holiday Archives - DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS

Deliver on the vacation entertainments! :: Bay Space Reporter

Daily SF News — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 04:22:25 +0000

We’ve turned the corner into the holiday season, so last week Out There attended shows perfect for this time of year. On Saturday night we made a long overdue visit to Beach Blanket Babylon’s holiday edition, and earlier in the week, we were in the house for opening night of San Francisco Playhouse’s “Mary Poppins.”

Surely you know the BBB story by now. Snow White (sometimes called Snow Tires) searches the world for her Prince Charming, hot dudes available to young ladies being in short supply in San Francisco. Pop culture is sent up courtesy of musical riffs, outrageous caricatures, extravagant costumes and sky-high hats. As always, there are up-to-the-moment topical references galore, from Keebler elf Jeff Sessions still smarting from his ignominious end, to Vladimir Putin (“on the Ritz”), Kim Jong Un and other global villains. The Trump Crime Family gets a number, too, a la the Von Trapps; the Criminal-in-Chief remembers golden showers, while Melania reprises her famous Marie Antoinette line, “I really don’t care, do you?”

There’s Kanye, there’s Kim, there’s tired old Caitlyn Jenner, but the most current event of all is the holiday season, and the end-of-year BBB offers plenty of Xmas cheer, including Xmas King Louis, Mr. Peanut Santa, and a chorus line of Tap-Dancing Xmas Trees. The gigantic Yuletide Hat is a winter wonderland, complete with chugging toy train. The SF skyline hat now boasts a Salesforce tower, but it’s still the Transamerica pyramid that gets a rise out of all the excitement.

It’s been a while since OT visited BBB, and we’re happy to report the Old Girl still has it in her to amuse, delight and surprise, much like SF itself. Treat out-of-towners, family and loved ones for fail-safe holiday fun. “Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon Holiday Extravaganza” holds the Club Fugazi stage through Dec. 31. Tickets ($30-$155): www.beachblanketbabylon.com, (415) 421-4222, or at the box office, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd., formerly Green St., SF.

Oh, Mary!

SF Playhouse’s “Mary Poppins” is a musical based both on the stories of openly bisexual author P.L. Travers and on the Walt Disney film she resisted and reviled. As artistic director Bill English points out in his program note, “The original Mary, like Ms. Travers, an immigrant from Australia, was from the underclass of London deplorables,” not posh like Julie Andrews’ version. The musical offers an intriguing and quite un-Disneylike critique of the English class structure. The heroes are lower-class sorceress Mary and the dirt-under-his-fingernails, working-class chimney sweep Bert. Upper-class banker Mr. Banks and out-of-touch Mrs. Banks need more than a spoonful of sugar to catch a clue on child-raising.

The show, with its typically-for-Playhouse elaborate set design and high production values, never fails to delight. Bay Area stage veteran El Beh makes for a formidable Mary, Wiley Naman Strasser is a spry and appealing Bert, and the entire cast, including two very game child actors, fill their characters with life and song. Special note must be made of trouper Katrina Lauren McGraw, who makes a meal out of two quite dissimilar parts: the nasty nanny Miss Andrew, always ready to inflict poisonous “Brimstone and Treacle” on misbehaving children; and the rumpled bag-lady Bird Woman, offering her cruddy parcels of crumbs for “tuppence a bag.” Exclaim the Banks children, “Oh, there’s that horrible woman Daddy warned us about!” But she, too, becomes a lower-class hero in this passion play.

So a most populist Mary Poppins and all sorts of fantastical San Francisco Beach Blanket characters await you this holiday season. Take the plunge and book some tickets! sfplayhouse.org

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Snowstorm shifting by means of US may disrupt vacation weekend journey

Daily SF News — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 21:54:41 +0000

A cross-country storm bringing snow and rain to a large portion of the U.S. over the next several days could disrupt the tail end of a busy holiday travel weekend, forecasts show.

More than 9 million Americans across 13 states from Idaho to Texas were under weather alerts on Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy snow has already fallen in the Rocky Mountains and western Plains, with the highest accumulations in places like Luther, Montana, at 10 inches; Heyburn, Idaho, at 8.7 inches; and 8 inches in Fishtail, Montana.

The system won’t move much throughout the day on Sunday, and snow will continue to fall over Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Wind chills within the storm, including in Casper, Wyoming, were down to zero on Friday morning.

The storm will also push snow and rain into New Mexico to the south and snow showers all the way through Nebraska and into Kansas to the east, forecasts show.

On Saturday, the snow will primarily fall through Kansas and western Oklahoma and into the northern panhandle of Texas. Snow may reach places like Kansas City, Missouri, Saturday afternoon and move through northern Missouri into the night.

Rain is expected in the southern half of Missouri on Saturday, as the bottom portion of the system mixes with warmer air.

The storm is expected to bring an additional 6 to 12 inches of snow to the Rockies on Saturday, with more than a foot expected in the southwestern part of Colorado, including Telluride.

Nebraska will get between 3 to 6 inches of snow on Saturday, while parts of Kansas to western Oklahoma are expected to see 4 to 6 inches.

The storm system will continue to move east on Sunday, the busiest travel day of the year.

Snow will start falling in Chicago by 6 a.m. on Sunday and continue through the afternoon.

The storm will then move through Michigan, including Detroit.

The system is expected to change to rain as it moves east and into warmer temperatures, bringing rain to Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee on Sunday night. Rain will also move through the South, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

The Northeast will start to see the effects of the storm early Monday. Snow may fall in higher elevations of upper New England, but the rest of the region will get rain.

The rain is expected to move through New York City and the Interstate 95 corridor south of the city between midnight and 7 a.m. on Monday, forecasts show. Farther north, in Boston, rain will fall between 3 a.m. and noon.

The storm system will then exit through Maine by midnight on Tuesday, but that won’t be the end of inclement weather.

A lake effect snow is forecast on Tuesday for the Great Lake Region, including Cleveland; Erie, Pennsylvania; and Rochester and Syracuse, New York, forecasts show.

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Greatest Vacation And Christmas Markets In The SF Bay Space For 2023

Daily SF News — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:08:56 +0000

@westcoastcraft on Instagram

Holiday spirit is already in the air and the crafters of San Francisco are working at full throttle to sell their wares! We’ve gone ahead and rounded up some of the best holiday markets, craft fairs, and more in the San Francisco Bay Area for November and December 2023. Think Bay Area Christmas markets with homemade pastries, decorations, and innovative products. Or holiday craft fairs with all the handmade jewelry, pottery, and art you could wish for.

Save the dates and start planning for gift-giving season. Stay tuned as we continue to update this article with more fun events.

Nov. 3, 2023 – de Young Museum Wilsey Court, San Francisco

Browse a small market featuring ten local artists in the realms of textiles, jewelry, and accessories. Museum members get 10% off their purchase and proceeds are split among the artists and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

This market pops up in locations around the Bay Area through the holiday season. They celebrate creators and artists as well as small brands, local shops, and local non-profits.

Nov. 4, 2023 – Fourth Street, Berkeley
Nov. 5, 2023 – Ferry Building, San Francisco
Nov. 11-12, 2023 – The Barlow, Sebastopol
Nov. 19, 2023 – St. George Spirits, Alameda Point
Dec. 3, 2023 – Ferry Building, San Francisco
Dec. 9-10, 2023 – The Barlow, Sebastopol
Dec. 17, 2023 – St. George Spirits, Alameda Point

Nov. 4, 2023 – Makers Row at Fourth Street in Berkeley

The traveling Creative Communal market will come to Makers’s Row in Berkeley for a fall rendition featuring of local businesses, photo ops, and live music.

Dec. 2, 2023 – Downtown Sunnyvale

Creative Communal comes to Sunnyvale for a holiday artisan market featuring 30+ local makers, live music, holiday kid’s crafts, permanent jewelry, and baked goods.

Nov. 4-5, 2023 – Fort Mason Center in San Francisco

Over 250 makers and artisans sell their wares in the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. The fair includes hands-on workshops, live music, and local food. There is a $5 suggested entry fee which goes toward supporting the market in future years, and 10% of your contribution goes to The Nature Conservancy.

Nov. 4-5, 2023 – The Albert H. DeWitt Officer’s Club, Alameda Point

The 43rd annual Alameda Holiday Boutique is a popular recurring holiday event that just expanded to feature over 60 vendors across 8,700 square feet of space in 2022. The market is dedicated to showcasing handmade items produced by the vendor themselves, so you’re guaranteed to find a totally original gift here in the realms of jewelry, crocheted/knitted items, print media, homemade jams and jelly, and succulent plants.

Nov. 11, 2023 – The Bridge Yard, Oakland

Support 50+ women-owned brands at this elevated market in a historic streetcar facility. Additional offerings include monogramming, art activities for kids, a brow counter, and more. You’ll need to get tickets to visit this market — they cost $15 in advance and $18 day-of.

Nov. 11-12, 2023 – Groundfloor SF in San Francisco

Groundfloor SF supports women-owned businesses at this intimate craft market. This year they’ve implemented the Emerging Artists Program, which encourages first-time vendors to join the fair with a 60% discounted booth fee. The location in the heart of the Mission District means you can make a day of it with a visit to some of the surrounding local businesses.

Nov. 18, 2023 – Jack London Square in Oakland

Patchwork Show Oakland presents the best of the East Bay’s artistic community with 75+ vendors on the waterfront.

Nov. 26, 2023 – Courthouse Square, Redwood City

This Silicon Valley market presents 100+ vendors, live music, and family activities.

Dec. 2, 2023 – Sebastopol Center for the Arts

Local makers from around NorCal host an all-day experience with activities, fine art, food trucks, and more.

Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

West Coast Craft is primarily inspired by the west coast lifestyle and local materials with products including ceramics, sculpture, fiber arts, textiles, home furnishings, paper goods, wood crafts, bath and body products, and more.

Nov. 18-19, 2023 – The indoor version of WCC hosts 275+ vendors in the Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion.
Dec. 2 & 16, 2023 – This outdoor version of WCC hosts 100+ vendors in the Fort Mason Center parking lot.

Nov. 18, 2023 – 401 Forbes Blvd, South San Francisco

Cavallini Papers & Co. hosts their beloved free warehouse sale featuring unique gifts including vintage puzzles, wraps, calendars, and stationary. The lesser-known event is a hidden gem on the craft market calendar every year.

Weekends Nov. 18-Dec. 17, 2023 – Cow Palace, Daly City

This beloved annual event drops you into a 140,000-square-foot Victorian London, brought to life by hundreds of costumed players and a plethora of shops, stages, pubs, parties, and memorable performances. The Holiday Handcraft Marketplace is full of vendors with everything from collectible art to jewelry and textiles. Tickets to the fair are $45 general admission.

Nov 26, 2023 – Ciel Creative Space, Berkeley

Visitors can browse dozens of local plant vendors while enjoying delicious vegan treats. Support local small businesses and adopt some leafy new plant children to liven up your home or give as a gift.

Saturdays Nov. 25-Dec. 16, 2023 – Ferry Building, San Francisco

This beloved market features original drawings, paintings, ceramics and more by neurodiverse and disabled Bay Area artists. This is the third annual event and artists earn income directly from each sale.

Dec. 2-3, 2023 – County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

The 8th annual Sunset Holiday Mercantile will take over GG Park’s County Fair Building with an indoor-outdoor market showcasing makers, merchants, artisans, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music, beer and wine tasting, and more.

Dec. 2-3, 2023 – Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

Explore a collection of goods made by Italian artisans including food, jewelry, fashion, accessories, art pieces, and craft items.

West Coast Craft at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of West Coast Craft.

Dec. 6, 2023 – Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Ferry Building will be decked out for holiday gift shopping with warm drinks, free samples, photo ops, music, family activities, and more from 5-7pm.

Weekends Dec. 9-24, 2023 – Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Over 200 local artisans will take over Telegraph Ave between Dwight and Bancroft near the UC Berkeley campus. This is the 40th annual fair complete with fun decorations and a multicultural shopping atmosphere.

Dec. 16, 2023 – United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco

The United Irish Cultural Center’s 2023 Christmas boutique with local vendors selling chocolates, baked goods, jewelry, candles, soap, and Irish food and candy.

Dec. 16-17, 2023 – SF Botanical Garden, San Francisco

60+ vendors will showcase botanical gifts at the SF Botanical Garden. The free market will be carefully curated to show the best sustainable, local, and fair trade gifts available, as well as a plant sale, free craft activities, a photo booth, and a gift-wrapping station.

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ADDING MULTIMEDIA Thumbtack Creates New “Vacation Fireplace Prevention Guidelines” to Assist Owners Get Forward of Peak Residential Fireplace Season

Daily SF News — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 20:28:06 +0000

New survey finds 75 percent of homeowners know someone who has had a house fire, and the majority (57 percent) occurred during the holidays

SAN FRANCISCO, December 01, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The holidays are all about celebrating traditions with family and friends. Between choosing the right gifts and preparing delicious meals, you have plenty on your plate. Ensuring that you and your loved ones are safe can be an additional stress. Today, Thumbtack, the app used by millions of homeowners across the country to care for their homes, unveiled a new “Holiday Fire Prevention Checklist” that allows homeowners to check their home’s fire risk, and seamlessly book a home service professional to help prevent fires before they happen.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221201005163/en/

Thumbtack unveils new “Holiday Fire Prevention Checklist” (Graphic: Business Wire)

“We recently found that 75 percent of people know someone who has had a house fire, and the majority occurred over the holiday season. Yet, homeowners are reluctant to admit they themselves are at risk of a home fire — with only 1 in 5 stating they believe their own personal risk of a fire is high,” said David Steckel, Thumbtack’s Home Expert. “In order to ensure this holiday season is full of joy and celebration with friends and family, we want to help homeowners understand the causes of house fires — and take action to prevent them. Our goal is to give homeowners peace of mind so they can enjoy their holiday festivities.”

The “Holiday Fire Prevention Checklist” highlights the top projects homeowners should tackle before the holidays, which have the highest risk of starting a fire if left unaddressed, including:

Hang holiday lights (hire a pro): A professional installer can take this festive (but time-consuming) task off your hands — and ensure you’re not overloading your circuits.
Sweep chimney (hire a pro): Annual inspections and cleanings are a must to minimize fire hazards, manage creosote buildup, and prevent gas leaks.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (DIY): Working alarms are crucial. Testing yearly and replacing every 7 years is the best way to make sure you’re protected.
Clean dryer vents (hire a pro): Lint buildup causes about 3,000 house fires yearly. Cleaning your dryer’s exhaust pipe can help prevent a fire and improve efficiency.
Inspect fire extinguishers (DIY): Always keep a working dry chemical fire extinguisher (the dial should be in the “green region”) easily accessible and near the kitchen.
Trim trees (hire a pro): Keeping your trees trimmed prolongs the life of your roof, cuts down on potential fire hazards, and can prevent wildlife from moving in.
Deep clean gas range (DIY or hire a pro): Built-up grease can be a big fire hazard — especially with a gas range. Be sure to clean it out every 3-6 months.
Ensure space heaters are not a hazard (DIY): Only run space heaters in a clear, hazard-free space — and never overnight.
Do an electrical check (hire a pro): Prevent fire hazards by having a pro check your property (inside and out) for faulty electrical wiring and overloaded circuits.
Maintain Christmas tree (DIY): Make sure to water your tree, unplug it at night, or set a timer to avoid fires — artificial trees are also a great alternative.

Story continues

In addition to creating a resource hub for homeowners, from December 1 – December 9, 2022, Thumbtack will also be offering consumers $50 off* their next home project so they can prevent fires this holiday season — from hiring a chimney pro to booking a home inspection, and more (terms and conditions apply).

Visit www.thumbtack.com/content/fire-prevention to learn more about potential fire hazards this holiday season, to see how your home ranks on the safety scale, and to book a pro to ensure you’re ready to tackle the holiday season — worry-free.

About Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a technology leader building the modern home management platform. Through the Thumbtack app, homeowners can effortlessly manage their homes — confidently knowing what to do, when to do it, and who to hire. Bringing the $600 billion home services industry online, Thumbtack empowers millions of homeowners to fix, maintain, and improve their most valuable asset. Hundreds of thousands of local service professionals, from painters and plumbers to photographers and more, use the Thumbtack platform to grow their businesses each year. The company is backed by Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, and CapitalG, among others.

*Terms and conditions: Thumbtack users may receive $50 off one project, from December 1, 2022 through December 9, 2022. This offer is limited to the first 2,000 users to redeem the discount. Discounts only apply to projects that cost $50 or more (before tax and tip), booked and paid for through Thumbtack. Not all Service Professionals accept payment through Thumbtack. Make sure you check with your Service Professional to confirm they accept payment through Thumbtack before hiring them. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Discounts cannot be stacked (in other words, only one discount can be used per booking), and discounts are for one-time use only. On-Demand bookings (sometimes referred to as “Pro matched by Thumbtack”) are not eligible for discounts. Learn more about On-Demand bookings. Discounts are subject to the terms outlined in our Terms of Use.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221201005163/en/

Contacts

Laura Arrubla Toro
press@thumbtack.com

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SFO’s Finest Eating places + Methods to Kill Time This Vacation Season

Daily SF News — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:46:27 +0000

Here comes the holidays and with them the hair-raising, elbow-throwing, hurry-and-wait drama of airport travel. Our advice? Don’t head into the hell of delayed flights without a game plan.

Fortunately for Bay Area travelers, San Francisco International Airport leads the way when it comes to airports, according to the Wall Street Journal, which just named SFO the best airport in the country. SFO’s good deeds include its commitment to sustainability (the airport was the first in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification); a celebration of local heritage (with rotating exhibits highlighting LGBTQ+, Indigenous and Latino communities); an incredible art collection; and last but not least, partnerships with some popular Bay Area restaurants.

Despite the current hiatus at SFO’s pre-pandemic gourmet hotspot, Manufactory Food Hall, there’s still plenty of good food between the gates. Add in a few unexpected ways to pass the time (semi-secret cinema, anyone?) and your wait will be over before you know it… at least until they announce another delay.

Here’s how to make the most of your time spent at SFO this holiday season.

Best food at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1

(Courtesy of @flysfo)

Ritual Coffee’s new outpost at SFO.

ritual coffee

Wake up for that ungodly early flight at the new SFO location of SoMa coffee roastery favorite Ritual. The café combines its popular coffee and espresso drinks with pastries, fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps right next to the B Gates security checkpoint in Terminal 1. // ritualcoffee.com

Where: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near the B Gates security checkpoint

If: 6 a.m. to 1 p.mWednesday to Monday

starbird

Find out why Starbird’s fried chicken sandwich at its SFO outpost was once voted the best on the bay. If you don’t like sandwiches, try the Nashville Hot Tender or a crispy chicken chop salad made with roasted corn, avocado and pepitas. If you’re short on time, order ahead and pick it up on the way to your gate.// starbirdchicken.com

Where: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near Gate B13

If: Daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m

Amy’s drive thru

Bay Area native Amy’s, the queen of the frozen food aisle, brings her brand of plant-based nouns from SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal. The organic, non-GMO menu is very diverse, with options like breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal in the morning, and veggie burgers, three types of mac ‘n’ cheese, and chili cheese fries served throughout the day. // amysdrivethru.com

Where: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near Gate B6

If: Daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m

The little chihuahua

The popular SF Taqueria Little Chihuahua packs burritos daily in Terminal 1. The local chain is known for its variety of healthy fillings, including options like fried plantains and black beans, garlic shrimp, and al pastor served in a bowl, a burrito, or in two tacos Early morning chilaquiles and “todo dia” breakfast tacos will get your engine pumping. // thelittlechihuahua.com

Where: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Gate B3

If: Sunday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m

Drake’s flyaway

Sure, it’s not quite the open-air experience you’re used to from Drake’s Dealership in Oakland, but Drake’s Flyaway still offers craft beer lovers a chance to sample their way through some of the brewery’s most popular year-round releases. Besides, what else do you have to do while waiting for your plane to pull into the gate? Sip on an IPA and pair it with pizza, salad, sandwiches and breakfast dishes. // flysfo.com

Where: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Gate B20

If: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m

Eating and chilling in Terminals 2 + 3 of SFO

(Courtesy of @flysfo)

The SkyTerrace in the SFO.

Bun Mee

Fancy a hard hitting sandwich to fuel you up before your flight? Head to Bun Mee for soft-inside, crispy-outside baguettes filled with everything from five spice chicken to Sloppy Joe-style red curry ground beef. They also have savory bowls, salads, and appetizers like Momma Tran’s crispy ground beef and ear mushroom spring rolls. With two SFO locations, no matter where you fly to, you’re likely to be close by. // bunmee.co

Where: Terminal 3 between Gates F11 to F22 + Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Gate B3

If: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Ladle & Leaf

Gone are the days when you couldn’t find anything healthy to eat at the airport. East Bay-based Ladle & Leaf works with local farmers and ranchers to create healthy salads, cereal bowls, sandwiches and soups. Indulge in a quinoa, feta, and avocado bowl or Brussels sprouts Caesar and actually feel good about yourself when you arrive at your destination (minus the jet lag—even plants can’t fix that). // ladeblatt.com

Where: Terminal 3, near gates F11 to F22

If: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Yoga Rooms

You may have been disappointed to learn that the legendary yoga room in the international terminal has been closed during the pandemic. Now, more than two years later, not only has this space reopened, but the airport has added a second studio to help you navigate your way through your flight delay. Find them with mats, blocks and foam rollers in Terminals 2 and 3. // flysfo.com

Where: Terminals 2 + 3, near the security checkpoints

If: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m

sky terrace

Breathe in the fresh air on the SkyTerrace as you watch the pilots maneuver their giant flying machines across the runway. Grab a snack on the way up—food and drinks are allowed—and don’t forget to stop by the SFO Museum’s small exhibition space, which currently houses artifacts from the 1954 San Francisco International Airport Terminal. No boarding pass is required to enter; free. // flysfo.com

Where: Terminal 2, 4th floor before security

If: Friday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Where to eat + kill time at the SFO International Terminals

(Courtesy of @gottsroadside)

Get burgers and more at Gott’s Roadside in the International Terminal.

1300 on Fillmore

Jazz District favorite 1300 on Fillmore brought its southern-inspired dishes to SFO in 2017 with a menu full of comforting favorites. Take a seat at a table or at the marble-topped bar and order a delicious fried chicken and bacon salad, pulled pork sandwich or shrimp hushpuppies. Don’t forget cocktails. They have a full bar ready to ease your flight delay problems. //flysfo.com

Where: International Terminal G, near Gate G13

If: Wednesday to Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

God’s roadside

Get a taste of something local before flying abroad. Gott’s Roadside SFO station has many of the same handheld foods you’ll find at their full-service locations, including Niman Ranch Franks and burgers, Baja fish tacos, and chicken cutlet sandwiches. At the full bar, you’ll find enough Northern California beer and wine to keep you busy until they finally let you on board. // gots.com

Where: International Terminal A, near Gate A13

If: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m

Turpen Aviation Museum and Library

You don’t have to share your father’s love of aviation to enjoy SFO’s Aviation Museum and Library. Located in front of security on the departures level of the international terminal, the tranquil two-story facility encapsulates the airport’s original 1930’s Spanish-style waiting room. Explore its archives, browse its books and exhibitions, or simply take a seat and enjoy a few minutes of quiet before the boarding chaos begins. No boarding pass is required to enter; free. // sfomuseum.org

Where: Departures Level, Main Concourse of the International Terminal

If: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily

Video art gallery

Save your digital content for the flight. In the SFO’s black box cinema, the Video Arts Gallery, you can lose yourself in short documentaries, animations and experimental films by innovative contemporary artists and filmmakers. November’s films celebrate Native American Heritage Month with short films by Navajo, Gwich’in and other Indigenous filmmakers. // sfomuseum.org

Where: International Terminal, Departures level before security

If: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

outdoor terrace

Feel the fog on your face one last time before embarking on a long-haul flight? Walk up to the lush garden and observation deck of the International Terminal. This open-air space offers 180-degree views of the airfield and comfortable seating.

Where: International Terminal G

If: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m

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Christmas Occasions in San Francisco 2022: What to Do This Vacation Season

Daily SF News — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:22:55 +0000

Get in the spirit of Christmas with pop-up bars, light displays, Christmas productions, a Chinese food and comedy night and more.

Published on 12/12/2022 at 4:55 p.m

Fairmont San Francisco

Christmas is less than two weeks away, which means it’s time to drink spiked eggnog and get the Christmas cheer into high gear. Just name us Santa’s little helpers, because we’ve rounded up all of SF’s funniest holiday events, from heartwarming opportunities to help those in need, holiday pop-ups at the best bars in town, to a slew of stage performances and gingerbread houses doing so are big, you can go inside. And if you’re still looking for fun things to do, there are cool events in SF every weekend and all winter long.

Running through Sunday, January 1st
Macy’s/Union Square
After several years of virtual appearances, SF SPCA’s adoptable animals have returned to Macy’s vacation window alive and as kittens/puppies. Watch them there every Thursday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. or virtually every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. online.
Costs: Free, but donations are welcome. You can also bring newly purchased pet toys, blankets, sheets, and towels to the donation station on Macy’s 8th floor.

Running through Sunday, January 1st
Union Square
While you’re downtown deciding whether or not to adopt a new furry friend, head to Union Square to see Macy’s Great Tree, a 24-foot-tall tree adorned with more than 33,000 LED lights and 1,100 ornaments .
Costs: Free

Running until Monday 16
Union Square
Contemplating which pup to adopt and take home? Take a spin around Union Square’s Safeway Holiday Ice Rink to clear your mind. There are 60-minute sessions every day, and if you go on a Wednesday night you can skate to Frozen music. Just try not to fa-la-la-fall while you’re fa-la-la-la-la.
Costs: $20 (including rent)

Thriller TV

history of

The History of Tailgating

Running until Friday, December 16th
Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason/Marina
Pick up this year’s Christmas tree at the Guardsmen Tree Lot and all proceeds from your Tower of Comfort and Joy will be used to provide underprivileged youth in the Bay Area with opportunities to participate in summer camps, after-school programs and more. It’s also not too late to snag tickets to the Guardsmen’s annual Tree Lot Party, which takes place the night after the last tree is sold and includes drinks, dancing, and lots of hilarious fun (GA: $130; VIP: $255 ).
Costs: All trees are sweet firs and range in price from $65 (2-4 feet) to $965 (15-18 feet).

Saturday 17 December – Sunday 18 December
Cow Palace
Experience Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair without leaving SF. As you wander the winding streets you will find music halls, pubs selling British dishes, ales, mixed drinks and hot buttered rum. colorful characters like Santa, Tiny Tim, the ghost of Jacob Marley, Chimney Sweep and more; Theaters, dance parties, old shops full of holiday treasures and more.
Costs: $45 for a day ticket; $30 for twilight entry

Running until Saturday, December 24th
Grace Cathedral/Nob Hill
All are welcome at Grace Cathedral, which offers several concerts and services to celebrate the season, including A Cathedral Christmas, a performance of classic Christmas carols by Grace Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys, family sing-alongs, and Christmas lessons and carols.
Costs: Free

Running until Friday, December 23rd
The Victoria Theater/Mission
Grab a pal and a confidant to see what has become one of SF’s best Christmas traditions: hilarious drag performers parodying (in the most loving way) two Christmas episodes of The Golden Girls.
Costs: From $35

A Christmas song | Photo courtesy of the Toni Rembe Theater

Running until Saturday, December 24th
The Tony Rembe Theatre/Union Square
ACT’s classic version of A Christmas Carol returns this year with beautiful costumes, a lively cast and a moving rendition of the classic Dickens story that reminds us all what the Christmas cheer is really about.
Costs:Tickets start at $52.

The Nutcracker | Photo courtesy of War Memorial Opera House

Now – December 27
War Memorial Opera House/Civic Center
Going to a performance of The Nutcracker is a fundamental holiday tradition, especially in San Francisco since SF Ballet was the first ballet company to ever perform the show in the United States. This version stays true to the original with giant mice, a growing Christmas tree, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, but with plenty of SF-specific twists to keep in mind.
Costs:Tickets range from $10 (SRO) to $375 (Box Center).

Friday 23 December – Monday 26 December
Sherith Israel/Pacific Heights Parish and virtual
Chinese food and Christmas may be a Jewish cliche, but we appreciate it, especially when that cliché manifests itself in the form of a Jewish comedy show at a Chinese pop-up restaurant in an inclusive Jewish synagogue. Food is provided by Green Chow Down and there are plenty of stand-up comedians for laughs.
Costs: $90 to $100

Sip celebratory cocktails at a range of festive pop-up bars

Running until Saturday, December 31st
Different places
Raise a glass to long weekends or escape visiting relatives at one of the many vacation bars that have popped up across San Francisco. Pacific Cocktail Haven (Union Square) has morphed into “Miracle,” the popular pop-up that’s performing across the country (but only at one bar per city), and its sister bar, Kona’s Street Market (SoMa), is taking a tropical Touch for the holidays with a “Sippin’ Santa” theme. Trade Routes (Russian Hill) is all festive with a ‘Tinsel Time’ theme, including a boozy Frosty the Slushie mix and other merry drinks. If you’re willing to plan ahead, book a reservation for Tinseltown at the Trademark Bar (SoMa), where you’ll find the halls decked out and you might interact with some of Santa’s helpers and maybe even the jolly oldies Horsefeather (Divisadero Corridor) also has a Christmas cocktail menu, as does The Madrigal (Civic Center), and there are two Deck the Halls locations in Cow Hollow this year: Outre and the Blue Light. Prefer your celebrations with a side of devilish chaos? Rye Bar’s Krampus Popup is what you need.
Costs: varies

Running until Saturday, December 24th
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts/SoMa
We’ll always love The Nutcracker, but if you’re looking to shake it up this year, be sure to get tickets to Smuins The Christmas Ballet, which begins with a beautiful classical ballet set to popular Christmas carols and then transitions into the second act to Red Hot Contemporary Numbers” to pop favorites. Go on Tuesday December 20th if you want to catch the LGBTQ+ night show with a cameo from Lady Camden, the first runner-up in the final season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Costs: $25 to $99

Photo courtesy of The Fairmont

Admire the larger than life edible holiday displays at local hotels

Running until Saturday, December 31st
Fairmont San Francisco/Nob Hill and Westin St Francis/Union Square
We don’t like to pick favourites, but if you’re only visiting one hotel to get your Christmas dinner it should be the Fairmont, where you’ll find a two-story, life-size Victorian gingerbread house that stands 25 feet tall that you can walk inside. If you happen to be in Union Square, stop by the Westin to see SF’s largest sugar castle. There is also a boutique where you can buy your own sweet treats and pop! Lounge, a pop-up champagne bar just off the lobby with a DJ and sparkling wine (open Friday through Sunday).

Running until Friday, December 23rd
Davies Symphony Hall/Civic Center
There really is something for everyone at Symphony during the holiday season, including an adult-themed holiday variety show hosted by conductor Edwin Outwater and drag sensation Peaches Christ (Thursday 15 December), a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas with the Symphony performs the live score (December 16-17), Holiday Brass (Tuesday, December 20), Elf in Concert (December 21-22), and A Merry-Achi Christmas (December 23). .December), which is exactly what it sounds like.
Costs: varies

Want more thrillers? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat!

Daisy Barringer is a freelance SF writer who never misses production of “A Christmas Carol” and finds Scrooge getting a bad rap. Follow her on Instagram @daisysf.

The post Christmas Occasions in San Francisco 2022: What to Do This Vacation Season appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

What Vacation Treats Can One Discover on the San Francisco Pastry Firm?

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:16:10 +0000

With the closure of Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Café in Universal Studios Florida, dining options decreased. With pavement work going on all over the park, other food, and beverage locations temporarily close periodically. Yet, the often-overlooked San Francisco Pastry Company continues to serve above-average theme park food. More importantly, this place serves something besides pizza and burgers. In fact, the bakery here offers exclusive treats for the Universal Orlando holiday festivities. During my most recent trip to Orlando, I selected the “Gingerbread Whoopie Pie” here for an afternoon snack.

In addition to this gingerbread treat, the San Francisco Pastry Company offers three other holiday-specific treats in addition to this gingerbread treat. Coconut lovers will find a “Coconut Matcha Tree” for $6.99. Universal Orlando continues to create a variety of holiday cookies with a “Mitten Sugar Cookie” here for $3.79. Also, a “Chocolate Cherry Yule Log” calls to people who walk near the bakery case for $5.99.

The Gingerbread Whoopie pie costs $5.49 before applicable discounts. This holiday design comes with an adorable gingerbread man chocolate piece on top. I felt bad having to eat the little guy. Yet, decisions were made. Still, the chocolate piece tasted okay. The quality rates as slightly better than most chocolate pieces served at Orlando area theme park resorts. This gingerbread whoopie pie looks great so the presentation earns high marks.

My only legitimate criticism of this gingerbread bread treat involves powdered sugar. I respect that the powdered sugar adds to the holiday imagery, but it adds to the unneeded mess factor.

All the flavors you would expect from this type of holiday treat exist on the plate. Overall, this makes a solid holiday option for a sweet snack. This location, which I continue to refer to as often overlooked, provides a “safe” option for bakery case items. Nothing here will dazzle you, but rarely will it disappoint you (except maybe breakfast).

As always, eat like you mean it!

Pirates & Princesses (PNP) is an independent, opinionated, fan-powered news blog that covers Disney and Universal Theme Parks, Themed Entertainment and related Pop Culture from a consumer’s point of view. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of PNP, its editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. PNP is an unofficial news source and has no connection to The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal or any other company that we may cover.

The post What Vacation Treats Can One Discover on the San Francisco Pastry Firm? appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

From the ‘Slutcracker’ to ‘The Nutcracker,’ a information to vacation dance and theater

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:12:34 +0000

Just as the last scraps of turkey are turned into sandwiches, and the Christmas lights twinkle by night on Boston Common, the theaters begin to glow with images of holiday cheer wrapped up in music and dance. A listing of performances—traditional or new, sacred or not—are offered below for your enjoyment.

And while you’re out, people-watching is another part of a holiday trip to the theater—especially the sight of the little girls dressed up in their best finery. I hope you see one or more of them wearing their own pink tutus, to match the Sugar Plum fairy on stage. Whatever your pleasure, don’t forget to bring candy canes for intermission, and take time for hot chocolate before returning home.

‘The Nutcracker’

Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker” is in its 21st year. (Courtesy City Ballet of Boston)

If you are lucky enough to have a child making a stage debut as a mouse or a reindeer, or cherish memories of being the same, no doubt you are humming melodies from Tchaikovsky’s score for “The Nutcracker.” The 19th-century ballet by Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa is based on ETA Hoffman’s novella about the young girl, Clara, who leaves her family on Christmas Eve (but returns safely home again) to travel the world on an adventure.

First brought to the USA (in part) by Anna Pavlova in 1915, finally presented in full-length by San Francisco Ballet in 1944, the 1954 production for the New York City Ballet, re-created by George Balanchine, became the granddaddy to hundreds of showings over the decades that have followed. Boston Ballet founder E. Virginia Williams created the local tradition in 1965 for her fledgling company, starring soloists borrowed from NYCB, and an orchestra led by Arthur Fiedler. Our list includes some, but not all, of the many New England productions.

Mikko Nissinen’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Boston Ballet | Opera House (Nov. 25-Dec.31)

Boston Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” features 50-plus company members with apprentices, hundreds of children from the Boston Ballet school, and more than 350 costumes and sumptuous sets designed by Robert Perdziola. The breathtaking production is performed to Tchaikovsky’s full score performed by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by Mischa Santora. And yes, the tree does grow, the snow does fall, and the flowers waft beautifully in their second act Waltz.

Anthony Williams’ ‘Urban Nutcracker’
City Ballet of Boston | Boch Center Shubert Theater (Dec. 17-23)

Directed by Anthony Williams, a founding member of the Boston Ballet, and performer in the early productions. Now in its 21st year, Williams has re-imagined his “Urban Nutcracker” in Boston’s landscape. Tchaikovsky’s music, as interpreted by Duke Ellington, will be performed live. The movement ranges from ballet to hip-hop, tap and doo-wop, delivered by a large cast of children, local performers and professional dancers. “Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker” will be broadcast on public television, with a documentary, “Beyond the Stage: The Urban Nutcracker, Community and the Arts” starting Nov. 25. (For those in Greater Boston, GBH 44 will air the program on Dec. 17 at 8 pm)

More opportunities to see ‘The Nutcracker’ beyond Boston:

Beyond Massachusetts:

Festival Ballet | Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island (Dec. 16-24)

Island Moving Company’s “Newport Nutcracker” | Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, Rhode Island (Nov. 23-Dec. 2)

Maine State Ballet | Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine (Nov. 25-Dec. 4)

Portland Ballet’s “A Victorian Nutcracker” | Sanford Performing Arts Center, Sanford, Maine (Dec. 10); Westbrook Performing Arts Center, Westbrook, Maine (Dec. 17-18); and Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine (Dec. 22-23)

And for another slant:

‘A Christmas Carol’

Rehearsal photo for Merrimack Repertory Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” (Courtesy Meghan Moore)

The many stage versions of “A Christmas Carol” harken back to 19th-century Boston when Charles Dickens read portions of “A Christmas Carol” to a “large, enthusiastic” audience at Boston’s Tremont Temple on Dec. 2, 1867. A few of the contemporary productions are listed below:

Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Lowell (Nov. 30-Dec. 24)

Karen MacDonald plays both Charles Dickens and Ebenezer Scrooge, in this world premiere with a local twist The show opens in Lowell in 1842, a reminder of Dickens’ first American visit when he famously toured the city’s textile mills.

North Shore Music Theatre
Beverly (Dec. 1-23)

David Coffee will play Scrooge for the 28th time in the North Shore Music Theatre’s 31st annual production of “A Christmas Carol: a musical ghost story.”

The Hanover Theatre
Worcester (Dec. 17-23)

The Hanover Theater and Conservatory website claims the title, “New England’s largest production of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’”

Trinity Repertory Company
Providence, Rhode Island (Nov. 4-Jan. 1)

Shura Baryshnikov choreographed Trinity Rep’s 46th annual production, directed by Aileen Wen McGroddy and starring Phyllis Kay as Scrooge.

And for more holiday spectaculars:

The post From the ‘Slutcracker’ to ‘The Nutcracker,’ a information to vacation dance and theater appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

ADDING MULTIMEDIA Thumbtack Creates New “Vacation Hearth Prevention Guidelines” to Assist Owners Get Forward of Peak Residential Hearth Season

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:11:39 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The holidays are all about celebrating traditions with family and friends. Between choosing the right gifts and preparing delicious meals, you have plenty on your plate. Ensuring that you and your loved ones are safe can be an additional stress. Today, Thumbtack, the app used by millions of homeowners across the country to care for their homes, unveiled a new “Holiday Fire Prevention Checklist” that allows homeowners to check their home’s fire risk, and seamlessly book a home service professional to help prevent fires before they happen.

“We recently found that 75 percent of people know someone who has had a house fire, and the majority occurred over the holiday season. Yet, homeowners are reluctant to admit they themselves are at risk of a home fire — with only 1 in 5 stating they believe their own personal risk of a fire is high,” said David Steckel, Thumbtack’s Home Expert. “In order to ensure this holiday season is full of joy and celebration with friends and family, we want to help homeowners understand the causes of house fires — and take action to prevent them. Our goal is to give homeowners peace of mind so they can enjoy their holiday festivities.”

The “Holiday Fire Prevention Checklist” highlights the top projects homeowners should tackle before the holidays, which have the highest risk of starting a fire if left unaddressed, including:

Hang holiday lights (hire a pro): A professional installer can take this festive (but time-consuming) task off your hands — and ensure you’re not overloading your circuits.

Sweep chimney (hire a pro): Annual inspections and cleanings are a must to minimize fire hazards, manage creosote buildup, and prevent gas leaks.

Maintain gas fireplace (hire a pro): These fireplaces need regular maintenance too — connections can corrode over time, leading to potential gas leaks.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (DIY): Working alarms are crucial. Testing yearly and replacing every 7 years is the best way to make sure you’re protected.

Clean dryer vents (hire a pro): Lint buildup causes about 3,000 house fires yearly. Cleaning your dryer’s exhaust pipe can help prevent a fire and improve efficiency.

Inspect fire extinguishers (DIY): Always keep a working dry chemical fire extinguisher (the dial should be in the “green region”) easily accessible and near the kitchen.

Trim trees (hire a pro): Keeping your trees trimmed prolongs the life of your roof, cuts down on potential fire hazards, and can prevent wildlife from moving in.

Deep clean gas range (DIY or hire a pro): Built-up grease can be a big fire hazard — especially with a gas range. Be sure to clean it out every 3-6 months.

Ensure space heaters are not a hazard (DIY): Only run space heaters in a clear, hazard-free space — and never overnight.

Do an electrical check (hire a pro): Prevent fire hazards by having a pro check your property (inside and out) for faulty electrical wiring and overloaded circuits.

Maintain Christmas tree (DIY): Make sure to water your tree, unplug it at night, or set a timer to avoid fires — artificial trees are also a great alternative.

In addition to creating a resource hub for homeowners, from December 1 – December 9, 2022, Thumbtack will also be offering consumers $50 off* their next home project so they can prevent fires this holiday season — from hiring a chimney pro to booking a home inspection, and more (terms and conditions apply).

Visit www.thumbtack.com/content/fire-prevention to learn more about potential fire hazards this holiday season, to see how your home ranks on the safety scale, and to book a pro to ensure you’re ready to tackle the holiday season — worry free.

About Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a technology leader building the modern home management platform. Through the Thumbtack app, homeowners can effortlessly manage their homes — confidently knowing what to do, when to do it, and who to hire. Bringing the $600 billion home services industry online, Thumbtack empowers millions of homeowners to fix, maintain, and improve their most valuable asset. Hundreds of thousands of local service professionals, from painters and plumbers to photographers and more, use the Thumbtack platform to grow their businesses each year. The company is backed by Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, and CapitalG, among others.

*Terms and conditions: Thumbtack users may receive $50 off one project, from December 1, 2022 through December 9, 2022. This offer is limited to the first 2,000 users to redeem the discount. Discounts only apply to projects that cost $50 or more (before tax and tip), booked and paid for through Thumbtack. Not all Service Professionals accept payment through Thumbtack. Make sure you check with your Service Professional to confirm they accept payment through Thumbtack before hiring them. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Discounts cannot be stacked (in other words, only one discount can be used per booking), and discounts are for one-time use only. On-Demand bookings (sometimes referred to as “Pro matched by Thumbtack”) are not eligible for discounts. Learn more about On Demand bookings. Discounts are subject to the terms outlined in our Terms of Use.

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Christmas Occasions in San Francisco 2022: What to Do This Vacation Season

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 03:23:56 +0000

Christmas is less than two weeks away, which means it’s time to start chugging spiked eggnog and kick that holiday spirit into high gear. Just call us Santa’s little helpers as we’ve rounded up all of SF’s jolliest holiday events, from heartwarming opportunities to help those in need, holiday pop-ups at the city’s best bars to a slew of stage performances, and gingerbread houses that are so big you can walk inside of them. And if you’re still looking for fun stuff to do, there are cool events happening in SF every weekend and all winter long.

Ongoing through Sunday, January 1
Macy’s/Union Square
After a few years of virtual appearances, SF SPCA’s adoptable animals have returned live and in-kitten/puppy to Macy’s holiday windows. See them there every Thursday–Sunday from noon to 5 pm or virtually online every day from 9 am to 6 pm.
cost: Free, but donations are appreciated. You can also bring newly purchased pet toys, blankets, flat sheets, and towels to the donation station on the 8th floor of Macy’s.

Ongoing through Sunday, January 1
Union Square
While you’re downtown contemplating whether or not to adopt a new furry friend, head to Union Square to see Macy’s Great Tree, an 83-foot-tall tree decorated with more than 33,000 LED lights and 1,100 ornaments.
cost:Free

Union Square Ice Rink

Ongoing through Monday, January 16
Union Square
Mulling over which puppy to adopt and take home? Take a spin around The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square to clear your mind. There are 60-minute sessions every day, and if you go on Wednesday evenings, you can skate to music from Frozen. Just try not to fa-la-la-la-fall while you fa-la-la-la-la.
Cost: $20 (includes rentals)

Thrillist TV

Wine and cheeseburgers

Wine and Cheeseburger: Harley and Lara Pair Falafel with Wine

Ongoing through Friday, December 16
Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason/Marina
Pick up this year’s Christmas tree at the Guardsmen Tree Lot, and all of the proceeds from your spire of comfort and joy will go towards providing underprivileged youth in the Bay Area with opportunities to attend summer camps, after-school programs, and more. It’s also not too late to get tickets to the Guardsmen’s annual Tree Lot Party, which takes place the night after the last tree is sold and includes drinking, dancing, and lots of holly jolly fun (GA: $130; VIP: $255).
cost: All of the trees are Noble Firs and range in price from $65 (2-4 feet) to $965 (15-18 feet).

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Saturday, December 17 – Sunday, December 18
Cow Palace
Experience Victorian London without leaving SF at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. As you wander the winding lanes, you’ll find music halls, pubs selling British fare, ale, mixed drinks, and hot buttered rum; colorful characters including Father Christmas, Tiny Tim, the ghost of Jacob Marley, chimney sweeps, and more; theatres, dance parties, ye old shops full of holiday treasures, and more.
cost: $45 for an all-day ticket; $30 for twilight admission

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

Ongoing through Saturday, December 24
Grace Cathedral/Nob Hill
All are welcome at Grace Cathedral, which is offering several concerts and services to celebrate the season, including “A Cathedral Christmas,” a performance of classic carols by the Grace Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys, family sing-alongs, and Christmas Lessons and Carol’s.
Cost: Free

Ongoing through Friday, December 23
The Victoria Theater/Mission
Grab a pal and a confidant to watch what has become one of SF’s best Christmas traditions: hilarious drag performers parodying (in the most loving way possible) two Christmas episodes of The Golden Girls.
cost: From $35

A Christmas Carol | Photo courtesy of The Toni Rembe Theater

Ongoing through Saturday, December 24
The Toni Rembe Theater/Union Square
ACT’s classic version of A Christmas Carol returns to the stage this year with gorgeous costumes, a lively cast, and a moving rendition of the classic Dickens’ tale that reminds us all what the Christmas spirit is really all about.
Cost:Tickets start at $52.

The Nutcracker | Photo courtesy of War Memorial Opera House

Now-December 27
War Memorial Opera House/Civic Center
Going to a performance of the Nutcracker is a quintessential holiday tradition, especially in San Francisco since the SF Ballet was the first ballet company to ever perform the show in the United States. This version stays true to the original with giant mice, a growing Christmas tree, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, but with lots of SF-specific twists that you’ll want to be sure to keep an eye out for.
Cost:Tickets range from $10 (SRO) to $375 (Box Center).

Friday, December 23 – Monday, December 26
Congregation Sherith Israel/Pacific Heights and Virtually
Chinese food and Christmas might be a Jewish cliché, but it’s one we appreciate very much, especially when that cliché manifests in the form of a Jewish comedy show in a pop-up Chinese restaurant inside an inclusive Jewish synagogue. Food will be provided by Green Chow Down, and laughs will be provided by a slew of stand-up comedians.
Cost: $90 to $100

Miracle pop up

Drink festive cocktails at a bunch of holiday pop-up bars

Ongoing through Saturday, December 31
Various locations
Raise a glass to long weekends or escape visiting relatives at one of several holiday bars that have popped up around SF. Pacific Cocktail Haven (Union Square) has transformed into “Miracle,” the beloved pop-up that occurs all over the country (but only in one bar per city), and its sister bar, Kona’s Street Market (SoMa), is taking a tropical twist on the holiday with a “Sippin’ Santa” theme. Trade Routes (Russian Hill) is fully festive with a “Tinsel Time” theme, including a boozy Frosty the Slushie concoction and other cheer-inducing drinks. If you’re willing to plan ahead, book a reservation for Tinseltown at Trademark Bar (SoMa), where you’ll find the halls have been fully decked, and you may get to interact with some of Santa’s helpers and maybe even the jolly old you yourself. Horsefeather (Divisadero Corridor) also has a Christmas cocktail menu, as does The Madrigal (Civic Center), and there are two Deck the Halls locations in Cow Hollow this year: Outre and the Blue Light. Prefer your festivities with a side of devilish mayhem? Rye Bar’s Krampus pop-up is what you need.
Cost: various

Ongoing through Saturday, December 24
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts/SoMa
We’ll always love the Nutcracker, but if you’re looking to mix it up this year, you’ll want to get tickets to Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, which kicks off with beautiful classical ballet set to beloved carols and then transforms in the second act to “red hot contemporary numbers” set to pop favorites. Go on Tuesday, December 20, if you want to experience the LGBTQ+ night performance with a cameo from Lady Camden, first runner-up on the most recent season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Cost: $25 to $99

Photo courtesy of The Fairmont

Marvel at larger-than-life edible holiday displays at local hotels

Ongoing through Saturday, December 31
Fairmont San Francisco/Nob Hill and the Westin St Francis/Union Square
We don’t like to pick favorites, but if you’re only going to visit one hotel to get your Christmas fix, it should be the Fairmont, which is where you’ll find a two-story, life-sized Victorian gingerbread house that stands 25 feet tall, that you can walk inside. If you happen to be in Union Square, pop inside the Westin to see SF’s largest sugar castle. There’s also a boutique where you can buy your own sweet treats and pop! Lounge, a pop-up champagne bar just off the lobby with a DJ and bubbles (open Friday-Sunday).

Ongoing through Friday, December 23
Davies Symphony Hall/Civic Center
There is truly something for every kind of human at the Symphony during the holidays, including an adult-themed holiday variety show co-emceed by conductor Edwin Outwater and drag sensation Peaches Christ (Thursday, December 15), a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas with the symphony playing the live score (December 16-17), Holiday Brass (Tuesday, December 20), Elf in concert (December 21-22), and A Merry-Achi Christmas (December 23) which is exactly what it sounds Like.
Cost: various

Want more thrillers? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat!

Daisy Barringer is a freelance writer from SF who never misses a production of “A Christmas Carol” and thinks Scrooge gets a bad rap. Follow her on Instagram @daisysf.

The post Christmas Occasions in San Francisco 2022: What to Do This Vacation Season appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

holiday Archives - DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS

Deliver on the vacation entertainments! :: Bay Space Reporter

Snowstorm shifting by means of US may disrupt vacation weekend journey

Greatest Vacation And Christmas Markets In The SF Bay Space For 2023

ADDING MULTIMEDIA Thumbtack Creates New “Vacation Fireplace Prevention Guidelines” to Assist Owners Get Forward of Peak Residential Fireplace Season

SFO’s Finest Eating places + Methods to Kill Time This Vacation Season

Here comes the holidays and with them the hair-raising, elbow-throwing, hurry-and-wait drama of airport travel. Our advice? Don’t head into the hell of delayed flights without a game plan.

Best food at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1

Eating and chilling in Terminals 2 + 3 of SFO

Where to eat + kill time at the SFO International Terminals

The post SFO’s Finest Eating places + Methods to Kill Time This Vacation Season appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Christmas Occasions in San Francisco 2022: What to Do This Vacation Season

Get in the spirit of Christmas with pop-up bars, light displays, Christmas productions, a Chinese food and comedy night and more.

Sip celebratory cocktails at a range of festive pop-up bars

Admire the larger than life edible holiday displays at local hotels

What Vacation Treats Can One Discover on the San Francisco Pastry Firm?

From the ‘Slutcracker’ to ‘The Nutcracker,’ a information to vacation dance and theater

‘The Nutcracker’

Mikko Nissinen’s ‘The Nutcracker’Boston Ballet | Opera House (Nov. 25-Dec.31)

Anthony Williams’ ‘Urban Nutcracker’City Ballet of Boston | Boch Center Shubert Theater (Dec. 17-23)

More opportunities to see ‘The Nutcracker’ beyond Boston:

Beyond Massachusetts:

And for another slant:

‘A Christmas Carol’

Merrimack Repertory TheatreLowell (Nov. 30-Dec. 24)

North Shore Music TheatreBeverly (Dec. 1-23)

The Hanover TheatreWorcester (Dec. 17-23)

Trinity Repertory CompanyProvidence, Rhode Island (Nov. 4-Jan. 1)

And for more holiday spectaculars:

ADDING MULTIMEDIA Thumbtack Creates New “Vacation Hearth Prevention Guidelines” to Assist Owners Get Forward of Peak Residential Hearth Season

Christmas Occasions in San Francisco 2022: What to Do This Vacation Season

Drink festive cocktails at a bunch of holiday pop-up bars

Marvel at larger-than-life edible holiday displays at local hotels

Mikko Nissinen’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Boston Ballet | Opera House (Nov. 25-Dec.31)

Anthony Williams’ ‘Urban Nutcracker’
City Ballet of Boston | Boch Center Shubert Theater (Dec. 17-23)

Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Lowell (Nov. 30-Dec. 24)

North Shore Music Theatre
Beverly (Dec. 1-23)

The Hanover Theatre
Worcester (Dec. 17-23)

Trinity Repertory Company
Providence, Rhode Island (Nov. 4-Jan. 1)