Opportunities abound to catch the spirit of the season in the local area. The following roundup includes family-friendly events ranging from annual tree-lighting ceremonies to caroling and concerts.
Holiday Bazaar
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 17
Mountain View Senior Center
The Mountain View Senior Center hosts a holiday craft fair featuring more than 50 vendors selling a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, knitting and wood carvings. The event also includes local entertainment, a food truck and a free raffle.
For more information, visit mountainview.gov.
‘The Kids’ Table’
2-5 p.m. Nov. 18
Hidden Villa
“The Kids’ Table” attendees bake treats for Hidden Villa’s animals and learn how to set a table. After preparing shepherd’s pie, they gather around and enjoy their meal. The class is for children ages 6-11. Cost is $30.
For tickets and more information, visit hiddenvilla.org.
TheatreWorks’ ‘Tuck Everlasting’
Nov. 28 through Dec. 30; times vary
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
TheatreWorks performs the regional premiere of the Broadway musical “Tuck Everlasting.” In the 1890s, Winnie Foster’s adventures as a free-spirited girl lead her to the Tucks, a family that discovered the secret to everlasting life. Winnie is faced with the choice of returning to everyday life or joining the Tucks on an irreversible voyage through time. Tickets are $35-$95.
For tickets and more information, visit theatreworks.org.
Los Altos Stage Company’s ‘Into the Woods’
8 p.m. Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 3 p.m. Dec. 2 & 9, 8 p.m. Dec. 5-8
Bus Barn Theater
The musical explores fairy tales including “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Cinderella” and poses the question: “What happens after ‘happily ever after’?” Tickets are $20-$30.
For tickets and more information, visit losaltosstage.org.
‘The Nutcracker’ – Various dance studios
Nov. 23-25, Nov. 30 to Dec. 1
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
• Pacific Ballet Academy (“Children’s Nutcracker”): Noon and 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Tickets are $15.
• Pacific Ballet Academy: 6 p.m. Nov. 23, 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and 12:30 and 4 p.m. Nov. 25. Tickets are $30.
• Western Ballet: 7 p.m. Nov. 30, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 1 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets are $33.
For tickets and more information, visit mvcpa.com.
Los Altos Holiday Tree Lighting
6-8 p.m. Nov. 30
Veterans Community Plaza
The Los Altos Village Association hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in Veterans Community Plaza. Festivities include holiday music, refreshments and consults with Santa. Admission is free.
For more information, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
Los Altos Menorah Lighting
5 p.m. Dec. 2
Veterans Community Plaza
The annual Menorah Lighting celebration includes Hanukkah crafts, treats and live music. Admission is free.
For more information, visit JewishLosAltos.com.
Los Altos Hills Holiday Barn Lighting
2-5 p.m. Dec. 2
Westwind Community Barn
The annual Holiday Barn Lighting features cookies, hot cider, wine tasting, seasonal games, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, pony rides and a petting zoo. Local student groups perform traditional carols and holiday music. The barn lights up at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information, call 947-2518.
Mountain View Tree Lighting Celebration
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3
Civic Center Plaza
The celebration includes live holiday music, refreshments, photos with Santa and a tree-lighting ceremony. Admission is free; attendees are encouraged to bring a can of food for Community Services Agency.
For more information, call 903-6331.
Smuin’s ‘Christmas Ballet’
7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-7, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 2 p.m. Dec. 9
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
“The Christmas Ballet,” performed and choreographed by Smuin Contemporary American Ballet, presents two acts of ballet, tap and jazz dance. Tickets are $25-$86.
For tickets and more information, visit mvcpa.com.
Peninsula Youth Theatre’s ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’
7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 8
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts SecondStage
The adaptation of the classic folk tale follows two elves who help a poor shoemaker to change his luck. Tickets are $12.
For tickets and more information, visit mvcpa.com.
‘A Chanticleer Christmas’
7:30 p.m. Dec. 12
Stanford Memorial Church
The San Francisco men’s choir Chanticleer performs its annual Christmas concert, featuring the works of Palestrina, Corteccia, Sweenlinck and Lassus in addition to holiday carols and “Ave Maria.” Tickets are $64.
For tickets and more information, visit live.stanford.edu/calendar.
‘Snow Queen’
7 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 15
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts MainStage
In “Snow Queen,” performed by Bayer Ballet Company, a Snow Queen’s spell captures a young boy, and his best friend sets out to save him. The story features dancing icicles, a magical flower garden and more. Tickets are $30-$50.
For tickets and more information, visit mvcpa.com.
‘An Irish Christmas’
7 p.m. Dec. 20
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts MainStage
Award-winning Irish dancers Caterina Coyne, Tyler Schwartz and Connor Reider lead attendees through Christmas in Ireland with dancing, singing and traditional Irish music. Tickets are $25-$60.
For tickets and more information, visit mvcpa.com.
Caroling in the Hills
7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 20
Los Altos Hills Town Hall
After enjoying drinks and treats, carolers travel to Los Altos Hills neighborhoods to bring holiday cheer to local residents. Adults, kids, seniors and members of surrounding communities are welcome to participate. Carolers are advised to wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight. In case of inclement weather, caroling will be held at town hall only.
For more information, call 948-6455 or email [email protected].
South Bay Holiday Gospel Concert
7:30 p.m. Dec. 21
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts MainStage
The multiracial, multicultural Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir sings director Terrance Kelly’s gospel arrangements to traditional holiday classics. Tickets are $36, with discounts available for educators, groups, students and seniors.
For tickets and more information, visit mvcpa.com.
