December
Friday 12/4
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
‘La Pastorela’
El Teatro Campesino presents its biennial Christmas show,
”
La Pastorela
”
Nov. 27 through Dec. 20, at the Mission San Juan, 406 Second
St., in San Juan. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays at Saturdays
at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are
$32/Priority, $22/adults, $18/seniors and students, and
$14/children under 12. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13 all tickets will be
$15. The show is directed by Adrian Torres with Jillian Mitchell,
Eduardo Robledo and Christy Sandoval in key roles, with music by
Tim and Frances Tompkins and choreography by Janet Johns. For more
information or to purchase tickets, call 623-2444 or visit
www.elteatrocampesino.com.
December
Friday 12/4
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
‘La Pastorela’
El Teatro Campesino presents its biennial Christmas show, “La Pastorela” Nov. 27 through Dec. 20, at the Mission San Juan, 406 Second St., in San Juan. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays at Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $32/Priority, $22/adults, $18/seniors and students, and $14/children under 12. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13 all tickets will be $15. The show is directed by Adrian Torres with Jillian Mitchell, Eduardo Robledo and Christy Sandoval in key roles, with music by Tim and Frances Tompkins and choreography by Janet Johns. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 623-2444 or visit www.elteatrocampesino.com.
HOLLISTER
SBHS students showcase talents
San Benito High School Art 1 and ceramics students will showcase their art at the Black Sage Gallery of Fine Art. Located in downtown Hollister, at 727 San Benito St., the art work will be presented through Dec. 5.
Mars Hill Art show
Mars Hill will be hosting art pieces by Shell’s photography Nov. 30 through Dec. 30. Shell is a local artist who specializes in nature and wildlife photography. The opening reception will be at 6:30 p.m., with music by “All Night Train” after the reception.
MORGAN HILL
‘Bugsy Malone Jr.’
The South Valley Civic Theater will be presenting, “Bugsy Malone Jr.” on Dec.4, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. The play will be held at Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Rd. Tickets are $14 for children and seniors, and $18 general admission. For more information, call 408-842-show or visit www.svct.org.
MONTEREY
‘Reindeer Monologues’
“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues” will be held at the Paper Wing Theater at 320 Hoffman Ave. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from Dec.4-19. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for seniors, students, and military. For more information, call Paper Wing Theater at 905-5684 or Vendini, Inc. at 1-800-901-7173.
CARMEL
Tree Lighting
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting is Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. in Devendorf Park on Ocean and Junipero avenues. The Carmel Fire Department will deliver Santa Claus at 4:30 p.m., and Mayor Sue McCloud will light the tree at 5:45 p.m. rain or shine. There will performances by the Carmel Middle School Chorus, and refreshments will be provided by the Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Carmel Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call the Carmel Chamber of Commerce at 624-2522 or the City of Carmel-by-the-sea at 620-2020.
CASTROVILLE
‘Bella Notte’
Italian Dinner The North Monterey County High School music program will be hosting an evening of Italian food, wine and music at the North County Parks & Recreation Community Center, 11261 Crane St., in Castroville, Dec. 4, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will feature dining, dancing and prize drawings. A silent auction and raffle are planned, as well as live music by Mike Marotta and his band, Dave Marzetti and opera singer Peter Tuff. The emcees for the night will be Mark and Jim of KION radio. Cost is $30 per person or $50 a couple in advance. At the door the cost is $35 per person or $60 a couple. All proceeds benefit the band programs at the high school, which includes marching band, orchestra, wind ensemble and jazz band.
Saturday 12/5
HOLLISTER
Breakfast with Santa
The Hollister Kiwanis and Autoworks are cosponsoring breakfast with Santa Dec. 5, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, an order of sausage, an order of coffee, juice, hot chocolate or tea. Tickets are $4 for children under 12, $6 for adults and $5 for seniors. The event is free to the first 250 children 12 and under. Pictures with Santa are $7 each.
Cerra Vista holiday boutique
The Cerra Vista Elementary School Holiday Boutique is Dec. 5. The boutique will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 20 vendors selling items such as jewelry, scrap booking supplies, skin care products, wood products, stained glass, cards and more. The elementary school choir will be singing and Santa will visit from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call Julie Englehardt at 635-9674.
Mari Davis Memorial Holiday Toy Drive
Ridgemark will be hosting the Mari Davis Memorial Holiday Toy Drive Dec. 5, at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club. All proceeds benefit Chamberlain’s Children Center. Admission is an unwrapped toy or cash donation. The event will feature live music from Soul Kiss and a raffle drawing. For reservations or more information, call 637-8151.
Southside School Holiday Bazaar
Southside School will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4991 Southside Road. Admission is free and the event will include items for sale from local artisans, businesses and student vendors. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and there will also be door prizes. The event will include Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 638-9475.
Top Hatters food drive
The Top Hatters Motorcycle Club, Hollister Chapter, will hosts its 20th annual canned food drive Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon at Whiskey Creek Saloon, 201 Fifth St. There will be a pack run to the food bank at noon. Suggested donation is four cans of food per person. There will also be 50/50 and door prizes. This event is open to the public, and all bikes are welcome. For more information, e-mail ho**********@ya***.com
Holiday dinner dance
The American Legion and the VFW veteran organizations of San Benito County are jointly sponsoring a Veteran’s Holiday dinner and dance Dec. 5, in the grand ballroom of the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister. The evening will be private and catered. Three hundred free tickets are to be given away to veterans in San Benito County. Tickets are available on a firs-come, first-served basis, but are limited to four per requesting veteran. For additional information, or to reserve tickets, call American Legion Post 69 at 636-6929, VFW Post 9242 at 637-6014, VFW Auxiliary Post 9242 at 637-1980 or VFW Auxiliary Post 6359 at 623-4651.
AROMAS
Open studio tour
The Aromas Hills Artisans will be hosting an open studio tour Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested can pick up a free map at locations at 331 Carpenteria, in Aromas or go to www.aromashillsartisans.org. The artists will have plenty of items for sale such as stained glass, photographer, paintings and more.
Pottery studio open house
Jane Rekedal will be hosting an open house at her pottery studio, at 1560 Cannon Road, in Aromas, Dec. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The semi-annual open house will offer visitors a chance to see the working studio as well as purchase handmade pottery or sculpture. Some of the items include cake plates, oil and vinegar cruets and dinnerware. For more information, call 566-4576.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Holiday in Lights Parade
The San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Holiday in Lights Parade Dec. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Candyland and entries for the parade will be accepted until Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. The parade entry fee is $15 and entries of floats, marching, horses, or walking will be accepted. Parade check-in is 4 p.m. All entries should have lights and playing holiday music from floats is encouraged. Santa Claus will complete the parade, so participants are asked not to dress in Santa Costumer though hats are accepted. For more information, call 623-2454 or 334-3130.
Historical Society meeting
The San Juan Bautista Historical Society will host its quarterly meeting Dec. 5, at 11 a.m at the Matxain Etxea Basque Restaurant, 206 Fourth St. The guest speaker will be Charles Sawyer, the curator of the Milliken Museum in Los Banos, who will talk about the connection between San Juan, Pacheco Pass, Los Banos and the central Valley, as well as the museum and Estolano Larios. Visit starts at 11 a.m., with a lunch of tapas, salas, lamb stew, wine and coffee served at 11:30 a.m. The program will start at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 and reservations are required. Contact Georgana Gularte at 623-2001 to RSVP by Dec. 1.
GILROY
‘The Fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen’
The Gavilan College Children Theatre presents “The Fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen” Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., in Gilroy. The play will include the Ugly Duckling, the Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes, among others. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students, children and seniors. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, call 408-846-4973.
MORGAN HILL
Coyote Creek Bird Walk
Jane Haley, a National Park Service docent for 20 years and a Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center volunteer, will be leading a Coyote Creek Bird Walk, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. along the creek, north of Morgan Hill. Participants will have an opportunity to observe migratory birds as well as discover an appreciation of local birds, their habitat and ecological importance. Due to the terrain, the walk is not recommended for young children. The program is free, though space is limited so RSVPs are requested. For more information or to register, call 408-779-9372 or e-mail ed*******@we*****.org.
SALINAS
Monterey symphony concert
The Monterey Symphony will be hosting an open rehearsal at Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main Street, in Salinas, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15. An opening performance will also be conducted Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39 for premium seats, $20 for unreserved. $5 tickets are available for education groups of 10 or more. The Monterey Symphony will also be performing at the Sunset Theater, Ninth and San Carlos, in Carmel, on Dec. 6, at 3 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $67 for premium seats, $50 for regular seats or $37 for economy seats. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.montereysymphony.org or call 646-8511.
SAN JOSE
San Jose Youth Symphony
The San Jose Youth Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra will present its season opening concert Dec. 5, at 2:30 p.m. at California Theater, 345 South First St., in San Jose. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.sjys.org/concerts/tickets.html or at the box office before the concert. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under 13. For more information, call SJYS offices at 408-885-9220 or visit sj**@sj**.org.
SPRECKLES
Annual Native American Christmas Market
The sixth annual Native American Christmas Market will be held Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Spreckles Memorial Building, Fifth and Llano Ave. Admission is $2, children 12 and under are free, as is parking. The event will include sterling silver jewelry, beadwork, soaps, moccasins and plenty more craft items. There will be a raffle and door prices, as well as the sale of Indian tacos, fry bread and Rez Dogs. The event benefits the 3 Rivers Indian Lodge in Manteca.
Sunday 12/6
HOLLISTER
Airmen’s holiday party
The Hollister Airmen’s Association invites the community to its annual holiday party Dec. 6, at Paine’s Restaurant, 421 East St. The event will include dinner, a silent auction and an aviation themed gift exchange (for those wishing to participate.) Paid reservations are $22 per person and need to be received as soon as possible. For more information, please call HAA President Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.
Wednesday 12/9
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Oriana Chorale Christmas Concerts
The Oriana Chorale has three Christmas concerts scheduled that will feature unique carols and selections from Handel’s Messiah. Evening concerts will be held at the Historic Mission in San Juan Bautista on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. An afternoon concert will be on Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church at 2300 Airline Hwy. in Hollister. Tickets are available in Hollister at Postal Graphics and Hollister Music, and in San Juan Bautista at Visions of Christmas, as well as at the door. Adults are $15, teens are $10, and 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.orianachorale.org..
Thursday 12/10
HOLLISTER
Alzheimer’s caregiver support group
Jovenes de Antano, the Health Projects Center, the Alzheimer’s Association and the San Benito County Behavioral Health department sponsor an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group on the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be Dec. 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St., in Hollister. The meetings offer support from professional and other caregivers in a similar situation. It allows family or friends who are caring for a loved one with memory impairments to develop good coping skills and an understanding of the disease process. The class is free is available to unpaid caregivers who are caring for an adult loved one suffering from memory impairments. For more information, contact Kim Harman at 636-8838 or 636-4977.
Friday 12/11
HOLLISTER
Trees of Life tree lighting
The Hospice Foundation will host its Tress of Life tree lighting ceremony in Hollister Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, 649 San Benito St. The event will include a performance by Oriana Chorale. Hot chocolate, cider and other refreshments will be served. Money raised from the tree lighting sponsorships benefit end-of-life care and services, including Hospice in Monterey and San Benito Counties. Children’s Commemorative art will also be on sale. To dedicate a light call 333-9023 or visit www.HospiceGiving.org. The suggested minimum donation is $25 per light. Other tree lighting events will be held in Salinas, King City and Monterey.
Saturday 12/12
HOLLISTER
Spring Grove School Boutique
Spring Grove will host its Santa’s Breakfast and holiday boutique Dec. 11 from 8 a.m. to noon. The pancake breakfast is $6 and includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee. The event is at Spring Grove School, 500 Spring Grove Road, in Hollister.
Friday 12/18
SAN JOSE
San Jose Wind Symphony
The San Jose Wind Symphony, under the direction of Edward D. Harris, will present its second concert of the 2009-2010 season Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at the McAfee Center, at Saratoga High School, 20300 Herriman Ave., in Saratoga. The concert, “Chicago: My Kind of Town,” will feature excerpts from their planned performance at the 2009 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors 65 and older and $5 for students with a valid ID card. One child 12 and under is admitted free with each paid general admission or senior ticket. For more information, call 408-927-7597.
MONTEREY
Monterey Symphony
The Monterey Symphony Holiday concert will be held at Carmel Mission Basilica at 3080 Rio Road. The concert will include music of the season as well as Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Holst and Finzi. The event will begin at 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19. Prices are $60, $40, $15, and $10 for children under 12. If tickets are ordered online the tickets will be $5 less. For more information, call 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org.
Saturday 12/19
GILROY
San Benito Dance Academy’s
‘The Nutcracker’San Benito Dance Academy presents second annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Performances will be held at the Gavilan College Theater, in Gilroy, Dec. 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performance will include local dancers as well as professional dancers from the San Jose Ballet – Maria Jacobs and Ramon Moreno will perform Saturday and Mirai Noda and Maykel Solas will perform Sunday. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the San Benito Dance Academy, 1950 Maple St., by calling 408-425-1063 or by visiting the Web site at www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com.
Monday 12/22
GILROY
‘A Christmas Carol’
Limelight Productions presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 21-23 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $35 for a family four pack. For tickets, call 635-0553 or visit www.showclix.com.
