Family's Lights Extravaganza; Christmas Dining: Saturday Smiles

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — To keep your weekend light, Patch presents some Northern California stories from the past week — hopefully some that will make your day.

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Castro Valley Home Lit Up By 20K Lights Synchronized To Music

• Castro Valley resident Bob Frey has turned his late friend's childhood home into the winter wonderland he always wanted.

Motivated To Help Kids, Marin Man Wins Jingle Bells 5K Champ

• Ellery Barnes, a 15-year-old Tamalpais High School sophomore, led all female runners and placed third overall.

SF Bay Area Christmas Dining & Restaurant To-Go Specials 2021

• Whether dining out or celebrating holidays at home with a takeout feast, check out these festive offers from San Francisco Bay Area eateries

Holiday Ice Skating Rinks: 2021 Guide To The Best SF Bay Area

• Sharpen your skates, brush up on your axel & find pop-up, outdoor rinks near you throughout the San Francisco region.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Makes Petaluma River Shine

• Thousands lined the river banks as glistening watercraft of all sizes paraded past.

San Francisco Sixth Grader Donates Savings To Children In Need

• Erica Romanenko of Stratford San Francisco Middle School donated her savings to buy toys for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Downtown Santa Cruz Parking Fees To Benefit Local Nonprofit

• Proceeds will benefit Hope Services, which keeps downtown Santa Cruz clean and serves adults with developmental disabilities.

Marin United Market Stores 'Compete' For A Cause

• The competition between the San Anselmo and San Rafael United Market stores benefits the Salvation Army

Snow On Mt. Diablo Amid Bay Area Storm: PHOTOS

• See photos of Mt. Diablo dressed in white on a chilly Tuesday morning.

Spiced Persimmon Tart + Orange Marmalade: Cooking With Courtney

• This cozy, rustic tart is the perfect way to enjoy persimmons on chilly nights or rainy days. Get the recipe.

Pleasanton 'Giving Tree' Is Back To Serve Kids In Need This Year

• A local family hopes to "show love unconditionally" by uniting neighbors to provide gifts to Tri-Valley families in need.

Adoption Fees Waived At Valley Humane Society In December

• Peek-a-Boo, a Tuxedo cat, and Allure, with her littler of puppies, are among the animals who need a home for the holidays.

2 Bedroom Homes, Condos In California

• If you don't need extra space, the typically lower price, smaller carbon footprint, and less area to clean are appealing to many buyers.

SF Bay Area Holiday Guide 2021: Christmas Parades & Santa Stops

• Guide to tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah fests, Nutcrackers, concerts, ice rinks, craft boutiques & light shows in region's towns & cities.