The election is finally over and the holiday season is upon us. And that means nearly two months of holiday fun and cheer are coming your way. To help you navigate the season and keep your spirits bright, we present our select guide to holiday fun from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
EVENTS
Winterblast Twelfth annual holiday art party takes over the South of A arts district in Santa Rosa. Open studios showcase dozens of artists in their element, an electric sofa parade lights up the streets, and live music from the Hubbub Club marching band kick the holiday spirit into gear. Magic, belly dancing, food trucks, beer and wine and merriment abound. Nov. 19. 312 South A St., Santa Rosa. 5–9:30pm. Free entry. sofasantarosa.com.
Holidays in Carneros Nearly 20 wineries in the Carneros region of the Sonoma and Napa valleys will offer a variety of activities, including food and wine pairings, live music, art or craft shows and special tastings. Nov. 19–20. Various winery locations. 11am to 4pm. Contact the Carneros Winery Collective for info. 707.256.0693.
Napa on Ice Napa’s outdoor skating rink, located on the grounds of the Napa Expo, is back for another year of holiday fun. Recreational ice skating is open daily with lessons, parties, private ice time and special events.
Nov. 19–Jan. 8. $13 general admission. napaonice.com.
Napa Valley Wine Train Thanksgiving on the Napa Valley Wine Train is a traditional gourmet feast with all the fixings in a nontraditional but memorable setting. Nov. 24. Lunch, 10:30am–3pm; dinner, 4–8:30pm. $166 and up. 800.427.4124.
Yountville 28th Annual Festival of Lights Skip the shopping malls and join the people of Yountville for a food and wine festival in the holiday spirit. Santa, his elves and local celebrities will all be there to transform the town into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights, live entertainment and carriage rides. Nov. 25. Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., Yountville. 3–6pm. $30–$55; kids 12 and under are free. 707.944.0904.
Healdsburg Downtown Holiday Party The chic stores downtown light up their windows with holiday lights and cheer. Live entertainment, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa and merriment galore are all part of this annual small-town holiday tradition. Nov. 25. Healdsburg Plaza. 4–8pm. Free. 707.433.6935.
Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland Thirty-seventh annual event in the heart of Marin features a grand parade and tree-lighting ceremony, with snow sledding, kids’ activities, a holiday market and more. Festive window displays light up the scene while live music and holiday entertainment packs in the families. Nov. 25. Fourth and A streets, downtown San Rafael. Event begins at noon; parade begins at 5:30pm. sresproductions.com/events.
Heart of Sonoma Valley Holiday Open House Toast the holiday season on a tour of 19 wineries throughout the heart of Sonoma Valley. Includes access to wineries and winemakers, holiday gifts and wine country holiday cheer. Nov. 25–26. 11am–4pm. $55 per person; designated driver, $15. heartofsonomavalley.com.
Santa’s Riverboat Arrival Santa and Mrs. Claus give the season its start when they arrive by tugboat at the Petaluma River Turning Basin. After disembarking,
they’ll hand out candy and
take holiday photos with kids while live entertainment entertains the crowd. Nov. 26. River Plaza Shopping Center,
72 E. Washington St., Petaluma. 11am to 2pm. Free. 707.769.0429.
Napa’s Christmas Parade This 54th annual family-friendly evening parade features creative floats built by Napans themselves, focusing on the theme “Bright Lights, Christmas Delights.”
Nov. 26. Second and Third streets in downtown Napa. 5–7pm. Free.
Holiday Tea Service Hotel Healdsburg hosts its fifth annual weekend tea services to provide a relaxing atmosphere in the midst of all the holiday madness. Enjoy custom teas, pastries, petite sandwiches and even classic cocktails, should you desire. Festive piano music and décor add to the ambiance. Nov. 26–
Dec. 18. 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg. Saturdays and Sundays, 2–4pm. 707.431.2800.
Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour & Competition Tenth annual city-wide event features more than 30 business and merchants participating in creating festive and delicious gingerbread houses. Most are on display in walking distance of each other, meaning that this is a family-friendly diversion from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Dec. 1–30. Downtown Sausalito. Maps are available at participating merchants or at sausalitogingerbread.com.
Windsor Holiday Celebration on the Green Open the holiday season and bring the kids to send letters to Santa, make crafts, decorate gingerbread and ride the Polar Express before the annual tree-lighting ceremony. Dec. 1. Windsor Town Green, 701 McClelland Drive, Windsor. 5–8pm. Free admission; $1–$8 for various activities. 707.838.1260.
Light Up a Life Heartland Hospice honors lives lost with annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Celebrate the holidays with community, enjoy live music and create an ornament in honor of your loved one. Dec. 1. Memorial Hospice, 439 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 6–7pm. Free. hospicelightupalife.org.
ICB’s Winter Open Studios More than a hundred painters, sculptors, fabric artists, jewelers, photographers and other artists open their doors for this 48th annual event to let you discover new and unique works of art where they are created. Dec. 2–4. Industrial Center Building,
480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito. 11am–6pm. Free admission and parking. icb-artists.com.
Lighting of the Snowmen Annual tradition lights up Cornerstone Sonoma with decorative snowmen coming to life amid live music and entertainment. Get a photo with Santa and enjoy the seasonal spirit in the picturesque setting. Dec. 3. Cornerstone Sonoma, 23667 Hwy. 121, Sonoma. 4pm. Free admission. 707.939.3010.
Bacchus Holiday Bazaar Gun Bun winery offers a holiday fair for the cool kids, with holiday gifts offered in a market setting inside the historic redwood barn. DJs spin seasonal hits, food trucks offer bites to nosh on and an annual toy drive lets you contribute to the festive spirit. Dec. 3. Gundlach Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma. 11am–4pm. 707.938.5277.
Napa B&B Holiday Tour & Taste Event The bed and breakfasts of Napa invite you inside their historical inns, decked out in festive decorations, to savor select wines and tasty holiday treats. Transportation and entertainment included.
Proceeds benefit local charities. Dec. 3. 3–7pm. $75. napaholidaytour.com.
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade Twenty-first annual small-town celebration of the holiday season and Calistoga’s agricultural heritage boasts vintage tractors, antique trucks and other rustic autos lit up in dazzling displays in this perfect family event. Dec. 3. Lincoln Avenue between Cedar and Stevenson, downtown Calistoga. 7pm. Free. visitcalistoga.com.
Wine Country Winter Festival Inaugural event from the folks behind the Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival is a massive celebration of arts, crafts, food, wine and entertainment. Three stages of music feature local favorites like David Luning, Frobeck, Bootleg Honeys, Lost Dog Found and many others. An extensive selection of microbrews, ciders and wines will be on hand for tasting. A gingerbread competition and other family-friendly activities will keep the kids busy, and a pavilion of arts and crafts allows you to get beautiful gifts for all tastes. Dec. 3–4. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm. $12–$15; kids 12 and under are free. 707.824.8717.
Luther Burbank Holiday Open House A popular holiday tradition in its 37th year, this open house features Victorian-era finery and a charming tour of Burbank’s historic home and gardens, with free parking at First and D streets and free rides on Rosie the Trolley to and from the Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair held at the Finley Community Center. Dec. 3–4. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, 204 Santa
Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 10am to 4pm. $3; kids 12 and under are free. 707.524.5445.
Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Seventh annual winter event lets you purchase a passport to visit wineries and meet the winemakers in and around the Calistoga area in relaxed tasting tours that you schedule at your convenience. Dec. 3–Feb. 5. $50. visitcalistoga.com.
Mill Valley Winterfest Annual family-friendly holiday tradition returns with snow sledding, live music, local food and tree-lighting ceremony. Dec. 4. Mill Valley Depot Plaza, 87 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 11am–5pm. enjoymillvalley.com.
Guerneville Holiday Book & Bake Sale Find something great to read this holiday season when River Friends of the Library hosts its annual homemade baked goods sale and used book drive. Dec. 7–10. Guerneville Library, 14107 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville. Wednesday, 4pm–7; Thursday–Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday, 10am–3pm. riverfriendsofthelibrary.org.
Sebastopol Holiday Home Tour & Artisan Boutique Enjoy the holiday lights and décor of several different stylish homes, with cheerful music and festive bites on hand. Then browse a variety of holiday crafts and decorations for sale at a boutique at Pleasant
Hill Christian School, all benefiting the school’s scholarship program, the Jacob’s Fund. Dec. 9–11. 1782 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol. sebastopolholidayhometour.com.
Artisan Craft Faire & Holiday Festival Over 60 local vendors offer their handmade holiday arts and crafts, perfect for gift-giving, with live entertainemnt, delicious food, Santa Claus and children’s activities on hand. Dec. 10. Center for Spiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa. 10am–4pm. 707.546.4543.
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Holly Jolly Holiday Movies Dress in your holiday attire and bring family and friends for a day of Christmas films. Two holiday movies, the classic White Christmas and Polar Express, play on the big screen with beverages, snacks and popcorn available. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Dec. 10. 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. 1–6pm. $8; kids 12 and under, $6. 707.588.3400.
Osher Marin Festival of Lights Marin’s biggest Hanukkah party includes latkes, sufganiyot (doughnuts) and other festive food with the jazzy sounds of Brandeis Marin Jazz Band, an artisan crafts marketplace and kids’ activities. All are welcome. Dec. 11. Osher Marin JCC,
200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11:30am–2pm. Free admission. 415.444.8000.
Hanukkah Hootenanny Enjoy a Hanukkah bash featuring lively entertainment, wine, brisket sliders, a latke bar and sufganiyot. Guests are encouraged to bring unwrapped new toys and canned (nonperishable) food items for donation to local Napa charities. Dec. 11, Judd’s Hill Winery,
2332 Silverado Trail, Napa. Noon–2:30pm. $55; free for Wine Club members. juddshill.com.
Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat Parade A parade of sparkling boats shine on the Petaluma
River to ring in the season
while downtown shops stay
open late for holiday strolling.
Dec. 17. Petaluma River Turning Basin, Petaluma. 6pm. Free. visitpetaluma.com.
SHOPPING
Gifts ‘n’ Tyme Holiday Faire Forty-four years and counting, the fair highlights more than 85 local and regional artists and makers of fine crafts selling everything from stocking stuffers to fine works. Holiday music and the smells of gourmet food like cinnamon-roasted almonds fill the air.
Nov. 18–20. Napa Valley Expo, Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third St., Napa. Friday–Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Free admission. 925.372.8691.
West County Craft Faire Ramp up to the holidays with this 15th annual celebration of all things local and handmade. West County vendors will sell crafts, jewelry, clothing, quilts, body-care products, art and much more with live music, food and refreshments, and a raffle to benefit Sebastopol-based Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative. Nov. 19. Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Hwy. 12, Sebastopol. 11am–4pm. Free admission. sebastopolgrange.org.
Rohnert Park Holiday Arts
& Crafts Faire Thirty-seventh annual fair features holiday decorations, live music and jolly entertainment, festive treats, cheerful holiday crafts and jewelry. Nov. 25–26. Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. 10am–4pm. Free admission. 707.588.3456.
Healdsburg Center for the Arts Gift Gallery Fifteenth annual holiday gallery show is filled with affordable arts and crafts that are perfect for gift giving, including books, ceramics, jewelry, toys and more. Nov. 25–Dec. 31. Healdsburg Center for the Arts, 130 Plaza St., Healdsburg. 707.431.1970.
Holiday Crafterino Seventh annual craft mart brings together the best in handmade goods and gifts and raises funds for Petaluma’s COTS, Committee
on the Shelterless. Nov. 27. Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. 11am–4pm. $1 admission. petalumadowntowncraftmart.com.
St. John’s Christmas Boutique A tradition in the town of Ross, the boutique offers homemade jams, jellies and baked goods, as well as holiday gifts and items such as wrapping paper and holiday cards. Proceeds benefit charitable causes, including supporting the community needs at St. John’s sister parish in Malawi, Africa. Dec. 2–3. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 14 Lagunitas Road, Ross. Friday, noon–6:30pm; Saturday, 10am–5pm. Free admission. 415.456.1102.
Dance Palace Holiday Crafts Fair The Point Reyes Community & Cultural Center rings in the holiday season for the 46th year with winter holiday sights, sounds and fun. Shop locally and find handmade artisan crafts, clothing, woodwork art and more. Dec. 2–4. Dance Palace, 503 B St., Point Reyes Station. Friday, 4–9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm. Free admission. dancepalace.org.
Landmarks Holiday Arts & Craft Sale The Belvedere Tiburon Landmarks Society and local artists bring a wide range of gifts and holiday items to the farm-cottage setting of the Landmarks Art Center. There will be jewelry, glass work, knitted items, paintings, spices and rubs and even vintage books and baked goods on hand from North Bay artisans. Dec. 3, Landmarks Art & Garden Center, 841 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon. 10am–4pm. Free. 415.435.1853.
San Geronimo Holiday Arts Faire The 47th annual fair features yummy homemade goodies, creative crafts, Santa Claus on hand for photos and performances by the Lagunitas School Band and others. Dec. 3. San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis
Drake Blvd., San Geronimo.
11am–5:30pm. 415.488.8888.
Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair Forty-second annual event features over 70 local artists, holiday goodies, entertainment, a prize drawing and trolley rides to the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens Holiday Open House. Dec. 3–4, Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Ave., Santa Rosa. Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. $2; 12 and under are free. 707.543.3737.
Freya Lodge Holiday Arts & Craft Fair The Norwegian cultural center hosts this classic fair. Enjoy a variety of high-quality handmade items made by Sonoma County artists. There will also be Scandinavian baked goods, Norwegian waffles, coffee and light lunch available to purchase, and a cozy holiday atmosphere. Proceeds from food sales go to children’s charities. Dec. 10, Freya Lodge Sons of Norway Hall,
617 W. Ninth St., Santa Rosa. 9am–3pm. 707.579.1080.
Petaluma Arts Association Holiday Arts & Crafts Show Local artists and artisans show off their handmade wares at an art and crafts show perfect for gift giving; benefits Mentor Me.
Dec. 10–11. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 11am–5pm. petalumaarts.org.
Sonoma Ceramics Holiday Sale Find affordable and unique holiday gifts from more than 20 artists selling handmade works. Pieces range from decorative ornaments to sculptural works of art. Dec. 10–11. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Free admission. 707.938.462.
Goddess Crafts Faire Women’s art, music, dance and handmade gifts by local and regional women are all part of this 22nd annual community holiday fair. Dec. 10–11, Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. 11am–7pm. $5–$13 suggested donation; kids free. goddesscraftsfaire.com.
Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire Find unique works by more than 35 local and regional artists, grab gift certificates for local restaurants and hotels, enter into raffles for local goodies, hear live music from West County musicians, taste food from a gourmet chef and enjoy baked goods by Salmon Creek School students this season. Dec. 10–11, Occidental Community Center, 3920 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Free admission. occidental-ca.org.
PERFORMANCE
Sonoma County Philharmonic Music director Norman Gamboa and the local philharmonic present a program titled “Overtures & Arias,” featuring talented vocalists Tina Lloyd Meals, Bonnie Brooks, Mark Kratz and John Kelly. Pre-concert talks will illuminate the various selections presented in concert. Nov. 19–20. Santa Rosa
High School Performing Arts Auditorium,
1235 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. $10–$15. Socophil.org.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Left Edge Theatre presents Bad Jews. Nov. 18–Dec. 4. $25–$40. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Dec. 18. 3pm and 7pm. $34–$181. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. (See Music column, p24, for LBC holiday concert listings.)
Marin Center Just Dance Academy Winter Performance. Nov. 20. 2pm. Adults, $27; seniors and kids, $22. Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker. Dec. 3–4. 1pm and 5pm both days. $36; $24, seniors and youth. Performing Arts Academy of Marin Holiday Spectacular. Dec. 3–4. Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $20. Mayflower Choral Society. Dec. 9–10. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm and 8pm. $20; seniors (60 and over) and students (13–18), $15; children 12 and under, $5. Marin Ballet Nutcracker. Dec. 10–11. 1pm and 5pm. $43; seniors and youth, $27; Candy Cane Party following each 1pm performance is $10. Marin Symphony Holiday Pops. Dec. 13. 7pm. $45–$85; youth, $25. Brian Copeland’s Jewelry Box. Dec. 15. 8pm. $50. Marin Dance Theatre’s Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop. Dec. 17. 1pm and 5:30pm. $40, adults; students and seniors are $32; Teddy Bear Tea Party, $10. Singers Marin: ‘Tis the Season . . . Traditions, Near and Far. Dec. 18. 4pm. $25–$40. Windham Hill Winter Solstice 30th Anniversary Concert. Dec. 21. 7:30pm. $25–$65. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.473.6800.
Le Cirque de Boheme Annual winter circus wonderland is based on the wondrous French tradition. This year, a brand-new original production, Somewhere, tells enchanting tales with an amazing cast of performers who achieve world-class heights. Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Cornerstone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Days and times vary. $30–$55; kids under 15, $22. cirquedeboheme.com.
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A Christmas Carol and Santaland Diaries 6th Street Playhouse puts on a pair of holiday classics. First, Charles Dickens’ story about Ebenezer Scrooge’s unforgettable night, starring veteran television actor Charles Siebert, is performed in the Hardt Theatre. Next, the hilarious and heartwarming comedy from David Sedaris, about a down-on-his-luck slacker working as an elf at Macy’s, is presented in the smaller Studio Theatre. Nov. 25–Dec. 23. 6th Street Playhouse,
52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa.
$10–$33. 707.523.3544.
Vienna Boys Choir The harmonic choir of astonishingly wide-ranging young vocalists performs a Christmas program that encompasses works from the last 500 years of choral music. Nov. 27. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 3pm. $45 and up. 866.955.6040.
Jesse DeNatale’s Post Thanksgiving Benefit Concert The acclaimed singer-songwriter performs to raise funds for the Tomales Bay Youth Center. A raffle with prizes ranging from tickets to various Bay Area venues and works from local merchants also helps the center continue to offer safe, supervised space for West Marin students to engage in positive activities. Nov. 27. Toby’s Feed Barn, 11250 Hwy. 1,
Pt. Reyes Station. 4pm. $20; kids under 10, free. 415.663.1223.
Freddy Cole Quartet A special Christmas tribute to Nat King Cole from his youngest sibling offers holiday classics performed by an all-star jazz ensemble. With an outstanding ear for swing, a silky smooth voice and tinkling jazz piano, Cole resembles his older brother not only in sound but also in sensational acclaim and influence. Dec. 1–4. Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa. 6:30pm and 9pm each night. $35–$55. 707.603.1258.
An Irish Christmas An exciting celebration of holiday joy, laughter and life returns to the North Bay with the talented dancers of the internationally acclaimed Kerry Dance Troupe performing traditional Irish dances that incorporates folk theatrical arts and music from Christmas classics like “Silent Night” and “The Little Drummer Boy.” Dec. 1. Uptown Theatre,
1350 Third St., Napa. 8pm. $35–$55. 707.259.0123.
The Bluebird Sonoma State University’s theater department presents a stage version of Maurice Maeterlinck’s fantastic holiday story filled with enchanting adventure.
Dec. 1–10. Person Theatre, SSU, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. $5–$17. sonoma.edu/tix.
Jazzin’ Up Joys of the Season Deborah Winters and the Peter Welker All Star Band headline a holiday party that brings big-band jazz to holiday favorites and boasts many spirited surprises. Dec. 2. 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 8pm. $25–$45. 415.383.9600.
Sing Napa Valley Featured soloists join the community chorus and Napa Valley Children’s Chorus for the U.S. premiere of a musical adaption of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Dec. 2 and 4. First United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph St., Napa. Friday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pm. $25; children and students, free. singnapavalley.org.
Mariachi Los Camperos Grammy Award-winning Mexican mariachi ensemble performs a musical Christmas celebration that features traditional Mexican and American carols such as “Feliz Navidad,” “Noche de Paz” (“Silent Night”), “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas” and much more. Dec. 3. Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater,
100 California Drive, Yountville. 7pm. $25–$85. 707.944.9900.
Poetic Bells The Santa Rosa Symphony performs a holiday choral concert that features two works by Rachmaninoff, his choral symphony The Bells and the soprano-led “Vocalise.” Two other orchestral selections accompany the vocals. Dec. 3–5. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Saturday and Monday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. Subscription packages, $76 and up. 707.546.8742.
Raven Performing Arts Theater Teresa Lubarsky’s Healdsburg Ballet presents The Night Before Christmas with jazz and hip-hop elements mixed into the traditional ballet repertoire.
Dec. 3–4. Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $18–$20; kids 12 and under, $15. The Raven Players presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, reviving last year’s hit show. Dec. 8–18. $10–$25. 115 North St., Healdsburg. 707.433.6335. raventheater.org.
Healdsburg Chorus The long-running community choir shares the joy of the holidays in their annual winter concert, titled “Carols, Canticles and Christmas Classics.” New arrangements of spirited standards and a slew of seasonal surprises are set to fill your stockings with cheer. Dec. 4, Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 4pm; Dec. 8–10, Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University St., Healdsburg. Thursday and Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm. $15. healdsburgchorus.com.
Sing the Long Nights Occidental Community Choir brings together beloved carols, traditional pieces and original works and features pre-concert audience sing-alongs and seasonal refreshments.
Dec. 3–4, 9–10 at Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental;
Dec. 6 at Sebastopol Center for the Arts; Dec. 11 at Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Times vary. $15; kids 12 and under, free. occidentalchoir.org.
Festival Consort Renaissance music group presents its 40th annual holiday concert, “Renaissance Glory,” with familiar traditional carols, a six-part “Ave Maria” by Josquin des Prez and instrumental works. Dec. 4. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. 3pm. $20–$25. petalumamuseum.com.
USAF Band of the Golden West Holiday Concert Fifty-piece ensemble from Travis Air Force Base deck the halls with classic Christmas melodies perfect for the whole family. Dec. 5. Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. 7pm. Free. 707.944.9900.
Michelle Schmitt’s Holiday Benefit Concert Acclaimed singer and her band present their eighth annual concert blending holiday classics with soulful rock and roll and benefiting ExtraFood.org, which helps feed the hungry in Marin. VIP tickets include a reception by Heidi Krahling from Insalatas, special seating, and Schmitt’s upcoming new record. Dec. 8. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 8pm; reception, 6:30pm. $25–$100. 415.383.9600.
Tommy Emmanuel: Classics & Christmas Tour The Australian-born guitarist leads a band of talented players, including guitarist Pat Bergeson and vocalist Annie Sellick, for a night of his original tunes and favorite holiday standards. Dec. 9. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 7:30pm. $25 and up. 866.955.6040.
Winter Surf Session A festive concert with instrumental surf-rock band Slacktone makes waves in the North Bay. Frankie & the Pool Boys and Uncle Sea Monster add to the fun. Dec. 9. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 8pm. $16–$25. 415.383.9600.
ArtQuest Dance Company Winter Performance The talented students of Santa Rosa High School’s award-winning ArtQuest program communicate the spirit of the holidays through movement. Dec. 9–10. SRHS Performing Arts Auditorium,
1235 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 7pm. $5–$15. srhsdance.org.
A Christmas Memory Truman Capote’s holiday masterpiece comes to life with an intimate candlelit reading by pro actors
in a beautiful setting. The
tender story recounting Capote’s frank and funny memories of Christmas is accompanied by a reading of Dylan Thomas’
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” another classic tale that reflects the magic of the holiday. Dec. 9–10. Petaluma Arts Center,
230 Lakeville St., Petaluma. 6:30pm. $10–$12. 707.762.5600.
Healdsburg Community Band’s Holiday Show The 30-plus-member band plays its annual holiday-themed concert with classics and big-band arrangements of Christmas hits. Dec. 9. Cloverdale Veterans Memorial Building,
205 W. First St., Cloverdale. 7pm. Dec. 11. Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University Ave., Healdsburg. 3pm. $10;
kids 12 and under, free. healdsburgcommunityband.org.
Voices of the Season . . . on Broadway VOENA vocal group returns to the North Bay for another holiday performance. This time around, the group presents original arrangements of Broadway classics, including selections from The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and more, along with seasonal favorites. Dec. 10. Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. 4pm. Dec. 17. Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 7pm. $25. voena.org.
Kitka: Wintersongs The Oakland-based women’s vocal ensemble channels Eastern European melodies with traditional vocal styling. Kitka perform a program of critically acclaimed, winter-inspired music ranging from Slavic folk carols to Eastern Orthodox choral works. Dec. 10, the Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts, Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San
Pedro Road, San Rafael. 8pm. $10–$35. 415.444.8000.
Holidays in Vienna Symphony Napa Valley performs a special holiday program that harks back to the days of Tchaikovsky and Handel. Selections include pieces from popular works like
The Nutcracker, and traditional carols. Dec. 11. Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. 3pm. $30–$55. 707.944.9900.
A Chanticleer Christmas Holiday favorite from the vocal orchestra tells the Christmas story in Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, traditional carols and a medley of spirituals. Dec. 11,
St. Vincent’s Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. 5pm and 7:30pm. $35–$75. chanticleer.org.
Na Leo Holiday Show Award-winning female Hawaiian vocal group returns to the North Bay for a family-friendly holiday performance that blends contemporary island hits and hula performance. Dec. 16. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 7:30pm. $35 and up. 866.955.6040.
Early Music Christmas: An English Celebration Led by Robert Worth and featuring organist David Parsons, the Sonoma Bach chamber choir offers its fifth annual Christmas concert, featuring 14th-century carols, late-Renaissance motets and movements from Handel’s Messiah. Includes a “BachGrounders” pre-concert talk. Dec. 16–17. Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 8pm; pre-concert talks begin at 7:25pm. $15–$25. sonomabach.org.
Napa Regional Dance Company’s ‘Nutcracker’ The 16th annual production is fun for all ages and features live music by the Symphony Orchestra of Northern California. Dec. 17–18. Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $25–$35. 707.944.9900.
Christmas Jug Band Annual appearance from the longstanding group of friendly Marin musicians brings a bluesy rock aesthetic to Christmas classics for two skewered and merry concerts of folksy scuffle swing. Dec. 18–19, Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. Sunday, 7pm; Monday, 8pm. $17–$27. 415.388.1100.
Dave Koz Christmas Tour Renowned saxophonist is beloved as much for his holiday shows as his contemporary jazz music. Koz brings guitarist Jonathan Butler and vocalists Kenny Lattimore and Valerie Simpson for his latest incarnation of his popular Christmas experience. Dec. 20. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 7:30pm. $40 and up. 866.955.6040.
