Urbanowski: What are your holiday traditions?

Whatever winter holiday you might honor or tradition you might practice, December is a month where we mark another cycle around the sun and celebrate it through art and cultural practices.

Integral to our ceremonies and our family gatherings are the art, music, dance, theater, crafts and poetry we share. These are our offerings to each other. Whether your stories are told through intimate family folktales, hand-crafted gifts, stunning visual imagery or grand performances, this is the season for spinning magic.

In the spirit of the season, I invite you to explore some celebrations and activities that might be less familiar to you and perhaps can inspire new traditions. Here are a few ideas.

Join the San Jose Metropolitan Band on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Hammer Theatre for an evening of music titled “The Longest Night.” Inspired by the winter solstice, the program explores the beauty, mystery and resilience found in winter’s quiet hours, weaving together stirring symphonic pieces that evoke snowfall, candlelight and the hope that glimmers even in the longest night.

Continuing the Solstice theme in Campbell, from Dec. 12 through Dec. 14 the Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus will perform their winter concert called “LIGHT,” celebrating hope and chosen family through the enduring power of song to brighten even the darkest nights. The repertoire includes a diverse range of holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” to movie hits such as “Vuelie” from “Disney’s Frozen.”

Or share your own creativity at the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI), where you can make your own glass-blown ornament or (even easier to make) festive glass beads for the winter holidays right in the BAGI studio with a professional instructor. After an introduction to the properties of glass, students in the hotshop take turns working one-on-one with an instructor who provides individualized guidance to create their work of art. Sessions fill up quickly so sign up soon.

If you like your holiday a little eerie but still heartwarming, you can go up the hill to Montalvo Arts Center for Silicon Valley Shakespeare‘s spellbinding and roving production of “A Christmas Carol.” Audiences will travel through the historic Villa, elegant courtyards and pathways featuring stunning vistas. This immersive and walking production is a unique experience for the entire family. The production runs from Dec. 5 to Dec. 21, but attendance is limited and many dates are already sold out.

There are plenty of fun, free festivities including Tuesdays at the Tavern, presented by Friends of Levitt Pavilion in the heart of Christmas in the Park. Starting Dec. 9, a locally curated series of eclectic live music and DJs will spice things up on Tuesday evenings just down the path from Santa’s workshop. Delicious libations and holiday cheer are also available.

Across town, Fiesta Navideña will attract thousands of people from all over our region to celebrate the unique traditions of East San Jose. This year, the 15th annual Fiesta Navideña at the Mexican Heritage Plaza lights up the night on Saturday, Dec. 13 starting at 5:30 p.m. The celebration features a free concert by Carlos y Charlos and an enchanting folklórico performance by Los Lupeños de San José. Guests can participate in an interactive posada, celebrating a cherished Mexican tradition of hospitality, presented by Teatro Visión. The night will also feature an art workshop for all ages, local vendors offering handmade crafts and gifts and the delicious aroma of steaming tamales.

Of course, there is much more to do and so many more cultural activities to find in Santa Clara County. Many more December celebrations can be found at San Jose Downtown Association, Visit San Jose and on websites for other towns throughout our region. Feel free to let me know your favorites. Share, celebrate and enjoy this season. These are the experiences that bring us all together and rejuvenate our spirits for the coming year.

Alexandra Urbanowski is CEO of SV Creates, the state and county designated arts service organization and local arts agency for Santa Clara County. She serves on the leadership committee for the California Coalition of County Art Agencies and as a board member at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Her columns appear every first Wednesday of the month. Contact Alexandra at [email protected].