| Livermore History Center | Highway Garage Open |
| Museum on Main St | |
| Pleasanton Farmer's Market | |
| Niles Canyon Railway | Ravenswood Docent Tours |
| Livermore Amateur Radio Klub Meeting |
click for more photos
Experience the magic of our brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from Sunol to Niles and back, and the later train from Niles to Sunol and back.
This annual fundraising event is presented by the Pacific Locomotive Association to benefit Niles Canyon Railway projects throughout the year. We are sincerely grateful for all of our supporters who help our non-profit, tax-exempt, living history museum continue to operate and grow.
Trains run both from Sunol to Niles and back, and from Niles to Sunol and back.
Location: Downtown Sunol
Times: Departures from 4:15 from Sunol, 7:15pm from Niles
Admission: General seating is $25 ages 3 and up. See the Niles Canyon Railroad.
$15 for the first three Wednesdays.
Reserved seating is $50.
Private Caboose: $600 for up to 24 people.
eLivermore Photos.
More info: Niles Canyon Railroad. Info should be on the Niles Canyon site mid to late September. Ticket purchases around the 2nd week of October.
2011 Dates - From Sunol
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Nov 25 4:15 | Nov 26 4:15 | |||||
| Nov 27 4:15 | Nov 30 4:15 | Dec 2 4:15 | Dec 3 4:15 | |||
| Dec 4 4:15 | Dec 7 4:15 | Dec 9 4:15 | Dec 10 4:15 | |||
| Dec 11 4:15 | Dec 14 4:15 | Dec 16 4:15 | Dec 17 4:15 | |||
| Dec 18 4:15 | Dec 19 4:15 | Dec 21 4:15 | Dec 22 4:15 | Dec 23 4:15 | ||
| Dec 26 4:15 | Dec 27 4:15 | Dec 28 4:15 | Dec 29 4:15 |
2011 Dates - From Niles
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Nov 30 7:15 | Dec 2 7:15 | Dec 3 7:15 | ||||
| Dec 4 7:15 | Dec 7 7:15 | Dec 9 7:15 | Dec 10 7:15 | |||
| Dec 11 7:15 | Dec 14 7:15 | Dec 16 7:15 | Dec 17 7:15 | |||
| Dec 18 7:15 | Dec 19 7:15 | Dec 21 7:15 | Dec 22 7:15 | Dec 23 7:15 | ||
| Dec 26 7:15 | Dec 27 7:15 | Dec 28 7:15 | Dec 29 7:15 |
Dec 2, 3, 4
Dec 9, 10, 11
Dec 16, 17, 18
Fri-Sun
Nuncrackers The Nunsense Christmas Musical is the first “TV Special” taped by the sisters in their convent basement studio for Cable Access. It stars the nuns you love plus Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen’s most talented students. It features all new songs including: “Twelve Days Prior to Christmas,” “Santa Ain’t Comin’ To Our House,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are Us,” and “It’s Better to Give Than To Receive.” This show is filled with “Nunsense” humor, some of your favorite carols, a “Secret Santa,” and an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. Nuncrackers will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It’s the perfect way to insure your holiday season is merry and bright.
Sponsor: Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre
Location: Studio Theater, 1048 Serpentine Lane, Suite 309, Pleasanton
Times: Fridays & Saturday: 8:00pm. Sunday Matinees: 2:00pm
Admission: Adults (18-59): $25; Seniors 60+: $22; Juniors under 18: $20
Season tickets (3 shows): Adults (18-59): $70; Seniors 60+: $62; Juniors under 18 $56
More info: Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre
Friday
The Bankhead Theatre will once again resound with the greatest of all holiday treats. The Pacific Chamber Symphony will excite us again with a special performance of Handel's Messiah. The concert will feature a chorus made up of outstanding local soloists and chorus members.
Handel's Messiah is one of the monumental works in all of musical literature. It is probably the most widely performed religious work in the world. It was an instant success when it was first performed in 1742. It was written in just 24 days.
In 1741, Handel was broke, tired, and discouraged. Two unrelated events converged to change all that. First, Handel's wealthy friend, Charles Jensen, gave Handel a libretto that he had written based on the bible and the book of common prayer, and asked him to provide a musical setting. Second, Handel received a commission from a Dublin charity to compose a work for a benefit performance. Handel combined these two commissions, and the result was The Messiah.
On August 22, he started work on the piece, never leaving his house, and barely pausing to eat or sleep. A little over three weeks later, one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of music was complete.
The work was first performed at a charitable event in Dublin on April 13, 1742, with Handel himself conducting from the keyboard. It was an immediate success. It raised 400 pounds and freed 142 men from debtor's prison.
Today, The Messiah is often performed in large halls, with a large chorus and a large orchestra. The original chorus and orchestra, although large by contemporary standards, were of more moderate size. The Pacific Chamber Symphony's interpretation adheres more closely to the earlier performances, and contains many elements from the original Dublin presentation. This approach allows for more subtlety and attention to detail.
In any version, however, The Messiah is an inspired and inspiring work of
art that rarely fails to elicit reverence and joy.
Sponsor:
Pacific
Chamber Symphony
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $39/$34/$29. $7.00 students
Tickets:
Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Pacific
Chamber Symphony,
Click above for photos
Saturday
Kick off the holiday shopping season downtown and enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides throughout the downtown, holiday performances at the Flag Pole Plaza and SNOW in Lizzie Fountain!
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: noon to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
More info: Livermore Downtown Association, (925) 373-1795
Sat-Sun
Livermore Valley Wine Country celebrates the season with a weekend full of holiday cheer!
Holidays in the Vineyards is an annual wine country tradition where wineries showcase their tasting rooms with arts and craft vendors, holiday music, special wines, and more.
Guests are encouraged to bring toys to their favorite wineries. All toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots Foundation after the event, directly benefiting children in need throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. For more on the Toys for Tots program, visit http://www.toysfortots.org/
We look forward to ringing in the Holiday Season with you in Livermore
Valley Wine Country.
This is not a ticketed event, however Tasting Fees may apply and vary by
winery.
Sponsor:
Livermore Valley Winegrowers
Association
Location: Participating Valley Wineries
Times: Noon to 5pm
Admission: Free. Tasting Fees may apply and vary by winery.
More info:
Livermore Valley Winegrowers
Association or (925) 447-9463
Saturday
The 2011 Downtown Livermore Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade will feature local marching bands, music, light displays, and of course SANTA CLAUS!!! Tree lighting to follow parade.
This year's Grand Marshall is See's Candies! See's Candies has been working with Livermore Downtown Inc. for more than 15 years, raising much needed funds for the Revitalization efforts of Downtown Livermore. Having the California tradition of See's Candies available to our community is a huge convenience allowing them to focus their holiday shopping towards retailers in their downtown. This year we are thrilled to be partnering with the Main Street Designs Christmas Store in locating our fundraiser there. This will allow our candies to be available at expanded Retail hours.
• Parade will start at 6pm and usually lasts approximately an hour.
• Parade route is First Street from M Street to McLeod St.
• Lighting of "Bruce Sprucetree" will be at the corner of First Street &
South Livermore Avenue.
• Parking & Handicapped Parking are available at the FREE Livermore Valley
Center Parking Garage, 2350 Railroad Avenue.
• No Dogs or Animals allowed inside the event enclosure.
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: Parade from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Tree lighting following the
parade
Admission: Free
More info:
Livermore Downtown
Association or
(925) 373-1795
Saturday
The City of Pleasanton will once again host the Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Pleasanton. The centerpiece of this free event is a festive community-based parade followed by the lighting of a holiday tree in front of the Museum on Main.
The parade always kicks off with one of Pleasanton’s award-winning high school marching bands from either Amador Valley High School or Foothill High School. The band is followed by dozens of holiday inspired entries including Pleasanton’s own Balloon Platoon, the Pleasanton City Council, hundreds of Cub Scouts and Brownies, local car clubs and dog clubs, and much more.
Main Street Closure – 3:30–7:30pm
Parade – 5:00pm
Floats, Marching Bands, Community Groups, and more
Tree Lighting Ceremony (following parade)
Approximately 6:00–6:30pm
-Special Appearance by Santa
-Mayor Lights the Tree
-Community Sing-a-long
Sponsors: Downtown Association & City of Pleasanton Parks and Community
Services
Location: Main Street, Pleasanton
Times: 3:30pm to 7:30pm
More info: Pleasanton
Events,
Pleasanton Downtown Association.
Sat, Sun
Our holiday choral concerts are a tradition in the Tri-Valley, and a fine way to kick off the holiday season. We will perform music in the holiday spirit, and you will get an opportunity to sing traditional carols throughout the concert. You will hear selections from Britten's Ceremony of Carols and Rutter's Dancing Day, featuring guest harpist Daniel Levitan and special guests Cantabella Children's Chorus and the Las Positas College Chamber Choir.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location: Saturday: Trinity Lutheran Church 1225 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton
Sunday: First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth St (4th & L), Livermore
Times: Saturday, Dec 3: 8:00pm. Sunday, Dec 4, 3:00pm
Admission: $20.00 advance, $25 at the door. High school and college students, $10. Children 14 and under are free. Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale; 925 866-4003
At the Bankhead Theater
Sat
Wagner: Overture to Rienzi
Beethoven: Choral Fantasy
Danielle Naler, piano
Pacific Masterworks Chorus
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Dr. Arthur Barnes and the orchestra open the season with three works by musical giants. Richard Wagner’s overture to Rienzi was written for an opera which celebrates a champion of the Roman people. For the Choral Fantasy of Ludwig van Beethoven, the orchestra will be joined by piano soloist Danielle Naler and the Pacific Masterworks Chorus. The Choral Fantasy is a unique mix of solo piano, orchestra, and voice which bears a striking resemblance to the “Ode to Joy” in Beethoven’s 9th symphony and speaks of “when love and strength are united.” The Symphony No. 2 of Jean Sibelius, once called “a struggle between death and salvation” by the composer, became a symphony of liberation in the hearts of his Finnish countrymen.
Pianist Danielle Naler received her Master of Music degree in piano performance from Indiana University and in 2008 was awarded the Sir Daniel Donahue Fellowship for study in the collaborative piano program at the Music Academy of the West, under the direction of Jonathan Feldman.
The Pacific Masterworks Chorus is directed by Dr. Greg Lyne and embraces
a wide repertoire ranging from works of the a cappella tradition through
accompanied compositions including choral masterworks.
Sponsor: Livermore
Amador
Symphony
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Time: Prelude talk from 7 to 7:30pm. Symphony concerts begin
at 8:00pm
Admission: Adults: $28/$25/$22; Senior (62+):
$26/$23/$20; Youth (high school & younger): $10.
Season tickets
also available. $90/$80/$70. Senior: $84/$74/$64
Youth (high school age & younger): $40 (all sections)
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore-Amador
Symphony (925) 373-6824, or
Bankhead Theater
Tues
Don Edwards
This Grammy nominated singer-guitarist continues to build a timeless legacy
that enriches our vision of the American West. His ballads paint a sweeping
landscape, keeping alive tales of the day-to-day sights, sounds and feelings
of this rich American tradition. Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Western
Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, calls him “...the best purveyor of cowboy
music in America today” – praise that is merely a bonus for Edwards, who
sings and shares his music out of genuine love and respect for the genre.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $18/$29/$40 Students (17 & under): $14
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - - eLivermore.com theater page
Click photo for
2010 photos
Wednesday
The beacon on the top of Mt. Diablo had been used until December 7, 1941. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, the beacon was turned off so as to not guide Japanese planes on night missions. After the war, there was no longer a need for the beacon, so it has not been used since.
In 1964 the beacon was repaired, and it has been lit once a year, on the evening of December 7th, in honor those who were at Pearl Harbor that day. The beacon is turned off in the morning on the 8th. There is a short ceremony in the summit building with several survivors talking about their experience. Note that space is very limited for the ceremony, and generally only family and press are able to fit in the room.
eLivermore.com attended that ceremony in 2010. I plan to do so again this year.
Sponsor: Mt. Diablo chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association
Location: Summit at Mt Diablo. Beacon can easily be seen in the Livermore Valley.
Times: Ceremony starts around 3:30pm. Beacon is lit around 4:30pm. (Times based on actuals for 2010).
More info:
Friday
This event has been a holiday tradition since 2006; and you can be a part of this tradition! Sing Part I of Handel's Messiah as well as the popular Hallelujah Chorus. Singers and music lovers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in experiencing Handel's spectacular choral masterpiece. Sing, or just come to enjoy. Bring a score or borrow one for the evening. We will be accompanied by VCC's concert pianist Daniel Glover, plus four outstanding soloists. Admission is $10.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth St (4th & L), Livermore
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $10.00 Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale
Dec 10
Sat
Cantabella Children's Chorus - A Ceremony
of Carols
20th Anniversary Winter Concert. Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of
Carols
Sponsor: Cantabella
Children's Chorus
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 2020 5th St.
Times: 2:00pm Performing Choirs Only.
4:14pm Training and Performing Choirs
Admission: Advanced Sales: $12 Adults, $8 Children (10 &
under). At the door: $15 Adults, $10 Children (10 & under)
More info:
Cantabella Children's Chorus or
Bankhead Theater
At the Bankhead Theater
Sat-Sun
Dec 16, 17, 18
Fri,
Sat, Sun
Enchant your senses. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers, and a glittering sugar plum fairy. Bring your holiday dreams to life at Valley Dance Theatre's annual production of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic The Nutcracker. Accompanied by the Livermore-Amador Symphony pit orchestra, it is guaranteed to provide more than enough enchantment for the entire family.
Sponsors: Valley Dance Theatre with the Livermore Amador Symphony
Location: Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times:
Sat, Dec 10: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sun Dec 11: 2:00pm
Fri, Dec 16: 7:00pm
Sat Dec 17: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sun Dec 18: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Admission: $33/$27/$24
More info: Livermore-Amador Symphony
or Valley Dance Theatre or (925) 243-0927
Wed
Stacey Kent
With her light and elegant vocal styling, Stacey Kent has a seemingly eff
ortless ability to capture an emotion – a mood – hone it and share it like a
secret with her audience, welcoming them into her own musical journey. Six
bestselling albums fi lled with songs from classic to contemporary have
earned her acclaim from the British Jazz Award to a Grammy Award nomination.
The sensuous, lyrical melodies in her latest album, Raconte-Moi (Tell Me)
resonates with the joy Kent fi nds in her music – a joy that has enchanted
listeners around the world.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $29/$40/$51 Students (17 & under): $14
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - - eLivermore.com theater page
Thur-Sun
Outdoor live nativity scenes that you can drive through in your car, while hearing the Christmas story on your car radio.
Sponsor: Trinity Baptist Church
Location: 557 Olivina Ave
Times: 7-9pm
Admission: Free
More info: Trinity Baptist Church 447-1848
Mon
A Chanticleer Christmas
A Chanticleer Christmas continues a beloved local tradition as this Grammy
Award-winning group of 12 crystalline voices returns to the Bankhead Theater
for the fourth year with their glorious holiday program of music, from
Gregorian chant to modern works and classic carols. Opening with a candlelit
chant that sets a magical tone for the whole evening, Chanticleer’s unique
and sumptuous blend of voices will ring in the holiday season with a
delightful evening of profound, peaceful and joyous music.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $39/$51/$62 Students (17 & under): $14
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - - eLivermore.com theater page
Fri
Restless Heart Christmas
Legendary country music band Restless Heart became instantly recognizable in
the 1980s for their intertwining five-part harmony and contemporary country
sound. One of that decade’s most popular country bands, their many number
one hits included, I’ll Still be Loving You, Why Does it Have to be (Wrong
or Right)? and The Bluest Eyes in Texas. With heartfelt vocals and flawless
harmony, this special Christmas show will include songs of the season
intertwined with classic Restless Heart hits to create a wonderful holiday
evening to remember.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $38/$44/$51 Students (17 & under): $14
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - - eLivermore.com theater page
Sat
New Year's Eve with Flash Cadillac
The Bankhead’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration starts the minute Flash
Cadillac hits the stage with everyone’s favorite tunes from the 1950s and
1960s. Their energy lights up the night with Shake, Rattle and Roll, Peggy
Sue, At the Hop, and I Only Have Eyes for You. Originally called Flash
Cadillac and the Continental Kids, they played on American Bandstand,
appeared on the television show Happy Days, and were featured in American
Graffiti. These guys have been entertaining capacity crowds for more than 40
years...they know how to get the party going!
Even when the music stops, the night’s not over. Our New Year’s
Eve celebration continues immediately after the show with a complimentary
wine, champagne and fabulous dessert reception in the theater lobby –
everyone will be rockin’ around the clock!
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $55/$65
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - - eLivermore.com theater page
Saturday
Come join us on Saturday, December 31st, for our 7th annual New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk. The labyrinths will be available between 8:00 pm and midnight. You’re invited to walk the courtyard labyrinth by the light of the Christmas Eve luminaries. Our canvas labyrinth will also be available in the sanctuary, illuminated by dozens of candles and surrounded with beautiful music.
Over 100 people have walked on New Year’s Eve each of the last six years and it’s becoming a family tradition for members of the congregation and community alike. This is an opportunity to say good-bye to the old year and welcome the New Year with peace and intention.
So bundle up and come by on your way to a party, before you settle in for
the evening, or be there to see in the New Year itself.
Sponsor: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 4th & L Streets, Livermore
Times: 8:00pm to midnight
Admission: Free
More info: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore, For more information, contact Judy Hughes, labyrinth
facilitator, 925-449-8100 or the church office, 925-447-2078.
