San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker Is Ready to Dazzle

Now through December 29

I know you see The Nutcracker every year, introducing your kids and now grandkids to the beloved holiday tradition of a festive outing to see this colorful ballet at the historic War Memorial Theatre in San Francisco. But this year will feature brand new costumes designed for this year’s production by Janine McCabe, who created the costumes for the ballerinas to showcase the beauty of the “dancing flowers.” With the motto of “more movement and more color,” the brilliant designer has achieved the goal for you to be awestruck. Tchaikovsky would definitely be proud. Check out the San Francisco Ballet’s website about a number of exciting activities surrounding this magnificent classical ballet presentation. Time for our next outing to see Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the beautiful “Waltz of the Flowers” in this year’s Nutcracker performed by the spectacular San Francisco Ballet Company. Happy Holidays and hope all your dreams come true.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $39 to $399
415-865-2000
Sfballet.org
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco

Photo courtesy of SF Ballet

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Greet the New Year in the Afternoon Hours

December 31 at 11 a.m.

For a truly “zoo-nique” experience, join family, friends, and the happy zoo inhabitants for the early countdown to NYE. The midnight countdown may belong to the adults, but Happy Hollow’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration is all about outdoor fun for the little ones. On December 31, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo will celebrate the arrival of 2019 with award-winning magician Robert Strong, Danny the Dragon, sparkling apple cider, biodegradable confetti, music and dancing, and a magical “countdown to noon” ball drop. Did I mention the meet and greet of 150 animals, with the latest addition of Kianto, the zoo’s new jaguar? All fun is included with the price of admission. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a small 16-acre family-friendly zoo and amusement park which provides an affordable, conservation-centered outdoor adventure for families with children.

Tickets and Information
Price of admission is $9.25 to $14.25
408-794-6400
happyhollow.org
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
1300 Senter Road in San Jose

New Year’s Eve Celebration in “The Castle of Love”

December 31, 2018 at 7 p.m. through January 1, 2019 at 1 p.m.

Castello di Amorosa, an authentically-styled 13th century Tuscan Castle Winery in Napa Valley, is this year’s glamorous setting for a regal New Year’s Eve celebration with champagne, wines, gourmet dinner, dancing to live music, and a walk down the red carpet reminiscent of the Casino Royale. With the theme of the most popular James Bond movies You Only Live Twice, The World is not Enough, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Diamonds are Forever, the New Year’s Eve at Castello Di Amorosa will make the New Year’s festivities the most memorable in your life. Toast 2019 with a glass or a sparkling Spumante at midnight, followed by sweet wines and delectable and elegant desserts. Whether you are an international spy or a villain, do try to blend in – attire for this event is Black Tie Formal and you have to be 21 or older to attend. Splurge and book a neighboring hotel in Calistoga with the fine folks at Castello di Amorosa offering a complimentary shuttle, as at present time the real James Bond, aka Daniel Craig, is driving the only available Aston Martin DB5.  Happy New Year!

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $345 to $395
Reservations required
707-967-6274
castellodiamorosa.org
Castello Di Amorosa Winery
4045 St. Helena Hwy. in Calistoga

Photo courtesy of Castello Di Amorosa

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.