ART  

The Moraga Art Gallery presents “Impressions-Expressions,” highlighting Asian-accented jewelry by K. de Groot, enticing light-infused paintings by Carol Tarzier, and a bounty of artistic gifts for the holidays. The exhibit, which also includes work by the gallery’s 13 member artists and several guest artists, runs through Jan. 6. For more information visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

MUSIC

Celebrate and renew with enchanting holiday music performed by the composers and music arrangers themselves. Start time for this event is 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 in the lovely sanctuary of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave in Walnut Creek, just a block from the Dean Lesher Theater. This free event is sponsored by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society (www.ccpas.org).

The Diablo Women’s Chorale invites you to join them in celebrating 75 years in the community with their fall concert “Season of Light,” to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. at Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, in Lafayette. From classic to contemporary, reverent to joyful, DWC’s music will warm the heart, uplift the spirit, and soothe the soul. Advance purchase tickets are $18 general admission, $10 student, and $24 premium seating. Purchase at the door for $25. Call 1-800-838-3006, or go online at www.DiabloWomensChorale.org.

Acalanes High School’s award winning Instrumental Music Department is proud to present its Winter Concert Series, to be held at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 through 7. The first concert features the Acalanes Concert Band, Symphonic Band and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the String Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform at the second concert, and the third and final concert features the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble along with a guest jazz group from Albany High School. Cost: $5 suggested donation.

Sing-Along Messiah Christmas on the Hill Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga. For more information go to www.mvpctoday.org or call (925) 376-4800.

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble will present “Rejoice! Rejoice!” – three performances of stunning sacred renaissance and baroque masterworks, featuring the Jubilate Baroque Orchestra and soprano MacKenzie Covington, and showcasing works by Bach, Porpora, Hasse, Charpentier, Cozzolani, Vivaldi and Victoria. Voci’s Artistic Director Mitchell Covington brings particular expertise in the Baroque style. Voci will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Avenue, Oakland and at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman Street, Berkeley. Tickets: $30 at the door, $25 advance, $15 students, free for children between 6 and 12. Available at the door or online at www.vocisings.org.

The Day Shall Dawn Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. Ring in the holidays in a glorious fashion by adding your voice to the more than 200 singers and instrumentalists! For info, visit www.cantareconvivo.org or call (510) 836-0789. Tickets: $42.50 general, $38 senior, and $10 Student

Holiday Music in the Library at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 in the Orinda Library. Stop by the library and enjoy holiday music with Mary Fuller on viola

WomenSing presents “Beginning With A Bang: Strike the Drum and Join the Chorus!” from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Church of Santa Maria, 40 Santa Maria Way, Orinda. WomenSing adds percussion to the holiday season in a joyous concert of traditional and unexpected repertoire, led by Artistic Director Ofer dal Lal. Cost: $28 general admission, $10 student. For more info see https://womensing.org/CurrentSeason or call (925) 798-4875 or email info@womensing.org.

Join local band “JetBlacq” for their annual holiday show “Jingles with JetBlacq” featuring husband and wife Rebecca and Frank Faiola singing all of your favorite holiday songs at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the New Rheem Theatre. Cost: $15. Tickets are available online at www. lamorindatheatres.com. Check out JetBlacq at www.reverbnation.com/jetblacq.

THEATER

Orinda Intermediate School Bulldog Theater stages Monty Python’s Spamalot Young@part Edition Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at Orinda Intermediate School, 80 Ivy Drive. This version of the 2005 Tony Award winning musical, “Spamalot,” is designed for youth theaters. Tickets are $3-$10. Visit www.showtix4u.com for show times and tickets. Tickets are also available at the door.

CAPA presents The Nutcracker. Snow falls onstage and the Christmas tree magically grows in the California Academy of Performing Arts presentation of a full-length, narrated Nutcracker. A beloved Lamorinda tradition for over 20 years, this energy-filled spectacle reflects the studio’s dedication to young dancers with more than 100 local performers, extra characters and surprises. Performances at 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 15-17 at the Campolindo Performing Arts Center. For tickets, go to www.capashows.eventbrite.com.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. The fun includes a visit from Santa, photo ops, live musical entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony and a holiday sing-along. Hot chocolate and other goodies will be available and there will also be crafts for the kids. For the full entertainment schedule, visit www.lafayettechamber.org.

Saklan Middle School Open House from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at 1678 School Street, Moraga. Get an inside look at the advantages of Saklan’s middle school program, including project-based, hands-on learning curriculum and an active social and emotional educational program. Please RSVP to admissions@ saklan.org.

Holiday magic at Orinda Theatre Square from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free horse and carriage rides, an ornament workshop and photos with Santa. Tree lighting at 7 p.m.

Visit with Santa at 5A Rent-A-Space from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Be the Star You Are! volunteers will be present to help kids write letters to Santa. Free event with refreshments and a photo with Santa. Cynthia Brian will sell and autograph her new book, “Growing with the Goddess Gardener,” 455 Moraga Rd. #F, Moraga. http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events.

North Shattuck Association presents Snow? In Berkeley? from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 at Gourmet Ghetto, Shattuck Ave., 1451-1495 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Bring boots and mittens. Snow Queen, Pony Rides, DIY Crafts, Holiday Craft Vendors. Free. For more info see http://www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/holiday-berkeley/ holiday-gourmet-ghetto.html or call (510) 334-6523 or email Lisa@AnotherBullwinkelShow.com

The Moraga Youth Involvement Committee will be serving hot cocoa and cookies during a special tree lighting event with Santa at 6:30 p.m. prior to the tree lighting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7 in Moraga Commons Park.

Santa Claus visits Rheem Valley Shopping Center from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. Santa and helpers will be entertaining children of all ages inside the holiday home for the Moraga Valley Kiwanis Foundation’s See’s Candy Fundraiser. Parents can take photos of their children visiting Santa and shop for delicious holiday gifts. Visit rheemvalley.net for more information.

Orinda Academy will be hosting an open house event for fall 2018 enrollment from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Come and see what makes OA a Best of Parents Press winner (independent high school/alternative learning high school). Our small class sizes, college prep curriculum, and full-time learning support coordinator help all students succeed.

Lamorainbow Get-Together from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 in Moraga. Lamorainbow is a group for gender expansive kids and their parents. For information about event location and to join Lamorainbow, contact us at lamorainbow925@gmail.com.

Just for Teens: Holiday Crafts at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Just for Teens: Make holiday gift bags, boxes and tags with artist Valerie Adinolfi. All materials provided. For grades 6-12. No registration required.

Jewish Gateways presents Hanukkah Celebration for Families with Young Children from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Jewish Community Center East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley. Celebrate this festival of lights with Hanukkah songs, stories, a hands-on project, and treats. Led by Rabbi Bridget and Isaac Zones. Cost: $30 per family, plus $5 per sibling over 5. For more info see https://www.jewishgateways.org/hands-on-holidays or call (510) 410-0622 or email rabbibridget@ jewishgateways.org

OTHER

Coping with the Holidays from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill. A class that presents ideas and strategies to help those experiencing grief during the holiday season as this time of year can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one. hospiceeastbay.org Herbal Gift Making for the Holidays at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Elana O’Losky will help us make herbal vinegar and mini wreaths using fresh herbs and greens. Materials and handouts provided. Space is limited. Register online, by phone or in person at the Orinda Library.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Join a story swap with featured teller, Suz Shampanier, who will share “Theodosia and Burr,” inspired by the musical “Hamilton,” by Lin Manuel Miranda. Share, listen, expand your universe.

Recycle Those Bicycles! For the 20th year, through the month of November, Bobbie and Tom Preston will collect bikes for Cycle Recycle to be refurbished and given to charitable groups to distribute for the holidays. New and/or used bikes and trikes in working or repairable order, or useable bike parts (no skateboards or plastic bikes please), may be delivered to the side driveway of the Preston’s home at 1307 Larch Avenue in Moraga. No need to call before drop off, but for more information contact the Prestons at (925) 376-8474.

Hacienda Holiday Faire - Find all your handcrafted holiday gifts and support local artisans at the annual holiday faire from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 2 at the historic Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga. Hand-crafted gifts, décor and specialty foods by over 45 local artisans. Complimentary wine tasting with Captain Vineyards. For more information email HaciendaHolidayFaire@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/HaciendaHolidayFaire/

Live Nativity from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. See the Christmas story come to life as the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church Courtyard is transformed into a Bethlehem manger with community members as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and the wise men, and live animals filling the stable. MVPC is located at 910 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga. For more information go to www.mvpctoday.org or call (925) 376-4800.

Budd MacKenzie of Lafayette will speak at Commonwealth Club in San Francisco about his work with women, children and the needy in war-torn Afghanistan at 6 p.m. on Monday Dec. 4, Commonwealth Club, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. Tickets available online or at the door. www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2017-12-04/couch-war-hearts-and-minds.

The Saint Mary’s College Guild will present its annual festive Christmas luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Saint Mary’s College, Dryden Hall 1928 St. Mary’s Road. The festive affair will have music, provided by the SMC award-winning choir, a bake sale, and raffle baskets galore, including the infamous Christmas Money Tree. Cost: $45 per person.
Make checks payable to: SMC Guild, Send to: Susan Hooks - 120 Ardith Drive - Orinda, CA 94563. For further information, call Pat Mc Enaney at (925) 376-3306.

Come and experience The Many Faces of Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, an event focusing on the unique issues of blood cancer patients from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 in the Lafayette Library Community Room. Join Dr. Robert Robles and Dr. Susan Kao as they discuss exciting advances in research and emerging therapies in treating hematologic malignancies. Q&A session to follow presentation. Space is limited. Advanced registration required. Admission and light dinner complimentary. To RSVP, call (925) 677-5041 or visit www.bit.ly/manyfaceslls.

Lamorinda Night for Saint Mary’s Men’s Basketball game 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 in McKeon Pavilion against Seattle University. Lamorinda Night will celebrate the communities of Lafayette,
Moraga and Orinda. Special ticket price of $11 available at SMCGAELS.com/tickets with promo code LAMO17.v.

The 2018 U.S. Synchronized Swimming National Team is hosting a holiday show at the SODA Aquatic Center at Campolindo high school from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The Team comprises 11 athletes aged 15 to 21 years old including 2016 Olympian Anita Alvarez. The Team will present its newest routines as it prepares for the 2018 Junior World Championships in Budapest, Hungary and the 2018 FINA World Series in July.

The Bethlehem Experience: The Lafayette United Methodist Church presents an interactive performance that takes you back through time from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15-17. One-hour-long tours begin every 15 minutes. Tour Guides will lead groups of about 12 people through the marketplace of Bethlehem on the night of the Messiah’s birth. The Bethlehem Experience is a feast for the senses: the smell of exotic spices, the festive sound of music, the sight of robed and sandaled merchants in their stalls, the taste of freshly baked unleavened bread, live animals in the stable and the soft feel of flaxen “swaddling clothes.” Freewill donation: $5/person or $20/family. For information, call (925) 284-4765.

Daughters of the Goddess, a Bay Area women-only Goddess Temple, will be holding its yearly Winter Solstice Ritual beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20. East Bay address given upon RSVP. This is our annual Peace ritual to help bring peace, love and joy into the World. At this sacred time of year come and join womyn and girls as we dance and sing in celebration of the returning of the light. Newcomers discount is $15. Email Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com or visit www.DaughtersoftheGoddess.com.

SENIORS

Senior Scam Workshop at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Learn about the scams that target seniors the most. Get tips on how to avoid these tactics, which red flags to be aware of, and what resources to use to lower your chances of becoming a victim. Presented by the Better Business Bureau.