Upcoming Vallejo Events — Holiday festivities abound

VALLEJO – Unique gifts by local Vallejo artists will be available at several craft fairs and festivals this weekend, plus music, theater, family activities and the annual Grand Victorian Homes Tour are all happening as holiday festivities continue.

Friday's art walk will offer handcrafted wares by local vendors as accordion player Squeezebox Goddess performs eclectic music from traditional to 80's pop-punk to funny songs to children's music from the Anchor Pantry foyer.

Vallejo Main Street’s Jingle and Mingle event takes place Saturday morning downtown with live music, crafts, contests, tasty snacks, and prizes.

Studio Tableaux will team up with Dillon Bread company on Friday and Saturday morning to bring you amazing artisan-baked treats, handcrafted gifts, vintage holiday decor, and distinctive cookware.

The annual Mare Island Art Studios Holiday Bazaar opens this weekend with a wide variety of fine art, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and handcrafted gift items.

Bring the kids to the Festival of Lights at Children’s Wonderland to take part in free activities. The festival will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings now through the end of the year, excepting Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

If you enjoy holiday music, a joyful array of holiday tunes will be performed by the Vallejo Choral Society and the Napa Methodist Cathedral Choir at the historic St. Peter’s Chapel on Mare Island on Saturday afternoon. 

And what would Christmas be without Scrooge? Bay Area Stage will be performing “A Sherlock Carol”, in which the Great Detective solves a crime on a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future. Several shows are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17.

The annual Grand Victorian Homes tour will start at the Vallejo Museum on Sunday afternoon and end at an after-party at Vino Godfather Winery, with a tour of some of Vallejo’s finest homes in-between.

As always, there will be great live music and community events happening throughout the week. Check the list below for details.

Wednesday, December 6

Baxter Robertson

This accomplished musician has composed for movies and television. He performs originals and standards in a style that can be loosely described as dancing blues and R&B.

• Wed, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St.

Lawyers @ Your Library

Local attorneys offer free legal advice and referral. Sign up in-person or by phone (1-866-572-7587) starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Lawyer consultations from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Thursday, December 7

Genalogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia Annual Holiday Meeting

Potluck, Round Table discussion & board elections. Bring a labeled dish to share for our potluck. Drinks will be provided.

• Thurs, noon to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Social Justice in Public Health Series -
Innovation: Implications for Racial and Criminal Justice

Touro University’s Social Justice in Public Health Seminar webinar series is an innovative collection of lectures from experts in the fields of public policy, public health, and social justice.

An examination of the social and racial implications of artificial intelligence, predictive algorithms and their impact on health equity and criminal justice. Speaker Steven Renderos is Executive Director of MediaJustice, a national racial justice organization that advances media and technology rights of people of color.

• Thurs, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Webinar registration

City Park Upgrades - Public Outreach Meeting

City Park's horseshoe pit area is getting some upgrades, and GVRD wants to hear from you.

• Thurs, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Attend via Zoom

Friday, December 8

Vallejo Vintage Makers Market & DBC Popup Bakery

Join us for sweets and savories, vintage holiday decor, handcrafted gifts, amazing baking accouterments, and chocolate from Spirited Sweets Chocolates.

• Fri, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B

Loma Vista Farm’s Christmas Tree Sales

Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo has several varieties of fresh Christmas trees and poinsettias for sale Their prices are cheaper than local stores and the sales help support the farm. And as a bonus, you get to see all the animals while you’re there.

• Fri, noon to 5 p.m.
• Loma Vista Farm
• 150 Rainier Dr.

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have, or make an appointment to use specific equipment. Check out 'Make it Fridays!' we will have a special activity to get your creative muscles working.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 p.m,
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Festival of Lights

Bring the kiddos or friends down to Children's Wonderland to enjoy the free holiday festivities, music, and hot cocoa! Friday through Sunday, December 2 to 30 except Christmas Eve and Christmas.

• Fri, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Florence Douglas Center Holiday Dinner

Hearty dinner and entertainment by La Banda. Photo ops with Santa and the Grinch.

• Fri, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador St.

2nd Friday Art Walk

The Vallejo Art Walk takes place all over the downtown area with street vendors, artists, local merchants, musicians and galleries. Expect some extra holiday cheer this month.

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin

Live Music with Groovy Judy Band

Join the Groovy Judy Band for an evening of groovy tunes, good company, and festive vibes!
No cover — show free with dinner. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage.

• Fri, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Paint and Sip Party

Join us as we celebrate fall. Each guest will receive a 8x10 canvas, paints, & brushes. 2 beverages are complimentary. Instructor will be on site and will provide art theme the day of the event. No drop-in option available for this event. $25, 18 years old to paint and 21 + to Sip. Pr-registration required.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador

A Sherlock Carol

Two beloved classic tales. One thrilling new mystery. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. But it is a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future.

• Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Saturday, December 9

Benicia Christmas Parade & Holiday Market

Join us for a beloved holiday tradition. The parade starts at 10am at First and D Street and features local marching bands, dancers, and the much-anticipated Santa Claus. The Holiday Market features handcrafted arts & crafts, gourmet items and delicious foods. Event by Benicia Main Street

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Downtown Benicia
• First and D Streets

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and share your holiday wishlist at our annual breakfast with Santa. Every child will get to take a picture with Santa and enjoy a free gift. We will also do a raffle and decorate cookies! Pr-registration required.

• Sat, 8 a.m. to noon.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St.

Community Coffee Tasting - Live music by Duo Gadjo

A special Dark Holiday market showcasing eccentric creations by the Bizarre Artists Talent Society. Duo Gadjo will play Gypsy jazz from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A bientôt!

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.)

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, ethnic varieties, as well as some nice specialty booths offering goods like honey, homemade soap and other goodies.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Vallejo Vintage Makers Market & DBC Bakery Popup

Join us for sweets and savories, vintage holiday decor, handcrafted gifts, amazing baking accouterments, and chocolate from Spirited Sweets Chocolates.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B

Loma Vista Farm’s Christmas Tree Sales

Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo has several varieties of fresh Christmas trees and poinsettias for sale Their prices are cheaper than local stores and the sales help support the farm. And as a bonus, you get to see all the animals while you’re there.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Loma Vista Farm
• 150 Rainier Dr.

Vallejo Project Unity Garden Tree Workshop

Join us in the Vallejo Unity Garden to learn about tree replanting, drip irrigation and cover crops.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Unity Garden
• 2160 Sacramento St.

Mare Island Art Studios Holiday Bazaar

One-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts by in-house and guest artists include gift baskets, textile art, jewelry, greeting cards, prints, fine art, ceramics, mosaics, holiday decorations, and hand-knitted dog sweaters.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Jingle and Mingle 2023

Join the Vallejo Main Street team for another epic event filled with music, crafts, contests, tasty snacks, and prizes.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

A Holiday Choral Extravaganza

The Vallejo Choral Society fnd the Napa Methodist Cathedral Choir will present a joyful array of Holiday tunes, including a few sing-alongs. The doors will open at 1:30 p.m. to give you time to enjoy the Tiffany stained glass windows and an interlude of holiday tunes on the pipe organ.‍

• Sat, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• St Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

Festival of Lights

Bring the kiddos or friends down to Children's Wonderland to enjoy the free holiday festivities, music, and hot cocoa! Friday through Sunday, December 2 to 30 except Christmas Eve and Christmas.

• Sat, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Live Music with David El 3-oh!

Jazzy HipHop/Latin Rock/Funk by David El on vocals and guitar, David Bell on bass and AC Lewis on traps.
No cover with dinner. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage.

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Live Music Saturday with Bear West

Bear West is what you get when a folk song slides right off a razor and into the gaping maw of a hungry grizzly whose teeth are covered in the honey he just stole from the local beehive. Bear West is a bad idea wrapped in good intentions and a lullaby.

• Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way

A Sherlock Carol

Two beloved classic tales. One thrilling new mystery. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. But it is a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

The Best Intentions Home For the Holidays Concert

Presenting original Motown classics, old school, and R&B sound from the 60’s 70’s, 80’s and up, the Best Intentions’ unique harmonic, soulful tones and their smooth choreography, have come to be recognized as the signature of the group.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Sunday, December 10

Loma Vista Farm’s Christmas Tree Sales

Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo has several varieties of fresh Christmas trees and poinsettias for sale Their prices are cheaper than local stores and the sales help support the farm. And as a bonus, you get to see all the animals while you’re there.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Loma Vista Farm
• 150 Rainier Dr.

Mare Island Art Studios Holiday Bazaar

One-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts by in-house and guest artists include gift baskets, textile art, jewelry, greeting cards, prints, fine art, ceramics, mosaics, holiday decorations, and hand-knitted dog sweaters.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

St. Peter Chapel - Historic Tour

St. Peter's Chapel is open without an appointment every second Sunday. A museum by itself, St. Peter Chapel, built in 1901, is known for its large collection of stunning Tiffany windows, vaulted ceilings with exposed redwood beams, and historic plaques. Learn about Mare Island through the lens of the oldest Navy Chapel in the country.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

Neverwas Haul Tours

The Haul is a 3-story Victorian House on Wheels that was built for Burning Man in 2006. A must-see while you visit the Holiday Bazaar at the studios.

• Sun, noon to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Sunday Jazz with Carmen Gonzalo

Amazing jazz singer Carmen (Gonzalo) Lauren will be performing along with Bryan Girard on saxaphone, Greg Sankovich on keyboard and drummer/singer/whistler extraordinaire Gerry Kennett at Bambino's "2nd Sunday Jazz Series". Bambino's serves tasty dishes in copious amounts and they have a full bar. No cover with brunch.

• Sun, noon to 3 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Grand Victorian Homes Tour of Vallejo

Visit some of the finest homes built on the West Coast here in Vallejo's Architectural Heritage District. Reception will be hosted by the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum where guests can enjoy themselves with food, wine and desserts while listening to live holiday music.

• Sun, 2:30 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

A Sherlock Carol

Two beloved classic tales. One thrilling new mystery. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. But it is a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future.

• Sun, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St

Festival of Lights

Bring the kiddos or friends down to Children's Wonderland to enjoy the free holiday festivities, music, and hot cocoa! Friday through Sunday, December 2 to 30 except Christmas Eve and Christmas.

• Sun, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Tuesday, December 12

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos webpage and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins.

Action Calendar items:
Agendize consideration of a resolution recommending a ceasefire in Gaza for a future meeting.
Consider purchase of traffic enforcement cameras and other technology to assist the Police.
Consider sale of the Herbert House.

• Tues, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St.