Check Out a Gingerbread House Decked Out Like the Painted Ladies

SF-appropriate

Every year, Embarcadero destination Waterbar displays an epic gingerbread house around the holidays, and this season’s has arrived. It’s a replica of the Painted Ladies, with three colorful Victorian houses designed by executive pastry chef Erica Land. It took 84 hours to execute, with stained glass-esque windows, lights inside, and snow made of fondant on top. It’s at the restaurant’s entrance through December 31.

Circus fare

Circus Bella, San Francisco’s new family-friendly circus, debuts tonight on Treasure Island. In addition to all the juggling and merriment happening under the big top tent, there will be a full, circus-themed food menu available from Mersea Restaurant. Dishes include three flavors of popcorn, bratwurst with sauerkraut, kettle corn, meatballs with garlic bread, and more with festive names, like the ice cream sandwiches dubbed “It’s, It’s, Flyin’ Abigail!”

So many holiday pop-ups

Silicon Valley hotel Rosewood Sand Hill has unveiled its first-ever winter terrace pop-up, turning its library into a festive, immersive setting with new cognac cocktails and in-theme dishes, like cheese fondue.

And holiday drinks

Top of the Mark, which sits on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins in Nob Hill, is serving 12 Days of Christmas-themed cocktails throughout the month of December. Drinks like Four Calling Birds (vodka, triple sec, pomegranate, cranberry, lime) go for $14 and come with a nutcracker souvenir, enjoyed in a highly decorated setting.

And holiday photo-ops

Due to the immediate popularity of the Museum of Ice Cream’s holiday-themed Pinkmas exhibit, the Instagram wonderland has already extended Pinkmas into the new year. You now have until January 6 to pose among a forest of pink fir trees and disco balls.

Channeling NOLA

Instead of bringing on a guest chef per usual, Media Noche chef Casey Rebecca Nunes is serving her own special cubano for the month of December. It’s a spin on the New Orleans classic muffuletta deemed The Decatur, with smoked ham, salami, provolone, Swiss, olive salad, and remoulade for $13.50. Even better, 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit the California Fire Foundation.