Nuts!

Ballet America Nutcracker Clara follows her Nutcracker prince through various candy-laden lands. Dec. 1, 7:30pm. $16-$37. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. 650.363.8581.

Ballet San Jose Nutcracker Watch as Clara searches for her beloved Nutcracker in this performance by Ballet San Jose. Opens Dec. 14. Wed-Fri, 7:30pm (plus 1:30pm Dec. 21-22) and Sat-Sun, 1:30 and 7:30pm (1:30pm only Dec. 24). Thru Dec. 24. $25-$78. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose. 408.288.2800.

The Christmas Ballet Smuin Ballet presents its version. Nov. 29- Dec. 1, 8pm, Dec. 2, 2 and 8pm and Dec. 3, 2pm. $40-$55. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.

The Meshuga Nutcracker National Jewish Theatre Festival performs this musical featuring original lyrics set to the music of Tchaikovsky, celebrating Chanukah. Dec. 23, 7:30pm, and Dec. 24-25, 1 and 5pm. Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St, San Jose. 877.456.4TIX.

Nutcracker Ballet The Fremont Symphony Orchestra and Yoko's Dance and Performing Arts Academy perform. Dec. 1, 7pm and Dec. 2-3, 2 and 7pm. $20-$42. Smith Center, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont. 510.794.1659.

Peninsula Ballet Theatre Nutcracker This holiday ballet tradition is performed with backing music from the Peninsula Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Dec. 9, 7:30pm, Dec. 10, 2pm, Dec. 15, 7:30pm, Dec. 16, 2pm and Dec. 17, 2pm. $6-$60. San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware, San Mateo. 650.340.9448.

Peninsula Youth Ballet Nutcracker The dance troupe celebrates its 13th annual performance of this holiday ballet. Dec. 2-3, 2pm. $15-$35. San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware, San Mateo. 800.595.4849.

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker The SF Ballet presents the Christmas favorite. Opens Dec. 14. Wed-Sat, 2 and 7pm (7pm only Dec. 14). Times vary Sun. Thru Dec. 31. $18-$102. San Francisco Ballet Building, 455 Franklin St, San Francisco. 415.553.4672.

San Jose Dance Theatre Nutcracker Clara mends her broken Nutcracker prince. Dec. 8, 7:30pm, Dec. 9, 2 and 7:30pm and Dec. 10, 1pm. $18-$45. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose. 408.286.9905.

Santa Clara Ballet Nutcracker Performed by local dancers and guests Brook Broughton and Andre Reyes. Dec. 9, 2 and 7pm and Dec. 10, 1 and 5pm. $18-$28.50. Santa Clara Convention Center Theater, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara. 408.881.0879.

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Nutcracker A performance of Tchaikovsky's holiday masterpiece. Dec. 15, 8pm, Dec. 16, 1 and 7pm and Dec. 17, 1 and 4:30pm. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz. 831.420.5260.

A Taste of the Nutcracker Dancers from the Western Ballet perform excerpts of the beloved tale. Dec. 2, 1 and 2pm. Children's Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408.298.5437.

Western Ballet Nutcracker This traditional holiday ballet features world-premiere choreography by Gonzalo Espinoza. Dec. 8. 7pm and Dec. 9-10, 1 and 6pm. $18-$23. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.

Seasonal Stage

A Christmas Carol Northside Theatre Company performs this stage adaptation of Dickens' classic about reprioritizing one's desires. Previews Dec. 6, 8pm. Thu-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 3pm. Thru Dec. 24. $12-$15. Northside Theatre Company, 848 E. William St, San Jose. 408.288.7820.

A Christmas Carol An American Family Theater presentation. Dec. 9, 11am, 1 and 3pm. $8-$16. Montalvo's Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga. 408.961.5858.

A Christmas Carol Peninsula Youth Theatre takes Scrooge on a trip to visit the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come. Dec. 15, 9:30 and 11am and Dec. 16, 11:30am and 1:30pm. $6-$7. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.

Christmas Dreamland American Musical Theater San Jose presents the story of a boy who wakes up in a magical Christmas world. Wed, 7pm (plus Dec. 20, 2 and 7pm), Thu, 2 and 7pm (7pm only Dec. 7), Fri, 8pm, Sat 2 and 8pm, Sun 1 and 6:30pm (1pm only Dec. 24) and Tue, 7pm (plus 2pm Dec. 5 and 12). Thru Dec. 24. $48-$73. Campbell Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell. 888.455.SHOW.

A Christmas Story The popular movie gets a stage redo by San Jose Repertory Theatre. Wed, 11am and 8pm (8pm only Nov. 29, Dec. 20 and 27), Thu-Fri, 8pm, Sat, 3 and 8pm, Sun, 2 and 7pm and Tue, 7:30pm. Thru Dec. 30. $28-$56. San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408.367.7255.

A Christmas Twist This holiday spoof, combining A Christmas Carol with Oliver, is performed by City Lights Theater Company. Thu-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 2pm (Dec. 10 and 17 only) and 7pm (Dec. 3 only). Plus Dec. 20, 8pm. Thru Dec. 22. $20- $35. City Lights Theater Company, 529 S. Second St, San Jose. 408.295.4200.

El Virgen del Tepeyac A holiday tradition performed by El Teatro Campesino. Thu-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 4 and 7:30pm. Thru Dec 17. $14-$32. Mission San Juan Bautista, 408 Second St, San Juan Bautista. Ticketguys.com.

The Elves and the Shoemaker This holiday classic about elves who help a poor shoemaker is performed by California Theatre Center. Dec. 1, 7:30pm and Dec. 2, 11am and 7:30pm. $11-$12. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale. 408.245.2978.

The Gift Notre Dame de Namur University's theater department performs this musical version of A Christmas Carol, featuring a score by Alan Menken. Gala performance Dec. 8, 7pm; $40. Thu-Fri, 7:30pm, Sat, 2 and 7:30pm and Sun, 2pm. Thru Dec. 17. Free. Notre Dame de Namur University Theatre, 1540 Ralston Ave, Belmont. 650.508.3456.

The Glorious Gift of Christmas A Christmas musical extravaganza, directed and produced by Ron Ketelsen. Opens Dec. 7. Thu-Sat, 7pm and Sun, 2pm. Thru Dec 17. $10-$12. St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1025 The Dalles Ave, Sunnyvale. 408.737.7218.

Keep the Yuletide Gay Theatre Q performs this story of five friends gathering for their annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange and the mayhem that ensues. Thu-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 2pm. No show Dec. 24. Thru Dec. 30. $10-$25. Dragon Theatre, 535 Alma St, Palo Alto. 415.439.2456.

Madeline's Christmas The French orphan celebrates the season of Christmas taking care of Miss Clavel and 11 other girls in a California Theatre Center production. Dec. 9, 11am, Dec. 15, 7:30pm and Dec. 16, 11am. $11-$12. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale. 408.245.2978.

Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge Watch the merry mayhem unfold in this humorous holiday parody, performed by Bus Barn Stage Company. Wed, 7:30pm (Dec. 6 and 13 only), Thu-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 3pm (Dec. 3 only). Thru Dec. 16. $22-$30. Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Rd, Los Altos. 650.941.0551.

Nuestra Navidad A family Christmas dance show by Aztl·n Academy and Kaisahan of San Jose Dance Company featuring music and dance of Mexico and the Philippines. Dec. 15-16, 8pm and Dec. 17, 3pm. $10-$20. Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St, San Jose. 408.984.0342.

The Snow Prince An original holiday musical about a mysterious king, a brave prince and an enchanted forest. Dec. 16, 7pm and Dec. 17, 9am. Free. Los Gatos Christian Church, 16845 Hicks Rd, Los Gatos.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance bring Clement Moore's holiday poem to life. Dec. 9, 12:30 and 3:30pm and Dec. 10, 1 and 4pm. $12-$16. Woodside High School, 199 Churchill Ave, Woodside. 650.323.5292.

Season's Classics

Bay Area Showcase Chorus A Winterfeast of Music. Voices of the Valley and Voices in Harmony join the chorus for this holiday musical performance. Dec. 2, 7pm. $20-$30. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. 408.998.TIXS.

California Youth Symphony Works by Strauss, Copland, Saint-Saëns and Massenet, along with holiday classics. Dec. 3, 2:30pm. Free. Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills. 650.325.6666.

Cantabile Chorale Holiday- and winter-themed poems set to music, along with traditional carols and the Nutcracker Suite performed in vocal harmony. Dec. 15, 8pm. $6-$25. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto. 650.424.1410.

Cantabile Youth Singers "Holidays With Cantabile." Performing Vivaldi's Gloria and other holiday classics with the Ives String Quartet. Dec. 2, 7:30pm. $6-$50. St. Joseph's Cathedral, 80 S. Market St, San Jose. 650.424.1410.

A Celtic Christmas Celebration Celtic Society of Monterey Bay presents performances from Molly's Revenge, Jesse Autumn and the Prince Charles Grade 1 World Champion Bagpipe Band. Dec. 15, 7:30pm. $18-$20. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose. 408.847.6982.

A Chanticleer Christmas Traditional carols along with medieval and Renaissance pieces, performed by the a cappella youth ensemble. Dec. 12-13, 8pm. $22-$44. Stanford Memorial Church, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.725.ARTS. Also Dec. 15, 6 and 8:30pm. $22-$44. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 415.252.8589.

Children's Christmas Concert Featuring children's choirs, a bell choir and the Chancel Choir performing choral songs and Christmas carols. Dec. 3, 6pm. Free. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. 650.321.7136.

A Christmas Celebration Notre Dame de Namur University music students perform holiday songs. Dec. 8, noon. Free. Herzo Recital Room, Notre Dame de Namur University, 1500 Ralston Ave, Belmont. 650.508.3500.

A Christmas Oratorio With a 60-voice choir and instrumentalists. Dec. 9, 7:30pm. $10. Ananda Church, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650.323.3363.

Christmas Spectacular A musical celebration of Christmas, including a 100-voice choir and full orchestra. Dec. 8, 8pm and Dec. 9-10, 3 and 7pm. Bethel Church Life Center, 1201 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose. 408.246.6790, ext. 114.

Cupertino Symphonic Band The band performs its winter holiday concert. Dec. 17, 3pm. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd, Cupertino. 408.262.0471.

Dickens Carolers Christine Nielsen directs Peninsula Youth Theatre's Dickens Carolers, dressed in traditional Victorian wear. Dec. 16, 2pm. Children's Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408.298.5437.

El Camino Youth Symphony A holiday concert with ECYS Concerto Competition winners Timothy Yu, Stephanie Tsai, Lily Tsai and Saranya Sethuraman. Dec. 17, 7:30pm. $5-$10. Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto. 650.327.2611.

Feed My Sheep More than 10 multifaith musical ensembles perform at this Christmas concert, benefiting Second Harvest Food Band and Toys for Tots. Dec. 16, 7-9pm. Free; nonperishable food items and unwrapped gift donations appreciated. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints San Jose, 1336 Cherry Ave, San Jose. Also Dec. 17, 7-9pm. Free; nonperishable food items and unwrapped gift donations appreciated. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4977 San Felipe Rd, San Jose.

Festival of Lights The SCU Choir performs a concert of holiday classics, along with Chanukah music, Spanish carols and more. Dec. 1-2, 8pm. $10-$12. Mission Church, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara. 408.554.4000.

Fun Times Singers "Reflections of Peace," a holiday concert of hope and beauty. Dec. 15-16, 8pm. $10-$14. First Congregational Church of San Jose, 1980 Hamilton Ave, San Jose. 408.313.4205.

Handel's Messiah Mission City Opera performs this holiday favorite sing-along as a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank. Dec. 3, 7pm. $10 with a can of nonperishable food. United Methodist Church, 1700 Lincoln across from the Town Center, Santa Clara. 408.749.7607.

Harps for the Holidays Harpeggio performs holiday music on harps. Dec. 9, 4pm. $10-$15. Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos. 408.366.8810.

A Holiday Celebration Peninsula Symphony and the Stanford Symphonic Chorus present seasonal works by Dvor·k and Handel. Dec. 1, 8pm and Dec. 3, 1:30pm. $20. Stanford Memorial Church, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.941.5291.

Holiday Choral Concert The De Anza College Vintage Singers, Chorale and Women's Chorus soar on works by Handel, Britten and Rutter. Dec. 10, 7:30pm. $7-$10. Union Church of Cupertino, 20900 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. 408.864.8879.

Holiday Concert Members of the San Francisco Symphony perform pieces by Beethoven, Schumann and Schubert. Dec. 17, 7pm. $50-$65. Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr, Burlingame. 650.762.1130.

A Holiday Gala Opera Institute of California presents this evening of operatic selections from various operas, as well as holiday classics. Dec. 21, 7:30pm. $15. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose. 408.993.2290.

Holiday Musicale The chamber chorale and chamber orchestra perform. Dec. 9, 2:30pm. $5-$10. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Bldg 500, Stanford University. 650.725.2787.

Messiah Sing Schola Cantorum hosts this sing-along of Handel's holiday classic. Dec. 11, 7:30pm. $12-$16. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.

Mission College Chorus Mary Linduska directs the chorus in a program of holiday favorites. Dec. 6, 7:30pm. $5; free with student ID. Hospitality Management Building, Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara. 408.885.5285.

Morgan Hill Wind Symphony A concert of holiday-themed pieces. Dec. 3, 7:30pm. Free. Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. 408.842.6130.

Peninsula Cantare "Music From the Americas." Featuring holiday works from around the world by, Mechem, Berger and others. Dec. 3, 3pm. $12-$15. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 178 Clinton St, Redwood City.

Peninsula Pops Orchestra Music from holiday films White Christmas, The Polar Express and Home Alone, along with other holiday works. Dec. 9, 7:30pm and Dec. 10, 3pm. $10-$20. Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto. 650.856.8432.

Peninsula Women's Chorus "Carols, Lullabies, Landscapes," a concert exploring the moods of winter. Dec. 9, 8pm and Dec. 10, 4pm. $15-$20. St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Rd, Menlo Park. 650.327.3095. Also Dec. 17, 3pm. $15-$20. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 650.327.3095.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra The orchestra performs Bach's Christmas Oratorio, with various guest vocalists. Dec. 1, 7:30pm. $29-$67. First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto. 415.252.1288.

Quadre "Horns for the Holidays." The horn quartet performs holiday favorites and music for four horns and band, featuring local students. Dec. 12, 7pm. $7-$15. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.

Ragazzi Boys Chorus "A Festival of Carols!" The male youth chorus sings holiday classics. Dec. 10, 5pm. $10-$25. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 415 El Camino Real, Burlingame. 888.RAGAZZI. Also Dec. 16, 5pm. $10-$25. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 178 Clinton St, Redwood City. 888.RAGAZZI.

A Renaissance Christmas The San Francisco Early Music Society hosts the seven-member group Voces Musicales. Dec. 15, 8pm. $22-$25. First Lutheran Church of Palo Alto, 600 Homer Ave, Palo Alto. 510.528.1725.

Robert Huw Morgan The university's organist performs seasonal works for organ and voice, featuring soprano Ruth Escher and bass Jeffrey Fields. Dec. 10, 1:30pm. Free. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Bldg 500, Stanford University. 650.723.2927.

San Jose Brass Plus Members of Symphony Silicon Valley perform holiday arrangements, honoring English composer Malcolm Arnold and celebrating the English Brass Band tradition. Dec. 3, 7pm. $26-$32. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose. 408.286.2600, ext. 23.

San Jose Symphonic Choir "You-Sing-It Messiah." The choir and a professional orchestra invite the audience to sing along at this 27th annual event. Dec. 11, 7:30pm. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose. 408.286.2600, ext. 23.

Santa Clara Chorale "Comfort and Joy." An afternoon of carols and Christmas favorites. Dec 9, 8pm and Dec 10, 4:30pm. $5-$20. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 408.369.1289.

Santa Cruz Chorale "Season of Praise, Season of Splendor." Works by Monteverdi, Mendelssohn, Part and others. Dec. 8, 8:30pm and Dec. 10, 4pm. Holy Cross Church, 126 High St, Santa Cruz. 831.427.8023.

Schola Cantorum "Now Is the Time." A holiday concert with Menlo Brass Quintet. Dec. 10, 4pm. $18-$22. Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos. 650.254.1700.

A Scottish Christmas Featuring Bonnie Rideout. Dec. 8, 7pm. $28-$45. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. 408.961.5858.

Season of Hope Nightly performances celebrating the holidays. Daily, 7 and 8pm. Dec. 12-23. Free. St. Joseph's Cathedral, 80 S. Market St, San Jose. 408.283.8100, ext. 95.

A Service of Lessons and Carols Gregory Wait directs the Memorial Church Choir and the University Singers in a program of carols and hymns, plus chants and works by Bach, Holst and Part. Dec. 8-9, 8pm. Free. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Bldg 500, Stanford University. 650.723.2729.

Sing-Along Messiah Oakland East Bay Symphony welcomes its audience to sing along with this holiday classic. Dec. 9, 8pm. $15-$28. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. 510.625.8497.

Sing- and Play-Along Messiah Participate in the holiday favorite as either a vocalist or instrumentalist. Dec. 15, 8pm. $5-$10. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Bldg 500, Stanford University. 650.723.2729.

Sounds of the Season A choral concert featuring the West Valley Masterworks Chorale and Chamber Singers, performing Mozart's Solemn Vespers and music of the holiday season. Dec. 8, 8pm. West Valley College Theatre, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga. 408.741.2462.

South Valley Symphony "Holiday Favorites." Anthony Quartuccio conducts the symphony in a performance of holiday works, including Corelli's Christmas Concerto. Dec. 16, 4pm. $9-$15. Gavilan College Theatre, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy. 408.847.1441.

STOCtet "Christmas ... Already?" Studio Theatre of California's STOCtet performs Christmas music, both sacred and secular. Dec. 3, 7:30pm. Free. First United Methodist Church of Campbell, 1675 S. Winchester Blvd, Campbell. 408.370.6639.

Symphony Silicon Valley "Starring ...," a holiday concert of works by Ravel, Vivaldi and Beethoven, featuring various soloists and guest conductor Gregory Vajda. Dec. 9, 8pm and Dec. 10, 2:30pm. $36-$72. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose. 408.286.2600.

Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale A choral celebration, featuring selections from Handel's Messiah and holiday carols. Dec. 10, 7pm. $32. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose. 408.286.2600.

Tidings of Joy The vocal and hand-bell choirs of the church present a concert of carols. Dec. 10, 2pm. Free. First United Methodist Church of Campbell, 1675 S. Winchester Blvd, Campbell. 408.378.3472, ext. 15.

Winchester Orchestra Lyric Theatre joins the orchestra for this performance of holiday selections. Dec. 9, 2 and 7:30pm. $15-$25. West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga. 408.269.1905. Plus Dec. 10, 7pm. $15-$25. Trinity Church San Jose, 81 N. Second St, San Jose. 408.269.1905.

Winter's Gifts: Peace The Choral Project and San Jose Chamber Orchestra join forces to present this holiday concert with the theme of peace. Dec. 8, 8pm. $23-$30. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 408.746.0905. Also Dec. 9, 8pm. $23-$30. SC Holy Cross Church, 126 High St, Santa Cruz. 408.746.0905. Plus Dec. 10, 7:30pm. $23-$30. St. Benedict's Church, 1200 Fairview Rd, Hollister. 408.746.0905.

Winter Melodies Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus presents its annual concert of holiday favorites and classical works. Dec. 15-16, 8pm. $20. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.

Season's Pop

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Christmas Show A swinging holiday show. Dec. 3, 7:30pm. $35. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. 408.961.5858.

Blind Boys of Alabama A Christmas performance. Dec. 13, 7:30pm. $25-$40. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.8209.

Brian Setzer Orchestra A Christmas extravaganza with the rockabilly and swing act. Dec. 21, 7:30pm and Dec. 22, 8pm. $60-$85. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. 408.961.5858.

Count Basie Orchestra The San Francisco Symphony welcomes the Count Basie Orchestra for Christmas swing. Dec. 10, 2pm. $31-$57. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. 415.864.6000.

Kitka The group performs "Wintersongs," featuring holiday music from a variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions. Dec. 3, 7pm. $20-$25. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto. 510.444.0323.

Live 105's Not So Silent Night With the Killers, Modest Mouse, the Raconteurs, the Shins and others. Dec. 9, 6:45pm. $45.50. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 747 Howard, San Francisco. 408.998.TIXS.

Patrick Ball This Celtic harpist and storyteller presents "The Christmas Rose." Dec. 16, 8pm. $20-$25. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale. 408.730.7725.

Rockapella The instrumentless quintet performs a holiday a cappella concert. Dec. 10, 7:30pm. $36-$42. Montalvo's Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga. 408.961.5858. Also Dec. 11, 7pm. $25-$35. Cupertino High School, 10100 Finch Ave, Cupertino. 408.366.7366.

Fun and Frolics

An Ardenwood Christmas Celebrate the holidays in Victorian style. Visit the decorated Patterson House, sing Christmas carols, search for the yule log and meet Father Christmas. Dec. 1-3, 10am-5pm. $5-$8. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont.

Book and Holiday Festival Browse through a variety of books, plus visits from authors, food and live music. Daily, Dec. 3-7. Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, 14855 Oka Rd, Los Gatos. 408.357.7438.

Carol of Lights Join dozens on the streets of Campbell to sing carols, visit with Santa, listen to music, partake in sleigh rides and check out the "snow zone." Dec. 3, 5-8pm. Free. Downtown Campbell.

Christmas in Bavaria A Dream Holiday Crown Ball with entertainment in the style of Neuschwanstein and King Ludwig. Ava Grab-Mor and Allen Windz host. There will be a buffet meal. The event is a benefit to support the Living Center, which helps people with HIV. Dec. 16. Doors at 6pm, showtime at 7:45pm. $15. Neil A. Christie Living Center, 122/124 Race St, San Jose. 408.728.3943.

Christmas in Campbell Stroll the streets of downtown Campbell for festive holiday decorations, extended business hours and live performances. Every Friday. Thru Dec. 22. Free. Downtown Campbell.

Christmas in the Park Walk through a holiday wonderland with dozens of trees decorated by local organizations, plus Christmas-themed displays and items, live entertainment and visits from Santa. Daily, 9am-midnight. Thru Jan. 1. Free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose. 408.995.NOEL.

Christmas Tea Benefit This third annual tea, storytelling and fellowship event raises funds for Kenyan orphans. Dec. 3, 1:30-3:30pm. Emma Prusch Park, 647 S. King Rd, San Jose. 408.254.4495.

Christmas Tree Lighting A lighting of the town's Christmas tree, plus carriage rides. Dec. 1, 4pm. Town Park Plaza, Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos.

Downtown Ice Ice skate outdoors in the open air. Daily thru Jan. 15. Call for specific dates and times. $12-$14. Circle of Palms, between the Fairmont and the San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose. 408.291.0525.

Fantasy of Lights Celebrate the holiday season with this eighth-annual drive-through Christmas lane, with animated displays and thousands of twinkling lights. Nightly, 6-10pm. Thru Dec. 31. $10-$12. Vasona Lake County Park, Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. 408.355.2255.

Fresh Produce Anno Domini hosts its annual art sale featuring works by regional and national artists. Tue-Sat, Dec. 1-Jan. 20, noon-8pm. Anno Domini, 366 S. First St, San Jose. 408. 271.5155.

Gingerbread House Exhibit View participant-submitted festive gingerbread houses. Dec. 4-8, 9am-5pm. Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos.

Holiday Carriage Rides The Row is all dressed up for the holidays, offering biweekly carriage rides to transport you through a holiday feast for the eyes. Wed, noon-3pm and Sun, 4-7pm. Thru Dec. 20. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. Santana Row, 400 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose. 408.551.4611.

Holiday Lights A wonderland of lights, plus special appearances by Snoopy and a Home for the Holidays parade nightly at 8:30pm. Fri-Sun, 4-9pm thru Dec. 10. Plus daily, 4-7pm, Dec. 15-23. Free with admission. Bonfante Gardens Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy. 408.840.7100.

Holiday Lights Train Ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz while listening to carolers, meeting Santa Claus and sipping hot, spiced cider. Call for specific dates and times. Dec. 1-19. $15. Roaring Camp, Graham Hill and Mount Herman Road, Felton. 888.25.EVENT.

Holiday Merriment Stop by History Park to shop, mail a letter to Santa at the North Pole, participate in holiday activities. Dec. 2-3, 11am-5pm. History Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose. 408.287.2290.

Holiday Parade Hosted by the Los Gatos Lions Club and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department. Dec. 2, 11am. Meet Santa in the Plaza from 1:30-4pm. Town Plaza Park, Los Gatos. 408.354.8700, ext. 226.

Kepler's Holiday Party With a chocolate fountain, cookies and holiday gift wrapping. Dec. 7, 6pm. Presentation by John Scharffenberger, chocolatier. 7:30pm. Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 650.324.4321.

Light Up the Night A holiday tree-lighting event. Dec. 3, 6pm. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd, Cupertino. 408.777.3120.

San Jose Holiday Parade On Dec. 2, 3-7pm, watch as the floats are inflated. Then, on Dec. 3, follow the parade from Santa Clara Street and Delmas Avenue, along East Santa Clara Street. Dec. 3, 8:30-11am. Free. HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.793.4170.

Santa Arrives by Helicopter Santa swings into the museum to listen to holiday wish lists from young and old. Plus carols from the Community Band. Dec. 2, 9:30am-noon. Free with admission. Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos Airport, San Carlos. 650.654.0200.

Santa Visits Santa makes stops at various San Jose branch libraries throughout December, including the Berryessa, East Carnegie and Alum Rock branches. Visit www.sjlibrary.org for details.

Santana Row Events include the Family Giving Tree. Thr Dec. 12 One Warm Coat; a benefit to gather new or gently used coats for a nonprofit that helps peple in need. Thru Jan. 31. Holiay Open House, Dec. 2, 1am-9pm; Sdec 3, 11am-7pm. Holiay Entertainment, every Fri-Sun thru Dec. 24. Santana Row. 408.551.4611.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Including a visit from Santa, music and entertainment. Dec. 1, 6-7:30pm. Santa Clara City Hall, Lincoln between Warburton and Civic Center Drive, Santa Clara. 408.615.3170.

Visit Santa Kids (and pets) can stop by the mall to visit Santa and his helpers. Call for hours. Thru Dec. 24. Valley Fair Mall, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara. 408.248.4450.

Winter Wonderland Enjoy carnival rides, browse the new holiday boutique and more. Daily. Thru Dec. 31. $2.50 per attraction. Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Also at the parking area across from Original Joe's, San Carlos and between Mark and First streets. 408.286.1313.

Yuletide Yuckfest A benefit with Clinton Jackson, Dan St. Paul, Gretchen Rootes, Carla Clayy and others, plus Chubby's All-Stars. Proceeds go to Santa Clara County Toys for Tots. Dec. 3, 7pm. $10 with unwrapped toy; $15. Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 408.736.0921.

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