Good Day for Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will perform a holiday concert at the Castro Theatre tonight. (Courtesy photo)

Holiday happenings

Holiday harmonies: The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, above, presents “Home for the Holidays,” its annual concert of festive favorites celebrating our diverse traditions. [5, 7 and 9 p.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.]

‘A Christmas Carol’: Mean miser Scrooge discovers the holiday spirit in this stage adaptation of the Dickens story, presented by American Conservatory Theater. [Noon and 4:30 p.m., A.C.T., 415 Geary St., S.F.]

Menorah lighting: A lighting of the Bill Graham Menorah takes place in Union Square on this fourth night of Hanukkah. [4:30 p.m., Post and Powell streets, S.F.]

Christmas Eve midnight service: Celebrate in grand style with pageantry, music and bright candlelight in a darkened temple.  [8 p.m. meditation; 10 p.m. service, Ananda, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto]

Christmas Eve Worship: Interactive Christmas play with costumes for families with small children, caroling, traditional candlelight communion service with choir and chamber music trio, New Jazz candlelight communion service with high school choir, jazz vocal ensemble and jazz trio. [5 p.m. to midnight, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1106 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Carlos]

Who’s in town

Comedian David Brenner headlines “Kung Pao Kosher Comedy: Jewish Comedy on Christmas in a Chinese Restaurant” this year. Page Hurwitz, Dan Naturman and Lisa Geduldig also perform. [6 and 9:30 p.m., New Asia Restaurant, 772 Pacific Ave.]

At the museums

De Young Museum: Exhibitions include “Yves Saint Laurent,” “Martin Puryear Prints” and “Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes.” [9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Golden Gate Park, S.F.]

Asian Art Museum: Exhibits include “Arts of the Islamic World From Turkey to Indonesia” and “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures From the National Museum, Kabul.” [10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 200 Larkin St., S.F.]

Tours

‘Chasing the Dragon’: Chinatown is the focus of this walk presented by Foot Tours. Attractions include dim sum sites, herb shops, temples and open-air markets. [1 p.m.; info/RSVP: www.foottours.com]

Stately mansions: The Victorian Home Walk offers the chance to see meticulously restored Victorian homes and learn about different types of architecture. [11 a.m.; meet at Union Square, Powell and Post streets, S.F.]

At the colleges

Farmers’ market: Weekly market features seasonal and convenient food. [10 a.m. to 3 p.m., UCSF, ACC Breezeway, between Milberry Union and the Ambulatory Care Center, 400-500 Parnassus Ave., S.F.]

At the public library

Prewar images: Photographs of Afghanistan by Joseph Hoyt are on view in the exhibit “1970-1975: Images From an Era of Peace.” [All day, Main Library, Skylight Gallery, 200 Larkin St., S.F.]

Business counseling: The Service Corps of Retired Executives offers free one-hour sessions. [10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Main Library, Business Center, 100 Larkin St., S.F.; call (415) 744-6827 to make an appointment]

Dining out

Zazil: Chef Rocio Gomez’s menu highlights include callos de hacha. The popular dish contains sea scallops, zucchini blossoms, a vegetable medley and garlic poblano chile sauce. Also recommended is pollo con huitlacoche — chicken breast with huitlacoche (a truffle-like Mexican delicacy). The plate includes mushrooms, white-corn potato puree, garlic poblano chile sauce and crispy potatoes. [865 Market St., S.F.; (415) 495-6379]