.Time of the Season

Our selective guide to the North Bay arts, from Thanksgiving to Christmas

Swans a-Swimming: Events

Jewish Film Festival

The Jewish Community Center presents a season to remember in this 17th annual festival. Films include Hava Nagila, Reuniting the Rubins and A.K.A. Doc Pomus. Runs though Dec. 4 at Rialto Cinemas. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $10–$15. 707.528.4222.

Outdoor Skating

Dig out your ice skates for the opening of Napa’s full-scale outdoor skating rink. Open through Jan. 13. Second and Coombs streets, Napa. $12. 707.227.7141.

Napa Wine Train Thanksgiving

Take in the beauty of Napa Valley on a real-live train while enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving feast just like the one grandma made. Nov. 22, 4–8:30pm. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa. $119–$149. 800.427.4124.

Festival of Lights

Yountville is gloriously illuminated for this 23rd annual fest, featuring gourmet food and wine, a visit from Santa and carriage rides for an afternoon of holiday fun. Nov. 23, 2–6pm. Downtown Yountville, Washington Street. Free. 707.944.0904.

Heart of Sonoma Valley Open House

The 29th annual open house this year showcases 27 Sonoma Valley wineries, including Valley of the Moon Winery, Ledson and Imagery Estate, among many others. Friday–Saturday, Nov. 23–24, 11am–4pm. $45 per person both days; $10 designated driver tickets. www.heartofsonomavalley.com.

Napa Christmas Parade

Bundle up and enjoy evening parade of lighted holiday floats, then follow Santa to Oxbow Public Market for free hot chocolate and cookies. Nov. 24 at 5pm. First Street at Franklin Street, downtown Napa. Free. 707.257.0322.

Festival of Lights

Winetasting celebration with carols, wreaths, pizza by Rosso, movies, Santa and more. Nov. 24 at Trentadue Winery, 19170 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. 2–7pm. $15–$20. 707.433.3294.

Book Sale

River Friends of the Library is holding its annual holiday book sale and bake sale. Nov. 28–Dec. 1. Wednesday, 5–7:30pm; Thursday–Friday, 10am–4pm; Saturday, 10am–3pm. Special $3 per bag of books on Saturday. Guerneville Regional Library, 14107 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville. Free. 707.869.9004.

Winter in the Wineries

A “passport” to some of the best wineries in the Napa Valley gives carte blanche for up to 15 tastings and discounts at participating vendors in Calistoga. Nov. 30–Feb. 10. $50. 866.306.5588.

Napa B&B Tour & Taste Event

The bed and breakfasts of Napa invite you inside to savor select wines and tasty treats. Transportation and entertainment included. Dec. 1, 3–7pm. $65 per person. For a list of participating inns, see www.napaholidaytour.com.

The Blessing of the Olives

Many an olive will be blessed at Historic Sonoma Square. This laid-back event includes music and refreshments. Dec. 1 at 11am. East Spain Street and First Street East, Sonoma. Free. 707.996.1090.

Lighted Tractor Parade

This small-town event features a lineup of vintage tractors, trucks and other fun vehicles all sparkled up for the holidays. Santa makes an appearance. Dec. 1, 7–8pm. Downtown Calistoga. Free. 707.942.6333.

Luther Burbank Open House

Step into Luther Burbank’s former home and extraordinary gardens with a two-day open house. Cookies and spiced tea are served in the greenhouse by those in period costume. Kids can enjoy holiday crafts, free trolley rides and the crackling wit of the inimitable Dan Flock. Dec. 1–2, 10am–4pm. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, Santa Rosa and Sonoma avenues, Santa Rosa. $2. Ages 12 and older. 707.524.5445.

ICB Artists Winter Open Studios

The ICB Artists Association presents works of over 80 artists in the 44th annual Winter Open Studios, “Walk in an Artist’s Shoes.” Painting, fiber arts, sculpture, digital arts, photography, printmaking, fashion, jewelry and more are on display in the huge, iconic barrel-roofed structure on the Sausalito waterfront. Dec. 1–2, 11am–6pm. 480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito. 415.331.2222.

Hanukkah Hootenanny

Judd’s Hill Winery presents the seventh annual Hanukkah Hootenanny, featuring an “extravagant latke bar” and traditional jelly doughnuts. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Health Initiative Napa County. Dec. 4, noon–3pm. 2332 Silverado Trail, Napa. $40. 707.255.2332.

Windsor Holiday Celebration

Downtown Windsor buzzes with holiday cheer as folks enjoy train rides ($1), carriage rides ($1) and photos with Santa ($10), who is joined by Mrs. Claus when the tree is lit and the snow machines fire up on the town green. Dec. 6, 5–8pm. Town Green, Windsor. Free. 707.838.1260.

Light Up a Life

St. Joseph’s hospices honor lives lost with annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Petaluma’s takes place on Dec. 7 at Center Park (the strip of trees outside the Mystic Theatre on Petaluma Boulevard South); Santa Rosa tree-lighting events are on Dec. 8 in Railroad Square; Oakmont’s is on Dec. 9 at Star of the Valley Church. A light can be dedicated to a loved one with a $10 donation. Events are free. 707.778.6242.

Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade

A dazzling parade of sparkling boats shine on the Petaluma River to ring in the season. Dec. 8 at 6:30pm. Petaluma River Turning Basin, Petaluma. Free. 707.769.0429.

Napa Holiday Candlelight Tour

This year’s tour will showcase buildings designed by “Napa’s architect” Luther Turton, opening both residences and businesses to attendees in order to show the wide range of architectural styles. Dec. 8, 3–7pm. 1219 First St., Napa. $35–$40. 707.255.1836.

Partridge in a Pear Tree: Shopping

Holiday Make-In

Looking to give the gift with a personal touch? Make it yourself at this DIY event. Multiple art-making stations are hosted by local artists, featuring a wide range of favorite handmade holiday projects to involve the whole family. Nov. 17, 11am–4pm. $15. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.939.7862.

Healdsburg Holiday Party

Healdsburg’s downtown merchants open their shops and welcome everyone to indulge in food and wine while shopping for the perfect holiday gift. Nov. 23, 4–9pm. Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg. Free. 707.433.6935.

Rohnert Park Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire

The recreation department celebrates its 33rd year of hand-made holiday arts and crafts. Nov. 23–24, 10am–4pm. Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. Free. 707.588.3456.

Dance Palace Holiday Crafts Fair

Find unique, quality gifts at 41st incarnation of this shopping extravaganza. Talented artists provide jewelry, pottery, clothing and more for a fun day of seasonal shopping. Nov. 30, 4pm; Dec. 1, 10am–6pm; Dec. 2, 10am–5pm. Dance Palace, Fifth and B streets, Pt. Reyes Station. Free. 415.663.1075.

Sonoma Valley Craft Fair

The Christmas Market includes more than 25 different vendors in addition to church-sponsored food, craft and gift-wrapping. Joining six jewelry makers will be crafters offering painted, quilted, woven, knitted, crocheted, sewn and embroidered home and fashion accessories. Dec. 1, 10am–4pm. Free. Faith Lutheran Church, 19355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707.996.7365.

Muir Beach Quilters Holiday Arts Fair

Proceeds benefit the Muir Beach Quilters, who donate funds to many organizations that help those in need. A perfect complement to a day at the beach; free shuttle from Muir Beach parking lot. Dec. 1–2. Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Drive, Muir Beach. Free. 415.383.6762.

A Dickens of a Holiday Crafts Faire

Over 70 booths of handcrafted treasures, jewelry, household goods, ceramics and plenty more. Dec. 1–2. Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Finley Community Center, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. $2; under 18, free. 707.543.3737.

Marin County Antique Christmas Show

Enjoy a unique shopping experience through a bygone era of over 80 booths with antique, vintage and retro items, including home furnishings, garden decor, prints, paintings, clothes, books and more. Dec. 8–9. Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm. $6. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.499.6800.

Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire

Win special gift packages and taste delicious home-cooked food at this 27th annual fair showcasing the works of 35 talented local and regional artists. Dec. 8–9. Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Community Center. 3920 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. Free. 707.874.9407.

Goddess Crafts Faire

Handmade gifts by local and regional women while live music and good grooves abound. Dec. 15–16, 11am–7pm. Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $5–$13; kids free. 707.823.1511.

Maids a-Milking: For the Kids

Santa’s Riverboat Arrival

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat on the Petaluma River to greet excited children with candy canes before a horse-drawn procession through downtown kicks off the holiday season. Nov. 24 at noon. Turning Basin, Golden Eagle Shopping Center, 2-80 E. Washington Blvd., Petaluma. Free. 707.769.0429.

Ringing in the Season

Bring your family and join in the spirit of the season making holiday ornaments and decorating cookies. Dec. 8 at 2pm. Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville. Free. 707.944.0500.

‘Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail’

Join Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and the rest of the gang in this magical holiday tale produced by local youths for young audiences. Dec. 15–16 and Dec. 22–23. 11am and 2pm. Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg. $10. 707.433.6335.

VOENA: Drummer Boy

Angelic voices of this multicultural children’s a cappella choir, beautiful Victorian costuming and magical musical arrangements all come together to create a lively holiday celebration. Audience participation encouraged. Dec. 22 at 7:30pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $35. 707.226.7372.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Celebrate Kwanzaa with the African Roots of Jazz, featuring E. W. Wainwright and a room of dancing kids, on Dec. 26, 11am and 1pm. Free. Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 415.339.3900.

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Pipers Piping: Stage

MacHomer

Rick Miller performs Shakespeare’s Macbeth using 85 percent of the original script and 50 different voices from The Simpsons in what Miller is promising will be the last-ever presentation of the show. Nov. 17 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $10–$20. 707.226.7372.

Great Russian ‘Nutcracker’

Beloved Russian fairy-tale characters and larger-than-life puppets add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling. Dec. 23, 3pm and 7pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $28–$102. 707.546.3600.

‘Beauty & the Beast’

Fall under the spell of this classic story about the beautiful maiden, Belle, and the fierce Beast who holds her captive in his enchanted castle. Nov. 23–Dec. 8 at 7:30pm; weekend matinees, 1:30pm. Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. $10–$18. 707.527.4343.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

The Marin Theatre Company presents a live radio play of this holiday classic. Five actors perform the voices of a dozen characters while creating sound effects in this throwback to the 1940s. Nov 23–Dec. 16. Tuesday, Thursday–Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Wednesday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm and 7pm. $36–$57. Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415.388.5208.

‘The Nutcracker’

Contessi Ballet and the Petaluma North Bay Performing Arts Association present timeless holiday favorite featuring Hayley Hibbens as Clara and Ignacio Gonzalez as Drosselmeyer. Nov. 24 at 7pm and Nov. 25 at 2pm. Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $15–$25. 707.588.3400.

Clark Sterling’s Broadway Holiday

The best of Broadway meets the holiday season with Broadway veteran Clark Sterling, and singers Danielle Kane, Michelle Jordan, Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill and Robert Dornaus. Expect show-stopping hits from Wicked, The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera, among others. Nov. 24 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $20–$30. 707.226.7372.

‘Nightmare Before Christmas’

Travel back to Christmas Town with the Pumpkin King when Tamara Grose presents Tim Burton’s timeless movie as a whimsical ballet. Nov. 28–29 at 7pm. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $15–$20. 707.585.1137.

‘Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol’

Pegasus Theater presents Jacob Marley’s version of this classic tale by Tom Mula, directed by Mark Gregory. Told with laughter, terror and suspense by a cast of four. Nov. 30–Dec. 23. Friday–Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. Pegasus Theater. Rio Nido Lodge, 4444 Woods Road, Rio Nido. $5–$15; Fridays, pay what you will. 707.583.2343.

Holidaze in Hicksville

Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks kick off their annual “Holidaze in Hicksville Tour” in support of their Christmas album Crazy for Christmas. Classic favorites and some old hits reworked for the holiday season. Dec. 1 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $15–$25. 707.226.7372.

‘The Nutcracker’

The Stapleton Ballet presents its 24th performance of The Nutcracker, featuring vibrant new costumes and a magical tree that grows to over 40 feet. Dec. 1–2 at 1pm and 5pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $20–$32. 415.499.6800.

‘The Elves & the Shoemaker’

California Theatre Center presents the tale of two merry elves who arrive at a small village in the Black Forest to discover a poor shoemaker who clearly needs assistance. Recommended for grades K-5. Dec. 2 at noon. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St., Napa. $18. 707.259.0123.

Posada Navideña

The Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presents vibrant sounds and colors in a dance show celebrating the special traditions of a Mexican Christmas. Refreshments served at a traditional Posada celebration following the performance. Dec. 7 at 7pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $15–$20. 707.546.3600.

Mayflower Community Chorus

Feel the spirit and be inspired by this African-American tradition of vibrant gospel, blues and jazz harmonies from a full 45-piece chorus. Dec. 7–8 at 8pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $5–$20. 415.499.6800.

‘The Nutcracker’

Enjoy the magic of Ballet Califia’s 17th annual production of the Nutcracker live onstage. Features choreography from David McNaughton and Shelley Scott. Dec. 7–9. Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2:30pm and 8pm; Sunday at 2:30pm. Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $18–$25. 707.588.3400.

‘The Nutcracker’

The Marin Ballet delights with production featuring stunning sets, intricate costuming, over 175 dancers and a sweet story to captivate the young at heart. Meet the cast at the candy cane party after the show. Dec. 8–9. Saturday at 1pm and 7pm; Sunday at 1pm and 5pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $25–$40. 415.499.6800.

‘The Nutcracker’

Santa Rosa Dance Theater with the Santa Rosa Youth Ballet Company present the timeless tale of a bright-eyed Clara and her beloved nutcracker prince. Choreographed by SRDT artistic director Tamara Statkoun. Dec. 14–16. Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm and 7pm; Sunday at 2pm. Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $20–$25. 707.588.3400.

Twisted Christmas Live No. 10

The Bohemian‘s own David Templeton presents his annual offbeat lit-comedy-variety show, a fun alternative to the usual holiday fare. Some of the Bay Area’s funniest folks will share the weirdest holiday stories aloud. This year’s theme is “The End of the World Show!” Dec. 15 at 7:30pm. The Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. $20–$25. 707.568.5381.

‘Tapcracker’

Sherry Studio presents its 13th sensational year with this fun and offbeat performance. Students tap, jazz and hip-hop for a hilarious take on The Nutcracker that will keep you laughing throughout. Dec. 15 at 2pm and 5:30pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $12–$25. 415.499.6800.

‘Sophie & the Enchanted Toyshop’

Marin Dance Theatre performs this full-length, two-act children’s ballet in which a kindly toymaker gifts young Sophie with a magical journey to a beautiful snow kingdom. Meet the cast at the Teddy Bear Tea Party after the matinee. Dec. 15 at 1pm and 5pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $27–$36. 415.499.6800.

‘The Nutcracker’

Sebastopol Ballet presents 20th annual production, with complimentary sugar plum parties before matinees starting at 1pm. Dec. 21–23. Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm and 7pm; Sunday at 2pm. Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. $10–$20. 707.824.8006.

Drummers Drumming: Music

Dorado Schmitt & the Django Reinhardt Festival All-Stars

Legendary manouche gypsy guitarist Dorado Schmitt even looks the part of the two-fingered 1920s superstar guitarist Django Reinhardt. He heads a five-piece band in this tribute to the jazz master. Nov. 15 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $25–$30. 707.226.7372.

Angélique Kidjo

Grammy Award–winning music recording artist deemed “Africa’s premier diva” has collaborated with Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel and others. Nov. 16 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $35–$45. 707.226.7372.

Mickey Hart

Percussionist for the Grateful Dead translates the language of rhythm and speaks the word of the drums beneath his fingers. See what they have to say about the holiday season on Nov. 29 at 8pm. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St., Napa. $35. 707.259.0123.

Glen Campbell: The Goodbye Tour

The crooner Glen Campbell has lived an interesting 75 years, and on his last tour he sings, tells stories and reflects on his life. Featuring Victoria Ghost. Nov. 30 at 8pm. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St., Napa. $75. 707.259.0123.

Concerts by Candlelight

Stephen McKersie conducts the Marin Symphony Chamber Orchestra as its chorus members invite listeners to join in the heart-warming harmonies of the season. Dec. 1–2. Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday at 4pm. Church of Saint Raphael, 104 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. $25–$30. 415.479.8100.

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Dmitri Matheny Group

Flugelhornist Dmirti Matheny plays the sounds of the season with Clairdee on vocals and a jazz ensemble accompanying. Includes a farm-to-table dinner with wine. Dec. 2 at 3:30 pm. Longmeadow Ranch Winery, 738 Main St., St. Helena. $20. 707.963-4555.

Straight No Chaser

A hilarious take on the holiday season by the male a cappella group Straight No Chaser is sure to put the season in perspective. The YouTube sensation has jumped from the internet to the real world, and has made numerous television appearances in addition to touring. Dec. 2 at 7:30pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $39–$49. 707.546.3600.

Dick Dale

Legendary surf guitarist returns to Petaluma, this time with the Pyronauts. Dec. 6 at 8pm. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. $24–$26. 707.765.2121.

Chris-Mix

It’s the seventh annual Chris-Mix, featuring American Idol‘s Casey Abrams and Def Jam recording artist Ryan Star performing an acoustic set. Fundraiser for Children’s Village with the Pat Jordan Band opening. Dec. 6 at 8pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $12. 707.546.3600.

Raise the Youth

Benefiting Marin Youth Performers, this third annual Raise the Youth fundraiser will feature performance highlights from this past year’s musical theater productions and advanced teen musical ensembles. Dec. 7 at 7pm. $15–$60. 142 Throckmorton Theater, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Remarkable & Refined

World-renowned pianist Anton Nel is lauded for his delicate touch and virtoustic finesse. Dec. 7 at 7:30pm. Newman Auditorium, SRJC, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 415.392.4400.

Craicmore Celtic Yuletide Celebration

Joyful and heartfelt seasonal songs like “I Saw Three Ships,” “The Wassail Song” and “Sleigh Ride,” along with traditional Scottish and Irish music, trace the roots of some of America’s Christmas traditions to their Celtic origins. Dec. 8 at 8pm. $10–$22. Dance Palace, 503 B St., Point Reyes Station. 707.663.1075.

‘Amahl & the Night Visitors’

Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved operetta about a poor boy and his mother’s magical encounter with the three traveling wise men comes to life. Dec. 8–9. Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm. Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. $10–$15. 707.874.1124.

Posada Mexicana

This celebration features 30 folkórico dancers and 10 mariachis Ballet Folklórico Costa de Oro in a “south-of-the-border” celebration laden with seasonal accents, including a traditional Christmas processional (posada), Mexican holiday songs (villancicos) and many more acts. Dec. 9 at 2:30pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $20–$30. 707.226.7372.

Dave Koz

Jam on fresh lively seasonal favorites with smooth-jazz saxophonist extraordinaire and his magical combination of musicians, including David Benoit, Sheila E, Javier Colon and Margo Ray. Dec. 14 at 8pm. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $39–$69. 707.546.3600.

The English Beat

Nothing says “holidays” like second-wave ska, and nothing says second-wave ska quite like the English Beat. Dec. 15 at 8:30pm. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. $31. 707.765.2121.

Snoop Dogg

No one says “merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanzaa and a blazin’ New Year” quite like Snoop Dogg. Or is that Snoop Lion? Either way, a chance to see Snoop, who is rumored to be related to Peanuts character Snoopy (they’re both dogs, after all), is good any time of year. Dec. 15 at 9pm. $70. Phoenix Theatre, 501 Washington St., Petaluma. 707.762.3565.

Dwight Yoakam

His new album features collaborations with Beck and Kid Rock. But will he sing “Feliz Navidad”? Find out on Dec. 15 at 8pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $50–$90. 707.546.3600.

SingersMarin

Join Jan Pedersen Schiff and the seven youth and adult choral ensembles of SingersMarin for a performance of ‘Tis the Season: A Winter Fantasy. Caroling kids lead the audience in a sing-along throughout the show for a magical holiday concert. Featured guest artist this year is Golden Gate Brass. Dec. 16 at 4pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $20–$30; students and children are half-price. 415.499.6800.

Eileen Ivers: An Irish Christmas

“The future of Irish fiddle” and “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin.” She plays contemporary music with the Santa Rosa Symphony under the baton of Michael Berkowitz. Dec. 16 at 3pm. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $37–$80. 707.546.3600.

A Chanticleer Christmas

Spiritual sounds of the season sung by the male chorus known around the world as “the orchestra of voices.” Dec. 16 at 4pm and 6:30pm. St. Vincent Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. $35–$65. 415.252.8589.

Chris Isaak

Bay Area native Chris Isaak’s voice was made for Christmas carols, and it’s a probable 12-to-7 they’ll be in abundant supply for this concert. Dec. 16 at 8pm. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St., Napa. $75–$90. 707.259.0123.

Willie K

Hawaiian guitarist, singer and storyteller brings his Christmas show to the Opera House. Hawaiian food will be served in the Cafe Theatre before the show. Dec. 19 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $20–$30. 707.226.7372.

Windham Hill Winter Solstice

An annual holiday tradition, Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice presents some of the label’s most celebrated New Age and pop recording artists. Dec. 20 at 8pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $12–$20. 707.226.7372.

Narada Michael Walden

Grammy award-winning producer, drummer, performer and hit songwriter Narada Michael Walden is the real Santa Claus, and he’ll look the part in this “annual holiday jam beach party freak out” benefit for his music education foundation. Dec. 21 at 8pm. $75. 142 Throckmorton Theater, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Bootsy Collins & the Funk Unity Band

The Parliament-Funkadelic bassist brings peace, love and funky grooves to the world. No doubt the holiday spirit runs deep in this man’s veins—he released a Christmas album in 2006, called Christmas is 4 Ever. Dec. 21 at 7pm. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Main St., Napa. $45–$55. 707.259.0123.

The Christmas Jug Band

They’ve been called the “kings of folk-skiffle-swing holiday hijinks,” and the Christmas Jug Band is just that. Their jugabilly mystique is intriguing, and it sucks in even the most skeptical ears. Dec. 21–22. Friday at 8pm ($17–$24); Saturday at 9pm ($24). Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. 415.388.3850.

Sing-Along Messiah

Sing along with a hundred voices and a full orchestra to Handel’s Messiah while benefiting the music-education programs of the Santa Rosa Symphony in this 32nd installment of a Redwood Empire holiday tradition, conducted, as ever, by Dan Earl. Dec. 22 at 7:30pm. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $20–$25. 707.522.8786.

Nostalgia fest 2012

Victims Family, Punch the Clown, Coffee & Donuts, the Louies, Edaline, Headboard, Jr. Anti-Sex League, Seven Year Winter—remember these bands? What a holiday treat that they’d all reunite for one special night. It’s a Christmas miracle! Dec. 22 at 5pm. $10–$25. Phoenix Theatre, 501 Washington St., Petaluma. 707.762.3565.

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