Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Fun Family Activities to do this Holiday Season in Silicon Valley



Are you tired of spending time at the mall? Take advantage of the fun family activities this holiday season – from tree lighting ceremonies to symphonies to the ballet to ice skating, there are a lot of things to do! We've compiled a list of family activities in the South Bay, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Los Gatos and San Jose. If you have any additional recommendations please let us know!

Christmas in the Park at Plaza De Cesar Chavez in San Jose

Until January 1, 2010

The two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 60 musical and animated exhibits and glittering lights and the 60-foot City Community Giving Tree. Displays are housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, and include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters. The Victorian Village, a 25-foot growing Christmas tree surrounded by the animated Nutcracker Suite exhibit and Santa House welcome park visitors. Children’s activities include: Santa's Photo Shop, Christmas in the Park Nightly Entertainment, USMC's Toys for Tots "Stuff the Bus" Toy Drive and Christmas in the Park Raffle Drawing.

The Nutcracker by the San Francisco Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House
Through December 27, 2009
"San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker is December's hottest ticket! Audiences of all ages marvel at the magic and wonderment of this stunning production that has played to unanimous critical acclaim." Check out their website for special family performances. The first 500 children receive a special gift and the chance to meet and take pictures with some of their favorite Nutcracker characters.

The Nutcracker by Ballet San Jose at The Center for the Performing Arts
December 11 - 27, 2009, with special 1 hr children's matinees on Dec. 12 & 22

Hailed as The San Francisco Chronicle as “one of the most entertaining versions of Nutcracker anywhere in the country,” this treasured holiday classic returns with full orchestra, stunning decorations, festive carolers and Nutcracker characters who will meet and greet guests before every performance. Special one-hour versions of the show are presented for very young children on December 12 and 22 at 1:30pm.

Ice Skating at Downtown Ice in San Jose
Open through  January 18, 2010
"Downtown Ice is located in a spectacular setting - the Circle of Downtown Ice is the South Bay's largest seasonal outdoor skating rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, and is directly across Market Street from Plaza de Cesar Chavez."

Santa and his Elves in the Town Plaza Park in Los Gatos
December 13 and 20, 2009
 Bring your camera to record the moment! No charge for sitting on Santa's lap. Hosted by "Santa in the Plaza" committee & Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department.

Every weekend until Christmas

Santa is holding his holiday court every weekend at the Willow Glen Holiday Pavilion outside Treehouse in the Glen. Visits with Santa are free; photos with Santa will be available for a fee.

Saturday evenings, 6pm-9pm and Sunday afternoons, 2pm-5pm, December 5 - 20, 2009
Oh what fun it is to ride in a horse-drawn wagon enjoying holiday lights and decorations of Downtown Willow Glen! All rides will depart Willow Glen's Holiday Pavilion at 1275 Lincoln Avenue for a 20-minute round-trip, featuring all the small town heart and holiday charm of the district.

6 pm to 10 pm nightly until December 31, 2009
It is a spectacular family holiday tradition in the South Bay. Vasona Lake County Park is transformed into a magical wonderland of thousands of twinkling lights and exciting animated displays, all set to your favorite holiday music and viewed from the warmth of your own car.

Holiday Lights Train
December 1-19, 2009
Ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz while listening to carolers, meeting Santa Claus and sipping hot, spiced cider. Call for specific dates and times - 888.25.EVENT.

December 12 and 13, 2009
The Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance present an "alternative to 'The Nutcracker.'" The 75-minute ballet includes costumes, sets and the familiar cadence of the "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem at the Woodside Performing Arts Center.

At Lytton's 4th Annual Festival of Trees you can view 14 festively decorated trees with varying themes. Hot cider, cookies, Santa's ornament workshop, carolers, piano. Held at Lytton Gardens Senior Communities in Palo Alto.

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