7 awesome Bay Area things to do Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27-29
We don’t want to get all sentimental, or anything, but it’s a good day point out that we are sincerely thankful to all of you who check out this column for cool Bay Area weekend stuff to do. (And if you’d like to get the Weekender newsletter delivered directly to your inbox every Thursday morning, just sign up here.)
Speaking of which, we have some particularly good ideas for enjoying this Thanksgiving weekend, from dazzling holiday attractions to amazing hikes to DIY crafts. And if you’re wondering whether to head out for Black Friday, here’s something to think about.
1 SEE: ‘Nutcracker’ season is here
If you think a measly old global virus can kick “The Nutcracker” to the curb, you’ve got another think coming. S.F. Ballet, San Jose Dance Theatre and other Bay Area dance companies have their virtual holiday productions all lined up. Here’s a rundown. And, come to think of it, there are Scrooges and George Baileys and other holiday faves ready to entertain you — at home. Here’s our holiday arts calendar.
2 PLAY: The Bay Area is a’twinkle
Holiday light displays are going up all over the Bay Area, from Woodside’s twinkle-lit Filoli extravaganza to San Jose’s Christmas in the Park and Walnut Creek’s Garden of d’Lights. Here are 13 options for a little drive-thru holiday magic.
3 WATCH: It’s raining (OK, snowing) holiday TV shows
Seems like everyone’s starring in a new holiday TV special or movie this year, from Mariah Carey and Carrie Underwood to Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn and even the Minions. Here’s what’s out there. And if you are one of those who’d rather stick with the well-worn classics here’s when and where to watch ’em.
4 PLAY: Hit the trails
Who knew you could eat an entire pie in one sitting? Best hit the trails this weekend and walk off some of that Thanksgiving feasting. Here are seven fab hikes to try.
5 PLAY: The Dickens Fair is back
We are pleased to report that the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair — with all its eccentric and classic Victorian-era characters and dazzling crafts for sale — is still on, as an online event. Here’s what you need to know.
6 CREATE: 7 cool craft projects
We asked seven Bay Area bakers, makers and artists to share their favorite easy craft projects — everything from a Tinkerbell lantern (magic!) to Meyer lemon curd, a sky scarf, a wooden cutting board and more. With instructions! Find the lineup here.
7 WATCH: Yet another amazing movie from Steve McQueen
Leave it to hyper-talented filmmaker Steve McQueen (“12 Years a Slave”) to essentially create his own film festival. His “Small Axe” series of films released to Amazon Prime (and Britain’s BBC) has yielded another new gem, “Lovers Rock.” It tops our list of new films to stream.