Abundant holiday events available to South County residents

The 2013 holiday season is already upon us, and there are a wide variety of entertaining performances and exhibits available for local residents to enjoy. The following list is just a sampling of pleasant ways to enhance this time of year.
• “Miracle on 34th Street,” presented by South Valley Civic Theatre, is a holiday classic about a Macy’s Santa who ends up in a mental competency hearing and a little girl who has faith in him. It shows at 8 p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6, 13 and 14, and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8 at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey St. Admission: $15, $18, $20, www.svct.org.
• A Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony, sponsored by South County’s Congregation Emeth, will allow all to participate in this ancient festival of freedom with candle lighting, blessings, storytelling and singing. It will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 on Morgan Hill’s Third Street Promenade. No charge, www.emeth.net.
• “Bethlehem: A Walk through the Christmas Story,” sponsored by Santa Clara First Baptist Church, is a reenactment of the Nativity with live animals and costumed characters strolling through a replica of first century Bethlehem. It is open from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5-9 at 3111 Benton St. in Santa Clara. No charge, www.bethlehemsc.com.
• The Community Christmas Concert, sponsored by St. Catherine Catholic Church and the Morgan Hill Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, features some of the most talented performers from all over South Valley. It will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at 17500 Peak Ave. in Morgan Hill. No charge.
• A Christmas concert, presented by South Bay Singers entitled “Hallelujah to Ya: A choral concert of classical and Christmas carols” will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church, 10670 Murphy Ave. Admission $15, www.southbaysingers.com.
• A Christmas crèche exhibit, sponsored by the Palo Alto Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presents more than 350 nativities from around the world in every imaginable material displayed in artistic settings with Christmas music. It will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 7-11 at 3865 Middlefield Road. No charge. www.christmascreche.org.
• “The Road to Bethlehem,” presented by the Oriana Chorale, tells the Christmas story in word and song, including selections from Handel’s Messiah. It will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Hollister First Presbyterian Church, 2066 San Benito St. in Hollister and at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second St., SJB. Admission $15 and $20, www.orianachorale.org.
• “We Three Spies” is the annual children’s musical at West Hills Community Church. The amusing play is a modern update of the Nativity Story featuring clever songs, delightful music and spiritual truth. Performances held at 4 and 6 p.m. Dec. 8. No charge, (408) 779-0697.
• A Christmas concert entitled “Go tell it … the greatest story never told” will be presented by the King’s Company at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at Morgan Hill’s Community Christian Church, 305 W. Main St. The admission charge of $15 includes dessert. (408) 316-0700.
• “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” presented by the Chancel and Youth choirs of Advent Lutheran Church, is an opera telling about a disabled boy’s encounter with the Three Kings on their way to visit the Christ Child. It will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 at 10670 Murphy Ave. in Morgan Hill. No charge, (408) 779-3551.
• Hollister Community Christmas Concert, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other interfaith groups, features a variety of Christmas music from local performers. It will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the San Benito High School Auditorium, 1220 Monterey St. No charge.
• A Christmas luncheon, hosted by the Spanish Ministry of the Gilroy First Baptist Church, is a chance to enjoy homemade tamales, rice, beans and salad with many delicious desserts. It will be served at noon Dec. 15 in the Social Hall, 8455 Wren Ave. No charge, (408) 848-6000.