Nutcracker Ballet Story Time – South Valley Dance Arts and BookSmart present a reading of The Nutcracker, a story about a young German girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a mouse king. This beautiful story will be told along with excerpts from the upcoming SVDA’s ballet production starting Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ann Sobrato Performing Arts Center, 401 Burnett Ave, Morgan Hill. For tickets, go to brownpapertickets.com. Come enjoy a wonderful introduction and preview with dance performances of favorite scenes on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BookSmart’s new location on 1295 East Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill. Free for the whole family. For more information go to mybooksmart.com.
Arts and Crafts Holiday Gift Sale
The “Movers and Makers” bring the Third Annual Arts and Crafts Holiday Gift Sale to Moss Landing. Their mission is to bring talented artists together so they can showcase amazing art and make it available to the public for purchase. You will find original, handmade works in ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. If you’re lucky, you might even discover art made by Sea Lions. This wonderful craft fair comes together in a beautiful and intimate setting on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Nancy Russell Art Studio and Gardens on 10942 Pieri Court, Moss Landing. Find out more about the historic art studio at mlartscrafts.com.
AROMAS
Holiday Art Festival
Find beautiful treasures at the Aromas Hills Artisans Holiday Festival and Raffle. Find gift ideas in many different mediums including woodcarvings, fused glass, gourd vessels, paintings, dried floral wreaths, quilted items and more. Talk to artists, learn a craft and take home something special. Make it a day and enjoy some cider or a cup of coffee and a cookie alongside a cozy fire. Take part in the annual raffle for a chance to win some wonderful art on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave. For more information call (831) 566-7442.
GILROY
Most Valuable Student Contest
Every year the Gilroy Elks Lodge, No.1567 and Elks National Foundation award Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarships to graduating seniors. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The top 20 finalists will attend a leadership weekend in April, where they will receive scholarships from $20,000-$50,000. An additional 480 finalists will receive $4,000 scholarships to support their college education. The 2017 MVS application deadline is Nov. 30. Visit enf.elks.org/mvs or call Sam Bozzo at (408) 847-4559.
GILROY/ MORGAN HILL
Home for the Holidays
There are several events in South Valley for people staying close to home. The Gilroy Library will be hosting a Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids event and an International Games Day for families on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Noon and 2 p.m., respectively. They will also be hosting Family Movies Days on Monday through Wednesday, Nov 21-23 beginning at 2 p.m. Morgan Hill’s American Association of University Women will also be hosting a speaker series on Women and Culinary Arts on Tuesday, Nov 22, at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Library. Contact janetmichie1@gmail for more information. You can also find fun at the Lego Club for kids ages 2 and up on Mondays at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 26 you can go to a Family Movie Matinee at 3 p.m. Find more at sccl.org.
Joe Sharino Band
Come join the Joe Sharino Band and their special guest, Alison Sharino at Guglielmo Winery this Friday night. Don’t miss this intimate performance and your chance to dance to classic rock, motown and funk songs of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Tickets are in limited supply with just 45 remaining. Advanced tickets $30, with a discount of $27 each for groups of 10+. $35 at the door. Don’t miss the fun on Friday, Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. under the heated tents at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill. Buy tickets at http://Nov18.BPT.me or (800) 838-3006.
HOLLISTER
Lights On Celebration
Join Hollister for their annual Lights On Celebration. Celebrate this year’s theme, The Night Before Christmas, with a full day of events in the heart of the downtown on Saturday, Nov. 26. Check out the Holiday Car Display featuring the 2016 Street Festival Winners from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Seventh Street. Get your holiday shopping started at the Holiday Boutique from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. Local nonprofits will participate in Dec-a-Tree benefiting local families in need. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. along San Benito St. Buy a keepsake a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus ($10). Spread some love, peace and hope for the holiday season. Visit downtownhollister.org.
NEW ALMADEN
Quicksilver Holiday Boutique
For a great historical experience while you get in some holiday shopping, go to the Quicksilver Holiday Boutique housed in Casa Grande, home of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. The historic building, situated in what was once the gateway to the mines, will be decorated for the holidays with costumed docents and staff. Enjoy crafts and holiday goodies and pick up great gifts for family and friends on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the little town of New Almaden at 21350 Almaden Rd. for more information go to parkhere.org.
THE VALLEY
Downtown on Ice
Family and friends are invited to skate under the beautifully lit Circle of Palms in San Jose’s ice skating wonderland. An Olympic gold medalist ice skater, Kristi Yamaguchi will help with the opening celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. Visit nearby Christmas in the Park, opening Friday, Nov. 25. The rink is at 120 S Market St, San Jose and is open daily from Friday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Jan. 16. There are no in-and-out privileges. General admission is $17, $15 for children under 10. Admission includes ice time and rental skates. Bring your own skates and pay $10. For hours and information, including discounts at downtownicesj.com. For parking information go to parksj.org.
