Nov 6-8: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Expo 2008. Technology, innovation and aviation come together at this expo, where pilots and aviation enthusiasts can see the latest aviation technology and models, see product demonstrations, attend seminars and celebrate San Jose’s cutting-edge spirit. Thurs, 8-7; Fri-Sat, 8-10. (San Jose: McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St.; 800/872-2672; www.aopa.org)
Nov 7-9: Hillsborough Antique Show. Antique lovers will revel in the sheer magnitude of this great event, which covers 175,000 square feet of collectibles, fine art, furniture and more. Fri, 11-9; Sat, 11-7; Sun, 11-5. (San Mateo: Expo Center, 2495 S. Delaware St.; 650/574-3247; www.hillsboroughantiqueshow.com)
Nov 13-16: Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Show. Love to collect coins and stamps? This is the show for you. See rare collectibles, peruse a dealer marketplace and learn new things at this collectors extravaganza. Thurs, 11-7; Fri-Sat, 10-7, Sun, 10-3. (Santa Clara: Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy.; 805/962-9939; www.santaclaraexpo.com)
Nov 14-16: Ski & Snowboard Show. The Bay Area’s largest annual winter expo returns for its 13th year running and includes more than 150 exhibitors showing off their wares, from boots to bindings and other equipment. Other draws include a rock-climbing wall, rescue-dog demonstrations and a tire-chain installation contest. Fri, 3-10; Sat, 10-9; Sun, 10-5. (San Jose: McEnery Convention Center, 408 Almaden Blvd. Hall 3; 949/497-4977; www.bayareasnowshow.com)
Nov 14-16 & 28-30: Harvest Festival. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this artist extravaganza, featuring the works of hundreds of artisans from all over the country. Live musical entertainment and delicious food enhance the fun while you browse an impressive selection of handmade gifts, including paintings, jewelry, toys, home furnishings and pottery. The first show is in San Mateo (Nov 14-16: Fri-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 10-5). Second show is in San Jose (Nov 28-30: Fri, 9-6; Sat, 10-6; Sun, 10-5). (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St. San Jose: Convention Center, 408 S. Almaden Blvd.; 415/447-3205; www.harvestfestival.com)
Nov 14-Jan 11: Downtown Ice. It’s a winter wonderland in downtown San Jose, where you can glide on ice under the night sky and towering palm trees at the largest outdoor ice rink in the South Bay. Mon-Thurs, 5-10; Fri, 5-12; Sat, 12-12; Sun, 12-10. (San Jose: 120 S. Market St.; 408/279-1775; www.sjdowntown.com)
Nov 18: Light Up the Row. Santana Row sparkles as it kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Hosted by NBC 11’s Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon, the event’s highlights include live holiday entertainment, old-fashioned horse carriage rides, theater performances, carolers, hot chocolate sampling and thousands of twinkling lights. 6:30-9. (San Jose: Santana Row, Park Valencia on Olin Ave. just off Winchester Blvd.; 408/551-4611; www.santanarow.com)
Nov 21-Jan 1: Winter Wonderland. Experience the magic of the holidays at this family- friendly event, where a six-story ferris wheel, carousel, a European-style craft market, holiday street performers and an international dessert café await you. Nov 21, 4-10; Nov 22, 2-10; Nov 23, 1-10; Nov 24-Dec 13, Mon-Thurs 3-10 (except Nov 30, 12-11); Fri-Sat, 11-11. (San Jose: Paseo de San Antonio, between Market and Third Sts.; 408/286-1313; www.winterwonderlandsj.com)
Nov 23-Dec 31: Fantasy of Lights. Vasona Lake County Park is transformed into a winter wonderland, chock full of colorful, twinkling lights and several animated displays. Drive through the park and check out such displays as the Fantasy Train, the Pirate Ship—complete with booming cannons—and the Dinosaur Den, featuring T-Rex and his friends. 6-10pm. (Los Gatos: Vasona County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd.; 408/355-2200; www.parkhere.org)
Nov 28-30 & Dec 6-7: Holiday Tree Walk. Roaring Camp rings in the holiday season with this new event. Passengers on the Bear Mountain steam train can explore festive holiday trees on display at the summit while sipping hot cider—proceeds from these special tree-viewing trips will benefit area schools and community groups. Steam trains depart 11am & 12:30pm (Nov 28-30); and 12:30pm. (Dec 6-7). (Felton: Graham Hill Rd.; 831/335-4484; www.roaringacamp.com)
Nov 28-Dec 21: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Charles Dickens’ London comes alive during this unique fair, with recreations of bustling Victorian streets, freshly baked holiday treats, carolers, merchants and more. 11-7. (San Francisco: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave.; 800/510-1558; www.dickensfair.com)
Nov 28-Jan 1: Christmas in the Park. A venerable city tradition, Christmas in the Park features more than 60 animated displays, scores of decorated trees and a veritable galaxy of twinkling lights. Daily, 9pm-midnight. (San Jose: Plaza de Cesar Chavez; 408/995-NOEL; www.christmasinthepark.com)
