It's the most wonderful time of year for fun and fundraisers in South Bay

"The California Theatre will be decked out for the holidays when Symphony San Jose performs it Holiday Spectacular on Dec. 6-7 along with Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers and New Ballet. The program includes sing-alongs of traditional carols like The First Noel and Silent Night, and nontraditional holiday tunes like 12 Days of Silicon Valley. New Ballet dancers will perform Arabian Dance from The Nutcracker, and the choirs will sing Vince Guaraldi's Christmas Time is Here from A Charlie Brown Christmas."

"Santa will drop by an hour before the concert for photos and visits. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $35-$115 at 408-286-2600 or www.symphonysanjose.org. Adults can purchase single tickets for accompanying guests ages 17 or younger at half price using the promo code FAMILYFUN."

"Valle Monte League recently awarded a grant of $10,000 to First Place for Youth, an organization dedicated to empowering foster youth to achieve their full potential. This grant aims to support First Place for Youth's ongoing efforts in providing services, mentorship and resources that help foster youth transition successfully into adulthood. With this funding, First Place for Youth will be able to expand its programs and reach more young people."

Symphony San Jose will present Holiday Spectacular at the California Theatre on Dec. 6–7 with Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers and New Ballet. The program features sing-alongs of traditional carols like The First Noel and Silent Night, nontraditional holiday tunes such as 12 Days of Silicon Valley, New Ballet dancers performing Arabian Dance from The Nutcracker, and choirs singing Vince Guaraldi's Christmas Time is Here. Santa will visit an hour before performances for photos. Concerts are Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m.; tickets are $35–$115 with a FAMILYFUN half-price option for youth companions. Valle Monte League awarded a $10,000 grant to First Place for Youth to expand services for foster youth and will host its Christmas Tree Elegance fundraiser on Dec. 5.

Read at www.mercurynews.com