The San Jose Nutcracker
2024-12-23 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California Theatre, 345 South First Street, San Jose, CA, 95113
San Jose’s beloved Nutcracker returns to the stunning California Theatre for a truly enchanting holiday experience. Presented in collaboration with Symphony San Jose, The San Jose Nutcracker is a joyful production that reimagines the classic tale in the context of turn-of-the-century San Jose, incorporating historical references that celebrate our valley's legacy as a birthplace of innovation.
All performances will be accompanied by the talented musicians of Symphony San Jose, enhancing this festive holiday experience with live orchestral music. Audiences can expect a magical journey filled with captivating dance, beautiful music, and the spirit of the season.
Visit The San Jose Nutcracker for schedules, and ticket purchases.

Los Gatos Ballet's Nutcracker
2024-12-23 19:00, 2024-12-24 19:00, 2024-12-25 19:00, 2024-12-26 19:00, 2024-12-27 19:00, 2024-12-28 19:00, 2024-12-29 19:00, 2024-12-30 19:00 | McAfee Performing Arts and Lecture Center, 20300 Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, CA, 95070, United States
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's iconic score in Los Gatos Ballet's presentation of the Nutcracker Ballet. Join Clara on her enchanting journey as she celebrates with loved ones, defeats the Mouse King, and travels alongside her Nutcracker Prince through the Snow Queen's magical realm to the Sugar Plum Fairy's palace. This production features thrilling choreography, exquisite dancing, and beautifully designed costumes, props, and sets. Ideal for families, ballet enthusiasts, and newcomers alike, Los Gatos Ballet's Nutcracker invites you to be part of a cherished holiday tradition.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Los Gatos Ballet website.

Hayes Mansion's "Be Merry, Be Our Guest"
2024-12-24 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-25 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-26 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-27 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-28 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-29 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-30 09:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-31 09:00 - 21:00 | Hayes Mansion, 200 Edenvale Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95136
Celebrate the holiday season at Hayes Mansion's "Be Merry, Be Our Guest" event from December 2 to December 31, 2024. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the Plaza Lounge, guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, festive decorations, and holiday music. Gingerbread kits are available for purchase to create lasting memories. Additionally, there's a holiday toy drive in partnership with Sacred Heart Community Service, offering an opportunity to spread joy to those in need.
For more information, visit Hayes Mansion website.

Polar Play Days
2024-12-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-30 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-31 10:00 - 17:00 | The Tech Interactive, 201 S. Market St., San Jose, CA, 95113
Polar Play Days at The Tech Interactive is a festive, family-friendly event running from November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This exciting celebration combines the magic of winter with engaging science-themed activities, making it an ideal destination for holiday fun.
Visitors can explore various hands-on experiments and creative activities designed to inspire curiosity and joy during the holiday season. Highlights include the Sock Skating Rink, where kids can enjoy skating in their socks from December 21 to January 5, and the Merry Makerspace, offering craft sessions for creating custom holiday decorations and gifts.
Special events like Winter WonderLabs on December 7-8 and 14-15 feature interactive science demonstrations, including building candy structures and crafting light-up snowflakes. Additional activities include exploring NASA's ICESat-2 satellite technology, making biodegradable holiday garlands, and learning about the science of auroras.
With its blend of entertainment and education, Polar Play Days promises a unique winter experience that delights visitors of all ages while fostering a love for science and creativity.
For more information, click here.

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
2024-12-26 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-27 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-28 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-29 20:00 - 21:00 | Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, CA, 94301
TheatreWorks invites audiences to celebrate the holidays with Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a delightful sequel to Pride and Prejudice. Blending Jane Austen’s Regency-era charm with a touch of modern humor, this seasonal comedy brings the Bennet sisters together at the Darcy’s Pemberley estate. Amid carols and confections, bookish Mary Bennet steps into the spotlight—will a surprise guest spark a new chapter in her story?
Before the show, enjoy a behind-the-scenes discussion with TheatreWorks Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli, scenic designer Andrea Bechert, and costume designer Cathleen Edwards. This free event takes place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:15 PM, in the theatre at the back left corner of the house.
Prepare for a festive evening filled with wit, romance, and holiday spirit! For more information, visit TheatreWorks.

Menagerie Holiday Oddities & Curiosities Market
2024-12-28 11:00 - 17:00 | Winchester Mystery House, 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA, 95128
Prepare for a holiday season like no other! The 6th Annual Menagerie Holiday Oddities & Curiosities Market returns to the Winchester Mystery House from November 30 to December 28, running every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each week offers themed shows with a fresh lineup of vendors showcasing unique gifts, including taxidermy, dark art, fine jewelry, and other strange and wonderful finds.
The events also feature captivating performances, interactive workshops, guest speakers, scavenger hunts, tarot readings, giveaways, and more. Admission is required, with tickets available for market access alone or as part of a package with a mansion tour.
Holiday Mansion Tours
Experience the Winchester Mystery House like never before with festive Victorian décor, holiday traditions, and music. From November 23, 2024 to January 1, 2025, enjoy daily tours through this eccentric mansion.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour, 5 Minutes
Children under 5 are free with a paid adult ticket.
For more information, click here.

Hannukah Celebrations
2024-12-29 16:00 - 18:30 | Santana Row Park, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA, 95128, United States
Join a festive Hanukkah Celebration at Santana Row Park Valencia on Sunday, December 29th from 4PM-6:30PM. Menorah lighting, kids activities, live music, and more.
