24 Fun Things to Do This Week (12.7.20)
Join in five nights of broadcast holiday festivities culminating in the lighting of Jack London's Square's holiday tree on Friday. (Courtesy of @jacklondonsq)

24 Fun Things to Do This Week (12.7.20)

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The seasonal festivities continue this week with the virtual tree lighting at Jack London Square, Smuin's Christmas Ballet, and ODC's online presentation of The Velveteen Rabbit.

Plus, shop vintage wares at the Phoenix Hotel's So-So Market local maker goods on the parklet at Fig & Thistle; check out new murals in the Portola District; and join fundraisers for SFFILM and the SF AIDS Foundations.


Count down the days to Jack London Square's annual tree lighting with Always Together: Lights up for the Holidays. At 7pm every night this week, KTVU Fox 2 anchor Gasia Mikaelian will host virtual holiday entertainment, donation drives, and spotlights on local artisans. The five nights of festivities will culminate in the lighting of the 55-foot white fir tree on Friday. You're free to stop by Jack London Square IRL over the weekend to snap a spirited, socially distanced 'gram; Monday through Friday at 7pm. // View on jacklondonsquare.com, Facebook, or Instagram.


Get jolly at Miracle's Christmas bar pop-up while you still can. Marin County's re-closure of outdoor dining will go into effect on Tuesday, December 8th; as of press time, you can still drink hella festive seasonal libations—think Christmas Carol Barrels (reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, dry curacao, and spiced chocolate) and Bad Santas (mulled red wine, tawny port, and orange liqueur) outside at at Petaluma's Brewsters Beer Garden. // Reservations are available at brewstersbeergarden.com.


Bid on bottles and wine experiences during the virtual San Francisco Wine Auction. When you treat yourself to prizes such as a weeklong stay at Napa's Caspar Estate, the funds will benefit The Guardsmen's work to improve the lives of at-risk youth; through Tuesday. // Bid on items on sfwineauction.ggo.

Check out three new murals that highlight the history and culture of SF's Portola District. There will be a ribbon cutting for the installation, called "Portola Long View," at noon Tuesday, 2444 San Bruno Ave.


Listen in on a conversation about the intersection of art and architecture, presented by the David Ireland House and featuring Cubam architecture and art studio Infraestudio, Steven Huegli of SF's Jensen Architects, and multi-disciplinary artist Felipe Dulzaides; Tuesday at 5pm. // Register on 500cappstreet.org.


Explores the question "What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?" with Black Futures authors Jenna Wortham (cohost of the NYT podcast "Still Processing") and activist Kimberly Drew. The new book is a collection of essays, memes, photos, poetry, tweets and more; Wednesday at 6pm. // Tickets ($29) are available at cityarts.net.

Pick up delectable gifts (or goodies for yourself) at The Epicurean Trader's new—and largest—outpost at the Ferry Building. Shop spirits, cheeses, and small-batch sweet; 7:30am to 5pm daily. // theepicureantrader.com


Attend SFFILM's live, online annual fundraiser. Honorees include the cast of One Night in Miami, actress Glenn Close, and more; Wednesday at 6pm. // Tickets ($95 and up) are available at sffilm.org.


Gather the fam for an on-demand viewing of The Velveteen Rabbit. Directed and choreographed by KT Nelson, this feel-good musical tale tells the iconic story of a boy and his stuffed rabbit; Thursday through December 31. // Tickets ($35) are available at odc.dance.


Cozy up by the fire with some surprise reading material courtesy of Booksmith. Email orders@booksmith with details on what you like to read and paperback or hardcover preferences com to receive a Dealer's Choice bundle of personalized book selections (with free shipping in SF or pickup). // booksmith.com

Stop by Poet and/the Bench to view "Concerning Trees," an exhibit of works by Bay Area fine arts photographer Nico van Dongen. The enchanting images of Golden Gate Park's forests were taken over a six-week period during shelter in place. While you're at it, peruse the shop's collection of jewelry or home goods for holiday gifts. // poetandthebench.com


Listen to San Francisco Mime Troupe's "A Red Carol," a working-class take on Charles Dickens' classic tale. Don't miss the opening night party on Friday at 8pm for the chance to chat with the artists; listen to the show Friday through January 17th. // sfmt.org


Ever noticed Snowy Plovers nesting on Bay Area beaches? Join San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory biologist Jessica González for a chat about identifying the tiny native shorebirds and protecting their threatened habitats; Friday at noon. // openspacetrust.org


Watch the debut performance of "Re:Seed."Presented by Soundwave and Gray Area, the audio-visual performance explores the ideas of reseeding and nurturing life in the past and future. Artists include Bert Yip, Rose Cherami, Selim X, and more; Thursday at 8pm. // Register (sliding scale) on grayarea.org.


Enjoy an evening of music with One Found Sound, an equity-focused orchestra reimagining the future of classical music. During a virtual gala, you'll hear selections from Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and Edward Elgar and bid on silent auction items, Friday at 6pm PST. // Register (free) on Eventbrite


Shop vintage sellers at the Phoenix Hotel's So-So Market. The retro rooms will be filled with rare and over-the-top vintage finds, and Chambers cocktails and eats will be served on the poolside courtyard; 6pm to 9pm Saturday and 11am to 9pm Sunday. // Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Stream Smuin'sChristmas Ballet featuring three live programs and such tunes as "Jingle Bells," "Bells of Dublin," and "White Christmas"; Saturday through December 24. // Times and tickets ($49) are available at smuinballet.org.


Attend Saint Francis Foundation's Hob Nob on the Hill at home, appropriately themed "Unmasking the Future." Honor frontline healthcare workers with a VIP cocktail hour, inspiring entertainment, and an auction—all proceeds will benefit Saint Francis Memorial Hospital's vital services including a new Women's Health Center and SF's only COVID-19 Critical Care Unit; Saturday at 6:30pm. // Register (free with option to donate) on givesmart.com.


Stop by Fig & Thistle's Hayes Valley parklet for a holiday makers pop-up shop. Dress warm to peruse Cosmic View's CBD tinctures, Kang Ceramics vases, and Frolic & Detour cookies. Bring donations of toys for the youth at Collective Impact and Tenderloin Family Housing or socks for Hamilton Families, in partnership with the Boombox; Saturday from 11am to 3pm. // Details on instagram.com

Shopping selections from vintage sellers straight off Instagram Live via A Virtual Affair, presented by A Current Affair; Friday through Sunday. // itsacurrentaffair.com


Make your own Charcuterie Chalet. If you've mastered the art of the cheese board—and made countless candy covered gingerbread houses—try your hand at a tasty residence made of of savory cream cheese, goat cheese, prosciutto, and veggies. Before the class, build an edible cracker base (recipe and tutorial included) then follow along on Zoom for the decorating process; Saturday at 11am. // Register ($40 per household) on farmcurious.com.


"Coalesce: Facing These Moments," which will be streamed beneath the stunning architecture of Saint Joseph's Arts Society. The performance—a collaboration between neuroscientist/meditation teacher/dancer Nkechi Njaka and Grammy-nominated songwriter Tauwoo—is a multi-sensory arts experience that aims to spark conversation and reflection on the human experience in 2020. Dance choreography will be set to new music from Tauwoo's Patterns, a solo album dropping December 8th; noon to 12:40pm Saturday. // Tickets ($20) are available at eventbrite.com.


Take the annual Santa Skivvies Challenge and raise money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. While the event looks a little different this year—and you'll be running, walking, scootering, or skating the mile solo this year, set your fundraiser goal nice and high, don't forget to don the iconic red underwear (sent for free with your registration), and catch a virtual award ceremony, Sunday. // Register ($45) on santaskivviesrun.org


Drive through a Chanukah wonderland at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. Stream Chanukah music to your car radio and munch on individually packaged latkes, donuts, and chocolate "gelt" while driving around to view a nine-foot menorah, fire juggling act, endless decorations, massive dreidel, and more; Sunday from 4:30 to 6pm. // Details on jewishpetaluma.com

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