Whether you’re looking for holiday show or homemade crafts, a tea party or a hometown celebration, there’s plenty to do in the valley in the upcoming weeks. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve heard of so far:

Nov. 23

Yountville’s 19th Festival of Lights transforms the town into a winter wonderland complete with carolers, elves, horse-drawn carriage rides and a visit from the big guy. Throughout December there are a variety of activities starting November 23 with a block party. At 2:00 p.m., a parade ushers Santa into his West Pole post. Twenty-plus wineries and the town’s top tables (French Laundry, Bouchon Bakery, étoile, Redd, Brix, Bistro Jeanty, Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar, Bouchon, Pacific Blues, Napa Valley Grille) serve up tastes along Washington Street while galleries, boutiques and restaurants open their doors for late-night shopping and dining.

Nov. 24

Napa’s 45th holiday parade:,“A Christmas Carol: A Dickens of a Parade!” begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, at Napa City Hall, rain or shine. The free event ends at Copia with holiday tree lighting party, 6-7:30 p.m. with caroling and dance performances as well as Santa time for the kids.

Pre-parade activities begin at 4 p.m., including Dolly’s Tappers, the Strolling Accordionists and other musical entertainment on First Street. The Parade Grand Marshall is the Napa Valley Marketplace. Although the parade is free, interested participants must fill out an application, which they can download at www.napadowntown.com. Info, 257-0322.

Napa Potter Mel Simpson holds his annual Christmas Pottery Sale & Open Studio 2007 Saturday, Nov. 24; Sunday, Nov. 25; Saturday, Dec. 1; and Sunday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 707 California Blvd.(at the corner of Oak Street and California Boulevard). The show will also include handmade Christmas ornaments by Austin Simpson. For more information call 363-7609.

Decorate Your Very Own Gingerbread House, noon to 2 p.m., at Copia (also offered Saturday, Dec.1). Bring your kids to decorate a pre-constructed holiday gingerbread chalet with help from Copia’s culinary instructors and then leave the clean-up to them. Limited seating; advance reservations recommended. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Prices include admission. One person decorating one house $35; each extra house $25; each additional child or adult $10. Reservations, info, 259-1600.

The Broadway touring company brings “Evita” to the Lincoln Theater in Yountville for three performances. Winner of seven Tony awards, “Evita” tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber’sLatin, pop and jazz-influenced score. Performance are Nov. 24 at 3 p.m.; Nov. 24 at 8 p.m.; and Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets $45-125. Info and tickets, 944-1300 or www.lincolntheater.org.

Nov. 30

“Sounds of the Season,” a dinner show and silent auction for the Vintage High School choir program, takes place at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Grand Ballroom 3425 Solano Ave., in Napa. Advance tickets are $75 or $90 at the door. Info and tickets, 299-2520.

The talented young musicians of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony present the season opener. Selections include Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, Humperdinck’s Prelude from Hansel and Gretel, and concert favorites from Strauss and Sousa. General admission tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for students; ages 12 and under are free. 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville.

Sue Payne and Friends present the 12th Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Friday, 1-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Welcome Grange Hall, 3275 Hagen Road, Napa. Fine arts and crafts from 25 artists.

Napa Community Potters holds its Holiday Pottery Sale, the bi-annual sale featuring functional and sculptural ceramic ware and mosaics. Evening reception and pre-sale is 6-8 p.m. The sale continues Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Napa Valley College Community Education Center, 1360 Menlo Ave., Napa.

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop presents a “Jewelry Extravaganza,” a collection of men’s and women’s new and vintage jewelry, costume jewelry and watches. The sale is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and continues Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Dec. 2, noon to 4 p.m. 1342 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 224-4398.

The Napa Valley Symphony League holds the 15th annual Festival of Trees Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Raffle tickets are sold for holiday trees and wreaths decorated by 22 local designers. The Cabaret Cabernet Gala Dinner and Auction, featuring Broadway singer and actress, Jeri Sager, is on Nov. 30 at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. Tickets are $225 per person. The fashion show and luncheon, with Helen Lyall providing the entertainment with her holiday fashions, is on Dec. 1, also at the Meritage. $90 per person. Info, 226-6872.

Copia’s Friday Night Flick is “White Christmas,” (1954), directed by Michael Curtiz. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are song-and-dance men who hook up, romantically and professionally, with a “sister” act to put on a big show to benefit the struggling ski resort lodge run by the beloved old retired general of their World War II Army outfit. With an all Irving Berlin song score, and in ultra-festive Technicolor, “White Christmas” plays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 general, $8 for Copia members. A complimentary wine tasting and mini-concert precedes the film, 7:15-8 p.m.

Dec. 1

Mayor Jack Gingles plays his annual role of Santa Claus as Calistoga hosts its Lighted Tractor Parade Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. in Tractors, antique trucks and construction equipment make their way through downtown Calistoga, decked out in the most dazzling display of Christmas lights.

The day begins at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga for the Christmas Bazaar, which features handmade crafts, gifts, food and children’s activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Just before the parade 5-6 p.m. the Calistoga Inn welcomes guests to their patio for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and cider for the kids and eggnog for the grownups. This event is free to the public.

After the parade, take the kids to the Calistoga Community Center where they can create holiday crafts, nosh on refreshments, sing Christmas carols and enjoy a living nativity. This event begins after the parade, until 9 p.m. and is free to the public.

St. Helena holds a Hometown Holiday Celebration, beginning at 8 a.m. The schedule is as follows: 8-10 a.m. pancake breakfast with Santa at St. Helena Elementary, 1325 Adams St.

11 a.m., free children’s holiday movie at the Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St.;

2 p.m., Santa sighting on the fire truck Main Street to Adams and strolling carolers (the St. Helena Chamber Choir);

2:30 p.m., pictures with Santa at Alan’s Portrait Studio, 1371 Main St., St. Helena. Info, 963-4453 or Joann@sthelena.com.

The Napa Valley Yacht Club presents its annual lighted boat parade, “Light Up the Napa River Night,” on Dec. 1. All decorated boats are welcome to join this event. Prizes are awarded for the best-decorated boats. Info, Charlie Agnew at 255-8115.

Cedar Gables Inn holds the West Coast Gingerbread House Contest Dec. 1 at 486 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 224-7969 or info@cedargablesinn.com.

Giant Christmas Cookie Sale: Love holiday cookies but don’t have time to bake them? Copia’s gathering specialty cookies from the best bakeries in the Bay Area, including Copia’s culinary team’s favorite recipes, and creating a cookie bar where you can choose your favorites. Create boxes to be used as gifts, or select an assortment for holiday entertaining at home. Included with admission; cookies sold by the pound.

Also at Copia, starting today are the annual Sugarplum Teas, serving an assortment of savory and sweet baked goods and elegant tea sandwiches with a brimming pot of tea. Traditional holiday tunes on the harp complete this lovely interlude. The Sugarplum Teas take place Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2., 3-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16, 3- 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 (includes admission) or $35 for Copia members. Call 259-1600 for reservations.

The Napa Bed & Breakfast Inns’ annual Holiday B&B Tour and Taste even, Saturday, December 1 from 2 -7 p.m., visits 13 historic inns, where visitors can sample food and wine pairings from Napa chefs and winemakers. Transportation is provided between the inns.

Advance tickets for the Holiday B&B Tour and Taste event are $45 per person and may be purchased online at http://www.historicinns.com or http://napaholidaytour.com/ or by calling 280-5425 or 257-1444. The event benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The Napa County Historical Society holds a Sidewalk Sale, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Goodman Library, 1219 First St., Napa.

The M. Mitcavish Glass Studio holds its Holiday Local Art Sale, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Coombs Street, Studio O1, in Napa.

Those who are looking for gift ideas and want to support the locals will find glass dishware, stained glass windows, jewelry, fiber, mosaic, monotypes, mixed media and many more handcrafted items created by Michele Mitcavish, Carrie Strope, Sharon Ryberg, Pattii Zanza, Ed Breed, Dayna Tauro, Fred Morse, Diane Marie Hammond, Kathryn Jackson, Chris Hartung, Kaila Inman, Julie Robertson, Gloria Bazan, Tamara Shortt and Christina Williamson. Info, 226-3613.

Dec. 2

The Napa Valley Symphony continues its historic 75th season with a holiday concert featuring jazz-inspired renditions of holiday classics by New York Voices at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. New York Voices is the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing.

Tickets are $50 per person, and are half-price for children and students. Premium box seats are also available for $75 per person. Reservations, info, 226-8742 or at www.napavalleysymphony.org.

Get “In a Holiday Mood” at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville. Artist Kit Croucher leads a workshop on making paper art by folding, cutting and adding color with markers and soft lead pencils. If you wish to incorporate likenesses of family, pets, or favorite places, bring copies of those photos on paper. 1-4 p.m. $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members. Some materials provided. For adults and children over 8. Reservations, 944-0500.

Dec. 7

Opening at Dreamweavers Theatre is a version of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Louise Anderson. A group of Yuletide party guests are urged by their host to choose parts and read aloud the famous Christmas story, because “it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without hearing ‘A Christmas Carol.’” As the reading progresses, the guests become more and more submersed into the characters they are reading, until the line between their real selves and the much-beloved Dickens’ characters becomes blurred. Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.; and Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Doors open 1 hour before showtime. Seating is done half hour before showtime. Info and reservations, 255-LIVE or www.dreamweaverstheatre.org. $18-20. Dreamweavers is at 1637 Imola Ave., Napa, to the rear of the Riverpark Shopping Center.

Dec. 8

Make old-time Christmas crafts, enjoy treats, sing carols at a Pioneer Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 8, $5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bale Grist Mill State Park, three miles north of St. Helena on Highway 29, Info, 942-4575

Napa County Landmarks presents its 19th annual Holiday Candlelight Tour, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2-7 p.m. in the Napa Abajo/Fuller Park District in downtown Napa. This year’s tour begins at First United Methodist Church, which will also serve as a holiday music and refreshment center, and features both choral and instrumental performances by local groups, including the Napa High Chamber Singers.

Ticket prices are $30 Landmarks and First Methodist Church members; $40 nonmembers in advance; $45 day of the event. Advance tickets are available at the Napa Visitors Bureau in the Napa Town Center, Casey’s Hallmark Shop in the Bel Aire Plaza and online at www.napacountylandmarks.org and www.brownpapertickets.com. Info, 255-1836 or e-mail at info@napacountylandmarks.org for more information.

Copia hosts a Children’s Tea with Mrs. Claus Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9, 1-2:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus presides over an old-fashioned holiday tea with child-friendly baked goodies and tea sandwiches, tea, hot cider or hot chocolate. Call 259-1600 for reservations.

$35 per adult, $20 per child (includes admission)/Members: $25 per adult, $15 per child

VOENA (Voices of Eve & Angels) the multi-ethnic children’s choir that combines inventive a cappella vocal arrangements with percussion, dance and theatrical elements presents a holiday concert at Copia, Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 /$22.50 for Copia members. Reservations, 259-1600.

Chava Alberstein performs at the Napa Valley Opera House at 8 p.m. Israel’s most accomplished singer, Albertstein has released nearly 50 recordings since the late 1960s; many of them are now gold or platinum. The performance is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $30. Napa Valley Opera House is at 1030 Main St., Napa. Info, 226-7372 or www.nvoh.org.

Napa Expo’s Santa’s Helper Christmas Gift Show takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Napa Valley Expo. Ninety-two venders will be selling their creations.

In conjunction with the show, the Napa Valley Model Railroad Club hosts an open house. The club has constructed more than 2,000 square feet of a wonderful scenic railroad diorama. The layout includes both steam and diesel trains, which run both days of the show. Free admission and parking. The show hours for Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The club is located just inside the main gate on the Napa Expo grounds at 575 Third St., Napa. Info, John Rodgers at 226-2985 or www.nvmrc.org.

Dec. 9

The Oak Ridge Boys present a holiday show with a sweet batch of traditional holiday favorites sprinkled with their classics and country hits at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 to $75. Tickets, series purchases and info, 944-1300 or www.lincolntheater.org.

Lotsa Latkes Luncheon at Copia. Celebrate Hanukkah with culinary instructor Jill (Silverman) Hough as she shares stories and recipes for one of her favorite holiday foods: potato pancakes. The latke-laden lunch features three different recipes paired with three sparkling wines—plus a few traditional, and not so traditional, sides. 1-2:30 p.m. $45 (includes admission)/$35 member. Reservations, 259-1600.

The Napa Valley Music Associates presents a concert of holiday jazz, Sunday Dec. 9, featuring the Dalt Williams Jazz Quartet & Tranishia Gholston, vocalist at the Churchill Manor, 485 Brown St. Napa. Tickets are $20. Info and reservations, 252-8671 or 322-8402, or www.napavalleymusicassociates.org.

Dec. 11

The Napa Valley Opera House requests the honor of your presence at “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” opening Dec.11 for performances Dec.11-15 and Dec. 18-22 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 16 and 23 at 1 p.m. A ticket for this interactive Off-Broadway show that spoofs an Italian-American wedding includes the ceremony, reception, dinner (Italian style), champagne toast, wedding cake, dancing and lots of laughter. Actors exchange vows, and the audience plays the part of the “happy couple’s” friends and family, joining in for the reception, buffet and hilarious family dramas. Eat, drink, dance, converse and get caught up in the festivities of this all-inclusive matrimonial experience featuring 20 local actors. Tickets are $55. Call the Opera House box office at 226-7372 or visit www.nvoh.org for reservations. $55.

Dec. 14

The Napa Valley Museum hosts a Holiday Open House 6-7:30 p.m. Mezzo-soprano Meghan Scheibal, tenor Nick D’Avila and soprano Naomi Silva present a program of early traditional carols. After the concert, sip wine and enjoy hors d’oeuvres while shopping for gifts in the museum store. Members receive a 20 percent discount on purchases. Free with museum admission. Call 944-0500 for reservations.

Dec. 15

  Cave Music: A Napa Valley tradition returns for its 22nd year as the Improvisator plays ancient instruments  — harps, psalteries, dulcimers, flutes, drums and more — in wine country caves.

The Carols in the Caves concerts are Dec. 15 and16 at Hans Fahden Vineyards, 4855 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga; Dec. 22 and 23 at Caldwell Vineyards, 270 Kreuzer Lane, Napa, and Dec. 29 and 30 (Cave Of The Drums - for the New Year) at Clos Pegase Winery, 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga.  “Twelfth Night” concerts takes place at Byington Winery in Los Gatos, Jan. 5 and 6.

All shows start at 2 pm; doors open one hour before. Wine is sold during intermission. Tickets are $40 general admission. Children must be over the age of 10. Directions to venues are mailed with tickets and are also available online.  Tickets and information are available by phone at 707-224-4222 and online at cavemusic.com

Learn about “The Herbs of Christmas” at Copia, Saturday, 2:30-4 p.m. The talk, tasting, garden tour and demonstration explores the history, culinary uses, decorative applications and medicinal properties of frankincense, myrrh and other culinary herbs. Tickets: $20 (includes admission)/$15 Copia members. Reservations, 259-1600.

Dec. 16

The Napa Regional Dance Company’s presents its valley tradition, a fully-staged production of “The Nutcracker” ballet Dec. 15 at 12:30 and 6 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Student dancers and community members join together for a dazzling show that recounts the story of a young girl and her Christmas dreams. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25. For advance purchase call the Napa Regional Dance Company at 252-4615 or the Lincoln Theater Box Office at 944-1300, ext. 1. Online tickets may be purchased at www.lincolntheater.org.

Jarvis Conservatory’s Annual Holiday Choral Concert featuring North Bay Opera Theatre Ensemble takes place Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Nearing its five-year anniversary, the group continues to grow under the guidance of director, Sam Schieber, a pianist, director and musicologist with a penchant for finding great music that did not achieve the fame and fortune it deserves. With a wry sense of humor, he often shares stories of the music with the chorus and audiences, to their delight.

Since the group’s inception in June 2003, Scheiber and the chorus of 50 singers have presented concerts based on various themes including “Great Songs from Broadway’s Biggest Flops,” “An Evening of British Musical Theatre,” “Favorite Opera Choruses,” “Great Songs from the Movies” and, of course, “Holiday Music.”

Sam and the group share their music at the beautiful Jarvis Conservatory in a program that will include compositions from opera, the movies, television and Broadway, by composers ranging from Donizetti to Meredith Wilson.

Tickets ($20) may be purchased by phone at 255-5445, online www.jarvisconservatory.com, or in person at the Jarvis Conservatory box office at 1711 Main St. in Napa.

Dec. 20

The Kinsey Sicks return to Copia for the fifth “straight” year with “Oy Vey in a Manger” Thursday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., at Copia. America’s favorite dragapella beautyshop quartet turn their considerable talents to revamping holiday cheer. This program contains adult material and is not recommended for children.Tickets, $25 general/$22.50 Copia members. Reservations, 259-1600.