The San Jose Nutcracker is Home for the Holidays
December 12 through December 31 at 7 p.m.

If it’s December, it must be Nutcracker time. Visions of sugarplums and Silicon Valley landmarks will dance across the screen this holiday season when the New Ballet company presents The San Jose Nutcracker: Home for the Holidays, a festive yuletide treat streamed in partnership with Hammer Theatre Center. A twist on the classic Nutcracker tale tells the well-loved story of Clara and the Nutcracker while incorporating historical references to the heritage that has made Santa Clara the center of innovation it is today. The stream presented is a recording from a past production of The San Jose Nutcracker, danced live to a full orchestra, at the Hammer.

Presented in partnership with History San Jose, The San Jose Nutcracker: Home for the Holidays features choreography by New Ballet Artistic and Executive Director, ballet dancer and teacher Dalia Rawson, set to sections of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Owned by the City of San Jose and operated by San Jose State University, the Hammer Theatre Center is a state-of-the-art performance venue located in the heart of downtown San Jose

Information
Streaming starts at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 12 (with on-demand access through December 31).
For tickets, visit www.hammertheatre.com

Photo courtesy of Bari Lee

Celebrate Holiday Magic at Jack London Square in Oakland
Virtual Events Begin on Monday, December 7 at 7 p.m.
Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 11 at 7 p.m.

“Always Together: Lights Up for the Holidays – 5 Days of Celebration!” is the inspirational theme for this year’s holiday celebration in Oakland. While the holidays may look a little different this year, Jack London Square is eagerly anticipating the return of festive spirit and holiday cheer on the Oakland waterfront. The vibrant outdoor property will continue one of Oakland’s favorite holiday traditions with the countdown to the lighting of the spectacular 55-foot white fir tree in Jack London Square. Adorned with thousands of lights and hundreds of colorful ornaments, the 2020 tree marks more than 50 years of Carlton Christmas Trees delivering and installing the tree at Jack London Square.

Hosted by KTVU Fox 2 anchor Gasia Mikaelian, “Always Together: Lights Up for the Holidays – 5 Days of Celebration!” is a series of virtual events beginning at 7 p.m. each evening and featuring a variety of festive holiday entertainment, local artisans, and donation drives for local non-profits.

Information
(510) 645-9292
www.jacklondonsquare.com

Christmas Tree 2020 Photos Courtesy of Jack London Square

The Jewish Film Festival Celebrates Hanukkah
December 10 – 17

While you are enjoying devouring delicious latkes in the comfort of your home, enjoy the special presentation by the Jewish Film Institute (JFI) to mark its 40th anniversary by lighting up your personal high tech-screen with Jewish films for Hanukkah. Deemed the “eight days of illuminating programs,” the program starts with opening night on December 10 at 6 p.m. at the Fort Mason Flix pop-up drive-in, with the U.S. premiere of Howie Mandel: But, Enough About Me followed by an interview with Mandel and director Barry Avrich. The other films in the 40th anniversary Hanukkah celebration will be available for streaming throughout the festival: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive, Sublet, Film About a Father Who, A Crime on the Bayou, Jews in Shorts. “This year has made crystal clear to us that community, art and film have the ability to bring light and hope in challenging times,” says Lexi Leban, JFI’s executive director in a press release.

Information
$10-$15 per online film; $40-$70 for festival passes
Visit jfi.org
Call 415-621-0568 weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo of Howie Mandel is courtesy of JFI

Tesla Unveils its own Tequila

There is no end to Elon Musk’s creativity and his zest for exclusively-designed collectibles. The inventor of the popular Tesla electric car, then the mini red satin gym shorts (although, as a woman, I would select more attractive colors) priced at $69.420, surfboards, and now: the $250 bottle of Tesla Tequila. And not just the bottle, but the most exquisitely-design lightning-style glass sculpture container.

The drink, which sold out faster than you can say Tesla, is produced by Nosotros Tequila, a spirit brand in Southern California. Tesla Tequila is an exclusive, small-batch premium 100% de agave tequila añejo made from sustainably sourced highland and lowland agaves. Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, it features a dry fruit and light vanilla nose with a balanced cinnamon pepper finish. Best enjoyed as a sipping tequila. I am ready to sip it for sure! After the challenging year that 2020 has been, let’s greet the 2021 on a happier note. You and I deserve it! But my advice is that if you drink Tesla, do not drive Tesla. This tequila is potent.

Information
teslatequila@tesla.com
Must be 21 years old to purchase
Shipping included
https://teslatequila.tesla.com/

Photo courtesy of Tesla Tequila

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.