7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, Nov. 22-24

7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, Nov. 22-24

Whether you’re already surrendering to the holiday crunch or want to enjoy one last weekend in peace, we’ve got your back, with all kinds of fun ideas from seasonal treats to a very witchy movie. So let’s get to it, shall we?

(As always, be sure to double check event and venue websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines or other details.)

Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters  or  www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

1 WATCH: ‘Wicked’ is here

Many of us in the Bay Area look fondly upon the musical “Wicked,” since it got its world premiere 21 years ago at The Curran theater in San Francisco. Now comes the film version with another Bay Area connection — director Jon M. Chu is from Palo Alto — and, well, the magic is still there.

Christmas in the Park in San Jose remains a favorite holiday hangout. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) 

2 PLAY: Find joy at these merry destinations

It’s that holiday-borderline time of year: Some of us already have the full-on holiday mojo going on; some of us are looking for that spark. Either way, we bet these five festive day trips will bring a smile to your face.

3 WATCH: ‘Glicked?’

Some folks are dubbing this weekend “Glicked” since “Wicked” (see lead item) and “Gladiator II” are both opening, a la last year’s “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Does Ridley Scott’s swords-and-sandals sequel hold up its end of the deal? It tops our roundup of what to watch this weekend.

4 EAT & SIP: Check out Eos & Nyx

Perhaps San Jose’s most eagerly anticipated new restaurant of the year is finally open. We checked out Eos and Nyx, and here are our thoughts.

5 MAKE & SIP: Fruity fall cocktails

If you’re hosting any holiday gatherings soon, try serving these four cocktails utilizing fall fruits. Cranberry Rosemary Gin and Tonic, anyone?

Smuin Contemporary Ballet dancer Brennan Wall performs with the “world’s longest feather boa” in the company’s Christmas Ballet. Chris Hardy/Smuin Contemporary Ballet

6 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From a star-studded contemporary Christian concert to a pair of beloved holiday shows (one featuring the “world’s longest feather boa”) there is a lot to see and do in the Bay Area this weekend.

7 SEE & HEAR: Some serious funk

Fans of the famed jazz/funk outfit Snarky Puppy (one of the best band names in history) won’t mind stretching out their weekend a little bit to catch the terrific spinoff band Ghost-Note on Monday and Tuesday in Oakland.