BARTable This Weekend: December 20-22, 2019

“Elf” is playing at The New Parkway Theater on Friday and Sunday. Photo courtesy of ABC News.

Ugly Sweater Ice Skating Party by Powell St

Don your ugliest sweater and party with The Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and additional surprises this Friday from 6-9:30pm. This San Francisco holiday tradition at Union Square is only a three-minute walk from Powell St station. Tickets start at $13 and are available online.

Winterfest at Salesforce Park by Montgomery St

As part of Salesforce Park's special winter programming, Winterfest features activities for the whole family. On Friday, bring your dancing shoes for a night of holiday fun atop Salesforce Transit Center in the main plaza. The movin’ and groovin’ takes place from 5-7pm. On Saturday, head to the amphitheater for family fun from 10am-2pm. Santa will be in attendance for photos, along with face painting, holiday crafts, and carolers. From 2-4pm on the main plaza, there will be live music by Soul Mechanix and a special performance by Velocity Arts & Entertainment. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk seven minutes to the park.

“Elf” at The New Parkway Theater by 19th St/Oakland

Everyone’s favorite holiday movie, “Elf” is playing at Oakland’s community-centered cinema and pub, The New Parkway Theater this Friday at 4pm and 10:30pm and on Sunday at 2:35pm. The New Parkway Theater features cozy couches plus yummy food and local beer and wine at affordable prices. Tickets to the film are $8-10. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk eight minutes to 474 24th St.

Shen Yun by Downtown Berkeley

Travel back to the magical world of ancient China with Shen Yun. Dancers, colorful costumes, high-tech backdrops and a live orchestra have come together to illustrate 5,000 years of Chinese culture and create an inspiring and uplifting theatrical experience. Tickets range from $80-$220 and can be bought online. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and walk 10 minutes to Zellerbach Hall.

Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker by 19th St/Oakland

The spirit of the holidays is brought to life by the Oakland Ballet Company with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery and imaginative costumes. Cheer on Marie and her soldiers as she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King and then soar with our dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets where luscious treats await. With the Oakland Symphony along with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bringing Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to life – Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker is fun for the whole family. The Nutcracker is at the Paramount Theatre, minutes from 19th St/Oakland, December 21-22. Tickets are available online and start at $20.

Craneway Craft Fair by Richmond

See the original handmade work of more than 200 diverse exhibitors, including both master artisans and emerging newcomers. Their original art and crafts fill the pavilion along with fair trade and non-profit vendors. The fair happens on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Tickets are available online or at the door. Take BART to the Richmond station and catch the FREE shuttle. The shuttle will run from 9:30am-5:30pm on both days. Look for signage directing you to the pick-up point as you exit the station.

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair by Downtown Berkeley

Be treated to an abundance of good cheer, great music, fine food, with unique and unusual handcrafts by some of Northern California’s finest artists. The Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair is Saturday & Sunday from 11am-6pm between Dwight & Bancroft Way. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and the fair is a few blocks from the station.

Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s The Christmas Ballet by Montgomery St

It's the last weekend to light up your holiday season with Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet! Snow white classical selections set to cherished carols top off Act I, The Classical Christmas. Don’t miss the return of old favorites, including “Ave Maria,” “The Gloucestershire Wassail,” and “Magnificat,” alongside new creations from local renowned choreographers. The Christmas Ballet is at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts December 12-23 and tickets are available online ranging from $36-$97. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk six minutes to Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Fairy Winterland by 19th St/Oakland

Experience the multicultural magic of Fairy Winterland when Children’s Fairyland transforms with twinkly lights and festive décor. Catch the clickety-clack of the world-famous Tap-Dancing Christmas Trees, holiday puppet shows, hop on the Jolly Trolly, and watch as Black Santa hears children’s wishes and leads the Festival of Lights parade. Admission is $12 and Fairyland is open from 12-7pm. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk 12 minutes to Fairyland.

Winter Holidays at the Exploratorium by Embarcadero

Looking for creative ways to spend quality time with loved ones? Celebrate the holidays Exploratorium-style as two winter traditions return—the whimsical handmade machines of Curious Contraptions and the dazzling lights of Glow. Explore hundreds of perception-altering exhibits, awaken your senses in our famous Tactile Dome, and savor adults-only Thursday nights at After Dark. Plus, you’ll find unusual holiday gifts for everyone on your list, from unique gadgets to an entire year of memorable experiences. Located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, just 20 minutes from the Embarcadero station. Tickets range from $20-$30 and can be purchased online.