Petalumans get ready for festive activities from tree-lightings to Krampus games

A roundup of holiday-themed events, gatherings, celebrations and shows|

Lights are a theme around this time of year, from the lights of the Chanukah menorah to the lights on the Hospice Christmas tree in Walnut Park to the multicolored lights on houses and shops to the stage lights at a variety of holiday shows.

There’s a bit of darkness too (it is coming up on Solstice, of course, celebrating the longest night and the turning of the year), as evidenced by Copperfield’s Krampusnacht party and the (slightly) spooky vibes of the otherwise hilarious “Twisted Christmas Live!” and “Holmes Alone” stage shows.

Here are a number examples of events, gatherings and performances that will shine a bright, happy light on the holidays over the next few weeks.

LIGHT UP A LIFE

Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.

Walnut Park

St. Joseph Health’s Hospice Services return to Walnut Park this year for the annual Light Up a Life celebration. Chris Falley, Director of Hospice Services for St. Joseph, will be speaking and live music will be performed by the Casa Grande High School Concert Choir and the Casa Grande High School Chamber Choir, led by Sadie Sonntag and accompanied by Lauren Haile. During the festivities, the enormous tree will be lit, with bulbs representing all those our community has lost since last Christmas.

Want to know more? HospiceLightUpaLife.org.

KRAMPUSNACHT

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Copperfield’s Book

A popular European holiday tradition comes to Petaluma as Copperfield’s Books gives props to the spookier side of Christmas with its first-ever celebration of Krampusnacht. In some parts of the world, Krampus – a tall, hairy guy with horns and his own version of Santa’s sack - is St. Nick’s sidekick, tagging along to collect any naughty girls and boys. Copperfield’s resident experts on off-the-wall folklore, Ray Lawrason and Ross Lockhart, will be sharing tales from classic folklore, leading games, and more. Krampus costumes are encourages. There will be light refreshments, of a Krampusnacht nature.

Want to know more? Copperfields.com.

WE ROCK FOR TOTS

Saturday, Dec. 8,

7 p.m.

The Phoenix Theater

The Phoenix presents a massive rock show as a benefit for Toys for Tots. Featuring Points North, Tempest Knights, the Bill Decker Band, and EM K, the benefit will also have a raffle with “big prizes.” Tickets $12-$15. 7 p.m. show, doors open at 6:30. The Phoenix Theater, 201 E. Washington St.

Want to know more? ThePhoenixTheater.com.

TWISTED

CHRISTMAS LIVE!

Sunday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Spreckels Performing

Arts Center

A popular Sonoma County holiday tradition returns, with more off-the-wall stories read aloud by some of the funniest people in the Bay Area: Will Durst, Reed Martin, “America’s Got Talent” star Oliver Graves, Debi Durst, Brad Surosky, Charles Siebert and Robin Pressman, with outrageous, “Frozen”-inspired musical satires by Petaluma’s Katie Kelley and Lucy London. The event is hosted by the Argus-Courier’s David Templeton. Oh, there will also be singing zombies. And ‘A Night Before Christmas Bingo’ game. $30.

Want to know more? SpreckelsOnline.com.

WELCOME

YULETIDE CONCERT

Tuesday, Dec. 11,

7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15,

3 p.m.

Petaluma Valley

Baptist Church

Under the direction of Linda Evans Manuilow, the acclaimed Petaluma Chorale presents its annual holiday show, featuring a seasonal showcase of tunes from such composers as John Rutter, Eric Whitaker, and Irving Berlin. With piano accompaniment by Colleen O’Malley, the holiday concert is designed to put all attendees in a mood for Christmas.

Tickets $10-$12.

Kids under 12 free.

Want to know more? Get information or reserve tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com, or purchase tix at the door.

‘HOLMES ALONE’

Dec. 13, 14, 15, 8 p.m.

Hotel Petaluma

The Petaluma Radio Players present their annual holiday “radio show,” live from the Ballroom of the Hotel Petaluma. This year’s show features two short radio plays: “The Misadventure of the Devil’s Whisper,” and “The Misadventures of the Malevolent Mathematician,” plus the super-short comedy “Psycho Santa.” Apparently, the two main plays feature appearances by Sherlock Holmes himself, thus the title of the show. This popular show generally sells out each year, and has become a kind of local institution at the Holidays.

Want to know more? Brownpapertickets.com.

PENNGROVE

PARADE

OF LIGHTS

Sunday, Dec. 16,

6 p.m.

Downtown Penngrove

Penngrove’s firefighters invite you to bundle up and come on down to Main Street, Penngrove, for the annual Parade of Lights. Everything from cars and tractors to actual farm animals get covered in twinkly lights for this popular annual event. Plenty of warm foods and drinks will be available from local merchants.

Want to know more? Get information at PenngroveSocialFiremen.org.

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