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We kept quiet as Halloween flew by. We uttered not a peep as Thanksgiving came and went. But now, well, we have to say we’re just gleefully caving into the holiday season. So here are seven ways — both holiday-themed and not — to take a break in the SF Bay Area from all the shopping and other preparations.
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Now let’s get funin’, shall we?
1 WATCH: A new circus with possibly the best view on the planet
Circus Bella has been part of the Bay Area scene for years, with its crazy-fun cast of acrobats, contortionists, clowns and other entertainers. But now the troupe has its biggest gig yet — a new show titled “Kaleidoscope” under the Big Tent at the always-resplendent Treasure Island. It opens this weekend and details (yes, there’s parking!) are here. And if you’re wondering about food and drink, the refreshments are in the more-than-capable hands of the nearby Mersea restaurant.
2 PLAY: 19 twinkle-lit wonderlands
Illuminated gondolas sailing overhead … an apricot orchard transformed into the North Pole … a 1.5-mile drive-through fantasy land?!? The holiday season brings some crazy-impressive light displays. Here are 19 of the most spectacular to explore across the Bay Area.
3 SEE: What some are already calling the best movie of the year
Those who appreciate good old-fashion cinematic grandeur (in black-and-white, no less) are in for a treat with “Roma,” the Oscar-buzz-coated film from Alfonso Cuarón, which lands in theaters this weekend. It also will be streaming on Netflix later this month, but you should totally see it on the big screen, says movie writer Randy Myers. Here’s his rundown of your weekend movie options, which also includes Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz squaring off in “The Favourite.”
4 EAT & SIP: SF and Chill-i
You guys know how much we love the crazy food fests hosted by the SoMa StrEAT Food Park folks. Last month, it was Lumpia-Palooza (be still our hearts!). This Saturday, it’s SF & Chill-i, with 10 food trucks dishing up chili, plus craft beer, music and other fun. (Prefer wine to beer? There are five (!) wine festivals this weekend alone. (Can’t promise any chili, though…).
5 CATCH: The holiday spirit at a live show
There are sooooooo many options for holiday shows in the Bay Area. Feel like a powerful holiday concert from one of the best choirs in the world? We have that. Some lively and festive Celtic dancing? We have that, too. A bawdy, irreverent and totally un-PC Christmas cabaret from one of Broadway’s most acclaimed performers? You bet. And we’re just scratching the surface. Go here for a full rundown of holidays shows and concerts in the Bay Area.
6 SIP: A vodka Geltini
Last week, we told you about a trio of new Santa-themed mixology pop-ups. This weekend is all about latke parties and the Hanukkah celebrations that begin Sunday. So head for the Reboot Hanukkah Pop-Up in San Francisco first for vodka-spiked Geltinis, holiday shopping and a chance to partake in the Great Hanukkah debate with Ayelet Waldman.
7 SEE: A musical fit for a princess
Rodgers and Hammerstein created so many classic musicals, but one of their lesser-known gems is their adaptation of “Cinderella.” A touring production lands in the Bay Area for a short run this weekend; and we’ve got details for that here. Other options for a trip to the theat-uh? There’s a musical based on the beloved kids’ book “Tuck Everlasting, and a riveting solo show at Berkeley Rep, and a gentle comedy about a family’s quirky holiday traditions.
