Through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, Fairmont Hotel
Pastry chef Stephen Sullivan debuts his new Jivara Chocolate Millefeuille dessert artfully paired with Inniskillin Vidal ice wine served in Riedel glassware. Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, 950 Mason Street (at California), 866-540-4491, www.fairmont.com
Le Jazz Hot Family Matinee
Sunday Dec. 4, 11 a.m., Herbst Theatre
This quartet plays French gypsy swing music on stringed instruments for a special holiday concert featuring the songs of 1930s Paris in a festive matinee for the whole family. 401 Van Ness Avenue (at McAllister), 415-392-2545, sfperformances.org
Harps and Voices: Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble & Triskela, Celtic Harp Trio
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., San Francisco Main Library
Lift your spirits with songs celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and the solstice in a program of harp music from around the world. Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin Street (at Grove), 510-548-3326, www.sfpl.org
Vegan Holiday Appetizers
Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Real Food Company
Before you crinkle your nose, here’s a sampling of the simple, no-cook, make-ahead menu: marinated stuffed mushroom caps with pumpkin seeds, tarragon and thyme; cranberry persimmon tarts; and coconut buttercup bites. 3060 Fillmore Street (at Filbert), 415-567-6900, www.realfoodco.com
Eighth Annual Great Broadway Sing-Along
Thursday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m., Jewish Community Center
Relive those fabulous Broadway moments brought to us by Fanny Brice, Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, Barbara Streisand, Patti LuPone, and more. Full lyrics provided. 3200 California Street (at Presidio), 415-292-1200, www.jccsf.org
Paula Poundstone:
The 2nd Annual Ha Ha Ho Ho Holiday Show
Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Palace of Fine Arts Theatre Famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity, you won’t want to miss Poundstone’s take on decking the halls and holiday hilarity. All ages. 3301 Lyon Street (at Bay), 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com
Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m., Union Square
Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah 2011 with the annual lighting ceremony of the 25-foot mahogany Bill Graham Menorah. Lighting celebrations continue each night of Hanukkah through Dec. 28. Post, Stockton, Geary & Powell Streets
A San Francisco New Year’s Comedy Show
Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m., Actors Theatre
Headlined by Will Franken, a Bay Area treasure described as a “one-man Monty Python,” and joined by a hilarious blend of others, the evening is sure to guarantee laughs and surprises to ring in the New Year. 855 Bush Street (between Mason & Taylor), 415-345-1287, www.comedyonthesquare.com
And to compel you to cross town:
The Christmas Ballet
Wednesday–Sunday, Dec. 14–18 & Tuesday–Saturday, Dec. 20–24, various times, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
This wildly popular snow-filled holiday extravaganza boasts everything from ballet, tap, jazz, swing, and dances from around the world set to seasonal music. Novellus Theater, 700 Howard Street (at Third), 415-978-2787, www.ybca.org
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Saturday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m., Slim’s
Not only interfaith, but multiracial and multicultural, the choir promotes a message of faith, hope, love, and joy in a rollicking, feel-good, energy-packed show that’s the best way yet to spend a Christmas Eve. Ages 6 and up. 333 11th Street (near Folsom), 415-255-0333, www.slims-sf.com
