Unwrap our gift to you: the holiday events guide

I think we could all use a holiday right now — remote tropical destination, Slack notifications off, sunglasses on. But unless you planned accordingly, we’ve just got the holidays — wintry weather, a list of topics to avoid with that one relative and the same Christmas songs on repeat. Ho ho ho?

Whether the thought of the holiday season makes you feel as jolly as old St. Nick or as sentimental as Scrooge, we can lean in as little or as much as we want. Already decked your halls with decorations? You’re ready for the first tree-lighting ceremony and outdoor ice skating this week. Love all the traditional music and performances? It’s the most wonderful time for your ears. Want to just go drinking in Victorian garb? The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is here for you. Our holiday guide is that mysterious giant box under the tree: Unwrap it for the best holiday season since that year your parents got you a Nintendo 64.

Mentally on Christmas Island,

Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com

Our guide to a flurry of Peninsula holiday events – no dashing through the snow required

While Thanksgiving is still a couple of weeks away, holiday preparations are in full swing around the Peninsula. From Nutcracker productions and concerts to markets and tree-lighting ceremonies, here’s how and where to celebrate.

‘A sports bar for nerds’: At 7 Stars Bar and Grill, drinks and decor pay homage to ‘Star Wars’ and other movie franchises

Walk inside 7 Stars Bar and Grill in Campbell to find a pair of child-sized stormtroopers guarding the door. Funko Pop figurines are lined up in display cases, Starfighters hang from the ceiling, “Star Wars”-themed art fills the exposed brick wall and a Landspeeder, Jabba the Hutt and BB-8 keep the DJ in the back company.

Author Nina Sharma pens book personal and political in equal measure

Author Nina Sharma was in town recently to discuss her debut essay collection, “The Way You Make Me Feel: Love In Black And Brown,” about her own real-life love story.

Congrats to Anthony K., who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Nealon Park in Menlo Park!).

The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!

Of Microbes and Mushrooms, Science and Sculpture: Nov. 15 Textile artist Minga Opazo, photomicrographer Tracy Debenport and science-based artist Jenifer Wightman will discuss their work at an event hosted by the Stanford Arts Institute.

Winter Wine Walk: Nov. 16 Taste wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains while strolling downtown Menlo Park, with proceeds benefiting the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation.

Fantastic Feasts and Where to Find Them: Nov. 19 Kepler’s hosts an evening of food samples and drinks, featuring four culinary writers: Carole Bumpus, Sara Calvosa Olson, Jennifer Newens and Vina Patel.

Domenico Winery’s Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair: Nov. 19 Find unique gifts and handcrafted items from small businesses at this event, which will also feature a full bar, wine and food for sale.

Turkey Trot: Nov. 20 Midpeninsula Open Space naturalists lead a leisurely 4-mile hike at Rancho San Antonio, with a break along the way. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys!

Mystic Poetry and Music Salon: Nov. 22 The work of Persian lyric poet Shamsuddin Hafiz will be celebrated at an event featuring music from Fiume di Musica chamber ensemble and a poetry reading by Palo Alto pastor Burke Owens.

Dude, Where’s My Flying Car?: Nov. 22 Automotive industry veteran, aviation enthusiast and author Tim Jackson presents his book on the future of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles.

Skate Against Hate: Nov. 23 The Armory in Redwood City hosts the first annual Skate Against Hate with free roller skating, a live DJ, a snack shack, raffles and giveaways.

Urban Holiday Night Market: Nov. 23 South Bay Makers and Cityline Sunnyvale present a market featuring vendors, live music, refreshments, family fun, live art-making activities and more.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Nov. 23-Dec. 22 See Scrooge, dance at Fezziwig’s and find all sorts of fun treats when the ever-festive and immersive Dickens Fair returns.

Plan Ahead

Downtown Mountain View Walking Tour: Nov. 24 Learn about historic sites and buildings in Mountain View on a guided walking tour.

Zoppe Italian Family Circus: Through Dec. 1 Downtown Redwood City once again hosts Nino the Clown and his dazzling troupe of circus performers as they return to amaze local families on their annual visit.

Pet Photos With Santa: Dec. 1 and 8 Furry friends can get their photos taken with Santa Claus on select dates at Stanford Shopping Center.

Winter Festival: Dec. 5-7 Gamble Garden’s Winter Festival kicks off Dec. 5 with a grand opening event featuring a tree lighting and refreshments. The following days include events like a visit from Santa and holiday tea times.

Anastasia: Dec. 5-29 Hillbarn Theatre presents the sweeping musical (based on the animated film) about a young woman who may be long-lost Russian royalty.

Shoreside Shark Discovery Day: Dec. 7 Learn all about sharks, including getting up close with some gentle local leopard sharks, at a special event dedicated to these marine creatures.

Guided Walk at Bean Hollow: Dec. 8 Join a state park educator on a guided 2-mile hike along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach.

Fungus Fair: Dec. 8 Calling all fungus fans! The Mycological Society of San Francisco Fungus Fair offers workshops, lectures, displays and vendors and even some tasty mushroom soup.

Terrapin Family Band with Molly Tuttle: Dec. 20 The second annual “Grateful Holiday” show features the Terrapin Family Band with a special guest: the bluegrass superstar with Palo Alto roots, Molly Tuttle.

Why the Bay Area’s hottest restaurants look to this Half Moon Bay farm as their secret source for produce
They can be tough to grow, but the beans at Iacopi Farms have garnered rock star status with in-the-know local chefs and foodies alike.

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