Each month we highlight performances, poetry readings and open mics, arts and culture classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors, arts exhibitions and arts-related holiday celebrations. Our goal is to promote the essential and joyful events that our artists and arts/culture organizations provide for our community! ENJOY!
Submit events by the 20th of each month to:
https://bit.ly/SMCArtsandCultureEventsCalendar
December 1 - 8, 2024
Aragon High Hosts AIDS Memorial Quilt
Dates: 12/4/24 • Time: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Host: Aragon High School
Description: AHS will host a portion of the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt from December 2-December 6, providing a unique opportunity for students and the broader community to witness this powerful symbol of remembrance and activism.
Location: Multi-purpose Room, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo
Cost: Free
Hometown Holidays
Dates: 12/7/24 • Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Host: City of Redwood City
Description: Get ready for a jolly day of festive fun at Redwood City’s Hometown Holidays! Whether rain or shine, downtown and Courthouse Square will be packed with fun for the whole family. Enjoy a spectacular parade, live entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, and a petting zoo. Snap a photo with Santa and explore holiday vendors offering delicious treats and festive goods. And don’t miss the exciting arrival of the Caltrain Holiday Train!
Location: Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Cost: Free
Steel Drum Music with Harry Best
Date: 12/7/24 • Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Hosts: Belle Haven Library and Friends of the Menlo Park Library
Description: Imagine the sand between your toes as you enjoy the engaging Caribbean steel drum music of Harry Best! Best’s melodies sweep listeners off on a virtual Caribbean vacation, as he shares the infectious rhythms of calypso, reggae, zouk, and soca music.
Location: 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park
Cost: Free
Madrone Arts 3-D Exhibit Celebrates Winter
Date: 12/7/24 • Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Host: Madrone Arts
Description: Challenged with using winter as a theme for the creation of 3-D artworks, the artist-members of Madrone Arts Gallery in Pescadero will be exhibiting their small-footprint works beginning the weekend of December 7-8 to the public. This special month-long display will be on view in the main gallery until Sunday, January 5th, 2025.
Location: 216 Stage Rd., Pescadero
Cost: Free
Glitter and Goals
Date: 11/3/24 • Time: 3:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Host: San Mateo Pride
Description: Join us for a series of three online journalizing workshops to Visualize, Create & Nurture Your Future Self. Learn artistic techniques that make planning and self-reflection feel like play. Transform your dreams from glimmer to reality. Create a personalized dream-catching vision journal that combines creative expression with intentional goal setting. In this affirming, supportive space, you'll turn a simple journal into a dazzling roadmap for 2025 while building community and celebrating your authentic self. For more details and to register, see the website.
Location: Online
Cost: Free but RSVP required to receive Zoom link
Holiday Art Market + Open Studios
Date: 12/8/24 • Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Host: Art Bias
Description: Shop, mingle and enjoy a day filled with art, wine, music, inspiration and creative connections. Over thirty open artist studios. Pop-ups by Renata Aryanti, Jill Bornemann of Slainte Bags, Natalie Ciccoricco, Eilish Lancaster's Rubbish, poet Zaineb Hussein, Pat McIntosh of Maison Recherché, and Nanette Wylde's "Entanglements." Don't miss the student carolers and glogg!
Location: 1700 Industrial Road, San Carlos
Cost: Free
Kathak Dance Intensive
Date: 12/8/24 • Time: 9:30 AM
Host: Noorani Dance
Description: Join us for a full day Kathak intensive for all ages & levels at Noorani Dance School! New students welcome.
Location: 3925 Bohannon Drive, Menlo Park
Cost: $300
December 9 - 15, 2024
Feliz Navidad with Jose Feliciano
Date: 12/11/24 • Time: doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7:30
Host: Fox Theater
Description: Jose Feliciano is recognized as the first Latin Artist to effective cross over into the English music market, influencing other artists like Carlos Santana, who now play an important role in the American music industry. He has been acclaimed by critics around the world as "The greatest living guitarist." Read more on the website.
Location: 2221 Broadway Street, Redwood City
Cost: Tickets - see website for seating and pricing
A Musical Performance by Dan Ashley
Dates: 12/11/24 • Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Host: Atherton Library
Description: ABC7 Evening News Anchor and Rock Star! Rock out with your favorite ABC7 News Anchor and Rock Star, Dan Ashley, when Dan and is guitarist, Bill Bentley, bring an acoustic performance of Americana Rock music, originals and covers, to the library. Rock on! (teens, adults, all ages)
Location: 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton
Cost: Free
A Musical Performance by Dan Ashley
Dates: 12/12/24 • Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Host: San Carlos Library
Description: ABC7 Evening News Anchor and Rock Star! Rock out with your favorite ABC7 News Anchor and Rock Star, Dan Ashley, when Dan and is guitarist, Bill Bentley, bring an acoustic performance of Americana Rock music, originals and covers, to the library. Rock on! (teens, adults, all ages)
Location: 610 Elm Street, San Carlos
Cost: Free
art speak easy:
Conversations Around Contemporary Art
Dates: 12/12/24 • Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Host: Art Bias
Description: This month's topic: Kitsch/Sentimentality. Facilitated by Kent Manske & Nanette Wylde, Co-sponsored by Art Bias, the Center for Creativity, and PreNeo Press, Attendees are welcome to bring a smallish work for possible illustration/discussion of the Speak Easy topic. Note: This is not a critique session.
Location: 1700 Industrial Road, Studio 114, San Carlos
Cost: Free
Sip & Paint
Date: 12/13/24 • Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Host: Madrone Arts
Description: Join this unique painting class and follow along with our step-by-step painting instructions by experienced. No painting experience is needed. All materials are provided including canvas, paints, brushes, and aprons. All you need to do is show up, bring your own drink, and get ready to create.
Location: 216 Stage Rd., Pescadero
Cost: Reservation required $45
Nutcracker
Date: 12/14/24 • Time: 4:00 PM
Date: 12/15/24 • Time: 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM
Host: Bay Area Ballet Conservatory
Description: This production of the traditional Nutcracker ballet is slightly condensed and enjoyable to audiences of all ages. Cheer on young Clara as she fights off a horde of mischievous mice and rescues her Nutcracker Doll from a duel with the infamous Rat Queen.
Location: 3300 College Drive, San Bruno
Cost: Tickets: $19.50 - $31.50
Winter Art Faire
Dates: 12/14 and 12/15/24 • Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Host: Art Guild of Pacifica
Description: Bringing together original art, handmade gifts, and unique gifts in a festive atmosphere. Over 25 artists and vendors to see!!
Location: 1220 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica
Cost: Free
Carols & Candlelight Concert!
Date: 12/15/24 • Time: 3:00 PM
Host: Peninsula Girls Chorus
Description: Mark your calendars for a magical afternoon of music featuring our talented singers.
Immerse yourself in a beautiful tapestry of sound as we celebrate the spirit of the season with an enchanting selection of choral music, including beloved holiday classics and delightful wintery tunes.
Location: Carlmont High School Performing Arts Center, 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont
Cost: Tickets: $22.13-$43.14
An Evening of Holiday Carols and Songs
Date: 12/15/24 • Time: 7:00 PM
Host: Music at Kohl Mansion
Description: Celebrate the holidays with the award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus and Baritone Bradley Kynard. A concert for all ages featuring favorite holiday carols and holiday music of different cultures. A great way to celebrate the season with family or friends in the lavishly decorated Kohl Mansion, followed by a complimentary dessert buffet and sparkling beverages.
Location: Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame
Cost: Tickets: $20-$40
Tiny Treasure with Doreen Maller
Date: 12/15/24 • Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Host: Madrone Arts
Description: In this class you will learn to fold a tiny magical eight-page book from a single sheet of paper. With a theme of your choice you can share a poem, a story, a recipe, a secret! After we have all created a tiny book or two, the group will share their stories and reflect on the experience. Feel free to bring your own paper, pre-painted or not. Paper, pens, paint, pencils will be provided for all participants. This event is open to children over 12 and adults. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: 216 Stage Rd., Pescadero
Cost: $100
December 16 - 22, 2024
A Musical Special Holiday Show
Date: 12/18/24 • Time: 7:00 PM
Host: Easton Branch Library
Description: Join us for the Firelight Shadow Theater
Location: 1800 Easton Drive, Burlingame
Cost: Free
Winter Solstice "Sound Bath"
Date: 12/21/24 • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Host: Madrone Arts
Description: Join us for a Winter for an evening of reflection and renewal. Jaimie Maher will lead the group through a guided meditation, playing a variety of crystal bowls, gongs and bells to create a room-filling “Sound Bath.” This event will be held in the Madrone Gallery Annex. Attendees are asked to bring yoga mats. Blankets are also strongly suggested as the gallery is cool during the evenings. Attendees must be 18 or older.
Location: 216 Stage Rd., Pescadero
Cost: $55
The Nutcracker
Date: 12/21/24 • Time: 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Date: 12/22/24 • Time: 1:00 PM
Hosts: South San Francisco Parks and Recreation's SSF Civic Ballet
Description: Join the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation's SSF Civic Ballet program for an enchanting holiday performance of this timeless classic, the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Witness the beauty of graceful choreography, stunning costumes, and a story that has captured hearts for generations. This is the perfect way to support our program and the dancers who are ready to show you a wonderful show!
Location: Parade: South San Francisco High School, 498 B St, South San Francisco
Cost: Tickets: Adult (18Y & up): $10.00; Youth (3Y-17Y): $8.00; and Senior (62 & up): $8.00
Head West Marketplace
Dates: 12/2/24 • Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Host: Downtown Association of San Mateo
Description: Browse unique holiday gifts or find a treat for yourself from 50 local Makers, Merchants, Crafters, Designers, and Artists. While you’re here, explore Downtown’s retail offerings, and enjoy delicious food from our local spots—there’s something for everyone this season!
Location: B Street, San Mateo
Cost: Free
December 23 - 31, 2024
Beach Break Film Festival
Date: 12/28 - 12/30/24 • Time: see website for times
Host: Beach Break Entertainment
Description: Escape to Half Moon Bay for three days of independent films and fund. Catch films and engaging panels guaranteed to get you thinking and taking action. See website for a listing of films.
Location: See website for locations
Cost: Tickets required, see website for pricing
The Sun Kings New Year's Eve Concert
Date: 12/31/24 • Time: 9:00 PM
Host: Club Fox
Description: Come celebrate, dance, sing, and join us as we say goodbye to 2024 and usher in 2025 at our 19th Annual New Year's Eve Concert! Expect the best of The Beatles, and some album gems, all performed with Hamburg Energy & Musical Authenticity at The Sun Kings very own "Cavern Club" - Club Fox!
Location: 2209 Broadway, Redwood City
Cost: $100 reserved seating; $75 open seating