Onstage

Another Night Before Christmas

Book and lyrics by Sean Grennan, music by Leah Okimoto. Directed by Daren A.C. Carrolo. Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun (Nov 29, Dec 6), 7pm, Sun (Dec 13 and 20), 2pm. No show Nov 26. Thru Dec 20. $15-$40. City Lights Theater Company, 529 South Second St, San Jose, 408.295.4200.

Ballet San Jose Nutcracker

A seasonal tradition choreographed by Dennis Nahat. This production celebrates the very first San Jose/Cleveland version 30 years ago. Runs Dec 10-27. Matinees on Dec 12 and 22 are special one-hour versions for young audiences. Thu-Fri, 7:30pm, Sat, 1:30 and 7:30pm, Sun, 1:30pm, Tue (Dec 22 only), 1:30 and 7:30pm, Wed (Dec 23 only), 1:30pm, Thu (Dec 24), 1:30pm. No evening show Dec 26. No show Dec 24. $30-$85. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 408.288.2820.

The Christmas Ballet

A holiday tradition with samples of ballet, tap and swing presented by Smuin Ballet. Runs Dec 9-13. Wed-Fri, 8pm, Sat, 2 and 8pm. $18-$56. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 415.556.5000.

A Christmas Carol

The famed Dickens story is brought to life by Northside Theatre Company with all the trimmings. Opens Dec 9. Wed-Fri, 8pm, Sat, 5 and 8pm, Sun, 3 and 7pm (on Dec 24, 1pm only). Thru Dec 24. $15/$20. Northside Theatre Company, 848 E. William St, San Jose, 408.288.7820.

The Christmas Mouse

Mrs. Robinson wants to win the Gingerbread House contest, but the Christmas Mouse needs goodies to feed his family. An original play by MIchael Antonucci based on the music of Linda Arnold. Fri, Dec 11, 7pm, Sat, Dec 12, 11am and 3pm and Sun, Dec 13, 3pm. $7-$12. Santa Clara Players Theater, Triton Museum Hall Pavilion, Don and Warburton avenues, Santa Clara, 408.248.7993.

Christmas, My Way

A holiday musical revue featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra. Preview Thu, Dec 3, opens Fri, Dec 4. Regular shows Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun 2pm (plus 2pm Dec 12 and 19). Thru Dec 20. Call for ticket info. Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, 650.349.6411.

A Christmas Pudding

Bus Barn Stage Co. presents a holiday show based on classics by Dickens, Twain and others. Thu-Sat, 8pm (no show Nov 26), Sun (Nov 29 and Dec 6 and 13), 3pm, Wed (Dec 2, 9 and 16), 7:30pm. Thru Dec 19. $24-$32. Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos, 650.941.0551.

A Christmas Story

San Jose Rep brings back the popular holiday play about a young boy's desire for a Red Ryder BB gun, based on the Jean Shepherd story. (Saturdays starting Nov 28, after-hours events in lounge.) Preview Nov 25; opens Nov 27. Wed, 7:30pm, Thu-Fri, 8pm, Sat, 3 and 8pm, Sun 2 and/or 7pm. Thru Dec 20. $35-$69. San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, 408.367.7255.

A Civil War Christmas

A musical celebration of the American experience by Paula Vogel, presented by TheatreWorks. Preview Wed-Fri, Dec 2-4. Opens Sat, Dec 5. Regular shows Tue-Wed, 7:30pm, Thu-Fri, 8pm, Sat, 2 and 8pm, Sun, 2 and 7pm. Thru Dec 27. $24-$62. Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, 650.463.1960.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Presented by California Theatre Center for young holiday-minded audiences. Sat, Dec 5, 11am and 7pm. $11-$12. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale, 408.245.2978.

La Pastorela

The biennial presented by El Teatro Campesino of the Christmas play with live music and dance. Opens Nov 27. Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 4 and 7:30pm. Thru Dec 20. $14-$32. Mission San Juan Bautista, 408 Second St at Mariposa, San Juan Bautista, 831.623.2444.

Madeline's Christmas

It's the night before Christmas and everyone is sick in bed with the flu except brave Madeline, who feels just fine and must take care of the 11 other little girls and Miss Clavel "in the old house in Paris all covered with vines." Fri, Dec 11, 7pm, Sat, Dec 12, 11am, Fri, Dec 18, 7pm and Sat, Dec 19, 11am and 7pm. $11/$12. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale, 408.245.2978.

Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker

A classic version of the holiday favorite. Sat, Nov 28, 3pm. $27.50-$100. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 800.745.3000.

Oliver!

Children's Musical Theater San Jose Mainstage presents the story of Dickens' famous pickpocket Oliver Twist. Dec 4, 10-11, 7pm; Dec 5 and 12, 2 and 7pm; Dec 6, 1 and 6pm; Dec 13, 1pm. $16-$24. Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.792.4111.

San Jose Dance Nutcracker

Presented by San Jose Dance Theatre with more than 100 local children and young adults, plus music by Silicon Valley Symphony. Tue, Dec 1, 1pm, Fri, Dec 4, 10:30am and 7:30pm and Sat, Dec 5, 2 and 7:30pm. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose.

Palo Alto Children's Theatre Nutcracker

A festive holiday production. Dec 11, 7pm, Dec 12, 2 and 7pm, Dec 17, 4:30pm, Dec 18, 7pm, Dec 19, 2 and 7pm, Dec 20, 2pm. $5-$10. Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, 650.463.4970.

The Peninsula Youth Ballet's Nutcracker

The Peninsula Youth Ballet's rendition of the popular holiday ballet. Sat, Nov 28, 2pm, Sun, Nov 29, 2pm and Sat, Dec 5, 2pm. $15/$35. San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware, San Mateo, 650.631.3767.

Santa Clara Ballet Nutcracker

A full-length version done in a traditional style with local dancers and guest artists. Sat, Dec 12, 2 and 7pm and Sun, Dec 13, 1 and 5pm. $18-$28.50. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, 408.865.9780.

The Seafarer

San Jose Stage Company presents Conor McPherson's drama about men finding their way home and confronting their lives thanks to an unusual stranger. Wed-Thu, 7:30pm, Fri-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2pm. No show Thanksgiving Day. Thru Dec 20. $20-$45. The Stage, 490 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.7142.

Western Ballet Nutcracker

A joyful version of the famous seasonal ballet using both student and professional dancers. Also, the ballet hosts a Sweet Tea on Dec 5, 3pm, with costumed characters ($12.) Fri, Dec 4, 7pm, Sat, Dec 5, 1 and 7pm and Sun, Dec 6, 12 and 3:30pm. $25-$28. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.903.6000.

Winter Fairy Tale

Performed in the world famous Russian ballet style. Sun, Dec 20, 5pm. $28/$33. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.903.6000.

Concerts

Benjamin Britten Ceremony of Carols

Presented by the SJSU Choral program for the holidays. Sun, Dec 6, 3pm. $10-$25. Spartan Memorial Chapel, off Fourth St, San Jose, 408.924.4332.

El Camino Youth Symphony Holiday Concert

Camilla Kolchinsky leads the orchestra in a program of works by Kabalevsky, Reinecke and Tchaikovsky, with the spotlight on soloists Deborah Ahn and Alice Park (violin) and Pavitra Rengarajan (flute). Sun, Dec 13, 2:30pm. $6/$12. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 650.213.7111.

Family Christmas Special

A playful program of holiday favorites from the California Pops Orchestra, with narrator Alan Dale doing "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Sun, Dec 20, 3pm. $10-$30. Venture Christian Church, 16845 Hicks Rd, Los Gatos, 650.856.8432.

Fun Time Singers Winter Concert

A "Sounds of the Season" show. Fri, Dec 11, 7:30pm and Sat, Dec 12, 7:30pm. $10/$14. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 14103 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, 408.313.4205.

Handbell Choir

An afternoon of holiday tunes performed by the SFSU Handbell Choir. Sat, Dec 5, 1pm. Free. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, 650.299.0104.

Holiday Benefit Concert

SJSU Choral and Orchestral Departments perform Bach's Magnificat and works by Brahms, Beethoven and Arvo Part. Sat, Dec 5, 7:30pm. $15-$50. St. Joseph's Cathedral, 80 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.924.4332.

Holiday Jazz Concert

The San Jose Jazz Orchestra with guest vocalists from Opera San Jose performing jazzy Xmas tunes. Tue, Dec 15, 7:30pm. Free. Fairmont Hotel Regency Ballroom, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, www.sanjosejazz.org.

Horns for the Holidays

The Voice of Four Horns presents a night of original compositions and seasonal favorites for French horn. Tue, Dec 8, 7pm. $14/$21. Graham Theater at St. Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave, Mountain View, 650.969.4242.

Magnificat

A holiday program that re-creates a midnight mass from 17th-century Italy. Fri, Dec 4, 8pm. $12-$35. St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Rd, Menlo Park, 800.595.4849.

Michael McDonald

A holiday-themed evening of music by the former Doobie Brother. Sat, Dec 12, 8pm. $50/$65. San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St, San Jose, 408.792.4551.

Peninsula Women's Chorus

A holiday choral program called "Songs of Snow and Soul." (Also, Dec 12 at 2:30pm at St Mark's; and Dec 13 at 4pm at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park.) Sun, Dec 6, 7pm. $15/$18. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, 800.838.3006.

Ragazzi Boys Chorus

An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Sat, Dec 5, 5pm. $10-$25. First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Rd, Palo Alto, 650.342.8785. [secondary event] An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Sun, Dec 13, 4pm. $10-$25. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 1 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, 650.342.8785.

Robert Berry Band

With Hush. A benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank. Please bring donations of food items, cash or check Sat, Dec 5, 12:30-4pm. Santana Row, 400 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose.

Santana Row Chanukah

A celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights with activities every night. Fri, Dec 11, to Sat, Dec 18, 4:30pm (3:30pm Fridays). Santana Row, 400 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose.

Swingin' With Santa

A choral concert of holiday tunes presented by Studio Theatre of California in the Orchard City Banquet Hall. Sun, Dec 6, 7:30pm. Free, donations accepted. Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, 408.370.6639.

True of Carols

Mission City Opera Presents the premiere of Michael Taylor's new work, followed by Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors." Sat, Dec 5, 8pm and Sun, Dec 6, 8pm. $15-$45. Mission City Center for Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe St, Santa Clara, 408.749.7607.

Winchester Orchestra Holiday Extravaganza

Henry Mollicone conducts the orchestra in "Nutcracker" selections, Richard Addinsell's Warsaw Concerto and the world premiere of Stanley Hoffman's "The Lord Is My Shepherd." (Program repeats Sun, Dec 13, 7pm, Trinity Cathedral, San Jose.) Sat, Dec 12, 7:30pm. $7-$18. West Valley College Theatre, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, 408.866.5302.

Winter's Gifts: Hope

The Choral Project and the San Jose Chamber Orchestra celebrate the season with music in honor of our Latino communities, including songs from Spain and Latin America. Sun, Dec 20, 7pm. $20/$30. Mission Santa Clara, Santa Clara University campus, Santa Clara, 408.295.4416.

You-Sing-It Messiah

A community sing-along presented by San Jose Symphonic Choir. Mon, Dec 7, 7:30pm. $20. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.995.3318.

Youth Jazz Holiday Concert

A new generation of jazz players perform seasonal numbers. Performers include SJ Jazz High School Big Band and Latin Ensembles. Tue, Dec 1, 7:30pm. Free, donations accepted. Landmark Ballroom, 75 S. 11th St, San Jose, www.sanjosejazz.org.

Festivities

Christmas in the Park/Winter Wonderland

A San Jose tradition gets under way on Nov 27 at 5:30pm with tree-lighting. The displays are up thru Jan 1. Cesar Chavez Park, downtown San Jose. Plus rides at Paseo de San Antonio and the San Jose Rep Plaza.

Community Tree Lighting

With decorations and treats, with ornament donation trees. Mon, Nov 30, 4:30-6:30pm. Free. Four Seasons, 2050 University Ave, Palo Alto, 650.566.1200.

Destination Downtown

1stACT Silicon Valley hosts a holiday open house with local art, culture and entertainment in the new downtown condo residences: Axis, City Heights, The 88 and Three Sixty Residences. Fri, Dec 4, 5:30-7:30pm, 408.279.1775.

Fantasy of Lights

Vasona Lake County Park will be transformed into a magical wonderland with thousands of colorful twinkling lights, animated displays and holiday music. Nov 27-Dec 31, 6-10pm. $10/$15. 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, 408.355.2201.

Harvest Festival

A weekend of original art and crafts, with handmade gifts for the holidays. Bring a food donation for West Valley Community Services. Live entertainment by Cash Tribute and more. Fri, Nov 27, 9am-6pm, Sat, Nov 28, 10am-6pm and Sun, Nov 29, 10am-5pm. $4-$7. San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose.

Mommy and Me on the Row

Monthly kids club features holiday-themed activities and performances. Tue, Dec 8, 10am-noon. Free. Santana Row, 400 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose.

San Jose Holiday Parade

One of top 25 parades in the whole country, featuring helium balloons, floats and Santa. The theme is "Adventures in Toyland." Sun, Dec 6, 8:30am. Free. Downtown San Jose, Between S. Market and S. First streets, San Jose, 408.794.6200.

Santa and Wagon Rides

An old-fashioned visit with Santa and a Santa parade on Sun. At Tyson-Treehouse Courtyard. Sat-Sun, noon-2pm. Thru Dec 20. $10-$12 for horse-carriage rides. Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Ave, San Jose, 408.298.2100.

Santa Paws

Bring dog and cat friends to Park Valencia for keepsake photo with Santa. Benefits Humane Society Silicon Valley. Sun, Dec 6, 11am-2pm. Santana Row, 400 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose.

Skate Under the Palms

Annual chance to test out your blades. (Hours vary, generally noon to 1pm or midnight.) Thru Jan 18, 2010, noon. Call for prices. Circle of Palms, between the Fairmont and the San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, 408.291.0525.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Annual event to kick off the holidays. Fri, Nov 27, 6pm. Free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market St and Park Ave, San Jose.

Tree Teasures

A chance to created old-fashioned ornaments for the museum's tree. And kids can have their photo taken with Santa. Sat, Dec 5, 10am-4pm. Free. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, 650.299.0104.

Willow Glen Holiday Open House

Enjoy a holiday celebration downtown with complimentary refreshments. Lincoln between Minnesota and Coe. Fri, Nov 27, Sat, Nov 28 and Sun, Nov 29. Free. Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Ave, San Jose, 408.298.2100.

Chanukah

Chanukah Palooza 2009

Silicon Valley JCC presents holiday vendors, food and kids' activities for the festival of lights. Sun, Dec 13, noon. Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, 14855 Oka Rd, Los Gatos, 408.357.7497.

Hanukkah Hullabaloo

This afternoon of family fun includes games, food and fun. Presented by Palo Alto JCC. Sun, Dec 13, 3pm. $10-$17. Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 400 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, 650.223.8600.

Latkepalooza!

The Peninsula JCC welcomes Chanukah with crafts an games for children, and live music and wine tasting for adults. And, of course, lots of latkes. Klezmania performs. Sun, Dec 13, 1pm. Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City, 650.212.7522.

Light It Up!

Silicon Valley Hillel presents a Chanukah celebration for ages 21 and up. Features music, raffle prizes and an open bar. Please bring a nonperishable food donation. Sat, Dec 12, 9pm. $10-$15. Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 400 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, 650.223.8602.

Santana Row Hanukkah

A celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights with activities every night. Fri, Dec 11, to Sat, Dec 18, 4:30pm (3:30pm Fridays). Santana Row, 400 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose.

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