THE Nutcrackers ALL AROUND THE BAY December 2016/January 2017 77 KEVIN BERNE ballads and power riffs turns the yuletide energy up a few decibels. The lineup includes seasoned rock stars Robert Berry (Greg Kihn Band), Gary Pihl (Boston), David Lauser (Sammy Hagar Band), Dave Medd (The Tubes) and Jack Foster (international solo artist). Tickets $30–$250. City National Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408/792-4111. CHRISTMAS AT OUR HOUSE. Dec. 1–2, times vary. Hosted by St. Francis High School dancing Christmas trees, stilt walkers, grazing reindeer, Santa Claus and carolers keep spirits high. A 55-foot Mount Shasta fir tree festooned in 5,000 lights and 600 ornaments is the star of the show. Free. Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakland. 510/645-9292. CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make holiday memories the wee ones as you stroll through History Park, listening to the sounds of carolers and engaging in kid-friendly activities. Santa will be present for photo opportunities, so don your best portrait-ready duds. Tickets $5. History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose. 408/287-2290. THE CALTRAIN HOLIDAY TRAIN. Dec. 3–4, times vary. An ordinary commuter train transforms into a festive spectacle as it makes its way up and down the Peninsula bedecked with more than 60,000 glittering lights. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Toys for Tots program. Free. Visit caltrain.com for train schedule. 800/660-4287. SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN. Dec. 3–4, 10–11, 17–23, times vary. Hop aboard vintage train cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights and roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers sing holiday carols and sip hot cider, and Santa visits with the little ones. Tickets $25–$31. Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. 831/335-4484. LOS GATOS BALLET Dec. 9–11, 7:30 p.m. The fruit of a collaboration with San Jose Youth Symphony, conductor Yair Samet and principal dancers from the acclaimed San Francisco Ballet, this production showcases some of the Bay Area’s most talented emerging and seasoned performers. Tickets $15–55. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 408/864-8816. MOSCOW BALLET Dec. 16–24, times vary. Set in Russia, this iconic holiday ballet reaches new heights when brought to life by stars of the Moscow Ballet Company and accompanied by a Tschaikovsky score performed by Symphony Silicon Valley. $52– $100. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408/286-2600. NEW BALLET SCHOOL Dec. 17–24, 11 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday). This special one-hour version of the San José Nutcracker is tailored to young audiences. Presented by the New Ballet School in partnership with History San José, the ballet portrays a festive holiday gathering set in San José at the turn of the last century. Tickets $13.50–$61. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 866/811-4111. PENINSULA BALLET Dec. 17–18, times vary. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the dance company upped the ante by adding magic tricks to the show. Experience this lavish performance featuring some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful, talented and athletic professional dancers. Meet-and-greets with the dancers follow every performance. Tickets $30–$65. Fox Theatre, 2221 Broadway St., Redwood City. 650/369-7770. SAN FRANCISCO BALLET Dec. 16–31, times vary. A San Francisco tradition since its premiere in 1944, “Nutcracker” lights up the stage with the help of an international cast of world-class dancers, sophisticated lighting effects and intricate stage sets. Ticket prices vary. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. 415/865-2000. WESTERN BALLET Dec. 2–4, times vary. Join Clara, Fritz and friends as they celebrate this festive season with the magic of Drosselmeyer, toys that come alive and Clara’s enchanting visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. Tickets $25–$30. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/903-6000. ChrisAtmas Carol Through Dec. 24, times vary. This soul-searching story haunts the stage in this sophisticated musical production. Showcasing a talented cast of dozens, gorgeous costumes and a trio of teachable moments from delightfully spooky spirits, this kid-friendly production has entertained generations of locals and visitors alike. A.C.T. Geary Theater, 415 Geary Street, San Francisco. 415/749-2228. students and the Women’s Club, this annual tradition serves up plenty of locally sourced cheer. Highlights of the two-day event include a gala, a student showcase and a Christmas boutique. Tickets $25–$125. Various locations, Los Altos Hills. Visit sfhs.org. JACK LONDON SQUARE’S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING. Dec. 2, 5 to 7 p.m. Head to the Oakland waterfront where revelers plunge into the season with a sea of entertaining activities. Tap-
South Bay Accent - DecJan 2016
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