AN IRISH
CHRISTMAS
famous Ball Drop in Times Square. Shout outs
are given to different countries as they ring in
the new year and revelers partake in their corresponding
customs. Ball drops at noon, 1 p.m.
and 2 p.m. Tickets $14-$15. Children’s Discovery
Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408/298-5437.
NEW YEAR’S GAIETY WITH EDWIN OUTWATER
AND PEACHES CHRIST. Dec. 31, 8
p.m. Ring in 2019 with San Francisco’s famed drag
sensation Peaches Christ, and the SF Symphony.
Featuring a star-studded lineup of surprise guest
stars, delectable vocalists including Cheyenne
Jackson, and drag queens galore, you’ll be regaled
by big laughs, big fun, and even bigger hair.
Before the ball drops, kick off your New Year’s
celebrations at Davies Symphony Hall with a
festive evening of wicked sass and fabulous flair
fit for a queen. Tickets $55–$175. Davies Symphony
Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco,
415/864-6000. n
December 2018/January 2019 85
brass section as they fill the Hall with a festive
mix of classical and popular holiday favorites—a
thrilling performance sure to lift your spirits.
Tickets $29–$115. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van
Ness Ave, San Francisco. 415/864-6000.
DAVE KOZ CHRISTMAS. Dec. 19, 8 p.m. A
South Bay tradition, saxophonist extraordinaire
Dave Koz captures the spirit of Christmas. Special
guests include Mindi Abair, pop/blues saxophonist/
singer who will be making her first Christmas
Tour appearance; South African guitarist/singer
Jonathan Butler; Japanese keyboard sensation
Keiko Matsui; and Sheléa. Tickets $55–$95. City
National Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose,
408/792-4111.
‘TWAS THE NIGHT—A FESTIVAL OF CAROLS.
Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. Delight in a warm and
intimate holiday program and sing along with
your favorite seasonal tunes at Davies Symphony
Hall which will be cheerfully decorated for the
season. The festive stylings of the symphony’s
brass section and singers from the chorus, accompanied
by the Ruffatti organ will create Yuletide
memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets
$25–$90. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness
Ave, San Francisco. 415/864-6000.
KUNG PAO KOSHER COMEDY CHRISTMAS.
Dec. 23–25, times vary. Now celebrating its 26th
year, Kung Pao Kosher Comedy continues to
provide an answer to the age-old question, “What
are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?” The
legendary Jewish-comedy-on-Christmas-in-a-
Chinese-restaurant extravaganza has featured
Carol Leifer, Joseph Nguyen, Jordon Ferber and
event founder, Lisa Geduldig along with a lavish
feast of Chinese cuisine. Partial proceeds benefit
charities. New Asia Restaurant, 772 Pacific Ave.,
San Francisco. Tickets $52-$72.
NOON YEAR’S EVE ACROSS THE TIME
ZONES. Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate
the arrival of 2019 with the whole family with
a “countdown to noon across time zones,” the
Children’s Discovery Museum’s version of the
Dec. 20, 7 p.m. This spirited Celtic celebration
of Christmas sizzles with superb
dancing, singing, and traditional Irish
music. Featuring an award-winning cast
of Irish dancers led by Caterina Coyne
(principal dancer Riverdance), Connor
Reider (principal dancer Celtic Fyre, St.
Patrick’s Day in Ireland, The Chieftains),
and world champion Tyler Schwartz, this
unforgettable event offers an evening
of joy, hope, and laughter that will delight
the whole family. Tickets $25–$60.
Mountain View Center for the Performing
Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
650/903-6000.
DAVE KOZ CHRISTMAS
CAROLS IN THE CALIFORNIA
Dec. 15, 7 p.m. The Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale under the baton of Elena Sharkova presents
the 14th Annual “Carols in the California”, a festive program full of holiday cheer. Enjoy a
traditional sing-along with choir and brass ensemble and listen to performers from Symphony
Silicon Valley and SSV Chorale, all in the warm glow of the beautifully restored California Theatre.
Tickets $26–$36. California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. 408/286-2600.