12/6-12/7
Legend has it that the teddy bear was born when President Theodore Roosevelt refused to kill a bear cub his hunting companions had tied to a tree for easy shootin’. Whether he’d have taken the cub to lunch remains unknown. Your children, on the other hand, can enjoy proper high tea, storytelling, and a gift shop when the Gardens at Heather Farm (1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek) hosts five seatings for the Teddy Bear Tea. Adult tickets cost $17.50, kids’ tickets are $12.50, and there’s no charge for the favorite bears in attendance. Info: 925-947-1678 or GardensHF.org — Stefanie Kalem
12/25-1/10
Sugar in the Valley
New, improved, and old-fashioned
It’s a wonderful life in Danville, where this year’s Christmas Memories exhibit is now open — through January 10, 2004 — at the Museum of San Ramon Valley. Cherish the illusion of a perfect Christmas morn while perusing old-fashioned trees decked with gifts, books, and ornaments representing their distinct eras. Also new this year is “Windows on the Past,” a display of holiday cards from the early 20th century, as well as a series of tableaux constructed to look like old department store windows, including the Papa of the Pole himself and an elaborately decorated dollhouse. There’s still the traditional stuff, too, like the popular gingerbread houses fashioned after local buildings, and a model train. Just enough saccharin to get your holiday glands pumping. Bring the whole clan and share your own fond memories. The exhibit’s regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 1-4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday mornings include a craft center for the kids. 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. 925-837-3750. MuseumSRV.org — Justine Nicole
SUN 12/7
Watch This Man’s Hands
The Magic Castle in Los Angeles is renowned as a clubhouse for sleight-of-hand artists, prestidigitators, and just plain magicians. It’s the place where amateur and professional magicians, among them former Tonight Show host Johnny Carson, perform for their peers. One of the regulars there, reportedly, is Tye the Magic Guy. But you and your family don’t have to make the long trip to LA to catch Tye’s act. Sunday afternoon (1 to 2 p.m.) at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, the Buddy Club Children’s Shows presents Tye, his amazing hands, and his sparkling wit. Tickets are $7, members of the BRJCC $6 (kids under two get in free). 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. TheBuddyClub.com — Kelly Vance