Best bets for the weekend, Nov 23-25

Watch as the Sonoma Valley lights up from the annual lighting of snowmen at Cornerstone Gardens this Saturday. (photo by Scott Manchester)

This weekend is all about shopping, digesting, and getting full swing into the whirlwind of the holidays.  But if you’re able to come up for air, there are a few events you’ll want to check out.

Friday, Nov. 23
Santa Rosa Open House & Tree Lighting: Round out your Black Friday of holiday shopping by visiting the merchants of downtown Santa Rosa.  From noon to 5 p.m., restaurants and shops will be offering holiday discounts, and the town will be filled with carolers, tasty food, and seasonal festivities, decorated to the holiday nines for the start of the season.  Stick around, because the large tree in Courthouse Square will be lit up for the tree lighting ceremony from 5-7 p.m., and includes a visually stunning candle lighting ceremony.  Downtown Santa Rosa.  facebook.com/CourthouseSquare

Friday, Nov. 23
Hopmonk Novato’s Grand Opening:  Hopmonk Tavern gives us another reason to be thankful by opening up their third location. Celebrating the right way, they’ve invited Forbeck and Poor Man’s Whiskey to kick off what’s bound to be an awesome hangout in Marin County.  $ TBD.  21-plus.  9 p.m.  224 Vintage Way, Novato.   facebook.com/hopmonknovato

Santa arrives by tugboat in Petaluma on Saturday. (Kent Porter/PD)

Saturday, Nov. 24
Riverboat Santa: Jolly St. Nick makes his annual trek down the Petaluma River, landing in the Turning Basin of Historic Downtown Petaluma to visit and hear holiday wishes. Festivities start at 11 a.m., Santa arrives at noon. Free. Close to 6 Petaluma Blvd. N, Petaluma. visitpetaluma.com

Saturday, Nov. 24
Annual Lighting of the Snowmen:  Cornerstone hosts the visual treat of lit up snowmen despite our lack of snow!  Along with live music, ballet performances, and a Holiday Beer Garden where the grown ups get to keep their steins, is the infamous big blue chair where Santa will be hanging out for photos and Christmas wishes.  Plus, the event doubles as a benefit for Pets Life Line through ticket sales for activities and treats like decorating gingerbread cookies, face painting, holiday crafts and games, grab-bag gifts, hot chocolate, and roasted chestnuts.  4-8 p.m.  Cornerstone Sonoma.  23667 Hwy 121, Sonoma.  cornerstonesonoma.com

Saturday, Nov. 24
Get stuffed:  The World’s Biggest Comedy Duo feeds off your post-Thanksgiving leftover binged suggestions for a “Whose Line Is It Anyway” styled improv. Special guest is magician Ken Garr.  $10-14. 13-plus.  8 p.m.  6th Street Playhouse.  52 W 6th Street, Santa Rosa.  worldsbiggestcomedyduo.com

Unique crafts can be found at this weekend’s Crafterino in Petaluma.

Saturday, Nov. 24
Crafterino:  The annual craft mart with adorable handmade crafts is back this year in a fundraiser to benefit Cots.  First 50 entrants receive Crafterino Swag Bags.  $1.  11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall.  1094 Petaluma Blvd S., Petaluma.  petalumadowntown craftmart.com
View last year’s event by CLICKING HERE.

Nov. 23-25
Circus Acts, the play: Merlyn Q. Sell offers an intimate peek behind the curtain, showcasing two rings of entertainment, and the lives of those who live on stage beneath the tent. Also showing Nov. 30 – Dec 1. Rated PG-13. $10. 8 p.m. Glaser Center. 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. circus-acts.brownpapertickets.com

And that’s not all….

We’ve got your post-food coma guide to what’s happening in the 707 nightlife scene, from live music to comedy and more, at 707.pressdemocrat.com/nightlife.

Plus, get a headstart on your holiday happenings by checking out 707.pressdemocrat.com/holidays.