What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Sebastopol Holiday Dinner, Police Open House, and Afrobeat Party, plus Christmas Church Services and Hanukkah guide
Beloved Mary
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 12 pm to 1 pm St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
The Mary & The Divine Feminine group offers a gathering to honor the Blessed Mother Mary in this sacred moment of her journey. A gathering of chant, poetry and prayer. You don’t need to belong to St. Stephen’s (or even be a Christian) to attend this event. Anyone with an interest in Mary or the divine feminine is welcome.
Merry Christmas and happy first night of Hanukkah
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day at the Senior Center
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 1 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Sebastopol Area Senior Center invites you to come to the Senior Center for a cozy holiday celebration filled with cider, treats and activities. Whether you’re looking for companionship or simply a change of scenery, you are welcome.
Sebastopol Holiday Dinner
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 1 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Church, 1000 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol
The Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise will serve Christmas Day Dinner—turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, salad, muffins, and desserts—free to the community on Dec. 25, 1 pm to 4 pm. There will be toys for all and warm coats for those who would like one.
Coffis Brothers at Hopmonk
Friday, Dec. 27, 8 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $20.
With two songwriters, six albums, and more than a thousand shows under their belt, The Coffis Brothers have earned their reputation as modern-day torchbearers of all-American rock & roll. It’s a sound caught halfway between amplified Americana, acoustic folk, roadhouse R&B, and electrifying roots music, crafted by a pair of California-born siblings who’ve been sharing the stage since childhood, and the five-piece band filled out by their childhood friend, Kyle Poppen on lead guitar, and the rhythm section of Aidan Collins (bass), and Cory Graves (drums) and Alex Jordan. Get tickets.
The Afrobeat Party
Saturday, Dec. 28, 6 pm to 10 pm, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $15.
New Year’s celebration with Onye & The Messengers, Afrocali, and Spacewalker. Join this New Year’s celebration, which is also a cancer fundraiser for Geoffrey Omadhebo, who has been responsible for a lot of the Afrobeat culture in Northern California. Come celebrate the New Year with families and friends and help AfroBeat cancer. Get tickets.
Sebastopol Police Open House
Saturday, Dec. 28, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Sebastopol Police Department, 6850 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol. Free.
The Sebastopol Police Department is hosting an open house for the community. You’ll get to meet the department’s officers, explore the station, check out their gear, and be provided a dessert and appetizer buffet for free.
Buzzy Martin’s Rocking Holiday Dinner Show
Sunday, Dec. 29, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Buzzy Martin’s Rocking Holiday Hopmonk Dinner Show is returning for one more time in 2024. It’s going to be Buzzy again performing songs from the upcoming movie soundtrack “Guitarman,” plus a number of holiday classic sing-a-long songs.
It’s going to be a fun-filled evening, bring a friend and enjoy the holidays.
Christmas Church Services
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Silent Night, Holy Night: Christmas Eve Outdoor Carol Service. Tuesday, Dec. 24, 4 pm. Outdoor Christmas Eve carol service and a walk-on Christmas pageant—all children are invited to join. Christmas crafts will start at 3:30 pm. Dress warmly. This event is family-friendly. Christmas Eve eucharist indoors to follow.
Christmas morning mass. Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10 am.
Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols. Sunday, Dec. 29, 9:30 am. Christmas carols, scripture, poetry.
Sebastopol United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 6 pm, at 500 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Community Church of Sebastopol - Christmas Eve Services
Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 1000 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. Free.
4:30 pm – Family–friendly service with pageant
7 pm – Traditional service with choir, handbells and sermon
St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church
7983 Covert Lane, Sebastopol. Free.
Christmas Eve Mass: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5 pm in English, 6:15 to 6:50 pm Christmas Carols with pianist Terry Byers, 7 pm in Spanish.
Christmas Day Mass: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 9 am in English, 12 pm in Spanish.
Sebastopol Christian Church
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5 pm, at 7433 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.
Join Sebastopol Christian Church for its Christmas Eve service at 5 pm on Christmas Eve with Pastor Jim Matteri.
Hessel Church
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 3 pm to 5 pm, 5060 Hessel Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
This Christmas Eve join the folks at Hessel Church for this special time of celebration and hope. It’s a time for the whole family to come together with uplifting praise, the timeless story of Christmas, and a warm time of connection on the patio with friends.
If your Sebastopol church’s Christmas activities aren’t listed here, please contact Laura at sebastopoltimes@gmail.com and I will add them to the website.
Hanukkah services
Shabbat Hanukkah
Friday, Dec. 27, 6:15 pm to 8 pm at Congregation Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Free.
During the darkest time of year, we celebrate light. So come light up the night at Shabbat Hanukkah—literally! Bring a hanukkiah with candles from home and we'll illuminate the sanctuary by lighting candles together at the beginning of services. Shomrei Shira, CST's choir, will add a musical glow to our service and we'll enjoy delicious donuts and latkes at the oneg. No charge but registration is required.
Ner Shalom Chanukah Party
Sunday, Dec. 29, 4 pm to 7 pm at Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati. $11.50 adults, $6 kids.
Join Ner Shalom as they celebrate the Festival of Lights. Register here.
4 pm to 5 pm: Games and activities for families with children.
5 pm to 7 pm: Celebrate the holiday with food, music, games and much more! Join Rabbi Irwin, Ner Shalom Youth and Family Education Director Reb Mia Zimman, and company as they light the Chanukiah, enjoy latkes and a potluck dinner, and sing a few tunes. Bring your own personal menorah and candles and light up the night!
Want us to feature your event in “What’s happening this week in Sebastopol?” Submit your events to the Sebastopol Community Calendar. This is one of the many resources I use to put this column together.
A great holiday rundown, Laura! Thanks for being ecumenical, both religiously and musically.