THE NUT CRACKERS ALL AR OUND THE B AY SAN FR ANCISCO B ALLET Dec. 16–31, times vary. A San Francisco tradition since 1944, “Nutcracker” tells everyone’s favorite holiday story with the help of an international cast of world-class dancers. Ticket prices vary. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. SAN JO SE D ANCE THEA TRE Dec. 4–6, times vary. San Jose Dance Theatre presents its 50th production of “The Nutcracker.” This is the only “Nutcracker” production in San Jose with a live orchestra. It features students from across Silicon Valley as well as San Francisco Ballet’s Tiit Helimets and Sasha De Sola. Tickets $25–$58. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 831/656-9507. SILICON V ALLEY B ALLET Dec. 12–27, times vary. Brimming with bravura dancing and just the right amount of gingerbread to put even Ebenezer Scrooge in the holiday spirit, this is the traditional “Nutcracker” to see. Tickets $25–$110. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden WESTERN B ALLET Dec. 4–5, times vary. Join Clara, Fritz and friends as they celebrate this festive season with the magic of Drosselmeyer, toys that come alive and Clara’s enchanting visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. Tickets $25–$30. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/903-6000. JACK LONDON SQUARE TREE LIGHTING. December 2015/January 2016 85 RICH YEE LOS G ATOS B ALLET Dec. 4–6, times vary. Filled with vibrant costumes, sets and choreography, this Nutcracker is sure to delight all ages. The San Jose Youth Symphony will provide a live philharmonic orchestra, and the youth cast will be joined by principal dancers from the San Francisco Ballet. Tickets $20–$52. Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 800/745-3000. MOSCOW B ALLET Dec. 18, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This lively production takes place in composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s native land and includes Russian named characters, folk legends Ded Moroz and Snegurochka and life-size Matrushka dolls. Tickets $28–$122. Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 800/745-3000. PALO AL TO CHILDREN’ S THEA TRE Dec. 10–20, times vary. Join Clara on the journey from her family party to the Land of Sweets, filled with swirling snowflakes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved music. Tickets $12–$14. Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 650/463-4970. PENINSULA B ALLET Dec. 19–21, times vary. Delight and enchant your family at this lavish performance featuring some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful, talented and athletic professional dancers. Meet the dancers on stage following every performance. Tickets $30. Fox Theatre, 2221 Broadway St., Redwood City. 650/369-7770. 415/865-2000. Blvd., San Jose. 408/288-2800. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Just as many cities celebrate the change of seasons by lighting landmarks, the Santa Clara University choirs join with lighting designer Carolyn Foot in a program about and featuring light . Enjoy holiday favorites and exciting new directions in repertoire. Tickets $5–$15. Mission Santa Clara de Asís, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 408/554-4015. HAWAIIAN AIRLINES/KRISTI YAMAGUCHI DOWNTOWN ICE. Through Feb. 7, times vary. Celebrate the holiday season by gliding around this outdoor ice skating rink in Downtown San Jose. Tickets $13–$17. Circle of Palms, 120 S. Market St., San Jose. 408/291-0525. CHRISTMAS AT OUR HOUSE. Dec. 3–5, times vary. Fans of this annual tradition eagerly look forward to the event that features a Christmas party with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a tour of three distinctive Portola Valley and Woodside homes decorated for the holidays, as well as Christmas boutiques. Tickets $25–$125. Various locations, Los Altos Hills. Visit sfhs.com. FANTASY OF LIGHTS. Dec. 4–31, 6 to 10 p.m. (Drive-through); Dec. 19, 4 to 9 p.m. (Walk-through). Vasona Lake County Park converts into a magical drive-through spectacle to be enjoyed from the warmth of your car. Tune in to a special radio station for audio that accompanies your 1.5-mile drive by animated holiday displays. Ticket prices vary. Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. 408/335-2201. DICKENS FAIR Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party. Through Dec. 20, times vary. Go on a oneof a-kind holiday adventure into Victorian London. This elaborate party features hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically lit music halls, pubs, dance floors and Christmas shops. Tickets $8–$30. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Ave., San Francisco. 800/510-1558. Dec. 4, 5 to 7 p.m. Ring in the holiday season at this annual tree lighting ceremony on the Oakland waterfront. Enjoy reindeer, Santa Claus, holiday music, entertainment, treats and the lighting of a 55-foot Mount Shasta fir tree covered in 5,000 lights and 600 ornaments. Free. Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakland. 510/645-9292.
South Bay Accent - Dec 2015/Jan 2016
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