San Fran Life: Symphony, Holiday Fairs, Movie night in Oakland
Most tomatoes, ok, most people, love the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Watch and listen in a new way with The San Francisco Symphony. And speaking of “the” holiday on the horizon, now that the scent of pine is in the air, and the sweet potato casserole has been devoured, we have a few of the area’s best holiday fairs for you to visit. Had enough of shopping? Take a holiday break in Oakland at a comfy, cozy, movie theatre, complete with adult beverages.
Dec. 11 & 12. San Francisco Symphony – It’s a Wonderful Life
Thank you Frank Capra for bringing us the movie we MUST watch every holiday season. The classic tale of George Bailey and his guardian angel has every viewer crossing their fingers that their own guardian angel gets his or her wings. Two shows Friday December 11 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday December 12th at 8:00 p.m. Watch this movie with your tissues at hand on a big screen enhanced with a live performance of Dimitri Tiomkin’s heartwarming score. To purchase tickets click here.
Dec. 13-14. San Francisco Bazaar – Fort Mason Center
From the classic to the bohemian, the bay area is filled with Holiday fairs to suit everyone’s taste and budget. San Francisco Bazaar enters its 8th year as a premier locally produced art and craft show. This unique weekend of activities started as an offbeat entertainment extravaganza to showcase the DIY movement. Over 180 handmade artisans and food makers will be featured. There is also something for the crafty at heart with DIY free workshops including a “learn to quilt” experience and a booth led by Gogo Craft, mobile crafting workshops. Live music will have your feet tapping and if hunger strikes local SF food trucks will be waiting to serve your favorite fare. Get more info.
Nov. 21-Dec. 20. Great Dickens Christmas Fair –Cow Palace
Roasted chestnuts along with delicious foods from the British Empire, mugs of grog and ale will tempt you at this annual festival. There are countless one-of-a-kind treasures and entertainment for all. For tomatoes who have always longed to live in (or visit) the London of days past, you can transform yourself with French braids and romantic updos indicative of the era. If your male companion tires of your pampering, he can head to the dart parlour for a bit of passive exercise as he sips a pint. Later you can both head to Fezziiwig’s warehouse for lively ballroom and English country dance music. Get more details.
Dec. 14. German Holiday Market –Mountain View
Down the peninsula near the home of Facebook and Google, Mountain View is hosting its first annual German Holiday Market. With the rising popularity of German Beers, not to mention everyone traveling to Oktoberfest these days, it is only fitting that the celebration of all things German continues into the Holidays. At the Civic Center you will find a European Village bursting with merchants selling unusual handmade gifts. Mulled wine, hot cider and other tasty treats await to tempt your senses. Find out more here.
OAKLAND’s NEW PARKWAY THEATRE
The vibrancy of downtown Oakland continues to blossom with a food scene to tempt any Food Network fan, and bars to titillate all taste buds. Now the community-centered cinema and pub THE NEW PARKWAY THEATRE brings a unique venue to the East Bay. Cozy couches surround the screen and local beer and wine can be delivered right to your theatre seat. This tomato is a FAN! Absolutely worth the trip if you don’t live in the immediate area. Movie buffs will enjoy cult classics, new releases and special programs. The venue can also be rented so you can throw your own Oscar worthy event! Visit this site for the schedule.
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kimduffselby.com
Listen to her podcast, "Ignite Your Spark" wherever you listen to podcasts.
Love this – so much great info! Wanted to let you know that the German holiday market has an old link – “get more info here” takes you to 2013 info. Couldn’t figure out why this event was on a Monday Dec 14!