Larkspur
Season of Peace
The Marin Country Mart mall throws its doors open late for shoppers and families to gather for the holiday season. The “Twinkle Twinkle” community event at the mall advertises live music, hot toddies and hot chocolate. The kiddos will make Olaf marshmallows and enjoy the petting zoo with Pinky the Pony & Friends. Cocktails can be had in fine holiday tradition while Christmas caroling with the Marin Holiday Singers. 4 to 7pm, Thursday, Dec. 21. Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Cir., Larkspur.
Napa
Tea Time
For a halcyon moment in this tempestuous holiday season, perhaps spending a leisurely afternoon with a traditional English tea might just be the best option around. As a “Napa twist” to the old favorite tea with nibbles, the 1889 Victorian estate of the Ackerman Heritage House serves tea sandwiches, dainty tarts, savory bites, seasonal house-made jams and premium teas “on authentic antique china and sterling silverware carefully curated by Lauren Ackerman.” The final social tea is at 11am, Wednesday, Dec. 20; however, private teas can be scheduled. Ackerman Heritage House, 608 Randolph St., Napa. Parties of six people or less. Tickets are $70 at ackermanfamilyvineyards.com/private-events/afternoon-tea.
Sonoma
Music on the Square
Sonoma Plaza has a long, wonderful history of free public music. The Sonoma Tourism Improvement District’s Holiday Music Series concerts take place on and around the excellent facilities of Sonoma Plaza with “professional musicians playing holiday favorites, classical arrangements and interesting takes on traditional music.” The accomplished Dan Gianola-Norris Brass Quartet and multi-multi-instrumentalist Ron Sfarzo’s North Beach Band finish out the series in late December. 2 to 5pm, Saturday, Dec. 23 (Dan Gianola-Norris Brass Quartet) and Sunday, Dec. 30 (Ron Sfarzo’s North Beach Band), Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma. Free.
Santa Rosa
Spoken Truth
Museums of Sonoma County presents “Sonoma County Stories,” an interactive experience featuring an oral history project representing 300+ years of history through recorded stories. The exhibition features the personal histories of individuals, families and communities representing the many cultures present in the county over the last two centuries, including Native American, Latino, Asian, African American, European and more. An immersive experience, visitors are invited to use multimedia stations with access to videos, audio recordings and images. 11am to 5pm, Saturday, Dec. 23, Museums of Sonoma County, 425 7th St., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students; children are free.
