Antique sales, expos, home tours for the holiday season
Readers can make merry at a fashion show, historic home tours and antique expos this season:
This marks the 51st year that the league, a nonprofit that supports mental health causes, has sponsored Christmas Tree Elegance. The Nov. 30 champagne brunch is sold out, but there are tickets to the Dec. 1 Champagne Brunch and Silver Bells Gala at the DoubleTree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose. Details: www.vallemonte.org.
This 1856 Victorian farmhouse that was reconfigured in the Queen Anne style in 1880, will be festooned with holiday decor 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16. Adults: $5, children under 12 free. Gingerbread House Boutique open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at the adjacent Concord Events Center. Free. 1721 Amador St., Concord. Details: www. concordhistorical.org.
The tour’s 40year tradition continues with four private residences, the Santa Clara Woman’s Club Abode and the 1850s Larder House on the Santa Clara University campus. Dec. 7 from 6-10 p.m. and Dec. 8 from noon-5 p.m.Tickets: $30 general, $25 seniors (60+) and youths (6-21). If available, tickets the day of the tour will be $35.Details: 408-249-7905, or buy tickets at sc-hometour.com/ tickets.html.
This 1880s StickEastlake-style mansion will be decked out for tours, visits with Santa, reading of classic stories plus holiday craft making Dec. 1, 2, 8, 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Self-guided tours: $3-$5. Free admission for members and children ages 4 and under. 18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. Note: The house is not wheelchair-accessible. Details: 510-581-0223, www.haywardareahistory. org. and other collectibles onsite Dec. 1-2. Free admission and parking; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2. Community Activity Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City. Details: www.penpex.org.
Hunt for presents for the “Star Wars” or “Wonder Woman” fan on your gift list. This Dec. 8 show-sale will feature more than 200 vendors. Admission: $15 at 9 a.m., $10 11 a.m-4:30 p.m., $4 for kids under 12. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Details: 408-809-4457, or www.timetunnelnews. blogspot.com.
This is a resale shop supporting EMQ Families First. Donated merchandise changes weekly, so you don’t know what you’ll discover. 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. On Nov. 2324, all goods half-price. 245 W. Main St., Los Gatos. Details: 408-354-4072 or http://www.happydragonthriftshop.org/
A day of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations with exhibits, live music, children’s activities, gift shop, book signing and refreshments. 4-8 p.m. Nov. 23. Free admission. Regular hours: 1-4 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Ave., Saratoga. Details: 408-867-4311, or www.saratogahistory.com.
At this nonprofit museum, the many talented volunteers have been engaged in creating their coveted lacecovered glass ornaments. Prices: $5-$25. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Red Dot-Green Dot gift shop sale through December. Admission: Free; donations welcome. 552 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. Details: 408-730-4695, or www. thelacemuseum.org.
This annual event will be held Dec. 15-16 at the I.D.E.S. Society Hall, 735 Main St., Half Moon Bay. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 16. Admission: $6. Portion of proceeds helps Sweet Farm Foundation animal rescue organization. Details: www.hmbantiquesshow.com.
Find Steven Wayne Yvaska’s column twice monthly at www. mercurynews.com. Contact him at steve.yvaska@ sbcglobal.net.