Tired of hearing your cousin blab about their “failed” tech startup? Want to get out of the house this Thanksgiving break? The Post’s got you covered.
Spartan Turkey Trot
This one’s for all the dads out there stuck in their high school cross-country glory days. Now in its 16th year, the Spartan Turkey Trot offers a 5K walk/run, a one-mile “Spartan Mile” and kids’ races, including 60- and 400-yard dashes. Prizes go to the top three male and female finishers in the 5K and top finishers in the Spartan Mile, while the kids get finisher ribbons.
All proceeds benefit Mountain View High School’s athletic programs, so you can feel good about sweating it out before your Thanksgiving feast. Registration forms will be handed out on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 1-6 p.m. at the Mountain View High front parking lot.
For more information, visit https://www.spartanturkeytrot.com
Santa Photos at Stanford Shopping Center
Stanford Shopping Center’s Santa Photo experience offers a festive setting for the perfect holiday picture. Walk-ups are welcome daily until the mall’s closing time, but booking online in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
For more information, visit https://whereissanta.com/mall/0352
Palo Alto Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with this beloved community musical tradition. The whole family can watch an evening of live music from the School of Rock, the Boost Class Merry Holiday Dancers and the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. Warm up with hot cocoa and winter treats while the holiday tree lights up downtown Palo Alto. Don’t forget to capture the memories — use #PaloAltoTreeLighting to share your photos on Instagram.
For more information, visit https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Holiday-Tree-Lighting
Pacific Ballet Academy’s 34th Annual Nutcracker
Interested in immersing yourself in the fine arts while sipping your tea? The Pacific Ballet Academy is hosting its 34th annual Nutcracker Ballet at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. This classic story — following a young girl named Clara who receives a Nutcracker on Christmas Eve that comes to life — is a great opportunity to be immersed in the holiday spirit. The show is around two hours long with a fifteen minute intermission in between.
The academy also hosts a sensory friendly performance that gives individuals who are sensitive to bright lights and loud noises the opportunity to enjoy the “Nutcracker” in a more sensory-considerate environment, with the show only running for 45 minutes.
For more information, visit https://tickets.mvcpa.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=712
Winter Lodge
If you’re missing the snowy scenery of the East Coast this winter, look no further: Winter Lodge has the perfect holiday vibes. Their outdoor skating rink, which has been open for more than 65 years, is the perfect activity for your friend group this winter. Public sessions cost $20.00 for single admission, and the cost of renting skates is $6.00 per session.
For more information, visit https://winterlodge.com/public-skating/
Carols for a Cause
In the spirit of giving back this holiday season, consider watching a performance by Carols for a Cause, a holiday performance group and a non-profit organization. Founded and run entirely by teens, the Dec. 21 show will be located at the Palo Alto Art Center auditorium at 2 p.m. to raise funds for St. Jude Research Hospital.
For more information, visit https://www.carolsforacause.com/
