|
Christmas in the Castro
Neighborhood Gets Ready for Holiday Season
Even the classic F-Market train gets in on the
holiday spirit in the Castro. By Romanus Wolter
Even in our passionately non-traditional neighborhood, where Halloween best represents our taste for celebration and Burning Man has been called our Christmas party, holiday signs are plentiful.
The Castro holiday traditions extend from the spirited crowd decorating the tree at the corner of Castro and 18th streets Nov. 26 to the lights hanging from the front awning of stores to the red ribbons tied around the palm trees on Market Street. And, the fabulous holiday window display at Cliff’s Variety should not be missed.
As the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus prepares for its popular holiday shows, Dr. Kathleen McGuire, artistic director and conductor, reminisces on how “in many respects, the Castro represents my true Christmas. Even though my biological family is 10,000 miles away, it’s a place where I can be true to myself, and be surrounded by love.”
Shelah Barr, owner of Happy Hounds Massage, loves the immense calm and quiet the holidays bring.
“It’s one of the few days of the year I feel like everything gets a break from the usual,” she said. “On Christmas it’s almost like the Castro gives itself a kind and loving hug. It’s a delicious sensation.”
On the top of Corona Heights, Julie Dodd Tetzlaff, art and special events director at the Randall Museum, “loves celebrating the holidays in the Castro because of its colorful diversity and openness to celebrating all winter traditions.”
“Christmas in the Castro is magical because there is no better place to celebrate this event than at the gayest place on earth!” said Richard from local small business Best in Show.
MaeJoy B. WithU, a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, will attend Christmas Eve service at the Most Holy Redeemer and spend the next day serving meals and delivering presents throughout the city.
The following are highlights of holiday events in the Castro:
Sightseeing for Christmas Decorations at Liberty Hill and Corona Heights
Visit the most colorfully decorated houses in the Castro. Every year homeowners put up huge, decorated Christmas trees that are surrounded by giant presents, stuffed animals, toys, elves and holiday spectacles.
Liberty Hill is located on the middle of the hill near 21st and Valencia streets. Corona Heights is located just south of Buena Vista Park at the intersection of Masonic Avenue and Upper Terrace.
Randall Children’s Museum Holiday Crafts Day, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Want to avoid the stressful holiday routine and get some relief from the consumerism of the holidays? This event provides the opportunity to get creative and make inexpensive gifts yourself. You can create beeswax candles and holders, scented soaps and much more. For more information, visit: randallmuseum.org
Best in Show Christmas Photo Opportunity, Dec. 1, 12 – 4 p.m.
Mrs. Claus is making a return appearance at Best in Show on Dec. 1 for a photo opportunity with local photographer, Michael Tedesco. All proceeds benefit Positive Resource Center. Visit bestinshowsf.com for more information.
Events at the Castro Theatre
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus “Home for the Holidays” Concert: Dec. 13 and 24
This is the ‘must attend’ event of the season. The 200-plus men of the Gay Men’s Chorus, directed by Dr. Kathleen McGuire, will be entertaining audiences with their beloved traditions such as the holiday sing-along, the Hallelujah chorus and music from a multitude of faiths.
Tickets and further information: sfgmc.org
A Very Merry Disco Christmas
There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than strutting over to the Castro and reliving the days of Disco Fever. “A Very Merry Disco Christmas” features Randy Jones, the cowboy from the Village People. There will be a “Village People Look-a-Like Contest” and a screening of the camp classic “Can’t Stop the Music.”
Ticket information: 863-0611
Most Holy Redeemer Church
For the holidays, the church has a special Christmas Eve mass and invites a number of speakers to share information on the religious aspects of the holiday every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Their next speaker is Ms. Ora Prochovnick, the president of the synagogue at the Shaar Zahav Congregation.
The AIDS Emergency Fund Christmas Eve Dinner, Dec. 24th, War Memorial
Building, 401 Van Ness Ave.
There are three seatings for the lavish holiday dinner for people living with HIV/AIDS. There will be turkey and all the trimmings at this lavish holiday dinner for people with HIV/AIDS. Tickets are available at the major AIDS service organizations in the City. For more information visit aidsemergencyfund.org.
|
