Snow in San Francisco? Not quite, but every year we pretend and the City opens up two wonderful ice rinks during the holiday season. It’s a great way to burn-off those Christmas cookies, celebrate the New Year, or just get the kids out of the house! So grab your earmuffs, mittens and enjoy a day outdoors in beautiful downtown San Francisco.

HOLIDAY ICE RINK AT UNION SQUARE

OPEN: until Monday, January 18, 2010.

HOURS OF OPERATION: 10:00 am-10:00 pm, Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 am-11:30 pm on Friday & Saturday. 90 minute session, start every even hour

Note: Closes at 9:30 p.m. on December 31

HOLIDAY ICE RINK AT THE EMBARCEDERO CENTER

OPEN: through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

LOCATED:  at the Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center and across from the historic Ferry Building.

HOURS OF OPERATION: 10:00 am-10:00 pm, Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 am-11:30 pm on Friday & Saturday. 90 minute session, start every even hour

3 FOR ALL and True Fiction Magazine, the legendary, internationally-known San Francisco based improv troupes join forces on Thursday, December 31 for an evening of comedy, drama and impromptu mayhem. Using suggestions from the audience, the members of 3 FOR ALL (Rafe Chase, Stephen Kearin & Tim Orr) and True Fiction Magazine (Regina Saisi, Barbara Scott & Diane Rachel) spontaneously create thrilling theatrical stories where none existed before. Don’t worry…you won’t be dragged up on stage. But you will be on the edge of your seat in amazement as these fabulous stories are created right before your eyes. In an era when tickets for New Year’s Eve events can exceed $100, this unique show is a great value for $30. A first-rate evening of theater, affordable tickets and inexpensive parking. Important note: This event has sold out every year, so call for tickets soon. Show at 8pm (ends about 10pm) at Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. Tickets are $30 for general admission reserved seating; $25 students & seniors. For information and tickets, call 415-345-7575 or go to www.fortmason.org/boxoffice.

Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon, the world’s longest running musical revue, welcomes the new decade with two special New Year’s Eve performances on Thursday, December 31, 2009. Both the 7pm & 10:15pm shows will feature a pastiche of the best and worst of 2009 – Beach Blanket Babylon style.  Guests at each show will receive champagne and See’s chocolates.  The second show, ending at the stroke of midnight, will feature post-show dancing until 1:30am.
The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza also includes a chorus line of tap dancing Christmas trees, special parodies of traditional Christmas carols and a gigantic Yuletide hat.  Snow White continues her fast-paced musical journey around the world in search of her “Prince Charming” and encounters a star-studded, ever-changing line-up of hilarious pop-culture characters along the way.
Beach Blanket Babylon plays at Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.) in San Francisco. New Year’s Eve tickets: $190 – $65. For tickets call (415) 421-4222 or visit www.beachblanketbabylon.com. Photo I.D. required.  Persons under 21 not admitted to evening performances.

Victorian Home Walk tour will include a visit inside a home decorated in the 1890′s holiday style, along with the regular houses which are decorated on the outside. It’s a true Victorian Christmas experience! Walks will be given December 1-31. Meet in Union Square on the corner of Powell and Post Streets, across from Saks Fifth, Sunday-Saturday 11am. Cost is $25. For more information, call 415-824-2666 or visit www.victorianalliance.org.