Dia de los Muertos Celebration:
We invite you to join us as we gather in the community during these two days to remember, honor, and celebrate our loved ones who have passed on. People come together to create altars in honor of late loves ones. Learn about multicultural traditions, including songs, dance, and food.  There are also creative activities for youth. The event is free and takes place in Old Courthouse Square. Donations are welcome at sonomacf.org or at the event. For more info, call Naomi at 543-4625.

Panel Discussion - Representing War:
In connection with the Depravities of War exhibition, come hear a panel of journalists, photo journalists, and art historians discuss how war has been represented in history and in the media today. Admission: $10 general & $5 museum members. Call 707.579.1500 x 17 for reservations or email jbethke@sonomacountymuseum.org. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

First Friday at Sonoma County Museum:
Join us for a special poetry reading with local celebrity poets, Jane Stuppin, Sarah Baker, and Jonah Raskin. Join us each First Friday of the month as we remain open late with entertainment & refreshments donated by Diamond Oaks Winery and Lagunitas Brewing Co. Admission: $5 general & free for members. Join the museum for as low as $20! Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

When the Dead Return--Chronicles of the dead:
In addition to learning about the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead in a fun way,  "When The Dead Return" tells the story of two people who return from the dead to see their family and learn the impact their death has had on their community... Seating is limited, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to show time. $5 donation at the door. Imaginists Theater Collective, 461 Sebastopol Avenue. theimaginists.org

Alzheimers, Alzheimers, Cha Cha Cha:
76-year-old comedian Lynn Ruth Miller presents her critically-praised cabaret comedy, which pokes fun at aging and mortality with a risque and ridiculous blend of song dance and comedy. Routinely a hit (three years running) at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Miler's new show has been called her strongest and funniest yet. With Larry Dunlap at the piano. $5 - $15 sliding scale. Tickets available at the Glaser Center (547 Mendocino Avenue), The Last Record Store, and at the door. glasercenter.com

7th Annual Run to Stop Hunger:
10K and 5K run and 2-mile Family Walk that start in Railroad Square's Depot Park and run along the Santa Rosa Creek. We have a new aspect of the event this year! iWALK Sonoma is sponsoring the 2-mile Family Walk and putting on iSpy by iWALK, a visual scavenger hunt for the whole family. Family Walk participants will be looking for items within the artwork along the Prince Memorial Greenway--such as a steelhead trout, a river otter, a woolly mammoth, and more!  We will also have Clo the Cow out on the course for the walkers to spot. They will keep track of what they spot on an iSpy playing card and turn it in at the finish line to be entered into a raffle to win an iWALK gift bag full of healthy family goodies! Cost to participate is only a $10 donation per family. Families are encouraged to raise more in pledges since this event benefits the Redwood Empire Food Bank and F.I.S.H. fleetfeetsantarosa.com/rtsh

An Italian, a Greek and a Scotsman Walk Into a Bar:
In these tough economic times, the Glaser Center is doing it's part by presenting three headliners for the price of one! Don't miss this night of brilliant stand-up comedy. As heard on the Bob and Tom Show, Bay Area comedian Dan St. Paul (VH-1, A&E), plus Costaki Economopoulos (Comedy Central) and impressionist Mike Macrae (Late Show w/ David Letterman) team up for a powerhouse night of heavy-hitter hilarity. Folks will be talking about this show the next day--make sure you're one of them. All seats $15. The Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Avenue. glasercenter.com

1940's Radio Hour:
A holiday treat full of 1940s big-band music, swing dancing, patriotism, and old-fashioned sound effects. Take a musical sentimental journey to a bygone era as you experience this "live" radio broadcast from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room on December 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era, when the world was at war and pop music meant "Strike Up the Band" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (both are in the show), is accurately captured as the harassed producer copes with a drunk lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the mike, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad, and the trumpet playing sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th Street. 6thstreetplayhouse.com

Winterblast:
Join us for an open studios celebration for the artists of SOFA (South A Street Arts District). This year is the 5th annual BIG family winter festival/carnival. It includes art, live music, entertainment, food, ice sculptures, our SOFA parade and more. A neighborhood-wide event! South A St at Sebastopol Ave.

La Guinguette:
Close your eyes and let the music of La Guingette transport you into the heart of Paris, or perhaps the small towns and villages of southern Italy. Enchanting melodies made famous by the likes of Edith Piaf, Fabrizio di Andre, Luciene Delyle and Mireille Athieu are interpreted by these wonderful performers, weaving hteir talents into an emroidery of assordion, guitar, and beautiful vocals, performed in the original French and Italina languages. Christine LeLaure - vocalist, Al Haas - guitar & vocal, and Robert Lunceford - accordion. The Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Avenue. glasercenter.com

Artist's Talk--Mad Science Artists:
Come hear what some of the artists in the Mad Science exhibit have to say about their works of art. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

Camera Obscura:
Growing up in late 19th century Buenos Aries, Gertrudis is a disappointment to her mother from the moment of her birth. As the invisible ugly duckling, she is compelled to create beauty in everything she does, while remaining unseen. Married off to an older Jewish rancher, her husband hires an itinerant photographer for a family portrait. Through the photographer’s eyes, Gertrudis becomes visible for the first time. This luminous, artistic film uses archival and surrealistic photographs, black and white film, and hand drawn animation. Drama, Argentina, 86 minutes, Spanish and Yiddish, English subtitles. Underwritten by Berni Baxter, Coldwell Banker.

See the Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival website for tickets and more shows in the series. This show takes place at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, in Historic Railroad Square.

Members Preview -- Bittersweet Harvest:
World War II, the shortage of agricultural workers resulting from the war prompted Congress to create the Bracero Program, bringing temporary workers into the United States from Mexico. On display through January 30. Please call 707-579-1500 x 13 or email swiseman@sonomacountymuseum.org to become a member. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

Ham for the Holidays, a Special Preview:
Set on Chiristmas Eve in a small Georgia radio station circa 1940, a group of actors awaits the arrival of Orson Welles, who is scheduled to make a guest appearance on their broadcast. This bright new holidayi comedy played to sold out houses last season.

Performance presented by the Sonoma County Book Festival and the Sonoma County Public Library Foundation. 7pm reception, 8pm curtain at the 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th Street. Click here for a flyer!

Winter Lights | Downtown Santa Rosa's Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting:
Kick off the holiday season at our Downtown Holiday Open House from 12-5pm. Festivities abound including sales and specials, free gift wrapping, goodies to eat, validated garage parking, live music and Downtown Gift Basket raffle! Visit any participating business to pick up your passport rack card, visit at least 6 of the shops and restaurants to get your card stamped and you'll be entered in a drawing for a fabulous Downtown Gift Basket.

The fun continues at the Winter Light Tree Lighting with Free Children's Activities in the square beginning at 5pm including free pictures with Santa, the Sonoma County Children's Museum on the Go, crafts from Don't Throw that Away and more!

The Sutter VNA & Hospice Lights of Life Tree Lighting Program begins at 6pm with more kids crafts, a visit from Santa, Downtown Gift Basket raffle, live music from the Santa Rosa Children's Chorus and of course, the magical and memorable candle lighting and tree lighting ceremony.

Fun for the entire family....come home for the holidays to YOUR downtown tree lighting event! Brought to you by the City of Santa Rosa, Exchange Bank, Soroptimist and the Downtown Santa Rosa Merchants. santarosacourthousesquare.com 

Holiday Shop Sale & Member Appreciation Event:
Museum members receive 20% off on all Museum Shop merchandise. Light refreshments served. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

Complimentary Horse and Carriage Rides:
Starts the weekend after Thanksgiving and extends through the holiday season. A Railroad Square tradition for over 24 years, the Carriage Rides are sponsored by the Historic Railroad Square Association. Meet at the Depot every Saturday and Sunday 11am- 4pm, weather permitting, and also Christmas Eve, 11am-3pm. Enjoy the festive, decorated windows from the vantage point of an old fashioned carriage. Shop Dine & Visit in Historic Railroad Square. railroadsquare.net

Ham for the Holidays:
The 6th Street Playhouse presents an encore presentation of the bright new holiday comedy which played to sold out houses in 2009! The 6th Street Playhouse dishes up second helping of "Ham for the Holidays." There's only one thing they want for Christmas. Radio actors at WHAM want to unwrap Orson Welles for Christmas. Orson's the last hope for this struggling little radio station in Hamlin, Georgia. It's Dec. 24, 1939 and anything could happen. Hilarity ensures when actors at WHAM spend a long winter's night awaiting the arrival of Mr. Welles in "Ham for the Holidays" the smashing new holiday comedy - a family-friendly, seasonal treat sprinkled with holiday music from the era. Written by Santa Rosa native Shad Willingham, "Ham for the Holidays" debuted with a critically acclaimed world premiere at the 6th Street Playhouse in 2009. Tickets $10-25. Order tickets online, by calling 707-523-4185, or at the door.
Reservations recommended. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th St. 6thstreetplayhouse.com

Hey Hey It's Esther Blueberger:
In this coming-of-age comedy, Esther, a feisty outsider at her posh private girls’ school, becomes desperate to fit in and discover her true self at the time of her Bat Mitzvah. Secretly, rebelling against her “perfect” upper middle class parents, Esther befriends Sunni, a public school bad girl and her super hip mom. Adopting a new identity, Esther becomes entangled in a web of lies, betrayal and bullying, ultimately finding a more honest self in the process. Actors include Keisha Castle-Hughes, Toni Collette and Danielle Catanzariti (winner of AFI Young Actors Award). Comedy, Australia, 103 minutes, English.

See the Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival website for tickets and more shows in the series. This show takes place at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, in Historic Railroad Square.

A Christmas Carol:
An original adaptation of the classic story by Charles Dickens, created and performed by The Imaginists Theatre Collective’s Project 104. Like Scrooge's three Spirits, the Imaginists, with astonishing simplicity, conjure up the tale of a life redeemed. In and around our theater, onstage and among the audience, the ghosts murmur and beckon. Scrooges proliferate, ghosts converge and distill. Using ancient and modern techniques of theater, the Imaginists ensemble brings new life to Dickens' perennial tale. Tickets on sale at Brown Paper Tickets beginning November 1. No one turned away for lack of funds. Seating is limited; please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to show time. Imaginists Theater Collective, 461 Sebastopol Avenue. theimaginists.org

Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Party:
The museum is hosting its annual volunteer appreciation holiday reception. Volunteers, Docents, Trustees, Emeriti Trustees, and museum Auxiliary members are welcome.
Join us for a robotics demonstration by Dr. James Gude. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

Open House at Church of One Tree:
You are invited to an open house at the newly restored Church of One Tree, 492 Sonoma Avenue, located in Juilliard Park. Admission is Free. Get a tour, have refreshments, and enjoy the entertainment. Ride Rosie the Trolley from the Dickens Holiday Crafts fair at Finley Community Center to the Church of One Tree. For more information please call the Recreation and Parks Department at 707-543-3737.

Holiday Merchant Open House:
The Railroad Square Merchants welcome you to stroll through their shops and enjoy holiday cheer, special sales and a warm welcome. Music on the street and old fashioned carriage rides (weather permitting) will get you in the holiday spirit. railroadsquare.net

31st Annual Holiday Open House at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens:
Enjoy a 31-year community tradition! Tour the historic home decked out in Victorian Holiday finery. In the music room, listen to live music featuring flute, recorder, and guitar.  Complimentary fresh baked cookies and spiced tea will be served in the Greenhouse. See the latest exhibit and shop for unique items in the Carriage House Museum & Gift Shop while kids have fun working on a holiday craft activity.  Experience a charming reminder of bygone days. Admission is $2 ages 12 and over. FREE PARKING and FREE RIDES on "Rosie the Trolley." Santa Rosa and Sonoma Avenues, downtown Santa Rosa.  707-524-5445. lutherburbank.org

Free Family Day - Bad Science Meets History:
Arts & craft activites for the whole family! Activities include robot crafts and traditional Mexican folk musicians. This is a free program courtesy of Luther Burbank Savings and AT&T. A suggested donation of $5 will support the museum's ongoing exhibition program. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

Film, Harvest of Loneliness - The Bracero Program:
Starting at 2:00pm, a documentary film on the Bracero program. SCM screens “Harvest of Loneliness: The Bracero Program”. The film includes interviews of former braceros and their families, as well as footage of work sites, old living quarters, processing centers, and sending villages. It was made by Gilbert Gonzalez, professor emeritus at UC Irvine, and won awards including Best Documentary at the 2010 Los Angeles Latino Film Festival. Gonzalez will be at the screening to present his film and answer questions. Read more at www.socsci.uci.edu/node/1654. Museum admission fees apply: $5 General admission, $2 Students and seniors, Free for Members, Free for Children under 12. Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th Street. sonomacountymuseum.org

Memorial Hospice Tree Lighting Celebration:
Join in a community sing and celebration of loved ones, past and present. Meet in Depot Park at 6PM for the annual hour long Tree Lighting ceremony. railroadsquare.net

Do Tell Story Swap:
Second Wednesday of each month at Foster Story Studio, 1000 Humboldt Street. FREE -  tellers and listeners invited. Contact Elaine Stanley or Kenneth Foster at 707-540-0655, 7070-539-3642, or dotellstoryswap@comcast.net.

6th Street Playhouse Holiday Open House:
Will feature backstage tours of the Playhouse, holiday cookies, snacks, hot apple cider, eggnog, music, song, and good cheer! Join us to celebrate the holidays. All ages invited to this fun FREE event! No RSVP is necessary, just come as you are. We will also be drawing the winning raffle ticket for the Sonoma County Treasure Trove, the grand prize winner will receive a treasure chest filled with thousands of dollars worth of treasures from all around Sonoma County! 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th St. 6thstreetplayhouse.com

Holiday Community Outreach to the Homeless:
Serving coffee, muffins, and handing out coats in Courthouse Square.