#holiday-events

#holiday-events

Handel with care: There are many Messiah's to choose from this season, and we're looking forward to this one, with Director Lawrence Kohl leading the Pacific Chamber Orchestra in Handel's great oratorio. Four fine vocalists soprano Raven McMillon, alto Sara Couden, tenor Ricardo Garcia, and bass Matt Boehler are the soloists. Details: 3 p.m. Nov. 30; Bankhead Theater, Livermore; $25-$85; livermorearts.org.

Wine tasting never felt so cozy. The charm of apres-ski takes a decadent twist at Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor in a decked-out winter greenhouse overlooking the winery's lake. Thanks to a partnership with Pendleton, cozy blankets and pillows aboundthere's even a dog bed for folks who want to bring along their pooches. The tasting flight highlights include French onion soup paired with chardonnay, tableside raclette (atop potatoes, wild mushrooms, and more) paired with pinot noir,

"After a year of mayhem, Stich is on a mission to secure a spot on Santa's nice list, and spreading holiday magic to family and kids all around the world," said Shannon Smith-Conrad, a Walt Disney ambassador. Ellie is recovering from a recent injury. "Seeing Stitch kind of made our day, made us feel a bit more normal after last couple of days," her father Gabriel Orelov said.

The historic Southern California resort first opened in February 1888, and entering the landmarked Victorian building feels like stepping into a storybook. I could just imagine why an author as whimsical as Lyman Frank Baum, the man behind The Wizard of Oz series, felt so inspired there. Baum wrote at least three Oz books at "The Del," as it's affectionately known, between 1904 and 1917.

Every December, the streets of San Francisco fill up with Santas going bar hopping, celebrating the holiday and having fun. You know it as SantaCon. This year's event is on Dec. 13. And we know it's not just a San Francisco holiday event; here are events nationwide.

Santa Claus is making a special stop at the Campbell Community Center on Dec. 5 to share a holiday story and spread some cheer. The story time is followed by a family visit and photo opportunity with Santa; parents are welcome to bring their own cameras or cellphones. Children are encouraged to wear their coziest pajamas and to make holiday crafts while waiting for their turn with Santa. Families will be seen in the order they arrive. Story time starts at 6:30 p.m.