Free Movie – A Christmas Story:
Orinda Theatre
4 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda
Thursday, December 13th, 2018
6:30pm | FreeIn the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.
Photo by Flickr dennis
Union Square
333 Post St, San Francisco
Saturday, December 8th, 2018
12:00pm | FreeThousands of Santas will take over SF city all day tomorrow. If you’re donating a toy, go to Union Square where Tom DiBell will be collecting toys at noon. If you’re bar hopping, come to Santacon Central at OMG: Official Dance Party: No Cover.
WomenSing Winter Reflections Concert:
Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church
1601 Mary Dr, Pleasant Hill
Wednesday, December 12th, 2018
8:00pm | $28In this concert, not only will we sing songs celebrating Christmas, but also songs that inspire us to look deep into our souls and ponder life. Join WomenSing in an exploration of winter wisdom from sacred and secular traditions found in an ancient Greek Orthodox hymn, an Aboriginal songline, a soft Jewish Shabbat eve tune, a contemporary interpretation of early Chinese philosophy from the I Ching (noting encouragingly that even in the darkness there is light because “when the sun goes, the moon comes”), and a unique rendition of “In the Bleak Midwinter”, by American composer Frances McCollin, whose blindness in early childhood caused her to see colors when hearing music.
It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette:
Plaza Park
Plaza Way, Lafayette
Friday, December 7th, 2018
4:00 – 6:30pm | FreeFun, family-friendly celebration – tree lighting, live music, community sing-a-long, crafts — and this Santa’s “sleigh” is Lafayette’s historic fire truck, Old Betsy!
Arrive early and plan to stay! This fun and festive event includes visits with Santa, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, one-of-a-kind photo ops with the Town Hall Elves, live musical entertainment, crafts, holiday treats and a holiday sing-a-long.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way on Lafayette’s treasured Old Betsy fire engine, along with a police escort. This caravan will start from the Lafayette Historical Society and arrive at Lafayette Plaza Park at 4:30 p.m. A must-not-miss for the little ones!
Photo by Flickr user cloudsoup
Use discount code HOHOHO to get 25% off tickets now!
Sideboard Lafayette
3535 Plaza Way, Lafayette
Sunday, December 9th, 2018
8:30 – 10:00am | $49Santa has arrived in Lafayette … and this year he’s staying for breakfast! Celebrate the holidays with a special pancake Breakfast with Santa benefiting the Lafayette Historical Society.
Enjoy a private meet and greet with Father Christmas as you savor off-the-menu pancakes, and a choice of freshly squeezed orange juice or pour over coffee courtesy of Sideboard, the site of Lafayette’s original Pioneer Store. At your table, learn more about Lafayette’s past through historical photos, bring to life a special kids’ coloring sheet and bid on a variety of silent auction items with all proceeds going to the Lafayette Historical Society.
Families also receive an annual family membership to the Lafayette Historical Society through 2019 (value $50).
23rd Anniversary Celebration:
East Bay Nature
1270 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek
Saturday, December 8th, 2018
10:00am – 6:00pm | FreeFood & Drink
Live Birds
Artist trunk show with
Watercolor Marketplace Wood Art Cards
Showcasing Christmas cards & gifts.
Museo Italo Americano
Fort Mason Center, Building C, San Francisco
Saturday, December 1st – Sunday, December 2nd, 2018
FreeChoose the perfect Christmas gift for your family and friends, such as artisanal Italian food and wine, unique handmade jewelry, Italian fashion and accessories, art objects, and several unique craft items, all made by Italian artisans.
The Mercatino will also feature Il Caffè delle Forchette, a fun spot to enjoy Italian coffee, pastries, and savory bites.
Water Light Public Plaza
1501 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Friday, December 7th, 2018
5:00 – 9:00pm | FreeJoin us for an evening of merriment featuring merchant open houses, extended shopping hours, sips & savors, caroling, live music, Ugly Sweater Contest, Santa & Friends, plus carriage rides.
Local merchants will offer discounts, specials and refreshments.
A Night of Ecstatic Chanting with Jai Uttal:
Indigo Yoga & Pilates, Studio One
Saturday, December 15th, 2018
7:00 – 9:00pm | $45 ($55 day of event)Grammy Nominated Jai Uttal is returning with Ben Leinbach and Lucia Lilikoi for A Night of Ecstatic Chanting here at Indigo Yoga!
Bring in the holiday season with Jai Uttal in a wave of invocation and celebration with singing and dancing. This will be a night to remember and cherish. Kirtan is the calling, the crying, the reaching across infinite space — digging into the heart’s deepest well to touch and be touched by the Divine Presence.
Embark on a vocal journey through the sacred sounds of ancient India. With call-and-response group chanting and storytelling, Jai Uttal creates a space of invocation, prayer, and heartfelt expression.
Shadelands Art Center
111 N. Wiget Ln, Walnut Creek
Friday, November 30th – Sunday, December 2nd, 2018
FreeShop beautiful handmade ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, prints, and much more – all by Community Arts teaching artists and students! The first 50 shoppers on each day will receive a free tote bag! Join us for an opening reception on Friday, November 30 as we kick off our Holiday Sale with an evening of drinks, appetizers, craft-making and entertainment!
