🌳 Issue #135

Get ready to celebrate! Walnut Creek’s holiday scene is heating up with festive markets, artisan treats, beer debuts, and lively dance nights. From Calicraft’s Holiday Market to enchanting lights at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, plus local crafts and spirited salsa lessons—there’s something joyful around every corner.

Dive in and discover your perfect holiday adventure!

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Calicraft Brewing Hosts 3rd Annual Holiday Market with Food, Art, and Family Fun

Celebrate the holiday season in style at the 3rd Annual Calicraft Holiday Market, a vibrant community event filled with chef pop-ups, handcrafted goods, cooking demos, and artistic showcases. Taking place on Saturday, December 14, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Calicraft Brewing Company in Walnut Creek, CA, this event promises a day of festive fun for all ages.

The market features an impressive lineup of local chefs and artisans offering everything from traditional Chinese tea tastings to live oil painting demonstrations. Vendors will include favorites like Citizen Pizza, Smish Smash Burgers, and Uncle Tito Filipino Cuisine, alongside specialty dessert purveyors and artisans selling handcrafted gifts.

Calicraft Brewing Company will debut new beer releases alongside their staple offerings, including cider and non-alcoholic options. This event is ideal for holiday shoppers and food enthusiasts with free parking, family- and pet-friendly policies, and a festive atmosphere.

Mark your calendar for a day packed with unique flavors, artful creations, and community spirit at the Calicraft Holiday Market. Get More Info (link)

Celebrate the Season at the Rooted Holiday Market in Walnut Creek

Get into the holiday spirit at the Rooted Holiday Market, a festive shopping experience happening on December 14 and 15 from 9 AM to 3 PM at 2800 Larkey Lane, Walnut Creek. This in-person event showcases a variety of local vendors offering unique, handmade gifts, delicious treats, and artisan crafts.

Perfect for finding special gifts for loved ones or indulging in a treat for yourself, the market provides an excellent opportunity to support small businesses in the community. Attendees can also enjoy free samples as they shop for one-of-a-kind treasures and soak up the holiday cheer.

Don’t miss this wonderful event—mark your calendar, and join the celebration of local talent and creativity!

Dance the Night Away with Bachata & Salsa Lessons at 1515 Restaurant

This Wednesday, the 2nd floor of 1515 Restaurant will come alive with vibrant rhythms as Celina and Johnny lead a dynamic bachata dance class. Starting at 8:30 PM, attendees can expect an engaging and energetic session designed for dancers of all levels.

Last week’s class saw an incredible turnout, and the organizers are eager to keep the momentum going. The event includes a dance class from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM for $15, which also grants access to the social dance afterward. For those who prefer to join the social dancing only, admission after 9:30 PM is $10.

No dance partner? No problem! The classes are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The organizers are also planning an alternating schedule of bachata and salsa lessons, with the possibility of featuring different instructors to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

Mark your calendars and start your year with lively music, joyful movement, and a welcoming dance community. Don't forget to arrive on time as classes start promptly!

FEATURED EVENTS

Center REP’s “A Christmas Carol” Returns for the Holiday Season

Experience the magic of the holidays with Center REP's beloved production of A Christmas Carol, running from December 12 to December 22, 2024. As the Bay Area’s longest-running adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, this production brings Victorian London to life with music, dance, and dazzling special effects.

Follow the heartwarming journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly curmudgeon who is visited by three spirits urging him to embrace the joy of family and the true spirit of Christmas. Featuring a talented multigenerational cast of nearly two dozen performers, this adaptation by Cynthia Caywood and Richard L. James, directed by Scott Denison and choreographed by Jennifer Perry, has become a must-see holiday tradition.

Tickets are selling quickly for this two-hour show, which includes an intermission. Bundle deals are available, with seats starting at just $49 when purchasing a 3- or 4-show package. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the holiday cheer with this festive and heartwarming production! (link)

Garden of D’Lights: A Spectacular Holiday Experience at Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Garden of D’Lights at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, running from November 22, 2024, to January 11, 2025, offers a magical blend of illuminated art and natural beauty. This family-friendly event supports the garden's preservation by featuring dazzling lights, lasers, and a self-paced tour. Tickets range from $12 to $29, with membership discounts and free entry for children under 4. Get Tickets (link)

EVENTS

Wednesday

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT | 8:00 pm | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek | Free | Karaoke, drink specials, and arcade games. 21+ only.

Mah Jong Drop-in | Wednesdays, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Weekly American-style Mah Jong for experienced players, ages 50+.

Thursday

Qi Gong Drop-in | Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Senior drop-in for slow, meditative stretching. No experience needed.

Back to the 80s Night | 9:30 PM | Dan's Irish Sports Bar, Walnut Creek, CA | Throwback hits with DJ Rich Era for Decade Thursdays!

Bingo Drop-in | Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | 50+ drop-in activity to try your luck and have fun!

SWEET THING + INNER-STATE '80s | 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Free before 10 PM with RSVP | Live 80s covers featuring Ladies of the 80s and classic 80s rock/pop hits. Happy hour specials, arcade games, and more! 21+ only.

Friday

Native Plant Growers | Fridays | 10:00 am | Civic Park, Walnut Creek | Free | Learn to grow native plants at home or work in the Civic Park garden.

Rock 'n' Roll Fridays | 11/1 -12/13, Fridays | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek | Pay What You Can | Enjoy iconic rock music while exploring 60s-70s abstract art exhibits.

AMOR PROHIBIDO + ANIMA | 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Price Varies | Selena tribute and Latin rock live! Dance floor, DJ after-party, and arcade games. 21+ only.

Alex Ramon Magic Show | December 13-15, 2024 | Approx. 90 Minutes | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | Price Varies
Award-winning Alex Ramon and "MJ the Magic Doxie" amaze the whole family! Featuring interactive tricks and dazzling stage magic.

The Ripplers - Ugly Sweater Night | 9:30 PM | Dan's Irish Sports Bar, Walnut Creek, CA | Live music, dancing, and prizes for the ugliest holiday sweater!

Saturday

The Rossmoor Winter Festival will take place on December 14 from 4 PM to 9 PM at Rush Park, Rossmoor, CA. Highlights include live music, a snow play area, a kids' carnival, craft vendors, food trucks, and a visit from Santa Claus. This festive event is family-friendly and perfect for holiday fun. (link)

The Inflatables - Live Music Saturday | 9:30 PM | Dan's Irish Sports Bar, Walnut Creek, CA | Rock out to your favorite hits with The Inflatables!

DAFT PUNK X-MAS! Live Tribute | 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Price Varies | Daft Punk tribute with LED visuals, laser show, and DJ after-party. Dance floor fun! 21+ only.

Holiday Concert: Home for the Holidays | 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, CA | Price Varies (link) | Celebrate the season with joyful music, The Fratello Marionettes, and San Ramon Valley Chorale. Includes Corelli, Pergolesi, Tchaikovsky, and holiday favorites.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands | Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

Dave Land LIVE | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Mike Hess Brewery, Walnut Creek, CA | Free Entry | Enjoy country, acoustic rock, and Christmas tunes with craft beer. Perfect for family and friends!

Sunday

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St | Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

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