Winter Solstice Art in Marin
On November 16, MarinMOCA opens Winter Solstice, an exhibit that heralds the winter season. The short days and long nights of winter are imbued with moody ambiance and spiritual significance. It is a time for contemplation, but also for celebration. The exhibit was curated by Andrea Schwartz, owner of the Andrea Schwartz Gallery in San Francisco. Schwartz chose both traditional landscape works and contemporary artworks that express the magic of the season. Visitors will experience artwork in a variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, ceramics, embroidery and photography, showing the versatility of artists working within a common theme. The exhibit runs through December 22 with a reception on November 16. Schwartz will conduct a “walk and talk” through the gallery at 4:30 p.m., followed by the reception from 5 to 7 p.m. This exhibit is free to the public and appropriate for visitors of all ages. For more information, visit marinmoca.org. MarinMOCA is located at 500 Palm Drive in Novato.
Mmmm, Chocolate!
Discover, taste and savor the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolates and confections for the holiday season. The Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon is the seasonal chocolate show that takes place at the San Francisco County Fair Building Auditorium in Golden Gate Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 24. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste and experience the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary regions. The event participants include over 25 chocolatiers, confectioners and other culinary artisans. The Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon is the perfect place to find the perfect gift, while tasting and savoring the chocolate lovers experience. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door for adults and $10 for children 6 to 12. For tickets and more information, visit www.fallchocolatesalon.com.
San Rafael’s Winter Wonderland
The 40th annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland event in San Rafael takes place the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 29 starting at noon. The event features a holiday marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, snow sledding, and one of the largest holiday parades in the Bay Area, culminating with an official tree lighting ceremony. Following the parade, Santa, Mrs. Claus and other costumed characters will arrive with the mayor of San Rafael at the center of town in San Rafael City Plaza for the tree lighting. Kids will have a chance to meet Santa and friends following the tree lighting ceremony in the plaza. Snow sledding and other kid activities continue on Saturday, November 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Light Up!
Embarcadero Center
The building lighting ceremony at Embarcadero Center is a San Francisco tradition and the official start of the holiday season in the City. On Friday, November 22, the four iconic buildings will be lit with 17,000 holiday lights along with fireworks bursting in the sky and a magical show presented by Disney on Ice. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a family fun carnival followed by the lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Happier Holidays at PIER 39
PIER 39 will be spreading holiday cheer on San Francisco’s Waterfront this year. PIER 39 is once again unwrapping a nightly tree lighting show on its 60-foot Christmas tree, which will come to life every half hour from 5 to 10 p.m. from November 26 through January 5. Synchronized to holiday music, the tree becomes a kaleidoscope of swirling color, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments. These dazzling tree lighting moments take center stage all season long. Get into the spirit of the season at PIER 39 while shopping, dining and strolling the pier.
Macy’s Tree Lighting
Macy’s will celebrate the start of the holiday season with its 30th annual tree lighting ceremony in San Francisco’s Union Square on Friday, November 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Following an evening of special musical performances, the ceremony will culminate with the presentation of a beautiful, reusable, 83-foot tree decorated with more than 33,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 1,100 shining ornaments.
Skating Away
Embarcadero Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit in San Francisco with the Bay Area’s largest outdoor ice rink in a beautiful city setting with an array of shops and restaurants to enjoy. This is signature San Francisco and it’s what makes the Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center, opening on November 6, the perfect place for holiday fun. For three decades locals and visitors have been celebrating the season at Embarcadero Center. Join the fun and create festive, unforgettable memories to last a lifetime. Located in Embarcadero Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center and across from the historic San Francisco Ferry Building, the hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and New Year’s Eve. General admission is $12 and $7 for children seven years old and under, with skate rentals available for $5.
Union Square
A San Francisco holiday tradition, the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square kicks off on November 6 at 9:30 a.m. with a special opening ceremony. From families to friends, and couples to colleagues, everyone can enjoy ice skating in San Francisco’s iconic plaza surrounded by festive lights and the sights and sounds of the season. Novices and naturals alike will love the outdoor ice skating experience in the middle of beautiful San Francisco. This season features the return of favorite holiday traditions, including Drag Queens on Ice (December 5), Flashback Fridays (November 8, December 13 and January 10), Silent Skate Party (December 12) and Polar Bear Skate (January 1). The ice rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with the exception of December 31, when it will close at at 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices for regular admission are $18 and $13 for children eight years old and under, with figure skate or hockey skate rental included in the cost of admission. Advance tickets are on sale at www.unionsquareicerink.com. The Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square will remain open through the holiday season and will close on Monday, January 20.
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.
| 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. |
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