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Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco
Every year at the beginning of December I get to visit San Francisco because my daughter sings in a Christmas concert. I was there last weekend and the city was sparkling with holiday decorations. Twinkling lights and lavish displays were everywhere and there was holiday magic in the air. "The Nutcracker" was playing at the War Memorial Building, the hotels were decorated with garlands and Christmas trees, and the department stores had windows filled with wreaths. But this time I enjoyed seeing the quieter, gentler displays of Christmas decor. Everywhere I looked I saw artfully designed vignettes of holiday cheer and I was inspired by all this festive beauty. Especially in the wonderful shops, boutiques, and food markets for which the city is famous. Here are some of the happy scenes that caught my eye.
The Gardener in Berkeley carries much more than gardening items
There were beautiful vignettes all around
They have Christmas decorations and interesting books -- I bought the book on typography
Musicians at The Gardener playing holiday music
Fourth Street in Berkeley
Everything you could want for the holidays at The Pasta Shop
Panettone, Italian Christmas bread
Holiday foods from Britain
Pomegranates at the Ferry Building
Quince Paste from Happy Girl Kitchen
Scharfenberger Chocolate
Heath Ceramics
Cowgirl Creamery
Raclette from Cowgirl Creamery
Tempting display of honeys and jams at a bakery
Locanda Restaurant in a festive mood
In heav'n the bells are ringing;
Din don! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing."
(A French carol sung by the San Francisco Lyric Chorus)
We heard beautiful music and saw many lovely things in San Francisco. The city by the bay really sparkles at this time of the year. I hope you are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holidays in your neighborhood!
Top photo by Megan Taylor