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2004 Gift Guide Gifts for the festive film lover Holiday gifts for the Paris Hilton wannabe Musical cure-alls for the difficult giftee in your life Clutterless gifts My big fat art books guide Scandalous gifts for the lusty angel in your life Expert gift recommendations for your favorite workplace prankster Holiday happenings Holiday Happenings Giving Thanks Time Feast for the Beasts Animals like to celebrate too. Join with the zoo denizens for a special holiday feeing session. Nov. 25, 11am-1pm. $5.50 zoo admission. Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose. 408.277.4193. KKUP World Music Festival An annual Thanksgiving salute to world music with in-studio performances. Nov. 24, 5pm, through Nov. 28, midnight. KKUP-FM (91.5). www.kkup.org. Thanksgiving Food Drive Food donations of nonperishable items are solicited by dentist Mamak Saffarpour to help need families. Make your donations through Nov. 23 at 3535 Ross Ave., Ste. 200, San Jose. 408.269.2944.   Nutcrackers and Other Movements Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley Nutcracker A yearly tradition for the valley, full of high-fun-factor costumes and backdrops, choreographed by Dennis Nahat. Tuesday-Sunday at 7:30pm, with 1:30pm shows on weekends and Wednesday (Dec. 22); Dec. 16-26. $22-$68. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408.288.2800. Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! A remade classic with modernistic and campy touches; part of Cal Performances. Nov. 26-Dec. 5, 8pm (with weekend matinees). $36-$74. Zellerbach Hall Auditorium, UC-Berkeley. 510.642.9988. The Meshuga Nutcracker Tachaikovsky's ballet tweaked to tell takes about Chanukah, presented by the National Jewish Theatre Festival. Dec. 7- 26, Tuesday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. $15-$25. Showtime Theater, Paramount's Great America, Santa Clara. 877456.4TIX. Mixed Nutz! A new revisioning of the ballet by Tandy Beal and Company with dancers, circus artists and music by SoVoSó. Nov. 26-27, 2 and 7:30pm; Nov. 28, 2pm. $15-$30. Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville. 831.763.4047. Peninsula Ballet Theatre Nutcracker Directed by Michael Lowe and choreographed by Carlos Carvajal. Dec. 11-12, 18-19, 2pm. $10-$45. San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware St., San Mateo. 650.340.9448. The Peninsula Pops Orchestra A Pops Fireside Holiday Special concert for the family, with the Brio vocal ensembe, the Peninsulaires barbershop quartet and more. Dec. 5, 3pm. $8-$15. Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. 650.856.8432. South Bay Dance Center Nutcracker Presented by the students. Dec. 18, 2 and 7:30pm. $10. Montgomery Theater, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose. 408.972.5679. Western Ballet Nutcracker With choreography by Alessandra di Pierro and sets by Peter Crompton. Dec. 10, 8pm; Dec. 11, 2 and 8pm; Dec. 12, 2 and 6pm. $18/$22.50; kids 12 and under free. A Nutcracker Sweet Tea gives children a chance to meet the characters. Dec. 11, 4:30pm. $7. Center for the Performing Arts, Castro and Mercy streets, Mountain View. 650.903.6000. The Christmas Ballet A modern take on seasonal dance by Michael Smuin Ballet. Dec. 1-3, 8pm; Dec. 4, 2 and 8pm; Dec. 5, 2pm. $20-$50. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro and Mercy streets, Mountain View. 650.903.6000.   Stage Shows Affordable Theater Dinner A fundraiser dinner with show and raffle--and pictures with Santa--to benefit the Affordable Theater group. Dec. 11, 7-10:30pm. $20 (must buy by Dec. 3). Carden El Encanto Day School, 615 Hobart Terrace, Santa Clara. 650.949,1720. A Christmas Carol The Dickens story interpreted in musical fashion by Children's Musical Theater San Jose. Dec. 3-12. Thursday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, noon, 4 and 8pm; Sunday, 1 and 6pm (except Dec. 12). $12-$20. Montgomery Theater, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose. 408.288.5437. The Elves and the Shoemaker A children's holiday fun show presented by the California Theatre Center. Dec. 3, 7:30pm; Dec. 4, 11am and 7:30pm. $11/$12. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale. 408.245.2978. Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol Another perspective on the Dickens tale. Presented by Bus Barn Stage Company. Nov. 18-Dec. 18. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday 3 or 7pm. $22-$28. Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. 650.941.0551. Striking 12 A new production developed by TheatreWorks runs Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Match Girl" without a pop-rock kaleidoscope. Dec. 1-Jan. 2. Tuesday, 7:30pm; Wednesday-Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 8pm (and 2pm on Dec. 11 and 18); Sunday , 2 and 7pm. $20-$50. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. 650.903.6000. Sugar Plum Fairy An eccentric Christmas tale by Sandra Tsing Loh about the holiday misadventures of a child in 1970s San Fernando Valley days. Presented by San Jose Repertory Theatre. Nov. 22-Jan. 2. Call for ticket info. The Rep, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408.367.7255. The Woman in Black San Jose Stage Company presents a ghost story for Christmas in the high Victorian tradition with a ghost and a fog-bedecked mansion. Nov. 24-Dec. 19. Wednesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. The Stage, 490 S. First St., San Jose. 408.283.7142.   Seasonal Concerts A Cappella Holiday Show Barbershop quartet harmonies for the holidays. Dec. 4, 2 and 8pm. $15-$20. Campbell Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408.973.1555. California Bach Society Along with the Whole Noyse, the society presents Praetorius' settings of Lutheran chorales for Christmas and Advent. Dec. 4, 8pm. $10-$25. St. Patrcik's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park. 415.262.0272. Cantabile Choral Guild An 80-member choir tells the story of Christmas with music through the ages. Dec. 11, 8pm. $6-$25. First United Methodist, 625 Hamilton St., Palo Alto. 650.424.1410. A Celtic Christmas Irish-style seasonal tunes, dances and stories by Thomaseen Foley. Dec. 1, 7pm. $40/$45. Carriage House, Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga. 408.961.5858. Chanticleer Christmas Featuring sacred works, carols and spirituals by the male chorus. Dec. 14-15, 8pm. $22/$44. Memorial Church, Stanford. $22-$44.650.725.ARTS. Also Dec. 17, 6 and 8:30pm. $37/$42. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 415.392.4400. Choral Project of San Jose The group performs seasonal selections for a Holiday Spectacular at the winery. Dec. 5, 2:30-6pm. $25. Chateau Julien Wine Estate, 8940 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel. 831.624.2600. Christmas at the Mission An annual concert by the San Jose State University Choraliers, with songs and spirituals from around the world. Dec. 12, 7pm. $10-$50. Santa Clara Mission, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 408.924.4333. Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Holiday Concert Spotlighting Fu King Yuan performing on the leiqin, a Chinese string instrument rarely heard in the United States. Dec. 11, 4pm. $15-$20. California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. 408.253.5998 (check www.fyco.org) Holiday Sounds at Santana Row The shopping street hosts daily performers all along the Row. Many of the groups will perform music, jazz and carols of the season. Dec. 3-26, noon-8pm. Santana Row, San Jose. 408.551.4600. Home for the Holidays Two evenings of carols and holiday tunes presented by the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus. Dec. 17-18, 8pm. $22. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro and Mercy streets, Mountain View. 650.903.6000. KFOG Concert for the Kids With the Neville Brothers and Shawn Colvin. A benefit for the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation and Toys for Tots. Bring a new unwrapped toy or book with you to the show. Dec. 11, 7pm. $25-$40. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 408.998.TIXS. Jim Brickman A holiday concert with pianist and friends, including Jeff Timmons, Kristy Starling and Anne Cochran. Nov. 28, 7pm. Call for ticket prices. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408.453.7108. New Century Chamber Orchestra Holiday Baroque Period music for the season with selections by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and Charpentier. Dec. 17, 8pm. $18-$39. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado St., Palo Alto. 415.293.4400 Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir An East Bay holiday tradition, under the direction of Terrance Kelly. Dec. 4, 7:30pm. $5-$30. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. 408.998.TIXS. Studio Theatre of California Christmas Potpourri A program of Christmas music. Dec. 12, 7pm. $6/$8. Congregational Community Church, 400 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408.370.6639. San Francisco Symphony A program called "Colors of Christmas" features Peabo Bryson, En Vogue and James Ingram performing seasonal hits with the orchestra. Dec. 14-16, 8pm. $15-$75. Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco. The symphony also performs a Choral Christmas Spectacular with the SF Symphony Chorus. $29-$62. Dec. 17-18, 8pm, at Davies. And Dec. 19, 2pm, at Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 415.864.6000. San Jose Chamber Music Society The annual holiday program features the San Jose Brass Quintet Plus One and the SJSU Choraliers. Dec. 5, 7pm. $17-$30. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St., San Jose. 408.868.0131. San Jose Chamber Orchestra The winter concert features the orchestra in collaboration with the Choral Project. Program includes Vivaldi's Winter Concerto and Whitacre's Winter for choir, strings and sitar. Dec. 10, 8pm. $20-$30. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga. Also: Dec. 11, 8pm, Holy Cross Church, Santa Cruz; and Dec. 12, 7:30pm, St. Benedict's Church, Hollister. 408.295.4416. San Jose Metropolitan Band A benefit show for the San Jose Children's Shelter. Dec. 6, 7pm. 4525 Union Ave., San Jose. The Sounds of Christmas A family concert with a 100-voice choir and complete orchestra. Dec. 10, 8pm; Dec. 11, 3 and 7pm; Dec. 12, 3pm. Free. Bethel Church of San Jose, 1201 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose. 408.246.6790.   Get Gifty Advent Craft Festival Seasonal crafts of all kinds. Nov. 21, 11:45am. All Saints' Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto. 650.322-4528. Celebration of Craftswomen A wide variety of arts and crafts, plus live entertainment. Nov. 20-21, 27-28, 10am-5pm. $5/$8, Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason, San Francisco. 415.383.3470. Fall Glass Cornucopia Sale A display and sale of handmade glass fruits and objects created by Defining Elements Within Art. Nov. 20-21, 11am-6pm. Triton Museum, 1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara. 408.247.3754. Gallery House Holiday Show Art in a variety of media by the members of the gallery, from paintings and prints to ornaments and cards. Through Dec. 24. 320 California Ave., Palo Alto. 650.326.1668. Gallery Saratoga Holiday Boutique Handmade presents by local artists. Runs through Jan. 2. Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. 14435A Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408.867.0458. Harvest Festival Craftspeople show off their creations in time for the gift-giving season. Nov. 26-28. $4.50-$8.50. San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose. 800.321.1213. Holiday Open House Shoppers can browse thousands of seasonal gifts and more from local artists. Nov. 21, 10am-9pm. Nov. 22, 11am-6pm. Quintessential Art, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. 408.260.7500. Lace-Covered Ornaments Specialty creations using antique lace. Through Dec. 31. Lace Museum, 552 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. 408.730.4695. Merry Art at Main A group show by the holidays by two dozen members of the Main Gallery. Through Dec. 23. 1018 Main St., Redwood City. 650.701.1018. St. John Vianney Holiday Faire With handmade goods: wreaths, jewelry, candy, ornaments. Dec. 3, 1-pm; Dec. 4, 10am-7pm; Dec. 5, 8am-4pm. 4601 Hyland Ave., San Jose. St. Victor's Christmas Boutique With crafts by local artisans, homemade food and a gingerbread lane for kids. Nov. 19, 9am-7pm; Nov. 20, 9am-8pm; Nov. 21, 8am-4pm. St. Victor's Church, 3150 Sierra Rd., San Jose. 408.251.7055. SOLA Holiday Art Sale The Society of Local Artists hosts an art sale full of holiday-themed gifts. Dec. 3, 6:30-8pm. Dec. 4-5, 10am-4pm. Avenidas Senior Center, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Tercera Gallery Holiday Open House With original jewelry from modern designers. Nov. 10, 5-8pm. 24 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 408.354.9484.   And More Ainsley House Holiday Teas and Tours The historical house hosts a silver-service afternoon tea and a docent-led tour of the premises. Dec. 2-12. $20/$25. 300 Grant St., Campbell. 408.370.0888 for tea reservations. Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights The theme park presents lighting displays in a winter wonderland fantasy with a Sugar Plum Plaza and a Snowflake Palace, plus a North Pole Express ride. Runs weekends, Nov. 26-Dec. 19, 4-9pm. Highway 152 west of Gilroy. 408.840.7100. Burlingame Holiday Open House Free sleigh rides, a visit from Santa Claus, carolers and gift items. Dec. 3, 5:30-8pm (after the tree lighting at 4:30pm). Burlingame Avenue. 650.224.7762. Christmas at Our House A holiday home tour in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. Presented by St. Francis High School. Dec. 2, 5pm. $100 preview and gala party. Dec. 3-4, 10am-3pm. $30.$40. Call 650.968.1213, ext. 701 for reservations. Christmas in the Park and City Tree-Lighting A traditional kickoff to the season in downtown San Jose. This year, a new 60-foot-high Community Giving Tree makes its debut. The plaza is filled with novelty booths and animated figures. Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 9am-midnight. Free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose. See www.christmasinthepark.com for details. Christmas Teas Victorian Noel evening teas for holiday shoppers. Dec. 16-17, seatings at 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45pm. $27.50. Also Christmas Cookies for Santa teas. Dec. 14-15, 4-5:30pm. $21.50. Lisa's Tea Treasures, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. 408.247.3613. Dickens Christmas Fair A time trip to the Victorian era, with food, crafts and entertainment. Weekends, Nov. 27-Dec. 19, 11am-7pm. $17/$20. Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., San Francisco. 415.897.4555. Downtown Ice The annual chance to enjoy the winter sport of ice skating in shorts and a halter top under the full sun in downtown San Jose moves to a new location: The Circle of Palms between the Fairmont and the San Jose Museum of Art. Preview days, Nov. 24-25. Grand opening, Nov. 26. Runs through Jan. 17. Call 408.279.1775 or check sjdowntown.com for details. Fantasy of Lights An annual tradition features an array of amazing lighted displays that can be viewed by driving through the park. Nov. 25-Dec. 31, evenings. Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos. Festival of the Trees A holiday fundraiser for Rebekah Children's Services features an auction of special one-of-a-kind decorated trees, plus gingerbread houses, wreaths and other treats. Dec. 3, 6-10:30pm, dinner and live auction, $75. Dec. 4, 10am-9pm, Dec. 5, 10am-5pm. $2/$3. Dec. 5, 2pm. Sounds of the Season Concert, $3/$15. Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill. 408.846.2100. Filoli Holiday Traditions A variety of holiday festivities, including children's parties with Santa, luncheons and evening parties at the formal gardens. Nov. 27-Dec. 4. Admission varies with events. Filoli, 86 Cañada Rd., Woodside. 650.364.8300. Holiday Family Day Kids and their parents can make gifts, cards and ornaments. Dec. 5, 2-4pm. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd., Palo Alto. 650.329.2366. Holiday Fiesta A Filipino-style celebration with dinner, singing, dance and games, presented by Evergreen Valley Community College. Dec. 10, 5-10pm. Gullo Student Center, Evergreen Valley College, 3095 Yerba Buena, San Jose. 408.903.5572. Holiday Potluck NOW, the Older Women's League and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom sponsor an event dedicated to women of age, wisdom and power. Dec. 11, 9:30am-noon. Cypress Gardens, 3555 Judro St., San Jose. 408.292.1172. Holiday Tea at Villa Montalvo The Montalvo Service Group takes over the main hall of the villa for tea, sandwiches and cookies, plus entertainment and a visit from Santa. Nov. 20, 11:30am-3:30pm; Nov. 21, 1-3:30pm. Call for ticket information. 154000 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga. 408.961.5858. Hospice Tree of Life To remember a loved one, make a gift to Hospice of the Valley, and the group will place a light on its Tree of Life. The official lighting ceremony takes place Dec. 5, 3-4:30pm. Sun Microsystems, Santa Clara Campus Auditorium, Lafayette Street and Palm Drive, Santa Clara. Rudolph at Eastridge The shopping center celebrates the animated favorite with 12 days of contests and more. Dec. 1-Dec. 12. Eastridge, 1 Eastridge Rd., San Jose. 408.238.3600. Scottish Society Toys for Tots An annual dinner event with entertainment by harpist Barbary Grant, sponsored by the South Bay Scottish Society. Bring an unwrapped toy. Dec. 4, 5:30-9pm (reserve by Nov. 27). $30/$35. By Th' Bucket, 4565 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara. 408.629.9325. Stanford Tree Lighting With a visit from Santa and the Snow Queen. Nov. 18, 6:30pm. Stanford Shopping Center, El Camino Real and Sand Hill Rd., Palo Alto. 650.617.8585. Through the Eyes of a Child A winter holidays exhibit about celebrations around the world. Includes a special train layout. Nov. 26-Jan. 2. Thursday-Sunday, noon-4pm. Free. Los Altos History Museum, 51 S. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos. 650.948.9427. Vintage Cards Supplies and tips will be provided in a workshop on making old-fashioned holiday cards. Dec. 8, 11am-1-4pm. Free. Cupertino Historical Society and Museum, 10185 N. Stalling Rd., Cupertino. 408.973.1495. Winter Wonder fest The Museum of American Heritage welcomes families with train rides, science exhibits, refreshments and a toy-building session. Dec. 4, 1-3pm. $5/$10. Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. 650.321.1004. Yuletide Yuckfest A comedy and music show to raise funds for Toys for Tots, with comics from the Bay Area and L.A., plus music by Chubby's All-Stars. Dec. 5, 7pm. $15 and one unwrapped toy. Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 408.736.0921. Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]