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Concerts

A Bach Christmas Masaaki Suzuki conducts Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Chorale and soloists from Yale's Schola Cantorum in an evening of Bach's holiday music. Dec. 13, 8-10 p.m. $25-$100. Performing Arts Center, Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. Call 415-252-1288. www.philharmonia.org

Peninsula Women's Chorus: 'Star of Wonder' Concert 3 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 for 18 and under. St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. www.pwchorus.org

Soloists of New Century Chamber Orchestra Pianist-composer Auerbach joins New Century with her Sogno di Stabat Mater for solo violin, viola and vibraphone. Dec. 12, 8-10 p.m. $29 to $59. Performing Arts Center at Menlo-Atherton High, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. www.ncco.org

Vallombrosa Choir , under the direction of Patrick Feehan, will perform a Christmas Lessons and Carols concert Dec. 16, 2-4 p.m. Suggested donation: $20/person. Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-325-5614. www.vallombrosa.org

Holiday Concert Celtic singer and songwriter Mary McLaughlin performs with Steve Coulter on harp in a concert of Celtic music, steeped in the Gaelic traditions of Ireland. Funded by the Friends of the Portola Valley Library. Dec. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560.

Kids & Families

Catfish Jack's Harmonica Workshop Participants can learn simple melodies and create "train" sounds. The first 20 attendees receive a harmonica, or they may bring their own. Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-10:45 p.m. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside. Call 650-851-0147. www.smcl.org

Free Topo Map Gift Wrap The USGS maps office is giving away outdated topographic maps for use as gift wrap. With their shades of green for forests, cities etched in red, and blue waterways, many of the maps are in holiday colors. The free maps are available for pickup in person only, in limited quantities, through Dec. 24. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. U.S. Geological Survey, 325 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-329-5404.

Magician Brian Scott presents "Access to Oddities" a magic and comedy show for the family. Dec. 13, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. smcl.org

Puppylocks and the Three Bears Magical Moonshine Puppets perform their version of a familiar story, for children ages 4 and up. Dec. 17, 4-5 p.m. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422.

Stanford Park Hotel Teddy Bear Tea Teas, hot chocolate, finger sandwiches, and holiday sweets in an afternoon with pianist and storyteller Liz Bongiorno. Reservations required. Dec. 16, 1-3 p.m. Adults $30, Children 4-12, $20, Under 4 are free. Stanford Park Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2782. stanfordparkhotel.com

Talks/Authors

Colorful South Pacific Species: New Discoveries and Looming Threats An expedition in Papua New Guinea recently found a new species: the bumblebee gecko. Some Pacific Islands species are endangered, while others pose threats to nearby wildlife and ecosystems. USGS biologist Robert Fisher explains what scientists find while studying Pacific lizard biodiversity. Dec. 13, 7 p.m. USGS, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-329-5000. online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/