Nutcracker Celebrates 75 Years in San Francisco
December 11 through December 29, 2019

Is it December? Then it must be Nutcracker time! Enter a world of dreams and join Clara on her journey to the magical realm of the Snow Queen and the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The superb dancing and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score have captivated audiences since 1944, when the Nutcracker found its way to the stage of the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. Filled with vibrant costumes, engaging sets, and delightful choreography, this Nutcracker is sure to delight children and adults of all ages! This holiday season, treat your family and friends to extraordinary performances by San Francisco Ballet and a number of other local and touring ballet companies.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $25 to $300
415-865-2000
sfballet.org
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco
Photos courtesy of Erik Tomasson

The Magic of the Holidays at Filoli Historic Estate and Gardens
November 23 through December 30, 2019

Enjoy “Holidays at Filoli” in all its splendor! Nominated for the Best Historic Home Tour Award in USA Today’s “10 Best Readers Choice Award,” it’s the perfect place to start your holiday season! Filoli’s delicious Holiday Teas are the highlight of my annual visits to the stunning the Woodside Estate. Don’t miss the family-friendly events with Santa, live music performances, dining opportunities, and the exciting lighting display.

And did I mention the fabulous shopping experience for amazing gifts in the estate’s Gift Pavilion and Artisan Market? The gardens at Filoli offer a unique and festive background for family portraits, perfect for holiday cards. In addition to special holiday events, Filoli also offers holiday-themed adult classes as part of its year-round education programs. Filoli is now booking holiday events for 10 to 2,000 guests. Host your holiday office party or personal celebration at Filoli and help your guests create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tickets and Information
For complete details on this year’s “Holidays at Filoli” program and to purchase tickets please visit filoli.org or call 650-364-8300
Filoli Historic House and Garden
86 Canada Road in Woodside

Photos courtesy of Filoli Historic House and Garden

Robert Mondavi Winery Tree Lighting And Celebration
December 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience the Robert Mondavi Winery’s hospitality at events celebrating the release of a new vintage, a harvest party, and events to benefit the Napa Valley Food Bank. Enjoy horse and buggy rides, holiday caroling, wine tasting, hot apple cider, Italian cookies, and charcuterie appetizers. A true holiday tradition.

Tickets and Information
Admission is $25 per person.
Reservations not required.
(888) 766-6328, ext 2
robertmondaviwinery.com
Complimentary admission for each guest who brings a bag of non-perishable food items for the Napa Valley Food Bank. (Please: No glass containers)
Robert Mondavi Winery
7801 Saint Helena Highway in Oakville

Salute to Vienna: New Year’s Concert in San Francisco
December 30 at 8 p.m.

Waltz into 2020 with Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert – this dazzling performance of the golden age of Viennese music is brimming with energy and romance. Led by a witty and entertaining conductor who is an expert of Viennese music, “Salute to Vienna” brings the music of Johann Strauss to life with
European singers from Vienna and Copenhagen and International Champion Ballroom and Ballet Dancers from Austria. Start a new year by enjoying waltzes and operetta hits.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $35 to $159
415-392-4400
CityBoxOffice.com
salutetovienna.com/sanfrancisco
Davies Symphony Hall
301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco

Photo courtesy of Salute to Vienna

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.