Meet the Mad Hatter, with Victorian fanfare, along with his teapot and a whimsical, fanciful group of companions in a city turned fairyland that will bring to life characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as part of the two-day Mad Hatter Holiday Festival in Vallejo.
Published: December, 2012
Mad Hatter Holiday Festival Returns to Vallejo
Meet the Mad Hatter, with Victorian fanfare, along with his teapot and a whimsical, fanciful group of companions in a city turned fairyland that will bring to life characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as part of the two-day Mad Hatter Holiday Festival in Vallejo. The festival is presented for the third year in Vallejo’s historic downtown district and waterfront, creating an enchanting fairytale atmosphere. Also featured are rarely seen Burning Man mobiles. On Saturday, December 1, festivities begin at 1 p.m., with a parade at 4:30 p.m., tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., lighted boat parade at 6:15 p.m., and Wonderland Park holiday activities from 6-8 p.m. In the night, the Mira Theatre will present Scrooge the Musical at 8 p.m., with the Mad Hatter Masked Ball at Alice’s Palace running from 7-11 p.m. and jazz jams at Conversations from 7-11 p.m. On Sunday, December 2, Mira Theater will present Scrooge the Musical at 2 and 8 p.m. There will be a tour of historical Victorian homes with a jazz reception from 3-5 p.m., with music provided in the homes by members of the Solano Community Symphony. For more information, see www.facebook.com/MadHatterHolidayVallejo.
Holiday Films at the Exploratorium
Don’t miss the sound of Dylan Thomas’s voice on Saturday, December 22, when the Exploratorium screens A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Directed by Marvin Lightner, this 1963 film features a story written and narrated by Dylan Thomas, following a boy’s Christmas time memories in Wales. This annual holiday screening takes place at 2 p.m. in the Exploratorium’s McBean Theater. The cinematic holiday festivities continue with the Holiday Animation Film Festival, running December 26 through January 1, at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., also in the McBean Theater. The Annual Holiday Animation Festival gives a rousing send-off to 2012 (and is one of many farewell events to the Exploratorium in the Palace of Fine Arts) with Exploratorium favorites old and new such as the Academy Award-winning Sour Death Balls by Jessica Yu. All screenings are included in the price of admission to the Exploratorium.
Santa Train Comes to Napa
Why meet Santa in a crowded mall when you can meet him on board a luxury train? The Wine Train’s Santa Trains have been a local’s secret for years. Relax with a Mimosa or a Bloody Mary while your children finally get to meet Santa and all of his favorite friends. These special trains have been designed with the kiddos in mind and only last for an hour and a half—long enough to have a blast, but not too long for the little ones. Trains leave from Napa, and tickets range from $20-$25 per person. Visit www.inetrain.com for a schedule and more information. Reserve your space today by calling (800) 427-4124.
Holiday Lights at Oakland Zoo
The last Friday of November marks the date Oakland Zoo officially turns on holiday cheer. From November 30 thru December 31, hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate the night sky to create a twinkling tradition known to be the largest LED holiday light display in the Bay Area. Dozens of colorfully lit animal-themed structures will be situated throughout the Zoo, for families to enjoy during the evening hours. Santa’s sleigh is also set to arrive from the North Pole. St. Nick will be onsite for photo keepsakes, belly laughs, and to hear the wee ones’ wish lists. Each night, guests can experience the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children’s Zoo after dark. It’s a warm holiday treat to see after hour’s activities of animals in the Bug House and Reptile Room. Starlit pathways will lead participants to jingle and mingle through the candy cane lane themed rides area and aboard the Outback Express Adventure train, for a jolly train ride in the dark! Besides being sweet, ZooLights is a family oriented evening, filled with traditional activities, designed to help one make merry memories of the winter season. For more details about ZooLights, visit www.oaklandzoo.org. ZooLights occurs daily from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will be closed December 24 and 25 so staff members may spend the holiday with family.
Fisherman’s Wharf Announces Holiday Calendar
The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD) announces a full calendar of family fun for the 2012 Holiday Season. From Sunday, November 18 through January 2, Fisherman’s Wharf will be a center of holiday lights and activities for visitors of all ages, from unique special events to year-round attractions. Events organized by the FWCDB include a Lagoon Concert & Lighting Event on Saturday, December 1; Fisherman’s Wharf 2012 Crab Fest on Sunday, December 9; the Lighted Boat Parade on Friday, December 14; Tree to Shining Tree Walking Tour and Activities throughout Fisherman’s Wharf from November 18 through January 2; and much more. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.visitfishermanswharf.com.
Santaland Diaries Returns
Now in its 11th year, The Santaland Diaries written by David Sedaris and adapted to the stage by Joe Mantello has become a holiday staple for San Francisco’s audiences. Locally acclaimed actor David Sinaiko puts on his elf hat and boots to return to the Eureka Theatre as everyone’s favorite elf, Crumpet, bringing the true story of Sedaris’ Christmas memories to the stage. So come and escape the craziness of the holidays with Combined Artform at the Eureka Theatre. The show has been nominated for a SF/Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award for Best Solo Performance. The show runs at Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street, San Francisco, from December 19 – 29 at 8 pm, with additional 3 p.m. shows December 22-24. No Shows December 25. Cost: $15-50. For more info, visit www.combinedartform.com or call (800) 838-3006.
To have your event or announcement considered for the Bay Crossings Around the Bay listings, please send information or a press release to: joel@baycrossings.com.
