Happy Thanksgiving! For those of you in town, here are my picks for how to enjoy the long weekend and some suggestions for the next.
Thursday, Nov. 27
How about a peaceful garden stroll before your feast? The San Francisco Botanical Garden is yours to enjoy today. Free admission (including for your out-of-town guests). 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 28
From gobble-gobble to ho-ho-ho overnight — join the fun at Ghirardelli Square as Santa Lights the Square. Sing along to the performance of the San Francisco Boys Chorus, warm up with hot cocoa, maybe receive a gift card from one of Santa’s elves, and get your pics with the big man. 4:30 to 8 p.m. Free admission.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Peter Pan: Panto in the Presidio is a San Francisco version of the traditional British holiday pantomime (panto), a musical theater parody of children’s stories and folklore with live music. Expect lots of candy tossing, cheering, and booing (sounds like a more entertaining version of a Parliament session). 1 p.m. previews through Sunday; opens Dec. 6 through Dec. 29 at the Presidio Theatre. Tickets from $17.
I may be one of the few who never read The Velveteen Rabbit as a kid, but came to know it was a classic, so I finally went to see it one year. Presented by ODC/Dance (which has toured this production across 20 states), it’s a delightful story about a stuffed rabbit that comes to life and explores love, loyalty, and acceptance. (I loved my bunny to dirty-worn-out-fur-missing-eyes death, and would have loved for it to have come to life!) So take the kiddos or just yourself (selves), but don’t miss. 11 a.m. (2 p.m. Sundays) through Dec. 7 at the Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA. Tickets from $30.
Sunday, Nov. 30
Head over to Bernal Heights for a Sunday Afternoon Bluegrass Jam, if that’s your jam. If not, the venue seems like a pretty fun place to hang for the dive-bar crowd, with a tuxedo bar cat named Cloudy, a pool table, and some cool-looking cocktails and bar. 4 to 7 p.m. at The Lucky Horseshoe Bar. Free admission.
Monday, Dec. 1
Gather to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS for the World AIDS Day National Observance. This Indigenous and Latine ceremony will feature cultural music, Aztec dancing, shared food, altar offerings, and all are welcome. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. Free admission, RSVP here.
The top of Nob Hill is a wonderland of lights during the holidays, and one of my favorites, so head over for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music, festive treats, family activities, and more. Take a cable car for the full San Francisco experience 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Huntington Park. Free admission.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Dec. 2
District 2 residents with traffic concerns (like being almost run over twice in crosswalks on the way to the farmers’ market) may be interested in this presentation by Northern Neighbors and the Pacific Heights Residents Association. Learn about transportation proposals in the district, meet the study team from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, ask questions, and let them know what you think. 6 p.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church. Free admission, reserve here.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Tony Award-winning Into the Woods follows a childless couple’s quest to break a witch’s curse, and along the way, they encounter Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack in the Beanstalk. And all must face the consequences of their choices. Hmm. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. through Jan. 17 at the San Francisco Playhouse. Tickets from $52.
Enjoy your holiday week, and be kind, be safe, and be grateful.