The holidays are back on in the South Bay, and Sunnyvale is no exception. While COVID-19 protocols are still in place, many events that were canceled or held virtually last year are happening in person again this year. So, deck the halls, gather with loved ones and celebrate.
Winter Ice Rink
The Winter Ice Rink Downtown Sunnyvale made its debut in 2019. This year’s rink, which opened Nov. 19 is being presented by Willy Bietak Productions, which is also taking over Downtown Ice in San Jose. The company has produced the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square since 2008.
Special events at the Sunnyvale ice rink, which is open through Jan. 2, include curling lessons and the return of Robots on Ice, an event that merges tech with ice skating.
Winter Ice Rink hours are 12:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 16 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 17-Jan. 2. Tickets are $15, including skate rental, and must be purchased in advance at citylinesunnyvale.com/icerink. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit Sunnyvale Community Services’ rental and food assistance programs.
Attendees must provide proof of full vaccination with a valid ID.
Holiday tree lighting
Pandemic concerns are keeping Santa away from the 22nd annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration set for Saturday, Dec. 4, 5-7:30 p.m., on Murphy Avenue. But the Sunnyvale Downtown Association is doing its best to make up for his absence by providing family-friendly entertainment by Dance Attack! and choirs from Sunnyvale School District. Mayor Larry Klein and other city officials will be on hand, and a DJ will spin holiday tunes.
For more information, visit sunnyvaledowntown.com.
Remember Holidays
In its first live performance since the pandemic began, the Santa Clara Chorale will ring in the holiday season with two concerts featuring traditional carols and festive favorites.
The program for “Remember Holidays” ranges from William Mathias’ Sir Christèmas (with lyrics circa 1500) and Gabriel Faure’s “Cantique de Jean Racine” to Abbie Betinis’ “Song of the Pines” and John Rutter’s “What Sweeter Music.” Also included are “A Medley of Nepali Festival Songs,” “The Chanukah Song,” “Ave Maria” and “Silent Night.”
The concerts are Friday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at Mission Santa Clara at Santa Clara University. Tickets are $5-$5 at https://www.scc.org or 408-883-4722.
Source: www.mercurynews.com