The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, 2011 weekends only including Friday after Thanksgiving, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave.
The world renowned Great Dickens Christmas Fair is the only event of its kind – anywhere. The winding lanes of Victorian London come to life at the Cow Palace in 120,000-plus square feet of theatrically lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and charming shops overflowing with handmade holiday treasures. It's a lamp lit city brimming with lively and colorful characters from the pages of history and the imagination of Charles Dickens, Jules Verne and Lewis Carroll. For information, visitwww.dickensfair.com.
Gingerbread House Holiday Open-House
Nov. 26, 2011; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairmont San Francisco
Fairmont’s majestic, life-sized gingerbread house is a must-see holiday event. Lovingly built with 7,500 home-baked gingerbread bricks and 1,200 pounds of royal icing, the two-story sweet dream house will be adorned with 650 pounds of colorful candies and 12 gallons of chocolate and feature a special room where children may write a letter to Santa. Also enjoy an enchanting 23-foot Christmas tree tickling the ceiling of the main lobby along with holiday refreshments and carolers from local schools.
Dance-Along Nutcracker®: Clara’s Magical Mystery Tour
Dec. 10, 2011 at 7 p.m. - Adults Only Gala featuring 60s DJ disco party, cocktails and holiday reception; Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m - Family shows at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St.
Sugar Plum wannabes, step on up. Everyone’s a star at the Dance-Along Nutcracker®. Here you dance to your own choreography, as the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band performs favorites from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. This year, Clara and her Nutcracker take a trip through a psychedelic groovy Peter Maxx world punctuated by music from the 60s, and the Rat King is the Leader of the Pack. For information visit www.dancealongnutcracker.org or call 415-255-1355.
Victorian Home Walk Tour presents A Very "Victorian" Christmas
Dec. 1 - 31, 2011
For the entire month of December the walking tour will go through the yuletide-decked Queen Anne Hotel, brimming with holly, Christmas cheer and holiday decorations befitting a king or queen. For information, visit www.victorianhomewalk.com or call415-710-9336.
Holiday Lights and Chocolate Tours with Gourmet Walks
Fridays and Saturdays in December 2011 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Join Gourmet Walks for a series of evening Chocolate Tours during the holiday season. They’ll view spectacular light displays from the Ferry Building to Union Square, while learning how to taste fine chocolate and warming up with drinking chocolate. It's the perfect holiday celebration, especially for visiting friends and family. Tours depart from Justin Herman Plaza. More information is available at www.gourmetwalks.com and 415-312-1119.
Annual Kwanza Celebration
Dec. 26, 2011; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Experience the rich traditions of Kwanzaa, featuring a celebration of African-American culture through hands-on art activities and performances. There will be a traditional Kwanzaa altar on display in the Museum’s Entry Pavilion. Two free performances by the African Roots of Jazz will be presented in the Discovery Theater at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Renowned jazz drummer E. W. Wainwright and his ensemble take us on a musical journey that traces African-American musical forms, such as jazz, gospel, and spirituals, from their earliest beginnings in African cultures to today. Free museum admission, activities and performances. For more information, visit www.BayKidsMuseum.org/holidays.
