Just about every culture has a winter holiday tradition. Come check out these many diverse ways to celebrate the holidays with the San Francisco Public Library:
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Dec. 5
Crafts Program with Mei - Christmas crafts for children of all ages
Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St.(at Cotter)
11–11:30 a.m.
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Dec. 8
Dreidel Spinning – Come play this Hanukkah game of chance! Spin for fun and prizes! Dreidel spinning has been an annual event at the Chinatown Branch for more than 12 years. The game is explained, as is a bit of its history while children sit in a circle (or two circles, if there is a big group) and spin for candy. Children new to the game will learn the Hebrew letters on the dreidel. Invariably, the one spinning will start to chant “gimmel, gimmel, gimmel” (the letter that will give them all of the candy) while the other children yell “shin, shin, shin” (if the dreidel lands on shin, the child must put one of his or her candies into the “kitty.”) The spinning goes on for 30 minutes, and after the final spin, anything left in the kitty is distributed to those who won the fewest candies,
and all are given small bags for their booty. For children of all ages.
Chinatown Branch, 1135 Powell St. (near Jackson)
2:30–3 p.m.
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Dec. 11
Holiday Music – Sing and play along to music of the season. For ages 3-5. Space limited. Call (415) 355-2848 for reservations.
Visitacion Valley Branch, 45 Leland Ave. (near Bayshore)
10:30 a.m.
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Dec. 15
San Francisco Conservatory of Music – A holiday concert for children of all ages!
Mission Bay Branch, 960 4th St. (at Berry)
2–3 p.m.
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Dec. 15
Chinese New Year Celebration with the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation – Tzu Chi (Serving With Compassion) presents a Chinese New Year celebration on the theme of "Reflection of the old year, welcome the new by recycling from within" through sign language, guest speakers' blessings
and a film. The program will be mainly in English, with some Chinese translation for the Chinese speaking audience. Tzu Chi is an international, volunteer-led, non-profit charitable organization guided by the four Buddhist principles of kindness, compassion, joy and giving that strives to provide spiritual
support and humanitarian services to all. Cosponsored by the Chinese Center.
Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St. (at Grove)
2–3:30 p.m.
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Dec. 16
San Francisco Ballet's “The Nutcracker” – The San Francisco Ballet will offer a presentation/dance demonstration, followed by a movement workshop in the Storytelling Room of the Fisher Children's Center (Main Library) at 1:15 p.m. For ages 6-13 with parents.
Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St. (at Grove)
12:15–1:15 p.m.
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Dec. 17
'Twas the Night Before Christmas with the Walden Marionettes! – Sugar plums and dancing dreidels insure a fun time for young and old as all the magic and splendor of the season come alive before the audience's eyes. Space is very limited and reservations will be required, so call ahead for reservations.
Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento St. (near Baker)
10:15–11:15 a.m.
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Dec. 20
Kwanzaa Family Night– Learn about the Nguzo Saba–Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and enjoy entertainment featuring dance, music and poetry. Jumpstart, a family literacy group, will provide children’s activities starting at 5:30 p.m.
Bayview/Anna E. Waden Branch, 5075 Third St. (at Revere)
6–8 p.m.
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Dec. 21
Whitney Young Child Development Center Presents “Season of Dreams” – A holiday dance program for the entire family!
Main Library Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St. (at Grove)
3–4:30 p.m.
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Dec. 22
Peace, Light and Chocolate–A Celebration of Winter – Bonnie Lockhart sings winter songs. For children of all ages.
Mission Branch, 300 Bartlett St. (at 24th St.)
11 a.m.
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Dec. 22
Fratello Marionettes Present “North Pole Review” Puppet Show – Looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday season? Join the fun with our Puppet Extravaganza, Family Holiday Variety Show! For children of all ages.
Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega St. (at 39th Ave.)
3 p.m.
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