FEATURED EVENTS

Share the light with us as Hanukkah returns to Ghirardelli Square this holiday season! While the celebration will look a bit different, we’re excited to continue the tradition of sharing our light and joy in this San Francisco landmark as we head into the darkest days of the year. Pick up a Hanukkah Party-to-Go Kit. (Advanced reservation required) Dress up in your favorite light-up, glittery and glowing clothes to snap a pic with the giant Hanukkiah!

Every twenty years, the giant planets Jupiter and Saturn meet each other in the night sky as they both cycle their way slowly through the zodiac. This year, however, the pair will meet in the closest conjunction in approximately 400 years, merging almost into a single point in the evening sky of the winter solstice. You won’t want to miss this sight, nor the other splendid opportunities for winter stargazing, from Orion’s brilliant nebula to the Geminid meteor shower.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." For a modern world, the idea of a real and genuine Santa Claus is a fantasy...that is, until a warm and gentle man is pulled in to be a last-minute replacement Santa for Macy's Department Store, and the magic of believing seems possible, especially to a young girl named Susan. One of the greatest holiday stories ever is shown in beautiful black-and-white on our big screen. PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of our patrons and staff, there are a maximum of 100 tickets available for this production. Seating is General Admission, and your party's seating will be assisted by a member of our house staff to ensure that social distancing is enforced

by Charles Dickens Adapted by Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh Music by Karl Lundeberg Radio Adaptation, Additional Material, and Direction by Peter J. Kuo Listening Parties: Dec 4 at 6 p.m. (Opening Night) & Dec 23 at 6 p.m. (Family Fireside Night) Dec 5–Dec 31, 2020—On-Demand Listening *Ticket sales stop 4 hours prior to curtain time. For the first time in its 44-year history, the Bay Area’s favorite holiday tradition comes to life as A Christmas Carol: On Air, an enthralling radio play that the whole family can enjoy from the comfort of home. Masterfully directed and adapted by Peter J. Kuo—using the original Dickens text and adaptation by Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff—this timeless story of optimism and redemption will feature the delightful music, deliciously spooky ghosts, and cast of characters that have made it a beloved Bay Area holiday classic.

Join the artists who have made the Cal Performances at Home season possible for a celebratory evening of exclusive performances recorded especially for the occasion. Soloists, recitalists, jazz artists, and chamber ensembles featured in our fall online streaming series have each contributed a special musical selection to help our audiences usher in 2021 in style. (And really… who doesn’t want to say goodbye to 2020?!) All performers have carefully chosen their program, with the aim of sharing works that convey the joy, hope, warmth, and spirit of the holidays. We invite you to close out the year among friends—with familiar faces from our extraordinary artist roster, in transcendent performances that promise to remind us of the power of the arts to uplift and connect us even in the most trying of times.

Travel around the world with artist and puppeteer, Robin McCahill as she introduces you to the many characters of Christmas in this one hour presentation suitable for kids of all ages! Meet Italy’s “Befana”, a Christmas WITCH. Iceland has twelve Santa’s called Yule Lads with names like Meat Hook, Spoon-Licker, and Door-Slammer. Head off to Eastern Europe for a visit with the very spooky Krampus! Robin will illustrate these characters with handmade puppets. Gerri Griswold will assist with stories and other visuals. You don’t even need to bring your passport! 10:00 a.m, ZOOM.

A New, Contactless Experience- Santa wouldn't miss this visit for anything! Santa will be here starting December 4th and is located in the lobby area by True Food Kitchen. Rest assured, he and his elves have made every effort to provide a memorable - and contact free - experience. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

The festival of trees is going to be an online event only this year. Links to all the trees will be available beginning at 4 pm December 4 and the auction will close at 8:30 pm on Saturday, December 5. All trees are available for purchase by silent auction with proceeds supporting Gamble Garden. Silent auction bidding will be available online. Gamble Garden is excited to launch this new holiday event and we hope that it becomes a holiday tradition for families in the Palo Alto area and beyond. Save the Date for next year’s event on Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th.

Capture the magic of a sensory friendly Santa with your safety on mind! Sensitive Santa will look different this year, but we will not allow it to dampen our spirits! Sign up for our holiday parade! See Santa on a horse-pulled carriage, get professional (and safe) photos, and receive a gift from us to you! With the challenge of COVID we are committed to provide a safe activity for our children with disabilities and their families!

"Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends." The single greatest holiday film of all time comes to El Campanil once again to bring your family warmth this holiday season. George Bailey wanted to see the world, but when life keeps him in Bedford Falls, he wishes he had never been born...and an A2C (Angel Second-Class) is more than happy to oblige, assuming it gets him his wings. PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of our patrons and staff, there are a maximum of 100 tickets available for this production. Seating is General Admission, and your party's seating will be assisted by a member of our house staff to ensure that social distancing is enforced.