ART

In the spirit of the season, the Moraga Art Gallery presents “Holiday Magic in Porcelain and Paint,” a colorful new show featuring the works by two of Lamorinda’s most celebrated artists: Lafayette’s Donna Arganbright and Orinda’s Maria SantaStefano. The show, which includes paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photographs, and many other gifts of art by the gallery’s 14 members and guest artists, runs through Jan. 5. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Valley Art Gallery’s annual Artful Giving show runs through Dec. 29 and includes a wide variety of beautifully crafted ceramics, wood and glass pieces, original designer jewelry, fiber arts, holiday decorations, small paintings, and many other unique, one-of-a-kind gift items all handcrafted by our talented East Bay artisans.

Santa’s Bag Boutique from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2 at the Lafayette Community Center. Get your holiday shopping underway with Handcrafted items from 60 artists. The 3-day event has been a Lafayette tradition for 28 years. Donated gift baskets benefit the Lafayette Community Center Foundation.
InsideOut Art show and auction from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Lafayette Christian Church. InsideOut Art promotes rehabilitation and restorative justice through the arts. Art work donated by incarcerated artists will be displayed and sold. Proceeds from the art sales will help purchase art supplies for the art programs in High Desert State Prison and to support local healing programs for the victims/survivors of crime. lcc-doc.org

3rd Annual Small Things Exhibition at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery through Dec. 22. Over 35 artists have been chosen to display 3D and 2D artworks in a variety of media and styles. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com

MUSIC

Holiday sing-a-long concert with the Saint Mary’s Chamber Choir and Glee Club at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29 and at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 in the Chapel, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, in Moraga.

The Diablo Women’s Chorale presents their fall concert “Winter Peace,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. at Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, in Lafayette. Drawing on a variety of musical genres and eras we bring you songs from John Legend, Enya, Hoagy Carmichael, Rogers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Sara Bareilles, and others – all selected to warm the heart, lift the spirit, and soothe the soul. Purchase advance tickets by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.DiabloWomensChorale.org. Prices are $25 General Admission and $15 Child/Student. A limited number of tickets may be sold at the door for $30.

Sara Couden, Contralto, Performs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek, with Special Guest Marina Tolstova, Soprano, and Simona Snitkowsky, Piano at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. At St. Paul’s, Sara will perform her program Awkward Love, where she visits some of opera and art song’s most awkward musical romancers. Donation at the door: average $20, Students $10 (all are welcome regardless of donation).

Experience a heart-warming presentation of new and traditional Christmas music at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church Christmas on the Hill concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 and at 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 9. No cost, but an offering will be taken.

Join the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus for ’Tis the Season for Singing, beloved seasonal carols and songs to celebrate winter solstice, yuletide, and holiday festivities at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Lafayette Christian Church, 584 Glenside Drive Lafayette. Whether you’re a lover of wintertime or a Scrooge, this concert will warm your heart and fill you with the spirit of the season. https://tistheseasonforsinging.eventbrite.com

THEATER

Town Hall Theatre “Lost & Found” Season 2018-19 continues with the holiday offering: the West Coast Premiere of “Great Expectations,” an adventure-packed adaptation of the classic Dickens’ coming-of-age story by Gale Childs Daly. “Great Expectations” will have 12 performances, including two previews, Nov. 29 through Dec. 16 at Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, in Lafayette. Tickets are $18 - $30, and are available through the Box Office at (925) 283-1557 or online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

Solo Opera and award-winning Bay Area composer, David Conte, bring to life the timeless turn of the century short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry. Set in the original 1905 time period, the opera will contain a cast of seven singers, accompanied by a seven-piece chamber orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Katsman. The opera will be performed at 8 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets: $25-$40, call (925) 943-7469.

Orinda Intermediate School Bulldog Theater stages The Addams Family Young@Part Edition, Dec. 6 through 8 at Orinda Intermediate School, 80 Ivy Drive. The beloved and kooky Addams Family comes to life in this delightful musical comedy! Tickets are $3-$10. Visit www.showtix4u.com for show times and tickets. Tickets are also available at the door.

The Rheem Theatre and the Classic TV Preservation Society (CTVPS) nonprofit are aligning to bring live theatre productions and events to the Rheem Theatre, beginning with A Three’s Company Christmas Parody at 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 8 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9. Tickets are $25 for this laugh out loud evening and can be purchased online at www.lamorindatheatres.com or at the Rheem Theatre box office.

The Peter Pan Foundation presents its winter musical, “Into The Woods” Dec. 14-16. This award winning show is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel – all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them. There will be six performances held throughout the weekend at the Northgate High School Little Theatre and ticket information is available on their website, peterpanfoundation.org.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Free Photo with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 15 at 5A Rent-A-Space 455 Moraga Road, Moraga. Cookies, fruit, cocoa and candy canes will be served and children will complete and take home arts and crafts. Fun for all ages. Everyone welcome.

OTHER

For the 21st year, Bobbie and Tom Preston will be holding the Cycle Recycle, collecting repairable bikes to be refurbished and given to charitable groups to distribute at Christmas. This year the recipient organizations include Oakland International High School’s Earn-A-Bike program, Marsh Creek Detention Center, and Trips for Kids in Marin. New and/or used bikes and trikes—in working order or repairable, or useable bike parts may be delivered to the side driveway of the Preston’s home at 1307 Larch Avenue in Moraga, throughout the month of November only. No skateboards or plastic bikes please; no need to call beforehand, but for more information contact Bobbie or Tom Preston at (925) 376-8474.

Hospice East Bay Presents Tree of Lights 2018: Lafayette Tree at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29 at the Roundup Saloon parking lot, Mt. Diablo Blvd and Lafayette Circle East; Orinda Tree 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 in Orinda Village by Bank of America; Moraga Tree at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive. https://hospiceeastbay.org.

See the Christmas story come to life at the 14th annual Live Nativity from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 Moraga Valley Ln., Moraga. Drop by to see the MVPC Courtyard transformed into a Bethlehem manger complete with live animals. No cost.

Hacienda Holiday Faire at the beautiful, historic Hacienda de Las Flores located at 2100 Donald Drive in Moraga from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and find handcrafted, specialized items from over 50 local artisans.

Radiance Family Wellness presents their Holiday Gathering and Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 at 914 Dewing Avenue, Lafayette. Complete your holiday shopping while you relax and sip on a cup of homemade chai or mimosa. Meet Radiance Family Wellness practitioners, sample their work and learn more about the healthful products available at RFW. To learn more visit us at www.radiancefamilywellness.com

Saint Mary’s College Guild’s Christmas Luncheon fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Soda Center, Moraga Room. It will feature The award-winning Saint Mary’s Choir directed by Dr. Julie Ford and accompanied by Sharon Kim, pianist. Enjoy a raffle for the infamous Christmas money tree along with six other fabulous gift baskets and the delicious annual Bake Sale. All proceeds benefit students applying for financial aid scholarships. Cost is $45. Send a check made out to SMC Guild addressed to Karen Kinsey, 135 Longfield Place, Moraga, CA 94556. Direct all questions to Karen (925) 376-2225.



The Lamorinda Wine Growers Association is hosting its first annual Holiday Celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Serbian Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Join us for local wine, food and dancing to the music of Diamond Dave. Seating is limited and must be 21 to attend. For more information and to register: https://lamorindawinegrowers.com/event-calendar/#!event/register/2018/12/6/lamorinda-wine-growers-association-holiday-party

Chanukah on Ice from 7:15 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Walnut Creek Ice Rink, 1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek. Skate around a giant menorah to Chanukah songs and music. Kosher Food concessions will be available.

Moraga’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7. Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa in the Commons Park at 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

All women are invited to “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” Presbyterian Women’s annual Christmas tea to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. There will be musical entertainment as well as a traditional tea. Call (925) 288-9990 for reservations.

Bring the whole family for a holiday Family Movie Night: The Star at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 at 10 Moraga Valley Ln., Moraga. Children may come in pj’s as we watch many tails tell the greatest story ever. Popcorn will be served. No cost.
“It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” community celebration from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 in Lafayette’s Plaza Park, located in downtown Lafayette. This fun and festive event includes visits with Santa, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, live musical entertainment, holiday treats and a holiday sing-a-long. For more details and the entertainment schedule, please visit www.lafayettechamber.org/holiday.

Kick off holiday shopping in small town style during Lafayette Stroll, Shop and Dine from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7. Stroll through downtown Lafayette with friends and family while the boutiques are still open! Experience Lafayette at its holiday best, plus street musicians, local artists and Mrs. Claus! For a list of participating merchants, please go to www.lafayettechamber.org.

Girlpreneur Pop-up-Shop from 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Lafayette Community Center. Shop local, girl-owned businesses – everything from all-natural bath products and fashion stationery to hand-made jewelry and magic wands. There’s something for everyone!

5A Rent-A-Space presents Santa’s Secret Wrapping Room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 through 24. Equipped with colorful paper, ribbon, bows, boxes, scissors and tape. Everything needed to wrap gifts free, without the watchful eyes of the recipients! Open to the public.