The Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj entertains the guests at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, Saturday, April 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
South Bay and Peninsula
Dec. 12
Art Brings Us Together: This exhibit by Drawn2Art will feature pieces from their 20th anniversary art show, which are all original artwork from students. 10 a.m., 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. bit.ly/3LWoStk
“A Few of Our Favorite Things”: Explore this diverse and vibrant show from artists offering a collection of ceramics, photography, paintings, jewelry and more, in time for the holidays! 11 a.m., Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos. bit.ly/48BgUyq
Gingerbread Village Workshop: Join this year’s gingerbread workshop hosted in Empire Firehouse at History Park! Enjoy an evening filled with gingerbread house decorating, light snacks, hot chocolate and plenty of holiday cheer. Admission includes your very own gingerbread house and all the sweet supplies you’ll need. Tickets are $37.10 per person. 7 p.m., History Park, Empire Firehouse, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose. bit.ly/4rnyA8f
Dec. 13
Fiesta Navideña: Celebrate the holiday spirit of Fiesta Navideña at the Mexican Heritage Plaza with twinkling decor, an 18-foot Christmas tree and community cheer. This year, the 15th annual Fiesta Navideña features a free concert by Carlos y Charlos and an enchanting folklórico performance by longtime partners Los Lupeños de San José. Participate in an interactive posada, celebrating a cherished Mexican tradition of hospitality while welcoming the holiday season by Teatro Vision. There will also be an art workshop for all ages. 5:30 p.m., Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. bit.ly/4okCawW
Advent Reflections with Mary, Mother of Jesus and St. Brigid of Ireland: Led by Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza, this session explores the history of women witnesses throughout Christian history — saints and martyrs, sisters and activists, theologians and spiritual writers. Each session will offer unique opportunities for reflection and discussion with a goal of deepening our shared lives of faith. 9 a.m., St. Martin of Tours Parish Hall, 200 O’Connor Drive, San Jose.bit.ly/48DHtTE
Dec. 14
My Very First Nutcracker: Watch this special presentation of The San Jose Nutcracker, suitable for families with toddlers, preschoolers and young children. This production is a great way to introduce your young ones to this holiday classic. Kids will marvel at the historic San Jose Electric Light Tower rising magically above the streets of San Jose and cheer on adorable mice and toy soldiers that compete to win a magic crown. 11 a.m., California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. bit.ly/488DzCf
Santa Run Silicon Valley: Join the 14th annual Santa Run Silicon Valley 5K run or walk with the whole family and do your bit for charity. Proceeds from the event go towards Christmas in the Park. Dress up as your favorite holiday character and run on Santa Clara Street and end your run at Christmas in the Park. 1:30 p.m., starting point at West Santa Clara Street and Almaden Avenue, San Jose. bit.ly/3KffLn0
Candlelight — Christmas Carols on Strings: Watch the Scott’s Seafood Ballroom and Corinthian Grand Ballroom transform with thousands of flickering candles and performances featuring classic Christmas carols and holiday tunes performed by a local string quartet. Candlelight’s holiday programs blend the charm of traditional Christmas carols with the elegance of classical masterpieces. 8:45 p.m., Corinthian Grand Ballroom, 196 N. Thirrd St., San Jose. bit.ly/488lcx7
Dec. 15
K-12 Conservatory Christmas Concerts: Enjoy performances featuring Valley Christian Schools’ students at the California Theatre. The concerts will run Dec. 15-18 and feature various joyful, energetic performances by the students. On Dec. 15, the K-3 kidservatory choirs will be the opening act, setting the stage for the holiday season. 6 p.m., California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. bit.ly/4aoLlcu
Dec. 16
Public Tours of Elizabeth Gamble House & Garden: Take a peak at the life of Elizabeth Gamble and her historic house and garden in this 90-minute guided tour. Each month has a unique theme and focus. Nonmembers pay $15, and those under 18 pay $5. Registration required. 1:30 p.m.,1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. bit.ly/3Y0zeuJ
Pistachio Panettone & Gelato Class: Try your hand at the most iconic Italian holiday dessert — panettone perfectly paired with artisanal gelato. Learn how to make these two traditional desserts and impress your loved ones during the holidays. Learn about the history, ingredients and techniques that make these desserts so unique. Tickets start at $92.65. 6 p.m., Eataly Silicon Valley, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose. bit.ly/3Y5dm1e
Kerry Irish Productions presents ‘An Irish Christmas’: Watch this award-winning cast of Riverdance principals and world champion dancers celebrate Christmas the Irish way. Enjoy the dance, the singing of traditional Christmas carols from the Kerry Voice Squad and music from the Kerry Traditional Orchestra in a celebration of the international spirit of the holiday season! 7:30 p.m., Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. bit.ly/4pNISNn
Dec. 17
Meditation for Self-Care — Move to De-Stress: Join this virtual 30-minute session to learn simple stretches and techniques to reset your mind and body. Explore how movement and meditation can help you connect with yourself and others. Registration encouraged. 11 a.m., virtual event. bit.ly/3XsKlwo
“Hasan Hates Ronny — Ronny Hates Hasan”: If hate is your love language, then watch the two comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng face off in a no-holds-barred debate Dec. 17-18 about each other, their family trees and the country. 7 p.m., San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose. bit.ly/440kgbN
East Bay
Dec. 12
‘Twas the Night Before Fairy Winterland: Enjoy the twinkling lights at Fairy Winterland with other grownups ages 21 and older. There will be an open-air night market, colorful vendor village, live music, dancing, food, drinks and artisan vendors and gifts for you to enjoy the night. Tickets are $40. Attendees must show valid identification. 6 p.m., 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. bit.ly/48jQvUv
Alameda Speed Dating for San Francisco Singles: If you’re between the ages of 44 and 59 and still looking to meet someone special, then try this speed dating event in Alameda. No catfishing, ghosting or games, just people looking to meet their other half. Join the event at Alameda Brewing for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can meet five to 12 local singles ready to connect. Each mini-date lasts a few minutes, giving you just enough time to discover a spark. 6:30 p.m., Alameda Brewing, 1716 Park St., Alameda. bit.ly/4ir9T6w
Dec. 13
Hyphy Wheels Car Show: Join this car show and watch more than 40 classic cars on display. There will also be more than 30 vendors, music and entertainment for you and your family at this pet-friendly event. 11 a.m., 472 Water St, Oakland. bit.ly/3M4G1Ry
Gift Green Sale: Get merchandise from the Ecology Center EcoStore and contribute to local and sustainable shopping this holiday season while supporting the community. Get 10% off things from the store or 20% if you’re an Ecology Center member. 12 p.m., 2530 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. bit.ly/488dByB
Dec. 14
Santa Cruises on USS Potomac: Cruise on the USS Potomac, Franklin Roosevelt’s historic presidential yacht, with a special visitor from the North Pole! The ship will be decorated, bringing in the holiday spirit, and Santa will have a special gift for the kids. This is a short cruise, and visitors are encouraged to dress warmly. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea and water will be available during the cruise. Tickets are $40 for ages 12 and older, $10 for ages 11 and younger. 2 p.m., 540 Water St., Oakland. bit.ly/4piU5W4
42nd annual Holiday Street Fair: If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, then head on over to this fair and be treated to great music and fine food with unique and unusual handcrafts by some of Northern California’s finest artists. Buy fine, original and inexpensive gifts that will wow your loved ones. 11 a.m. on Telegraph Avenue between Bancroft and Dwight ways. bit.ly/3Ma5SHF
Dec. 15
Adult Craft — Mini Bookshelf: Unleash your creativity and love of books to make a miniature bookshelf. All materials provided. 6:30 p.m., Rincon Library, 725 Rincon Ave., Livermore. bit.ly/4irNO85
Spousal/Partner Loss Support Group: Losing your partner can turn your world upside-down, leaving you grappling with many questions and changing the way you live. Join this virtual support group for adults, and create connections and understanding with others facing similar situations. Registration encouraged. 6 p.m., virtual event. bit.ly/4p9zNyt
Dec. 16
Bling It On! Book Bedazzling Workshop: Get creative in this workshop at which books meet bling. Just pick your favorite book and transform it into a glittering, one-of-a-kind memento with the guidance of a crafting expert. 6 p.m., Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley. bit.ly/4ouOkn4
Dec. 17
Las Mermelada — a Community Music Jam at La Peña: Gather with family and friends in a space where music fills the air and new friendships are made over rhythm and food. Participate in this music jam led by José Roberto Hernández at which musicians of all ages and skills gather to create moments. Whether you play an instrument, love to sing or simply want to listen and dance, there’s a place for everyone here. 6:30 p.m., La Peña Lounge, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. bit.ly/440QIL3
Dec. 18
Hanukkah celebration: Join in the annual Hanukkah celebration at Bay Street Emeryville, hosted in partnership with Emeryville Chabad. The evening will feature family-friendly activities, music, arts and crafts, delicious food, and other holiday treats. A menorah will be lit at sundown. 4 p.m., 5616 Bay St., Emeryville. bit.ly/4ivLb5c
Have an entertainment event to add? Submit it online at forms.gle/Cu9J6Ks2fQiQUcKk8. Please send calendar items at least two weeks in advance to ensure a better chance of print publication.
Originally published at Hema Sivanandam