Holiday Happenings

Santa Claus is everywhere! He and his elves are making lists of what kids want for Christmas and who's been naughty or nice.

Parents and children can take a photo with Santa at his cabin in The Village next to the children's play area by Macy's.

Santa will be branching out Friday with another North Pole outlet at the Corte Madera Town Center. Beginning November 25 through December 24, bring the kids for a free photo with Santa at the holiday gift wrap center, located in the 770 Office Building Lobby next to Barnes & Noble. After you’ve found the perfect gifts at any of the Town Center retailers, bring it to the holiday gift wrap center for a free gift wrap by volunteers from Hospice By The Bay.

And don’t forget that Town Center’s “World’s Largest Turkey” will be accepting donations throughout the holidays to help needy families in Marin. Donations are collected and distributed by Marin Food Bank. For a directory of retail shops for your holiday needs, visit the Town Center website.

The Town Center is offering a month of holiday music and fun. The Corte Madera Town Band will play Sunday, 1-3 p.m. The Dartmouth Subtleties will appear Dec. 11, 2-3 p.m., and the Barbershop Quartet is scheduled to perform Dec. 17, 1-2 p.m.

THE VILLAGE
• The Stapleton School ballet dancers will perform at noon on Saturday at The Village.

• Jump, jive and wail with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for The Village holiday tree lighting Dec. 1, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Talented students from Neil Cummins Elementary School, Hall Middle School, St. Mark's School and Tomales High School will share the holiday season with performances on several dates in December. The Barbershop Chorus is scheduled for Dec. 17, 12-12:30 p.m. and the Jazz Kings will entertain on Dec. 24, 12-1:30 p.m.

• The Village is also offering a week of Chanukah events, Dec. 20-27, 5:30 p.m. each day, except Dec. 24-25.

CHARITY CHEER
• The Twin Cities Police Department kicks off its "Things for Teens and Toys for Kids" holiday drive on Dec. 3 at The Village.

Gifts may be dropped off at any of the following locations until Sunday, December 18:

• Twin Cities Police Department, 5725 Paradise Dr, Suite 900, Bldg E, Corte Madera

• Corte Madera Fire Department, 342 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera

• Concierge Office at The Village, Redwood Highway, Corte Madera

There will also be a collection site at The Village Shopping Center in the center court, hosted by Twin Cities Police, Larkspur and Corte Madera Fire Personnel and Corte Madera Lion’s Club on: Saturdays and Sundays December 3, 4, 10, 11 from 12-5 p.m. And Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dec 16-18 from 12-5 p.m.

All items will be distributed to our local youth and children in Marin Health and Human Services. We are especially looking for items for older kids and teens.

Some suggestions are movie passes, gift cards to music, book stores and clothing stores, or eating establishments. Monetary donations will be used to fill wish lists.

For more information contact Officer Patty Monge, Twin Cities Police Authority, 927-5150

TASTY TREATS
Happy holidays from The Tavern at Lark Creek, which will begin offering lunch on weekdays, starting next Thursday, December 1 through December 30, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The menu from Chef Aaron Wright will include such dishes as:

• Harvest Squash Bisque with pickled wild mushrooms and extra virgin olive oil ($6.95/8.95)

• Macaroni & Cheese Croquettes with cheddar cheese fondue ($8.95)

• Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with bibb lettuce, honey lavender almonds and huckleberry vinaigrette ($9.95)

• Seared Tombo Tuna Sandwich with roasted garlic aioli, pickled red onions, cucumbers and green salad ($14.95)

• Flat Iron Steak Salad with iceburg wedge, green goddess dressing and pickled red onions ($17.50)

• Day Boat Scallops with cranberry vinaigrette, sunchokes, chanterelles and Brussels sprouts ($21.50)

• Pumpkin Braised Short Rib with sweet onion, polenta, sugar pumpkin and autumn vegetable salad ($22.50)

The restaurant will also offer a hearty three course prix-fixe featuring Roasted Pear Salad, Braised Short Ribs and Classic Butterscotch Pudding for $32.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Mimi the Sardine's Black Cyber sale kicks off Friday and continues through Monday. Enjoy 20 percent or more off the entire online shop. Savings include $19.95 lunchbugs, $12 Mimi Home placemats, $15.95 aprons, and more. The Corte Madera store will be offering the same savings, Friday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Monday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 
SWEDISH HOLIDAY DECORATION WORKSHOP
Bring your kids and friends to a craft workshop with Pia Andersson (Swede and Mimi the Sardine's CEO and founder) to learn how to make smällkarameller, a Swedish Holiday decoration made from tissue paper, cardboard, and with a candy surprise inside. Good for all ages. Children under 7 years of age with an adult only.

The cost is $15. Materials and hot cider are provided. Reservations are required. Call 415-924-9222 or email pia@mimithesardine.com to RSVP.

Where: Mimi the Sardine, 305 Montecito Ave A, Corte Madera.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 6 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.