Wishing all of you Tomatoes who celebrate Christmas a very merry celebration filled with love, laughter, friends and family. May you ring in the New Year with joy and hope! And now… If travel is in your plans you will want to know about the hidden gems at SFO. Pretend the shopping is completed and head to the theatre for A Christmas Story or the delightful Avenue Q. After you have had your fill of mistletoe and pie, head to a groovy Classic Soul Revue.

Wag Brigade at SFO

Many of us will find ourselves at SFO over the next few weeks, we can only hope for no delays. But if you find yourself stuck there, our major travel hub has received renovations and expansions to improve the passenger experience. Did you know they have a therapy animal squad – the Wag Brigade?

Animals, including Cocoa the pony, and Lilou the pig are available at different times of the day to help ease the anxiety of travel. All are certified in the SF SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy program. Hopefully you can run into LiLou as she waves, plays the piano and greets you with her snout. http://www.Flysfo.com

The SFO Public Art Program

There is a permanent collection on display of more than 80 pieces reflecting our city’s vibrant culture. The walkway connecting Terminals 1 and 2 give you the opportunity to take in panoramic views of the airfields through polyester resin discs that create colorful optical illusions.

There are more than 20 exhibits sprinkled throughout and a location where you can view films by contemporary artists and filmmakers in short form. Yes, we are that cool. http://www.Flysfo.com

Now – Jan. 13. A Christmas Story at SF Playhouse

A Christmas Story, that wonderful movie became a hit Broadway musical in 2013. Now you can see it at the San Francisco Playhouse. You remember the infamous leg lamp don’t you?  This riotous performance has 9 year old Ralphie navigating past a maniacal department store Santa, the leg lamp, a tripe dog dare to lick a frozen flagpole and oh much more. Get discount tickets via Goldstar.

Now – Jan. 21. Naughty Puppets

Want to see some Naughty puppets in action? Think Muppets – only based on reality. The NCTC (New Conservatory Theatre Center) in SF is performing this Tony Award winning musical through January 21^st. Avenue Q, the Tony award-winning musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q.

If you don’t know NYC, well – it’s not the most popular place to reside. While there he meets Kate, the girl next door, Rod the Republican, Treekie, the internet sexpert and Lucy the slut (among other colorful types). All of these characters help him finally discover his purpose in life. And remember, I said puppets. Adults only, as there is Puppet nudity involved! Get discount tickets via Goldstar.

Dec. 30. Motown

As a pre NYE event, you can boogie the night away listening to a Classic Soul Revue with Top Shelf at Club Fox in Redwood City. Featuring hard-hitting, faithful renditions of Motown favorites, R&B Classics and soul jams, this tribute show will have you swinging like The Temptations.

This fully staged and choreographed production will take you on a musical journey from the early doo-wop days, through the classic sounds of Motown, up to the smooth soul favorites of the ’80s. The cast is decked out in period costume, so you might want wear your favorite groovy clothes hiding in your closet! http://www.clubfoxrwc.com