December Events in Northern California

CONCORD Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa’s Grand Arrival and Mayor’s Sing Along Saturday, December 1, 2012, 4 p.m.

Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass Road (between Mt. Diablo & Grant), Concord, CA, (925) 671-3464

Downtown Concord kicks off the holiday season with Santa’s Grand Arrival, followed by holiday entertainment, the Mayor’s Sing-Along, and Concord’s Official Holiday Tree Lighting. From the city that brought cost saving measures in 2009 by using a municipal tree dubbed the Charlie Brown Tree because of its spindly appearance, scant decorations and faded brown branches, a new live tree is expected to occupy center stage at the holiday tree lighting ceremony as it did in 2010. What went wrong in 2009? Well water the city uses to keep the grass around the tree extra green caused the tree to turn extra brown, possibly because of boron in the water.

Santa arrives around 4 p.m. on a bright red fire truck and listens to kids’ holiday wishes. Parents are welcome to bring a camera or opt for a professional photo available for a fee. For more information go to – cityofconcord.org

Cupertino Breakfast with Santa – December 1, 2012, Pre-Registration Required

You better watch out, you better not cry because Santa Claus is coming to Cupertino for a morning your children will fondly remember. Come join Mrs. Claus for her delicious North Pole Pancakes that she serves to Santa and his little helpers as they prepare for the busy holiday season. Visit with Santa Claus, and make some holiday crafts during this special holiday morning. Please click here for more information.

Hometown Holidays Festival & Firework Show, Saturday, December 1, 2012

REDWOOD CITY – Hometown Holidays Festival & Firework Show. Each year on the first Saturday of December, Redwood City’s Downtown Business group throws a party in celebration of the Holiday Season with a parade, entertainment, snow, Santa Claus, starting at 10 a.m. Rain or Shine! Free admission! Location: Courthouse Square , 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA.
For more information, go to hometownholidays.org or call (650)304-4065.

Angels Camp Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 2pm.

Located in downtown Angels Camp. St. Patrick’s Church to Finnigan Lane on Highway 49. www.angelscampbusiness.com.

Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios, December 2, 2012, 11am – 6pm

Located at 2547 Eighth St.,Berkeley,CA, 94710

Over 100 handpicked artists and craftspeople at studios, workshops and galleries invite the public in for a self-guided tour of working craft studios during BERKELEY ARTISANS HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIOS. A unique opportunity to meet the artists, to buy original & creative gifts, and to see working craft studios. This popular event is known for the high quality of the work shown. A list of participants and a map are available on-line at www.berkeleyartisans.com The Artists Invite You In!

Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade, December 7th, 2012

Starts at East Main Street and ends at the Fair Grounds

Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade, begins on Main Street at Canal Drive. Theme: “California Christmas.” Lighted parade. Sponsored by Turlock Firefighters Local 2434 and Turlock Convention & Visitors Bureau.(209) 668-5594. Join the fun for a nighttime lighted parade. The parade will travel Historic Main Street beginning at Canal. Calling all fun and creative businesses, groups & families to pick up your entry form for the annual Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade, California Christmas. There are a limited number of entries allowed.

Christmas Tree Lane Opening and Festival, Dec. 8 — 5:30 p.m.

Smyrna Park, Moffett Road, Ceres. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments, live entertainment, festive wagon rides through a magical display of lights, Christmas Tree Lane. Free with a canned food donation. (209) 538-5700.

Modesto Symphony Guild’s Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 8 — 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

E.&J. Gallo Winery Administration Building, 600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. Breakfast courtesy of E.&J. Gallo Winery. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment by Dance Factory, Choralettes, Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra. $10; advance reservations required by Dec. 3 at (209) 577-1619

Sacramento Antiques Faire, December 9th, 2012

6:30am – 3:00pmLocated at 21st Street, between W and X Street in Sacramento CA

Hundreds of dealers from throughout Northern California will bring furniture, textiles, rugs, art, furniture, cultural pieces and collections of all kinds. Part adventure, part history lesson and part treasure hunt… you never know what you might find. Admission $3.00, children under 16 are free and parking is free.

Ballet San Jose is presenting – The Nutcracker, December 10 – 23, 2012.

Ballet San Jose known for its world class stage performances and incredible theatrics & lighting, sets the bar for Nutcracker Ballet in the Bay Area. It is one of the best family outings or place to take a date this season! Time: 1 p.m. family series & 7 p.m. regular performance schedule. Location: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts 255 Almaden Boulevard (corner of Park Avenue) in downtown San Jose Tickets: $30-$100 Family Matinee Prices: $16-$60 Box Office: (408) 288-2800. balletsj.org

Cupertino – Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker December 16, 2012

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Tour 2011 includes spectacular new costumes and crackling choreography. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $30-102. Location: Flint Center- De Anza College, Cupertino, CA. Call: (800) 745-3000. nutcracker.com / ticketmaster.com