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Special Events

Thanksgiving Dinner at Little House Cafe Peninsula Volunteers is presenting a Thanksgiving dinner for families and friends to enjoy. Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $9. Non-refundable tickets must be purchased in advance by Nov. 20. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. www.peninsulavolunteers.org

Nativity School Christmas Tree Lot Christmas trees: Noble, Fraser, Douglas and Grand Firs up to 13 feet. Christmas wreaths and garland also available. All volunteer-run fundraiser for benefit of Nativity School. Open from Nov. 23 to Dec. 15, Nativity School, 210 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. www.nativitytrees.com

Talks/Authors

An Evening with Anita Moorjani Attendees spend the evening with author Anita Moorjani as she speaks about her near-death experience and the lessons she learned. Diagnosed with cancer in 2006, she was given only hours to live when she fell into a coma and entered another dimension. Nov. 26, 7-9 p.m. Sofia University, 1057 East Meadow Circle, Palo Alto. Call 888-96-SOFIA. www.sofia.edu/calendar.php

Concerts

Peninsula Women's Chorus: 'Star of Wonder' Concert "Star of Wonder" features a collection of music from around the world, from Penderecki to the French Baroque to the U.S. premiere of "Star-Crossed" by Filipino composer Saunder Choi. Dec. 16, 4 p.m. $30 general/$35 premium/$10 18 and under. St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. www.pwchorus.org

Haydn and His Students V Main feature is Beethoven's famous Quartet in Bb, Op. 130. The fifth movement of this work, which the composer considered his best ever, appears on the "golden record" the Voyager probes sent to outer space in 1977. Nov. 25, 4-6 p.m. $25 (discounts for seniors and students). All Saints' Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Call 415-520-0611. www.newesterhazy.org

Exhibits

'Playing Grown-Up: Toys from the Harry P. Costa Collection' This exhibit explores toys from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s that allowed children to mimic the activities of adults. Toys will include an antique pedal fire truck and airplane, Tonka work trucks, and an electric 1929 Lionel Stove & Oven, through Dec. 31, Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 adults, $3 seniors/students, free for children 5 & under, free for association members. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. Call 650-299-0104. www.historysmc.org

Stanford Art Spaces Stanford University Cuba 2012: American Photographers in Havana, exhibit through Jan. 17. Reception Nov. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Paul G. Allen building on the Stanford University campus. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Stanford Art Spaces, 420 Via Palou, Stanford . Call 650-725-3622. cis.stanford.edu/~marigros

Kids & Families

Atherton Library Preschool Storytime Children ages 3-5 are invited for stories and activities every Monday morning. Through May 20, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422. www.smcl.org

Nutcracker Showcase Children ages 5 and up are invited to come in pajamas and enjoy scenes from the Nutcracker danced by children from the Western Ballet Company in Mountain View. Nov. 26, 7-8 p.m. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422. www.smcl.org

Et Alia

University Public Worship Each week the University Public Worship includes preaching from a different reverend or rabbi; music by university organist, Dr. Robert Huw Morgan, and the Memorial Church Choir. Sundays through Dec. 30, 10-11 a.m. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford. Call 650-723-1762. events.stanford.edu/events/333/33389