19 minute read
Holiday Event Guide
As holiday celebrations cautiously make their comeback in 2021, we are creating and constantly updating a collection of Bay Area family friendly holiday experiences for families to enjoy this year and years to come. Please safely enjoy your family and these fabulous events during the holidays. With a much smaller offering of events this year remember to check cancellation policies, get your tickets early, always check event’s websites for Covid-19 restrictions and requirements and confirm event information one last time, just before the date.
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets
SAN FRANCISCO Celebrate the holidays with Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets, a unique 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet designed for families with small children and audiences of all ages. This special production is danced storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany, and fun. Foehringer uses his choreographic skills in contemporary dance and ballet to craft a show that is sure to thrill dance newcomers and the most jaded balletomane. See all of the favorite Nutcracker characters in beautiful costumes performing on a colorful set with live chamber orchestra music.
December 4-19. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. All ages. Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center. 628-400-1348; www.mfdpsf.org
<<< Continued from page 29
PARK THE IN CHRISTMAS OF COURTESY
Christmas in the Park Opening Night
SAN JOSE
This 40+ year tradition is back in downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. There are a few new surprises including new light displays, a brand new 65’ tall walk-through Christmas tree and Blinky’s Tavern - an allnew inflatable beer and wine garden! Admission is free.The theme for this year’s event is “A Very Beary Christmas.”
Tree lighting November 26, 5:30pm. Christmas in the Park runs to early January. See website for event listings and ticket information. Downtown San Jose; www.Christmasinthepark.com
Walnut Creek on Ice!
WALNUT CREEK
Get your skate on at the Downtown Walnut Creek’s ice rink. The rink is open daily, however the times/pricing changes daily and the rink may be closed for private events.
See website for hours, ticket info and Covid-19 restrictions. Civic Park, Walnut Creek; www.walnutcreekonice.com
Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday
SAN JOSE
Debuted in 2020, this drive-through experience will continue this new holiday tradition in at Lake Cunningham Park. The “mile of smiles” features a synchronized light show with some of your holiday favorite tunes. Over 100,000 pixel lights capable of displaying 14 million colors illuminate twelve different themed lands and this year, a holiday fair food festival awaits upon exiting the event.
November 26 – January 9. See website for event listings and ticket information. Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose; www.Christmasinthepark.com
A Christmas Carol
SAN FRANCISCO
Broadway SF presents its celebrated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive fable. A timeless tale of Yuletide magic, A Christmas Carol teaches us all the true spirit of the holiday season!
November 26 - December 26. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco; www.san-francisco-theater.com
The Velveteen Rabbit Beloved Holiday Tradition
SAN FRANCISCO
Brimming with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters and the perfect amount of holiday cheer, ODC/Dance returns to the stage and on-demand with the 35th anniversary of the beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. The Velveteen Rabbit features captivating narration, a delightful musical score and larger-thanlife storybook characters portrayed by the world-class dancers of ODC/Dance.
December 4-12. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. The Blue Shield of California Theatre at YBCA, San Francisco; www.odc.dance
DANCE ODC OF COURTESY GOIDELL, HILLARY BY PHOTO
RICHMOND
Celebrate creativity and community at the Craneway Crafts Fair…a benefit for KPFA Public. The Fair showcases affordable contemporary art and original crafts exhibited by 200 artists, and presents handmade fair-trade goods from indigenous communities around the world.
November 27 & 28. See website for hours, ticket info and Covid-19 restrictions. Craneway Pavilion, Richmond; www.cranewaycraftsfair.com
The Nutcracker
LIVERMORE
Experience the magic of the Nutcracker. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s wellknown music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical Nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy.
December 11-19. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. Bankhead Theatre, Livermore; www.livermorearts.org
The Christmas Revels Age of Sail
OAKLAND
California Revels dives into the Age of Sail, blending 19th Century London with African American Gullah tradition and Caribbean folklore in an odyssey across the Atlantic. From sea chanties, mermaids and Christmas carols to Jonkonnu and Papa Bois, celebrate the Winter Solstice though the eye of Joseph Johnson, a man who lived his life in all of these traditions.
See website for dates, showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. First Congressional Church, Oakland; www.californiarevels.org
The San Jose Nutcracker
WWW.NEWBALLET.COM OF COURTESY PHOTO
SAN JOSE
San Jose’s favorite Nutcracker comes to the beautiful California Theatre in downtown San Jose, for a truly magical holiday experience. “The San Jose Nutcracker” is a joyful holiday production that transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references that highlight our valley setting as a birthplace of innovation.
December 18 - 22. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com
San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
SAN FRANCISCO
Set at a Christmas Eve party in 1915 San Francisco, the Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl given a magical nutcracker doll. The Nutcracker comes to life in her dreams, battles the evil King of the Mice, and takes Clara to a Crystal Palace full of dancing. With brilliant choreography by Helgi Tomasson and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker is a festive treat for the entire family!
December 10-30. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. Ages 5 and up. War Memorial Opera House, 415-865-2000; www.sfballet.org
Continued on page 32 >>>
BALLE ERIK TOMASSON, OF SAN FRANCISO BY PHOTO
COURTESY
<<< Continued from page 31
My Very First Nutcracker
SAN JOSE
“My Very First Nutcracker” is a special one-act presentation of “The San Jose Nutcracker,” ideal for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. This joyful holiday production features the festive holiday party, at which Uncle Nikola reveals his fascinating gifts. 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 who compete to win a magic crown. Introduce your family to the magic of classical ballet! This performance has a run time of approximately 55 minutes.
December 18 - 22. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com
BALLET MARIN OF COURTESY PHOTO
Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker
SAN RAFAEL
Delight in the Magic of Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker! Rich in old-fashioned holiday grandeur, Clara’s whimsical Christmas Eve dreams come to life through the art of classical ballet enriched with clever storytelling, mischievous humor, heroic characters, and plenty of fanciful surprises. Lavish, Victorian costumes and sets frame choreography a cast of over 175 super-talented dancers shipped in from all over the state and country as they bring adventure to life in this full-length ballet production.
December 11-12. See website for times and ticket information. All ages. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 415-453-6705; www.marinballet.org
Stapleton Ballet Presents: Nutcracker
SAN RAFAEL
The vibrant Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker provides a magical start to the holiday season! This engaging production features lavish costumes, ornate sets and joyful choreography that celebrates the spirit and exuberance of over 200 dancers performing alongside guest artists.
Dec. 7 and 8. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. All ages. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 415-4736800; www.stapletonschool.org
Oakland Ballet Company Presents Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”
OAKLAND
Oakland Ballet Company’s spritely and colorful version of this holiday classic is a holiday tradition that is fun for the entire family. Brimming with holiday magic, this is the Nutcracker to see! With live music by the Oakland Symphony.
December 18 & 19. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. All ages. Paramount Theatre, 510-893-3132; www.oaklandballet.org
BALLET OAKLAND OF COURTEST HEFTI, JOHN BY PHOTO
2014
Ballet is Back!
Choose a time when your baby is in her resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that Deadline is APRIL 19 “quiet alert” stage for the best experience dads feel the baby blues just like moms, for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will and dads can also experience postpartum Results Revealed in often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. July 2014 Issue over. Even diapering can be “quality time” Even better, Moms can encourage (even for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to push) dads to use these resources to get her while he is cleaning and changing her. together with other dads in real life.
As new parents you need to be very Fortunately, nature designed babies to aware of each other’s needs right now. rapidly move through this period of comMothers are often so overwhelmed with plete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby caring for a new baby that they don’t have will become a delightfully social being. By much energy left for the couple relation- the time you read this, she will be smiling ship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get and flirting as she discovers that there is to enjoy the baby as much and may feel de- more to life than a good meal and a nap. In prived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just see- www.parentspress.comlike with a new baby. Of course, no one has ing his face. So be patient, support each the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s other through this difficult time, and you’ll no wonder thatboth parents can wind up all emerge intact.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 Specializing in the care of: www.alamedadentist.com Ear Infections
Sinus Infections Tonsillitis Snoring
ThesedocTorsareamong thebestfamilydentistsand ortohodontists inThe Bay area PINOLE Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com Teri L. Kim, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com
caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy 2 Online Polls • VOTE Today!left for the couple relationship. ounces of warm water.The slightly sweet water is more appealing than plain but can meet other fathers for discussions, activities or a hike through local resources WIN Prizes! won’t interfere with your baby’s hunger for such as the Fathers Forum (Fathersforum. her next meal. com) or East Bay Dads (Eastbaydads.com).
Bath time can also be fun, if your baby If a dad is feeling really overwhelmed likes the water. Most babies like a little or stressed out, the extra support of a massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that Deadline is APRIL 19 “quiet alert” stage for the best experience dads feel the baby blues just like moms, for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will and dads can also experience postpartum Results Revealed in often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is over. Even diapering can be “quality time” depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. Even better, Moms can encourage (even 2014 July 2014 Issue for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to push) dads to use these resources to get her while he is cleaning and changing her. together with other dads in real life.
As new parents you need to be very Fortunately, nature designed babies to aware of each other’s needs right now. rapidly move through this period of comMothers are often so overwhelmed with plete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby caring for a new baby that they don’t have will become a delightfully social being. By much energy left for the couple relation- the time you read this, she will be smiling ship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get and flirting as she discovers that there is to enjoy the baby as much and may feel de- more to life than a good meal and a nap. In prived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just see- www.parentspress.comlike with a new baby. Of course, no one has ing his face. So be patient, support each the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s other through this difficult time, and you’ll no wonder thatboth parents can wind up all emerge intact.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 Specializing in the care of: www.alamedadentist.com Ear Infections
Sinus Infections Tonsillitis Snoring
Glowfari – Oakland Zoo OAKLAND
Glowfari is an unforgettable experience for all ages to enjoy! Featuring hundreds of larger-thanlife glowing animal lanterns throughout the Zoo; and with all-new animals displays for 2021! Take a mile-long illuminated stroll through the Zoo and visit the desert with camels and bighorn sheep, have an African safari adventure with elephants, giraffes, and an 8-foot
ThesedocTorsareamong crocodile head, walk through the rainforest to meet red and giant pandas - and of course, ride thebestfamilydentistsand the gondola to the land of bugs featuring a 65-foot ortohodontists inThe Bay area Queen Ant Tunnel! Finish the evening with a visit to Santa and ride the Express Train through Winter Wonderland! PINOLE This event sells out early. Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 November 12 – January 30. 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com Oakland Zoo, Oakland Hills; www.oaklandzoo.org Y Teri L. Kim, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com
You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods!support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC! Working families may be eligible for WIC! We are providing services over the phone during COVID-19, call 510-981-5360
For more information and to For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: see if you qualify, contact:City of Berkeley WIC Program City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave 830 University AveBerkeley, CA 94710 Berkeley, CA 94710 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. We can help with community programs for low and middle income families. Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. We can help with programs for low and middle income families. (Medi-Cal, Healthy Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. (Medi-Cal and CHDP) Families, CHDP and other community programs) This institution is an equal opportunity provider. We can help with community programs for low and middle income families. We can help with programs for low and middle income families. (Medi-Cal, Healthy (Medi-Cal and CHDP) Families, CHDP and other community programs) This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
PP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11
Berkeley City Ballet
PP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11 berkeleycityballet.org Our staff is fully vaxxed 2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609 2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Call Today 510-465-0941Call Today 510-465-0941
A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? • Is your teen no longer listening to you? A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens
Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? • Is your teen no longer listening to you?Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same
Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked?situation?
Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. situation? Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a
This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times.Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com
For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting Cindy Rasicot, MFT | cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463
For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting Cindy Rasicot, MFT | cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463 March 2014 | East Bay | Parents’ Press 11
March 2014 | East Bay | Parents’ Press 11 2/25/14 11:27 AM
Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment More info: AlamedaBallet.com | admin@alamedaballet.com
Subscription Service Gifts
ARE THE GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING
By Cassidy McKean
There’s nothing worse than browsing the aisles for hours on end, looking for that perfect gift for the person who seemingly already has it all. But along comes a savior in a cardboard cape, and you’re filling out the details for a three-month trial to a subscription service, a booming industry that’s already growing at a rate of 100% per year. Who doesn’t like receiving delivery of goodies and, more importantly, who doesn’t like receiving a box of goodies tailored specially for them? The subscription service might just replace those endless meanderings in shopping malls once and for all.
A Perfectly Gastronomical Experience
One of the best parts of choosing a subscription service for a friend or loved one is that you can really drill down into their personal preferences. For instance, picky eaters can expand their palates with options such as preplanned meal ideas, and according to Eat2Explore, customization is part of the process. There are also boxes that cater to specific types of foods or beverages, and it’s not unusual to sign up for a box that contains jerky from different parts of the world, or a box of chocolates for those who simply can’t ignore the cacao delicacy. Other options could include craft beers and rare vintages of wines, and for those who want a truly unique experience, candy selections from across the world will be a treat.
The Gift of Choice
One month your better half decides to be a gear head and the next month, he’s a bona fide techie. This will make it a little bit difficult to pinpoint a specific subscription service to satisfy his ever-evolving interests. While you could get him two subscriptions with the hope that he won’t expand his interest further, there is also the possibility of allowing him to browse through the subscription options he’d like to go with, and perhaps highlight those services that have short trial periods to allow him to change the service as needed. You’re even covered if he’s the type that never makes it to the mall to try out some new outfits and would much rather set his shorts (even if it’s the only pair he has) on fire than go clothing shopping. Men’s fashion subscription services are picking up momentum and are considered one of the coolest subscription choices if you’re looking for the perfect gift.
Learning Through Play
Early childhood development specialists encourage learning through play, as the brain is more able to retain information when the information seems like a reward. One of the best ways to encourage little ones to reach their developmental milestones and still enjoy hours of play is with STEM toys. Subscription services now offer a fine selection of these toys that will help parents and caregivers source high-quality toys with the added convenience of having them on auto-deliver. If you’re short on ideas on what to get those new parents, this is an ideal gift.
UNSPLASH ON ROY KASTURI BY PHOTO
For Your Beloved Fido
While it’s still possible to pick up something nice from the pet store, there’s a way to make your mailman more endearing to your pooch. Simply ensure that one of those deliveries is filled with pet-friendly toys and goodies, and they’re as good as besties. This also happens to be the ideal gift for the pet lover, as a display of affection to their fur baby will undoubtedly count toward friendship points.
Subscription services as a gift are not only great in terms of exposing the recipient to products they may not have encountered before; they also reveal that the giver has insight into the preferences of the recipient. These goods are often sourced from high-end suppliers who try to expose consumers to goods that are a little less generic. Cassidy McKean is a freelance writer.
