Everything’s lit up and glittery for the holiday season, a sight to dazzle the little ones.
Holiday Crafts Day at the Randall Museum
Make your own gingerbread house, beeswax candles, scented soaps, or candle holders at this much-beloved annual local crafting bee. The candy-house production line is a particular riot, with kids eating as much as the white frosting and candy as slapping it onto a house. At noon, a bubble magician performs in the Randall’s theater.
When: Sat., 12/6, 10am-3pm; Age 2+; Admission is free, craft prices vary from $2-5.
Where: Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way (at Roosevelt), San Francisco, 415-554-9600, randallmuseum.org
Union Street Holiday Celebration
A low-key neighborhood party with street performers, reindeer, the Snow Queen, carolers, zillions of little white lights, and Santa waiting with an empty lap to hear what presents your child wants. Parents can take pictures of their children on Santa’s lap free, without the need to buy some crazy $18 photo package.
When: Sat., 12/6, 3-6pm (Santa will be at the party from 5-7pm); All ages; Free.
Where: Union Street between Van Ness Avenue & Steiner Street (Santa will be at the Cudworth Mansion, 2040 Union Street), San Francisco, 415-456-6436, sresproductions.com.
Dress Up & Cookie Day at The Velveteen Rabbit
Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, favorite PJs or superhero/princess garb for this matinee performance of ODC Dance’s traditional tear-jerker of a dance, The Velveteen Rabbit. A costume parade across the stage precedes the ballet and all kids, costumed or not, get a free cookie.
When: Sat., 12/6 (show runs through December 15), 1pm; Age 4+; $15-45.
Where: Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard Street (at Third Street), San Francisco; 415-978-2787, odcdance.org.
ZooLights
The Oakland Zoo sets its animal habits alight with thousands of tiny twinkling lights, including a light show set to music by Movin’ 99.7. Ride the miniature steam engine Snowball Express, and enjoy holiday decorations in the rides area.
When: Sat. Dec. 5 (ZooLights runs through 1/4 but is closed on 12/24 and 12/25), 5:30-9:30pm (5:30-9pm Mon.-Thu.); All ages; $4.50-7.50.
Where: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road (close to Highway 580), Oakland; 510-642-9525, oaklandzoo.org.