Mistletoe, the smell of pine and oh yes, shopping – the season is in full swing. If you have not yet started your gifting, there are holiday fairs aplenty. Perhaps you have found yourself humming, “jingle Bells” or “silent night” and long to hear the pros perform these tunes and more – we have a few melodic events that will spice up your holiday. If you prefer something a bit more irreverent, A very Merry Misfit Cabaret will certainly make you smile. Local jewelry designer Peggy Li is offering tomatoes 20% off of her creations for a limited time – haven’t you been good all year?

Holiday Fairs

Tis the season to stuff those stockings, shop locally and enjoy the festivities. So many Holiday Fairs to visit!

Weekends thru Dec. 16. Makers Workshop in Berkley

SF Etsy’s Winter Pop Up Shop features everything ETSY, jewelry, home goods, art prints, t-shirts and more. Tenants of Makers Workspace will also be sharing their creations.  1150 6^th St. Berkeley.

Weekends thru Dec. 23. Artisans Holiday Open Studios

Located throughout Berkeley, you will find blown glass, sculptural ceramics, and hand painted furniture, art from up-cycled materials, mosaics and stained glass. A great opportunity to support local artists and perhaps get a gift certificate for a class or workshop for the creative in your life. www.berkeleyartisans.com

Dec. 8. The Misfit Toy Factory

This live art-making event from 4 to 8 PM features over 40 artists making sculptures, toys and giftables. Another wonderful way to connect with local artists. This pop up takes place at Root Division, 1059 Market Street S.F.

Dec. 13. Nightlife at the Cal Academy

This is their annual holiday bazaar and disco ice rink. The marketplace full of treasures may be your one-stop holiday shop. After the purchasing you can head outside to the seasonal ice rink complete with disco ball and skate to your favorite 70’s tunes. Spiked hot beverages will help vanquish any lingering chills. Nightlife ice skating session run from 6 – 9:30 p.m. http://www.Calacademy.org/nightlife

Holiday Music and More at Davies Symphony Hall

Extremely talented (still beautiful and glowing) Tomato, Vanessa Williams will be performing Holiday Soul tonight at Davies. Along with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Williams will bring an electrifying evening to the stage.

That glorious majesty that is Handel’s Messiah will be performed by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus on the 14^th and 15^th. The magnificent power of 100 voices makes this celebrated masterpiece a true holiday favorite.

Any fans of the movie “Love Actually” will need their tissues on December 12^th as the SF Symphony accompanies my favorite holiday film.

Not exactly holiday, but certainly hummable, The Midtown men, stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys, reunite to bring their vocal prowess to the stage. This high-octane performance of classic rock hits is a win. December 22^nd.

All can be found at www.symphony.org

Dec. 20 – 29. A Very Merry Misfit Cabaret  

You may not equate Star Wars and Gremlins with Christmas, but at the Merry Misfits holiday variety show you will find out what they share in common with Santa Clause. Campy, decadent, and a little bit naughty, the holidays will never be the same. Kat Robichaud, a VOICE contestant, takes on all of your favorite Christmas Specials from childhood. Kat’s live band and a rotating cast of stunning performers, including a reigning burlesque queen and holiday drag artists will lift your spirits without eggnog! Think musical theater, rock ‘n’ roll and vaudeville.  V.I.P. tables, and premium packages make the evening even more spectacular. Weekends December 20 – 29. 450 Florida Street. Get tickets.

Peggy Li Jewelry + Special Discount Offer

Ah my fellow shopping tomatoes – you know how you always find the perfect things for yourself when out shopping for others? Ok, is it just me? Perhaps I may pick up an item that lands in my stocking because I’ve been oh so good, thank you Santa Baby. I have found this year’s item and it is one of the beautiful, simple and sophisticated pieces by local jewelry designer Peggy Li. Oh and did I mention – affordable too? Especially since she is offering all of our Three Tomato readers 20% off from today through December 10^th.

Her minimalist designs have been worn by Bachelorette contestants and can be seen gracing the necks and ears of several actresses on Scandal and Jane, The Virgin, among other shows. This former Chemical Engineering major from CAL was inspired by the many artisans on Telegraph avenue and chose the creative path instead of the traditional one her parents had hoped she would pursue. And we are so glad she did.

You know we love a gift that gives back and Li has created a limited edition necklace (shown in photo above)  in honor of her hometown of Santa Rosa, one that was devastated by last year’s fires. 100% of the proceeds will go to The Redwood Empire Food Bank, aiding those affected from all fires.

Use code TOMATO for your 20% discount at www.peggyli.com

For her charity rose necklace, click here.