TheatreWorks is among the many companies that have recently been welcoming audiences back to theaters, though it's also continuing to offer a virtual option. For the holidays, the company is staging "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," which reimagines the classic film as a 1940s radio broadcast. The play offers both the heartwarming holiday tale and a fun, behind-the-scenes look at an old-time radio show.
But still at the crux of the story: When good-hearted everyman George Bailey despairs that he's let everyone down, he gets a chance to learn how much his family, friends and town need him. He gets a peek at the alternate world that could have been had he not existed and it's bleak (except for the part where his would-have-been-wife becomes a librarian, because librarians actually seem pretty cool.)
Like George, local arts groups and cultural institutions — including libraries — rallied heroically during the last 19 months, shifting to online and other creative ways to safely reach people. These new options continue to give groups the ability to expand audiences and make their offerings more accessible.
But now that we've all seen what life is like without in-person theater, concerts, galleries and other cultural spaces, this is our collective George Bailey moment for the arts: a chance to come back together in long-missed spaces with renewed joy and appreciation.
Read on for a collection of holiday performances and events — most now presented in person, as well as some virtual options. Many venues require proof of vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours; as always for in-person events, check for COVID-19 protocols before you go.
Performances
The Thanksgiving Play & Eight Nights The Pear Theatre presents two nontraditional holiday plays running in repertory: Larissa FastHorse's "The Thanksgiving Play," a satire about a group of white people trying to plan a school Thanksgiving pageant that isn't offensive to Native American people and Jennifer Maisel's "Eight Nights," which follows a woman who survived the Holocaust through eight decades of Hanukkah celebrations.
When: Through Dec. 12.
Where: The Pear, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View.
Info: thepear.org.
Terrible Adult Chamber Orchestra Holiday Sing-along The Terrible Adult Chamber Orchestra (TACO) performs Christmas and Hanukkah music. The Community Women's Chorus will join TACO and lead a free public singalong.
When: Nov. 28, 3-4:30 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
Info: tacosv.org.
Pacific Ballet Academy's "The Nutcracker" Pacific Ballet Academy presents its 30th annual performance of "The Nutcracker." This production offers a shortened performance for children, featuring just Act I, and a sensory-friendly performance of Act II with scaled-down lights and sound.
When: Nov. 26, 6 p.m.; Nov. 27, 1 and 6 p.m.; Nov. 28 children's performance, noon, and sensory-friendly performance, 2 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Info: mvcpa.com.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents the story of classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life" reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast.
When: Dec. 1-26
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Also offered via on-demand video.
Info: theatreworks.org.
The Christmas Ballet Smuin Ballet presents its Christmas-themed performance, incorporating classical ballet and contemporary dance with traditional carols and pop favorites.
When: Dec. 2-3, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 5, 2 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Info: smuinballet.org.
Every Brilliant Thing Los Altos Stage Company presents a one-person show that celebrates the things that make life worth living, in a surprising, personal story that delves into depression, suicide, grief, healing and falling in love.
When: Dec. 3-19.
Where: Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.
Info: losaltosstage.org.
Friends of Music at Stanford Holiday Musicale 2021
??The Friends of Music at Stanford present their annual holiday showcase with performances by Department of Music soloists and ensembles, including the Stanford Philharmonia and the Stanford Chamber Chorale.
When: Dec. 4, 2:30-4 p.m.
Where: Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford.
Info: music.stanford.edu.
California Bach Society A performance of the seldom-heard "Weinachtshistorie" ("Christmas Story") by 17th-century composer Heinrich Sch?tz for six-part choir, soloists and Baroque ensemble. The concert also features a retrospective of favorites from the society's "Christmas Around the World" concerts, with songs, carols, and choral works.
When: Dec. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: All Saints' Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto
Info: calbach.org.
Holiday Traditions Concert
The Bay Choral Guild performs modern settings of carols from Britain, Central and South America, a choral arrangement of Tchaikosky's Nutcracker Suite and Christmas compositions, including the premiere of Sanford Dole's "Peace on Earth."
When: Dec. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto.
Info: baychoralguild.org.
Holiday Handbell Concert Bell Appeal, a group sponsored by Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco, performs a variety of holiday music.
When: Dec. 4, 1 p.m.
Where: 2200 Broadway, Redwood City.
Info: historysmc.org.
Ballet America's Nutcracker
A shortened production of the favorite holiday ballet, coming in at one and a half hours, aims to keep the youngest audience members engaged. Featuring a cast of 75 local dancers.
When: Dec. 4, 2 and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 5, 1:30 and 4 p.m.
Where: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster Ave., Redwood City.
Info: americanballet.com.
Three Bachs of Christmas Bay Area choir Soli Deo Gloria presents Christmas music written by Johann Sebastian Bach and two of his sons, including cantatas by J.S Bach, a short oratorio by J.C.F. Bach, and a Magnificat by C.P.E. Bach.
When: Dec. 4, 3:30 p.m
Where: Grace Lutheran Church, 3149 Waverley St., Palo Alto.
Info: sdgloria.org.
Peninsula Ballet's Nutcrackers Peninsula Ballet presents a trio of "Nutcracker" productions: "Nutcracker Sweet," an abridged production for young audiences; "Hip-Hop Nutcracker," which mixes iconic pieces of the story and Tchaikovsky's score with hip-hop dance; and a full-length production of "The Nutcracker."
When: Nutcracker Sweet Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12, 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.; Hip-Hop Nutcracker Dec. 17, 7 p.m. and Dec. 18., 2 p.m.; The Nutcracker Dec. 18, 7 p.m. and Dec. 19, 2 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City.
Info: peninsulaballet.org.
Christmas at the Fox Singer-songwriter Brandon Pasion performs an evening of Christmas songs and original music. The night includes signature Christmas drinks and caroling.
When: Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City.
Info: brownpapertickets.com.
Selected Shorts Stanford Live presents a series of short stories hosted by Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm in the Middle") with performances by Jason Dirden ("American Soul"), and Kimberly Guerrero ("Reservation Dogs").
When: Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford.
Info: live.stanford.edu.
Gil Shaham Stanford Live presents a solo program by violinist Gil Shaham featuring pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Scott Wheeler, and Max Raimi.
When: Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford.
Info: live.stanford.edu.
Bach's Christmas Oratorio Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra performs Bach's Christmas Oratorio, with the Philharmonia Chorale.
When: Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford.
Info: live.stanford.edu.
Western Ballet Nutcracker The company presents the beloved holiday ballet.
When: Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 1 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 1 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
Info: westernballet.org/.
A Jazz Tribute to the Music of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' Stanford Jazz Workshop presents a tribute to Vince Guaraldi's soundtrack album to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," the classic 1965 TV special.
When: Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, 2 p.m.
Where: Campbell Recital Hall, Braun Music Center, Stanford.
Info: sto.stanfordtickets.org.
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal: A Ceremony to Celebrate Being Together The Peninsula Women's Chorus presents a holiday concert featuring Alice Parker's setting of "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" as well as works by Brahms, Britten, other choral favorites such as "Ave Maria," carols and seasonal songs.
When: Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m.
Where: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.
Info: pwchorus.org.
CSMA Merit Scholars Holiday Concert The Community School of Music and Arts Merit Scholarship Student Ensembles perform favorite selections to celebrate the holidays.
When: Dec. 11, 5 p.m.
Where: CSMA's Tateuchi Hall, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View and streaming on CSMA's YouTube channel.
Info: arts4all.org.
Fire & Ice Silicon Valley Boychoir presents a winter concert.
When: Dec. 12, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Lutheran Church, 3149 Waverley St., Palo Alto.
Info: svboychoir.org.
Pink Martini Holiday Spectacular Fronted by vocalist China Forbes, the band plays a mix of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop.
When: Dec. 12, 4 p.m.
Where: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford.
Info: live.stanford.edu.
Stanford Holiday Organ Concert Stanford University organist Robert Huw Morgan presents a concert of seasonal music.
When: Dec. 12, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Memorial Church, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford.
Info: events.stanford.edu.
Ragazzi Boys Chorus The chorus performs "Mysteries and Miracles," a program of yuletide favorites and contemporary festive pieces. Performed in person in San Francisco and livestreamed.
When: Dec. 12, 4 p.m.
Where: Livestreamed
Info: ragazzi.org
A Chanticleer Christmas San Francisco's men's choir presents its annual holiday celebration.
When: Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Memorial Church, Stanford.
Info: live.stanford.edu.
Holiday Concertos: Bach, Corelli & More Voices of Music presents their signature holiday program of concertos, including the Bach violin concerto in A Minor BWV 1041 performed by Rachell Ellen Wong.
When: Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
Where:First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto
Info: voicesofmusic.org.
The Gingerbread Man Palo Alto Children's Theatre presents a storyteller-style play for young audience members, suggested for ages 2 to 6.
When: Dec. 18, 10 a.m. and noon; Dec. 19, 10 a.m. and noon; Dec. 20, 10 a.m.
Where: 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
Info: cityofpaloalto.org.
The Snow Queen Bayer Ballet Company presents a ballet danced by young artists about a child who embarks on a magical journey to save their best friend from the spell of the Snow Queen.
When: Dec. 18, 7 p.m. and Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
Info: bayerballet.com.
Woodside Village BandThe band performs a holiday concert.
When: Dec. 18, 3 p.m.
Where: Woodside Village Church, 3154 Woodside Road, Woodside
Info: windband.org/woodside.
A Celtic Christmas Irish storyteller Tom?seen Foley leads a cast of dancers and musicians in a re-creation of a night before Christmas in the west of Ireland in the 1940s, where neighbors would gather to dance and play music.
When: Dec. 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Info: mvcpa.com.
Community Gatherings and Special Events
Ernie's Trains John Bianco is continuing his late father's tradition of putting on a holiday model-train display.
When: Weather permitting, five tracks will run trains every evening (except Mondays) Nov. 25 through Dec. 25, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: 2387 Adele Ave., Mountain View.
Holidays at Filoli The Filoli estate celebrates the holidays with decorated gardens and holiday decor inside the historic mansion. Activities include Santa Weekends (Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19); Monday theme nights, including everything from Hanukkah Lights to a Holiday PJ Party, and a chance to relax on the terrace by a fire with refreshments such as spirits and cider.
When: Open daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (except Dec. 24-25) through Jan. 2.
Where: Filoli Historic Home & Garden, 86 Ca?ada Road, Woodside.
Info: filoli.org.
IluminOdyssey CuriOdyssey offers a winter light display for children and families, with laser art, hands-on exhibits and a forest of touchable, glowing sculptures.
When: Through Jan. 9
Where: CuriOdyssey, ??1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo.
Info: curiodyssey.org.
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade Downtown Los Altos' annual Festival of Lights Parade features floats, marching bands and more. Downtown Los Altos will also hold a tree lighting celebration Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.
When: Nov. 28, 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Los Altos.
Info: losaltosparade.org; downtownlosaltos.org.
Sharing the Healing Light of Hanukkah Jewish Family and Children's Services offers a program of stories, teaching, song, humor and ritual that explores the meaning of Hanukkah.
When: Nov. 30, 2 p.m.
Where: Online.
Info: tinyurl.com/akea6626.
Hanukkah Celebration at Stanford Shopping Center A celebration that includes music and a puppet show by Octopretzel, crafts for kids, dreidel games and a candle lighting ceremony.
When: Dec. 2, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto.
Info: paloaltojcc.org.
City of Palo Alto Tree Lighting Live entertainment, tree lighting and a toy drive are featured at this city celebration.
When: Dec. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Lytton Plaza, University Avenue and Emerson Street, Palo Alto.
Info: cityofpaloalto.org.
BayLUG Holiday Show The Bay Area LEGO User Group and BayLTC, the Bay Area L-Gauge Train Club, will showcase their annual holiday miniature scene, this year with a jungle theme.
When: Dec. 4-Jan. 9 (Sat.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m, closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
Where: Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto.
Info: baylug.org.
Gamble Garden Winter Wonderland A European-style marketplace, arts and crafts for kids, free ice cream, arrangements and wreaths for sale, a vintage houseware collection sale and holiday trees for auction. Santa, the Grinch and the Snow Queen will also be on hand.
When: Dec. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto.
Info: gamblegarden.org.
Caltrain Holiday Train Caltrain's festive Holiday Train will make nine stops along the Peninsula, with lights, entertainment, characters and a chance for locals to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the annual toy drive.
When: Dec. 4-5
Where: The train will stop in Redwood City, 6:10 p.m., and Mountain View, 6:50 p.m., on Dec. 4 and in Menlo Park at 7:25 p.m. on Dec. 5.
Info: holiday-train.org.
Hometown Holidays Redwood City's annual celebration includes a community parade, a snow lot, holiday vendors, and performances from local entertainers, culminating in a tree lighting.
When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Redwood City.
Info: hometownholidays.org.
Gamble Garden Festival of Trees Visitors can stroll among holiday trees decorated by creative individuals, groups, and organizations. The event also includes wreath sales, holiday arrangements, a bake sale and music. All trees are available for purchase by silent auction to benefit Gamble Garden.
When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto.
Info: gamblegarden.org.
Hanukkah Party of Lights The Jewish Baby Network hosts a virtual Hanukkah celebration with dancing, singing, puppets, blessings and a community menorah candle lighting.
When: Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online.
Info: tinyurl.com/f844z2sc.
Menorah Lighting at Palo Alto City Hall A Hanukkah celebration in front of Palo Alto's City Hall, sponsored by Chabad Palo Alto, with crafts and activities, a chocolate gelt drop, latkes and donuts.
When: Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave.
Info: chabadpaloalto.com.
City of Mountain View Tree Lighting Local performances, tributes to multicultural and diverse traditions, free refreshments, a train ride, the lighting of the community tree and a visit from Santa.
When: Dec. 6, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
Info: mountainview.gov.
Christmas Tree Lane Since 1940, Fulton Street (off Embarcadero Road) in Palo Alto has transformed into "Christmas Tree Lane," full of lights and decorations. For the 2021 edition, visitors can drive on the street and stroll along the sidewalk to view the displays.
When: Dec. 11-31, 5-11 p.m. each night
Where: 1700 and 1800 blocks of Fulton Street in Palo Alto.
Info: christmastreelane.org.
Bethlehem A.D. Bethlehem A.D. is a free, family-friendly experience recreating the town of Bethlehem on the night of the first Christmas, including live animals and a large cast of costumed, community volunteer actors.
When: Dec. 21-23, 6-9:30 p.m.
Where: Rise City Church, 1305 Middlefield Road, Redwood City.
Info: bethlehemad.com.
Holiday Markets & Galleries
FabMo Holiday Artisan Showcase An online showcase of creations by local artisans that features unique clothing, fine art, accessories, jewelry, home decor, gifts, toys and holiday items, all crafted at least in part from FabMo's stock of discontinued designer samples that have been rescued and repurposed.
When: Through Dec. 23
Info: fabmo.org.
Gallery House Paintings, ceramics, statues, jewelry, and cards by local artists.
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: 320 S. California Ave., Palo Alto
Info: galleryhouse.art/.
Christmas at Our House St. Francis High School hosts a gift boutique with over 40 new and returning artisans selling gourmet foods, vintage and specialty gift items and holiday decor. Also featuring a student art showcase and a special happy hour evening of shopping at the boutique. The event benefits the Saint Francis Fund.
When: Dec. 3, 3-5 p.m. (happy hour 5-8 p.m.) and Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Burns Pavilion, St. Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View.
Info: sfhs.com.
Paly Winter Glass Sale Palo Alto High School Fiery Arts holds a sale featuring handcrafted ornaments, candy canes, pumpkins and other items. Proceeds benefit the Paly sculpture program.
When: Dec. 3, 3-6 p.m. and Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.
Info: sites.google.com/site/palyglass.
Christmas Market at Allied Arts Guild Handcrafted goods such as knitted sweaters, soap and lotion gift packs, belts and bags from local vendors and artists. The event also offers a silent auction featuring themed Christmas trees, activities and treats and a chance to visit Santa.
When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park.
Info: alliedartsguild.org.
Palo Alto Art Center Studio Holiday Sale Jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints and other artwork created by local artists working in the Art Center's studios at the Palo Alto Art Center. Proceeds benefit the artists, studios, and the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation.
When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto.
Info: paacf.org.
German Holiday Market German International School of Silicon Valley's annual Germany holiday market is back in person this year, offering an array of traditional German holiday treats, gifts, food and music. Proceeds benefit the school.
When: Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Caltrain station, 600 W. Evelyn Ave., Mountain View
Info: germanholidaymarket.org.
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