#holiday-markets

#holiday-markets

John Mulaney at the Anthem. Emmy-winning Broadway star and Saturday Night Live writer John Mulaney tells light-hearted jokes at The Anthem (Thurs-Sun, $90+, Wharf). Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon. Leading up to Christmas, there's a two-day fireworks event happening at Mount Vernon. The 18th-century landmark transports visitors to a winter encampment where you can meet soldiers, and greet Aladdin the Camel (Sat-Sun, $41 for adults, $33 for ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under, Mount Vernon).

Living just over the state line in North Carolina, I've visited Charleston more times than I can count. Most of my memories there are from spring and summer, when the temperature is hot and the azaleas are in bloom. But last December, my family planned a Christmas weekend in Charleston for the first time, and needless to say, it won't be our last.

It may not snow in Sonoma County, but the region becomes its own special winter wonderland as the holidays approach. There are plenty of delicious dishes, festive drinks and wondrous events to create a warm, cozy and joyful atmosphere. As we count down to Christmas, here are more than 25 magical things to experience this holiday season. Now through December Shop local: Swap the dreaded mid-December mall experience for a wholesome outdoors event.

Who's ready to have some fun? Well, the Mercury is here to help with FREE TICKETS to see some of Portland's best concerts and events-our way of saying thanks to our great readers and spread the word about some fantastic upcoming performances! (Psst... if you want to say thanks to the Mercury, please consider making a small monthly contribution to keep us alive and kickin'!) And oh boy, do we have some fun events coming at ya this week! CHECK IT OUT!

Catch Exploratorium's Glow exhibit, lightscapes in the Botanical Gardens, dazzling displays at Filoli, and a holiday market with an illuminating finale at Embarcadero Center. Also in season: truffles at Spruce, tiki cocktails in Santa Rosa, and makers markets all over the Bay. Jump ahead to this week's top events: Witness a pupusa showdown.

Somehow it's already time to start thinking about giftinggood thing there's plenty of holiday markets on offer this weekend. DIYers can try a Champagne and ceramics class or some block printing, while festive spirits are uplifted at the Glide Holiday Jam. For those not quite ready to dive into the frenzy, there's Sunnyvale Restaurant Week, Oakland Cocktail Week, and plenty of collaborative dinner and drink sessions.