12/2 Saturday
Art: Shasta Garcia Watercolor Demo at ARCH
Local designer Shasta Garcia will demonstrate her preferred watercolor setup using her handmade ceramic watercolor palettes. These one-of-a-kind palettes are functionally beautiful. Drop by anytime during the event. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. ARCH Art Supplies, 1490 17th Street. For more information and to reserve a space: bit.ly/40V48p9
12/3 Sunday
Holiday: Pet Pics with Santa
Kids, family and, of course, pets welcome at Pet Pics with Santa. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15 each photograph. Spark Social, 601 Mission Bay Boulevard. For more information and to reserve space: bit.ly/47qW2af
12/7 Thursday
Holiday: Candle Design Party
Bring six ounces or more empty vessels, each of which will be measured for total volume, with a fee of $3.50 per ounce. Dozens of different fragrances available to use alone or in combinations of up to three. Candles will be ready for pickup within 10 business days. 12 to 7 p.m. Often Wander, 593 Valencia Street. For more information: bit.ly/47wuC2S
12/8 Friday
Design: BFA Design Thesis Show
Showcase of work by Bachelor of Fine Arts graduating students in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Illustration. Reception 5 to 8 p.m. Free. California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth Street. For more information and to reserve space: tinyurl.com/v5frj9jd
12/9 Saturday & 12/10 Sunday
12/16 Saturday & 12/17 Sunday
Theater: “A Very Hitchcock Christmas”
PlayGround is back with its second annual “twisted” holiday show, “A Very Hitchcock Christmas” at Potrero Stage and simulcast, with on-demand access through New Year’s. The evening-length program features returning short plays by Jeffrey Lo, Alexis Standridge, and Eteya Trinidad, and three new short plays by Shoshanna Green, Michael B. Kaplan, and J.S. Puller, melding holiday themes and Hitchcock films, including “Rope,” “Rear Window,” “Lifeboat,” “Psycho,” “Strangers on a Train,” and “Rebecca.” Free, donations gratefully accepted. In-person performances are at Potrero Stage, 1695 18th Street. For more information and to reserve in-person or online tickets: playground-sf.org/hitchcockchristmas/
12/10 Sunday
Holiday: On the [Bernal] Hill
A neighbor-made gift and art fair. Enjoy the holiday spirit in all its forms: cards, jewelry, ceramics, treats, “kidpreneurs”, garage parties, dog Santa photo ops, fundraisers, makers, artists, and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cortland Avenue. For more information, including a map of participating artists/vendors: bit.ly/40XsNJQ
12/10 Sunday
Dance: Bollywood Fusion Dance Workshop at Smuin
This workshop is “open level;” whether you’re just getting started in your dance journey or have been dancing your whole life, get ready to explore new grooves in a fun environment! 12 to 1:30 p.m. $20. Smuin Center for Dance, 1830 17th Street. For more information and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3uyar5Z
12/15 Friday through 12/17 Sunday
Music: Schick Machine
Schick Machine features percussionist Steven Schick exploring a visually compelling world of mechanical devices, invented instruments, and seemingly infinite sonic possibilities. A giant motorized hurdy-gurdy, a deconstructed pipe organ, and an array of spinning and thrashing metal machines that seem almost to be alive fill the basement workshop of this possibly mad and possibly genius inventor as he nears the completion of his giant instrument that he believes can reconcile the past and the future. At the end of every performance the audience is invited on stage to explore and play the inventions for themselves. Performances at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 to $25, plus fees. Z Space’s Steindler Stage, 450 Florida Street. For more information and to purchase tickets: zspace.org/schick
12/15 Friday through 12/31 Sunday
Holiday: Circus Bella “Kaleidoscope”
For families and children of all ages, “Kaleidoscope” is holiday performance presented in an one-ring 350-seat circus tent. A diverse cast of 12 perform feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, outrageous humor, and slapstick antics. Original music is performed live by the six-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. Tickets: $55 to $75. Main and Howard streets, at the Crossing at the East Cut. For more information and to purchase tickets: circusbella.org/kaleidoscope
12/16 Saturday
Holiday: Sale by Clayroom Artists
Support local artists and find distinctive handcrafted treasures. Clayroom studio members showcase and sell their handcrafted pieces — in ceramic and wood — from tableware and unique wood-carved gifts to one-of-a-kind artworks. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; reservations required. Groundfloor, 455 Valencia Street. For more information and to reserve your space: tinyurl.com/yr786p64
12/16 Saturday
Holiday: Winter Wonderland at Ruth Williams Opera House
Food trucks, s’mores, ice sculpting, snowman building, performances, arts and crafts, local vendors and a visit from Santa. 4 to 8 p.m. Free. 4705 Third Street. For more information and to reserve space: bit.ly/47OKPQx
PV Staff