7 awesome Bay Area things to do this weekend, Dec. 15-17

Whether your weekend plans revolve around holiday shopping or doing anything but holiday shopping, we have some fun and festive ideas for you, from great movies and shows to holiday lights and hot mulled wine (yum!)

As always, be sure to double check event and venue websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines. Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters or www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

1 WATCH: A Japanese masterpiece vs. ‘Chicken Run’

“Monster,” a gripping, family drama from esteemed director Hirokazu Kore-eda, opens this weekend and might be the year’s best movie. Or if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, the lovable cluckers from “Chicken Run” are back for a sequel. The two films top our roundup of stuff you should totally watch this weekend.

2 EAT: It’s panettone time!

One of the tastiest of winter holiday traditions is panettone, the sweet Italian bread jammed with raisins, nuts and other yumminess. Fortunately, it’s plentiful in the Bay Area this time of year — here are 12 places to get it.

3 PLAY: Set off for Sausalito

With its charming restaurants and taverns, gorgeous scenery and lovely Victorian architecture, Sausalito makes for an excellent day trip. Here’s an itinerary.

4 SEE: Luminous holiday lights

What’s better than spending all day putting up a gorgeous holiday lights display? Enjoying somebody else’s. Here’s where you can catch some of the Bay Area’s best and most festive light displays.

5 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

Whether you’re in the mood for “Nutcrackers” or other holiday shows or a unique look at the American cowboy, the Bay Area is full of great stuff to catch this weekend.

6 DRINK: Gulp a glogg

One of the best things about winter? Hot cocktails! And this tasty version of spiced mulled wine, or glogg, will warm up any gathering.

7 SEE & HEAR: The circus is in town

Actually, Bay Area-based Circus Bella is always in town. And they have a new show that’s bound to put you in a good mood.