Winter Festivities abound in Union Square, and not just because the store windows are decked in holiday finery. If you are meandering around downtown while checking out the fun, and can’t find what you are looking we have found some unique online items for your tomato gal pals. Holidays can be stressful (no news there), and laughter is a great cure for what ails you. A “Potter Parody” will have you in stitches as you take a break from shopping, cooking and wrapping! If Harry isn’t your idea of a typical Holiday event, The Great Russian Nutcracker will leave you twirling around the house and looking for a local ballet class!  Enjoy the season of light, love and all that is merry in our great Bay area.

 Now thru January 1. Union Square Walks.

And you thought Union Square was just for shopping!  There is oh so much more to one of the country’s most elegant destinations. Along with Neiman Marcus, Gump’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s displaying their finest Holiday windows, winter merriment can be found on two blocks of Stockton Street now closed to traffic. Pop-up shops are a common site around town and now Union Square presents a holiday pop-up plaza. Winter surprises await. Caroling, a light art show, and Food Trucks are among the many delights. Get more info.

December 19 – January 3. Potted Potter.

Calling all Harry Potter fans!  Being a tomato who has read each of the books (several times), watched the magic come to life on the big screen and taken the studio tour in London, I consider this event a must see. Coming to our own Palace of Fine Arts, the unauthorized Harry Experience condenses all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy outrageously laugh out loud minutes. Created by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, you will appreciate their vast humor and wizardry. The Palace of Fine Arts. Conjure up some tickets here.

December 18.  Moscow Ballet Nutcracker.

There is nothing like the real deal, and this version of the beloved Nutcracker ballet will leave you longing to don the tutus of your early ballet classes!  The precision of the Russian ballet dancers is unparalleled. The famed Moscow ballet adds a different twist to the familiar ballet. Surprises such as a cannon that shoots roses, playful 10 ft tall puppets and dazzling costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life in this energetic, flawlessly executed performance.  Flint Center for the Performing Arts, Cupertino. One day only!  Get tickets.

Gifts for Gals

Tomatoes – do we really NEED anything for Christmas or Hannukah? Chances are, no. However, we love to give gifts to our gal pals and here are a few cute items that will bring a smile to a friend’s face.

The Gold Elf Wine Stopper $22. For the hostess who has everything, why not gift her with her favorite bottle of chardonnay and attach this little fella. She will smile when she sips! For purchasing info:

Metallic Moccasins $55 . Yes, this tomato loves the bling, and even if your fav friend has a comfy pair of slippers, these supple slip-ons from J Crew will have her floating on air.  Crackled golden leather outside and a rubber bottom (for a quick trip outside), will surely bring joy and comfort on those chilly nights!

Bathory Bath Soaks – $30.  Give the hard working friend, sister, mother, manicurist, hair stylist, a gift certificate to create her own spa potion. The unique blend that she creates will be mixed and delivered for a relaxing post-holiday soak. Create your own here.