Events Around the Bay
December 8 – 27, 2022
On Christmas Eve 1944, audiences at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House witnessed the American premiere of The Nutcracker by the legendary composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. With the instant sensational success, the ballet launched a national holiday tradition.
And the dance goes on this season. Watch the lights dim, the music soar, the snowflakes swirl, the flowers dance, and the little girl’s dream about a whole new world as presented on the stage of The Nutcracker‘s magical production as a farewell tribute to the amazing choreographer Helgi Tomasson. Don’t miss this unique experience in San Francisco.
Fun Facts about Tomasson’s Nutcracker: Nutcracker features 83 Company dancers and 110 SF Ballet School students in 183 breathtaking costumes, the largest production in SF Ballet’s 90-year history. 150 pounds of “snow” are used for each performance, requiring at least 12 stagehands to deploy. The snow is also recycled from year to year, which means that some of it is from 2004, the year of the premiere. Nutcracker uses 45 stagehands while a typical triple-bill performance uses approximately 20. The houses on the street drop in Act 1 are based on San Francisco’s iconic “Painted Ladies.”
Tickets and Information
Visit www.sfballet.org; 415-861-5600
War Memorial Opera House; 301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of SF Ballet
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Holiday Party in Daly City
Now through December 18, 2022
A one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over four acres of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops.
It’s a twilight evening in Charles Dickens’ London Town ~ a city of winding lanes filled with colorful characters from both literature and history. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with handmade gifts. The Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970 and a splendid way to celebrate the holidays. The 38th edition of this fabulous event has expanded to include a whole new 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall adjacent to the Cow Palace main arena. This pre-show area – known as “Vauxhall Gardens” – features a beautifully decorated Victorian park-like setting with a skating rink and Christmas tree sales. Visitors may purchase hot spiced cider and refreshments, skate rentals, and even live Christmas trees. Meet and greet the regal Queen Victoria and her colorfully-attired royal entourage as they arrive at the iconic Cow Palace as it transforms into Dickens’ London for The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Holiday Party. Now in its 38th season, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair brings familiar characters to entertain, surprise, offer roasted chestnuts, and hearty fare. They will even dance with you (my favorite activity!) to the sounds of live music! Visitors can choose from seven stages offering entertainment for all ages and tastes: THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS; AMUSEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES; GOURMET FOOD AND DRINK; HOLIDAY MARKET and much more.
Information
dickensfair.com
The Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
2600 Geneva Avenue in Daly City
Photo courtesy of Lina Broydo
Italian Christmas with Pasquale Esposito and SJSU University Orchestra Conducted by Maestro Fred Cohen
December 17 at 8 p.m.
With the endless passion for music, for people and for life Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito, known to the audiences as the California Caruso, returns to the historic Montgomery Theater with a new program: “Christmas in Italy”.
Backed by the outstanding SJSU Orchestra, conducted by the brilliant Maestro Fred Cohen, Pasquale will take the audience on a musical journey celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. The repertoire will include both traditional and popular Christmas songs and seasonal favorites.
Pasquale will share the traditions and music that are distinct to his rich Italian culture. The multi-media production will include special guests and a fun filled program for the entire family. Kick off the season of giving and enjoy the holiday spirit with Pasquale’s impressive vocals and charismatic story-telling. A portion of the profits will benefit Notable Music and Arts Organization, a non-profit promoting music education.
Information
408-528-6308
Pasqualeesposito.com
Montgomery Theater in Downtown San Jose
Aloha Roller Skating in Downtown San Jose
Now through January 8, 2023
No need to fly to Hawaii… The Aloha Roller Skating Downtown Rink is replacing the Downtown Ice Skating Rink this holiday season. Same place and even more fun!
Produced by Aloha Fun Center in partnership with San Jose Downtown Association and with funding from the City of San Jose with Google as its presenting sponsor, the design of inner and outer rings around 32 palm trees lit with programmable LED lights will be familiar to anyone who skated previously at the ice rink. There will be two areas for skaters to rest on benches between the palms and retro design elements to play off a “roller disco” theme. The popular Snowman Hot Chocolate cabin is again next door to the rink which will be at plaza level rather than on a raised platform. Not only will the skaters be able to rest on benches right between the palm trees, but the trees themselves will appear taller and more majestic. Hopefully the innovative Googlers will design a huge umbrella to protect the skaters from the rain.. just in case…
Information
Rink information at alohadowntownskate.com or sjdowntown.com. Tickets: $20 per person. In lieu of sessions, skaters receive a color-coded wristband which allows them to skate up to 90 minutes.
The location is just across the street from Christmas in the Park and is ideal for a fun family-oriented activity. Circle of Palms, 120 S. Market St.
Photos courtesy of San Jose Downtown
Lina Broydo
