Petaluma guide to holiday events and celebrations

From charity events to craft fairs, plenty is happening|

Here it is. Our annual seasonal round-up of delightful events and family-friendly activities, celebratory concerts and fundraising festivities, all taking place in and around Petaluma throughout the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

TREE LIGHTING AT OUTLET MALL

Sunday, Nov. 19, 5 p.m.

The second annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Outlets will take place along with a flurry of holiday-launching fun, including a sneaky drop-in by Santa Claus (Shhhhh), and a chance for kids to decorate an ornament to hang on the big, gleaming tree. Later in the season, starting on Nov. 25 fron 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Santa will return to stroll about greeting his fans (he’ll be doing that every Saturday through Dec. 23), and on that first Saturday, Petaluma Pete himself will be present (piano in tow) to play festive tunes for passersby.

THANKSGIVING DAY COMMUNITY POTLUCK AT AQUS CAFÉ

Thursday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to Aqus Café’s community potluck, but do R.S.V.P., and do plan to bring a dish. The café management is sending its staff home to be with their families, and inviting everyone else in for a good old-fashioned neighborhood potluck on Thanksgiving Day. Using the old ‘stone-soup’ principle of a group of folks feeding each other with whatever they have handy, the Aqus is prepared to seat as many as will fit indoors, and are setting up tables and chairs outside on the pation and all the way down the street if necessary. Again, R.S.V.P.s are requested at Aqus.com/tg, and please bring a dish to share. Questions? Want to maybe come and help out? Call Diane or John at (707) 347-6692.

SANTA’S BIG ANNUAL TUGBOAT ARRIVAL

Saturday, Nov. 25, Noon

Mr. and Mrs. Claus make so many public appearances between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a wonder they have time to make any actual toys. It’s probably just good planning and industrial organization, because Santa surely knows how important such PR meet-and-greets are to the whole Night-Before-Christmas brand. That’s why, once again, the Clauses will steam on up the Petaluma River on a decorated tugboat, waving and ho-ho-hoing to all the kids and families waiting around the Turning Basin for their glimpse of the big guy and his merry spouse. After disembarking, candy will be distributed and photos with the kids will be taken, all as the Pacific Empire Chorus sings festive songs of the season, and students from the Petaluma School of Ballet spin, leap and pirouette. The tugboat appearance is best viewed at the Turning Basin, while the after-festivities will take place at the River Plaza Shopping Center, 72. E. Washington St.

HOSPICE TREE LIGHTING

Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m.

It’s a tradition as visually beautiful and enchanting as it is inspiring and healing. Petaluma Hospice’s annual Light Up a Life celebration honors those we’ve said goodbye to, with a moving ceremony combining group song, special readings, and the climactic lighting of a massive tree, each light representing someone special the community has lost.

This year, for the first time, the event moves to Walnut Park. Dress warmly and weather-appropriately, as this ceremony takes place regardless of whether it’s wet or dry.

To sponsor a light on the tree with your donation, contact Petaluma Hospice, HospiceLightUpaLife.org. Sponsored names will be entered in a special Memory Book, and upon request, survivors of those sponsored will be sent a card before Christmas. To ensure that the name of your loved one is so honored, please submit those names to Petaluma Hospice by Nov. 25 (to have name in the Book), or by Dec. 19 (to have acknowledgment cards sent on time).

DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS OPEN HOUSE IN PETALUMA

Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As if downtown Petaluma at the holidays isn’t enticement enough to brave the local parking garages, the merchants are once again throwing their annual downtown-wide ‘open house,’ with special deals, holiday treats and libations, horse and carriage rides, balloon artists and face painters in Putnam Plaza (noon-4 p.m.), kid pictures with Santa at the Lan-Mart Building from 10 am-5 p.m., pet pictures with Santa (he’s AMAZING) at Hotel Petaluma from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Morris Dancers at various outdoor locations throughout the day, live music breaking out in certain shops, and much, much more.

HOLIDAY SPICE DEMONSTRATION WITH THE SONOMA SPICE QUEEN

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m.

Drop by the Petaluma Library for a seasonally directed cooking demo featuring a nose-gladdening array of spices from around the world. Enjoy samples of festive holiday foods, and take some spices home with you to better season your own holiday, um, season. Petaluma Library, 100 Fairgrounds Dr.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

Saturday, Dec. 9, 6:15 p.m.

It’s one of Petaluma’s most magical annual events. Just after dusk, when the Petaluma River is good and dark, a parade of specially decorated boats – from yachts and inflatable rafts to rowboats and kayaks – will make their way up past the drawbridge and into the turning basin.

Bundle up, and prepare to take some amazing pictures, because you never know quite what’s going to sail, steam, paddle and float into magical, memorable view.

PENNGROVE HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS

Sunday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.

Pengrove’s Main Street will be aglow with beautiful light, as the second annual Parade of Lights turns the tiny town into a magical wonderland.

You’ll see glammed-up tractors and farm vehicles covered in Christmas lights, and much more. The idea was brought to light (literally!) by JavAmore Café’s Kim Hanson, who also produces Pengrove’s annual 4th of July Parade. The parade begins in Pengrove Park, and moves on up through Main St.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY GROUP CAROLING PARTY

Saturday, Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bring a candle, a drum, some jingle bells, a fancy hat, and maybe a flashlight, and be prepared to sing some Christmas carols and other holiday songs. Dress warmly, meet at the Petaluma Museum (20 Fourth Street), and be prepared to carol at various locations throughout the downtown area.

Sheet music will be provided.

Want to sing but prefer not to walk while doing it?

Then meet the other carolers when they are done at 7 p.m. at Aqus Café (the sponsor of this event), for more singing, festive drinks and holiday merriment. The party will continue at the Aqus till 9:30 p.m. No charge, and all ages welcome.

CRAFT FAIRS & ART SHOWS

SPRINGFIELD PLACE HARVEST CRAFT FAIR

Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

So many artists showing so many hand-made crafts, including jewelry, apparel, art works, and tasty treats perfect for the holidays. Springfield Place Retirement Community, 101 Ely Blvd. Admission is free.

CRAFT FAIR AT THE METHODIST CHURCH

Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Local shoppers looking for gifts with a home-made touch will definitely want to drop in for this weekend’s festive craft fair, where dozens of local crafters and bakers and makers of jam will be hawking their wares. Admission is free. 410 D St.

CHRISTKINDLMARKT

Sunday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This annual German craft fair and holiday market features a vast variety of handmade decorations and gifts, from needlework and woodcrafts and candies to quilting, baked goods, and an eye-popping array of toys., all made with love and a decidedly German-European style. Admission is free and lunch and beverages will be available. Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave.

SMALL WORKS HOLIDAY SHOW AT AQUS CAFE

Saturday, December 9, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Aqus Café presents its annual group art show of remarkable and lovely small works – no bigger than seven inches by seven inches – displayed through the holidays, most available for purchase. After the opening reception at the café, runs through February. Aqus Café at the Foundry Wharf, 189 H St.

PETALUMA ARTS ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Petaluma’s annual Holiday Arts and Craft Sale is a massive marketplace showcasing room after room of artists, crafters and creators of cool holiday-themed items, gifts and artworks. The annual event, sponsored by the Petaluma Arts Association, unfolds at the Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park.

HOLIDAY FUNDRAISERS

TURKEY TROT

Thursday, Nov. 23, 8:15 a.m.

Thanksgiving morning dawns again this year, with the 11th annual Turkey Trot walk-hike beginning at McNear Park, 1008 G St. This benefit for the Redwood Food Bank begins with a group warm-up at 8:15 a.m. at McNear, where volunteers will be accepting donations of canned food from all participants. The Trot then commences, at 8:30 a.m., out and around and up and down, usually including a romp through Helen Putnam Park. Wear funny hats if you want to. A waiver will need to be signed, and advance sign-ups are encouraged at Madarc.com/turkey-trot.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Dec. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Dec. 2, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Presented annually by the Fabulous Women of Sonoma County, the Festival of Trees is a grand holiday party blended with an exhibition and auction of a large number of whimsically decorated trees. The event raises money for specifically selected non-profits. With the 2017 theme “Comfort and Joy,” the two-day Festival of Trees takes place at Hotel Petaluma, 205 Kentucky Street. For information visit Thefabulouswomen.com.

JINGLE BELL RUN AT SHOLLENBERGER PARK

Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 a.m.

For the first time ever (hopefully not the last), the Arthritis Foundation sponsors the Petaluma Jingle Bell Run at Shollenberger Park. This festive race has been happening for years in other cities, and finally makes it to our town for 2017. Get decked out in costume or other festive attire, and be ready to run, walk or skip merrily over this 5K course. Bring a team of friends, your workplace associates or club members, or maybe your entire family! 100% of the money raised goes to the Arthritis Foundation. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the run begins at 8 am. Register ahead and learn how to raise money and lock in sponsors by calling Pamela Cook at (415) 356-1246 or write her at pcook@arthritis.org.

LILY’S LEGACY LUMINARIA CELEBRATION

Sunday, Dec. 10

A beloved local sanctuary for senior dogs, Lily’s Legacy presents the Third Annual Holiday Luminaria Festival on Dec. 10th. Those who’ve lost cherished pets are invited to sponsor a specially-designed custom-made luminary, for a donation of $20. All of the luminaria – traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns made from a decorated paper bag light from within by a votive candle - will be created in the donor’s pet’s name, and placed around the around the spacious Lily’s Legacy sanctuary gardens. Though the lighting ceremony is not open to the public, the event will be professionally videotaped, and donors will receive a link to the video. To donate a luminary, email your pet’s name to lilyslegacysds@gmail.com along with a check for at least $20, or use a credit card via lilyslegacy.org.

CINNABAR CRAB FEED

Monday, Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cinnabar Theater, ever skillful at putting on a good show, brings a splash of theatricality to its annual seasonal seafood bacchanal, a celebration of conspicuous crustacean consumption, held in a vast, heated tent in the beer garden at Lagunitas Brewing Company, 1280 North McDowell Blvd. Along with the piles of steaming crab are loads of tantalizing side-dishes, plus beer and wine for purchase in the taproom. An array of delightfully decorated Hanukah and Christmas stockings, filled with perfectly pleasing surprises. Tickets $55. Must reserve space by 4 p.m. Dec. 10. CinnabarTheater.com.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT

HOW THE GROUCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Nov. 28, 8:30 p.m.

Ho Ho hold on for your lives, and kick off the holiday season with this offbeat evening of rap and hip-hop, featuring The Grouch, Del the Funky Homosapien, Living Legends and the Hyroglyphics. The Mystic Theatre, 21 N. Petaluma Blvd. 8:30 show. $35. MysticTheatre.com.

MUSIC IN THE MANSION

Sunday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Cinnabar Theater’s annual holiday concert, descriptively and accurately called Music in the Mansion, is exactly what it sounds like.

Gorgeous music performed in one of Petaluma’s exquisite Victorian mansions. This year it’s a violin serenade with Claire-Jeanne Martin on violin, accompanied by pianist Nancy Hayashibara. This dynamic duo will perform a range of pieces from operatic arias and café ballads to gypsy tangos, snippets of atmospheric movie scores and, of course, sacred songs of the season. 920 D St. $25 in advance $30 at the mansion door, $15 for youth in advance, $20 at the door. Cinnabartheater.org.

CHORAL TUNES: MUSIC FOR A WINTER’S EVE

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.

The Petaluma Chorale presents its joyous annual holiday concert, with choral favorites performed under the direction of Linda Evans Manuilow. Petaluma Valley Baptist Church, 580 Sonoma Mountain Parkway. Admission $12 (general), $10 (seniors and students), free for children 12 and under.

CHRISTMAS JUG BAND

Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.

The famed Christmas Jug Band comes back to Petaluma’s Big Easy Jazz Club for not one, but two big nights of high-octane, super silly, impressively musical and mightily merry Americana-blues-root magic and mayhem.

Reservations recommended. The Big Easy, 128 American Alley. BigEasyPetaluma.com.

DAVID ARKENSTONE’S WINTER FANTASY

Friday, Dec. 22. 8 p.m.

The acclaimed ‘World of Warcraft’ composer brings a musical celebration of the season to the Mystic Theater, 21 Petaluma Blvd. N. With an array of world-class musicians, performing on a set that evokes a wintry sense of holiday magic, Arkenstone will perform classic Solstice and Christmas tunes from around the world. A special V.I.P. package is being offered for this show, with premium seating, pre-concert sound check and meet-and-greet, an autographed CD, and more. General seating $25. VIP experience $50. MysticTheatre.com.

P-BUTTA CHRISTMAS QUARTET

Saturday, Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Featuring local heavies from bands like Groundation and more, this amazing ensemble is going to blow the roof off the Big Easy, Happy Holiday style. The Big Easy, 127 American Alley. BigEasyPetaluma.com.

9th ANNUAL NEW YEAR”S EVE GALA CONCERT

Sunday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sponsored by Sky Hill Cultural Alliance, this popular annual New Year’s Eve concert – at (extra-gorgeous-at-the-holidays) the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum – features music of the great classical masters performed live by string players from the San Francisco Symphony, and pianist Elizabeth Walter.

Wine and cheese (of course!) will be served as part of the $40-$60 ticket price. Balcony seating, with “elite beverage service” is available. This event sells out, so advance purchase is recommended.

Petalumamuseum.com.

CINNABAR CELEBRATES NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH ‘MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA’

Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to midnight?Petaluma’s acclaimed little theater on the hill ALWAYS rings in the new year, this time with a special New Year’s Eve performance of its tune-filled show ‘My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra.’

Enoy hand-crafted specialty deserts and cocktails, the full Frank Sinatra show, then champagne and party favors at midnight.

$69 General admission (in advance), $75 (at the door); Seniors $66 (advance), $75 (at the door); 18-30 years old $61 (in advance), $65 (at the door); under 18 $56 (advance), $60 (at the door). Cinnabartheater.org.

(Contact David Templeton at the Argus-Courier at david.templeton@arguscourier.com)

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