$25. 707.226.7372.
Starry Night
VOENA multi-cultural children’s choir brings to life traditional favorites while adding arrangements of holiday songs from around the world on Dec. 21 at 7:30pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $35. 707.226.7372.
A Hawaiian Holiday
Blending stories of aloha, hula, and traditional Hawaiian Holiday songs with Faith Ako, Steven Espaniola and Patrick Landeza on Nov 30 at 8pm. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St, Napa. $25-$30. 707.259.0123.
Concerts by Candlelight
Stephen McKersie conducts the Marin Symphony Chamber Orchestra as its chorus members invite listeners to join in the heart-warming harmonies. Dec 8 at 4pm. Church of Saint Raphael, 104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael. $25–$30. 415.479.8100.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Chip Davis brings the spirit alive with the Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller and multimedia effects on Dec. 3 at 8pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. $55–$75. 707.546.3600.
‘Chris-Mix’
Matt Nathanson, Cicci Martinez and Parachute performing an acoustic set. Fundraiser for the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Dec 12 at 8pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. $25-$35. 707.546.3600.
Raise the Youth
This sixth annual fundraiser features performance highlights from this past year’s musical theater productions. Dec13 at 7pm. $15–$60. 142 Throckmorton Theater, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.
Kitka Wintersongs
An American women’s vocal arts ensemble, Kitka, is inspired by music rooted in Balkan, Slavic and Caucasian women’s vocal traditions. Dec 14 at 8pm. $15–$31. Dance Palace, 503 B St, Point Reyes Station. 707.663.1075.
Ensemble Galilei and Neal Conan
Ensemble Galilei celebrates the winter solstice with NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” host Neal Conan in an evening of music and spoken word. Dec 6 7:30pm. Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. $20–$25. 707.874.1124.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
The great musical theatre story of two World War II veterans including a song-and-dance act and well-known standards like “Blue Skies”, “I Love a Piano”, “How Deep is the Ocean” and “White Christmas.” Nov 20-Dec 24. $46. Phoenix Theatre, 501 Washington St, Petaluma. 707.762.3565.
SingersMarin
Join Jan Pedersen Schiff and seven youth and adult choral ensembles for One in a Song. Caroling kids lead the audience in sing-along. Dec 22 at 4pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $20–$30; students and children are half price. 415.499.6800.
A Chanticleer Christmas
Spiritual sounds of the season sung by the male chorus known around the world as “the orchestra of voices.” Dec 17 at 6pm. St. Vincent Church, 35 Liberty St, Petaluma. $35–$65. 415.252.8589.
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
The legendary group that’s been performing for more than 70 years. Dec 14 at 8pm. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St, Napa. $40. 707.259.0123.
Narada Michael Walden
Grammy award-winning Narada Michael Walden is the real Santa Claus, and he’ll look the part in this annual “jam funky dance party” benefit for his music education foundation. Dec 14 at 8pm. $100-$175. 142 Throckmorton Theater, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.
Sing-Along Messiah
Sing along with one hundred voices and a full orchestra to Handel’s “Messiah” while benefiting the music-education programs of the Santa Rosa Symphony in this 32nd installment of a Redwood Empire holiday tradition, conducted, as ever, by Dan Earl. Dec 21 at 7:30pm. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $20. 707.522.8786.
A Very Merry
Holiday Pops
A full chorus joins the orchestra for special arrangements of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and holiday music from swing to rock in a pops concert on Sun, Dec 14, 3pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. $32-$75. 707.546.3600.
Dave Koz and Friends
Dave Koz and “friends” of extraordinary reputations perform hits and smooth jazz arrangements of holiday favorites for a family-friendly show on Fri, Dec 14, 8pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. $39-$69. 707.546.3600.
Pink Martini
The globetrotting band of cosmopolitan music-makers appear for the Napa Valley Opera House’s 10th annual holiday benefit concert. Sat, Dec 7, 7pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa. $65. 707.226.7372.
Marin Symphony Holiday Pops
Maestro Alasdair Neale conducts, joined by the Marin Symphony Chorus and the Marin Symphony Children’s Choir, dozens of Christmas classics from “White Christmas” to “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” on Tues, Dec 17, 7:30pm. Marin Center, 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael. $10-$70. 415.479.6400.
Toy Symphony
Leopold Mozart, father of Wolfgang Amadeus, wrote this short piece with parts for toy instruments. Features mezzo-soprano Christine Brandes on Mon, Dec 9, 8pm. Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. $76-$525. 866.955.6040.
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Amplified by superb acoustics, Handel’s Messiah is performed by one of America’s most admired music ensembles, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale on Sun, Dec 15, 3pm. Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. $40-$85. 866.955.6040.
