Holiday Event Guide: Pinole, Hercules & East Bay 2018

EAST BAY, CA – Ho-ho-ho! Holiday time is here! Make the most of it, and enjoy community events that abound throughout the East Bay.

Peruse our annual event guide -- a round-up of the region's top festivities.

And Happy Holidays, from Patch!

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ALAMEDA:

DEC. 2: Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration. Latkes, donuts, gelt & a nine-foot menorah.

DEC. 8: Breakfast With Santa. Arts, crafts & take photos with the Big Guy!

DEC. 8: Mayor's Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony. Entertainment plus visit from Santa.

DEC. 15: Sing-It-Yourself Messiah. At Immanuel Lutheran Church.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve BIG BAND DANCE Gala 2018: USS Hornet. Three dance floors on the enclosed, heated hangar deck, plus free dance lessons!
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ALBANY:

DEC. 1: Holiday Market & Bake Sale. New location & more booths.

DEC. 2: Albany Jazz Big Band Winter Concert. "Rollocking good fun."

DEC. 2: Chanukah Wonderland. Chabad of El Cerrito plans huge fest with carnival, balloon menorah & more.

DEC. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23: 'Santa On Solano' 2018. Bring your camera!

DEC. 9: Holiday Children's Book, Puzzle & Toy Swap. Great way to "shop" for holidays.

DEC. 31: Noon Year's Eve Celebration & Kids' Activities. The ball drops at 12 noon.
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BERKELEY:

Through DEC. 24: Annual Artisans Holiday Open Studios. More than 100 artists & craftspeople open their doors to the public.

DEC. 1: Hanukkah Celebration for Families with Young Children. Menorah lighting, holiday project, treats & more.

DEC. 2: Voci Women's Ensemble Season of Peace. Interweaving Christian and Jewish musical traditions.

DEC. 2: Snow Day In The Gourmet Ghetto. A day of frosty, family fun!

DEC. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23: Annual Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair. "Good cheer, great music, fine food, and unique and unusual handcrafts."
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CASTRO VALLEY:

NOV. 30: Castro Village Holiday Tree Lighting . Santa, too!

NOV. 30-DEC. 16: Appalachian Christmas 2018: Chanticleers Theatre. Heart-warming holiday play with bluegrass music for the whole family.

DEC. 8: Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Hanukkah Party. Blending traditional celebrations with new.

DEC. 31: Duettos New Year's Eve with Arts Foundation. A Musical Cabaret!
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CLAYTON:

DEC. 2, 15, 16: Christmas Cookie Decorating Party 2018: Tree Farm. Games, carols & Jingles the Elf!

DEC. 9: Taste of Christmas Tea 2018: Clayton Valley Greenhouse. Three-course afternoon tea with local chef.
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CONCORD:

NOV. 30: Holiday Gift & Craft Fair. Get a head start on your shopping!

DEC. 1: Tree-Lighting, Santa Arrival & Mayor's Sing-Along. Carriage rides & choirs, too.

DEC. 1-2: 2 Super Holiday Boutiques 2018: Concord & Pleasant Hill. Admission is free.

DEC. 8-9: Gingerbread House Boutique. Sponsored by Concord Historical Society.

Through DEC. 24: Santa's Flight Academy 2018: Sunvalley Shopping Center. Free interactive event that allows children to join Santa's elite flight crew.

Through FEB. 18: 'Ice At The Veranda'-. Holiday rink with special dates like "Skate with Santa."
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DANVILLE:

NOV. 28-DEC. 7: Santa's Mailbox. This sweet service from the North Pole is free.

DEC. 1: Community Chanukah Celebration & Concert! (Blackhawk Plaza). Music, cookies, donuts, latkes & giant menorah.

DEC. 7-8: Elf Workshop With Crafts & Santa Photos For Ages 1-9. Register online.

DEC. 31: NYE 2019 At The Blackhawk Museum. Fabulous night of food, dancing, champagne & casino games.
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DUBLIN:

NOV. 29: Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony . Includes special visitor from the North Pole.

DEC. 1: Hands-On History Holiday Activities: Heritage Park. "Fun for the whole family!"

DEC. 8: Breakfast With Santa. Always a sell-out!

DEC. 14: 'Holiday DancEscape' Dance & Live Band. "Enjoy refreshments and drawings for door prizes."

DEC. 16: Violin Holiday Concert . "Students ages 4-15 will perform."

DEC. 16: The Christmas Mile & Relays. Hot chocolate & cookies, too!
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EL CERRITO:

DEC. 2: Chanukah Wonderland. Chabad of El Cerrito plans huge fest with carnival, balloon menorah & more in Albany.

DEC. 8: Holiday Pancake Breakfast, Santa & Toy Drive. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 15-26: Shadi Holiday Display. A cherished Christmas tradition for children and families for the past 68 years.
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FREMONT:

Through DEC. 30: Holiday Train Of Lights 2018: Niles Canyon Railway, Sunol-Fremont. A Bay Area tradition as riders board antique coaches offering refreshments, music and cheer.

DEC. 1: Annual "BELIEVE" Holiday Boutique. Packed with good stuff, including bake sale!

DEC. 1: Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa 2018: Mission San Jose. Carols, The Canyon Band, refreshments & more.

DEC. 2: Spectacular Tree Lighting & Santa 2018: Pacific Commons. Santa selfies & live music.

DEC. 6: Giant Lego Chanukah Lighting. Treats, kids' activities, donuts & live music.

DEC. 7: Christmas Open House- Patterson House 2018: Ardenwood. Live music & refreshments. Space is limited.

DEC. 8: Candy Cane Hunt. Fun time for youngsters and just $5.

DEC. 8-9: Yoko's Dance & Fremont Opera's Nutcracker. At Ohlone College.
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HAYWARD:

DEC. 1-2: Ballet Petit to Perform its 40th Nutcracker. Annual holiday tradition with more than 200 dancers.
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HERCULES:

DEC. 2: Holiday Tree-Lighting & Santa Arrival. Toy and canned-food drive will be held, too.

DEC. 15: Breakfast With Santa. A childhood favorite!

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LAFAYETTE:

NOV. 29-DEC. 16: Great Expectations. "On a bleak Christmas Eve, in a marshy churchyard, an escaped convict grabs a young lad at knife point, and his life is forever altered." Based on Dickens' novel.

NOV. 30-DEC. 2: Santa's Bag Boutique. A local tradition for more than 25 years.

DEC. 2: Chanukah Menorah Lighting. At Lafayette Park.

DEC. 7: 'It's A Wonderful Life' & Tree Lighting. Santa, music, treats, entertainment & holiday sing-a-long.

DEC. 9: Gold Coast Family Holiday Concert- FREE! Popular holiday music. Hot chocolate and cider provided.

DEC. 9: Chanukah Fest & Giant Balloon Menorah. Free event with latkes, donuts, gelt & crafts.

DEC. 24: Mushu & A Movie. At Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa County.
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LIVERMORE:

Through DEC. 15: Christmas Trees for Sale from BSA Troop 999. Support the scouts!

NOV. 29: Brian Copeland To Perform 'The Jewelry Box' Hilariously heartwarming story of boy buying his mom a Christmas present.

NOV. 30: Candle Opening Ceremony: Deacon Dave's Christmas. Procession marks the grand opening and flipping of the switch!

NOV. 30-JAN. 1: Deacon Dave's Annual Christmas Display. An East Bay holiday family favorite.

DEC. 1: 'Home For The Holidays' Winter Fun Zone . Snow and lots of family fun.

DEC. 1: Holiday 'Sights & Sounds' Parade & Tree Lighting . A hometown tradition with Santa!

DEC. 1-2: Holiday Open House at The LAA Gallery. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

DEC. 1-2: Holidays in the Vineyards. A Livermore Valley Wine Country holiday tradition!

DEC. 5. 12 & 19: Livermore Shakespeare Festival Holiday Celebration. "Enjoy delicious wine and tapas from Swirl on the Square as the artists perform."

DEC. 6: Paws In Need TWILIGHT TASTINGS & PHOTOS WITH SANTA. Includes pop-up Holiday Boutique with animal-themed holiday gifts for people and pets.

DEC. 8: Breakfast With Santa. Always a treat for the little ones.

DEC. 8: Chanukah Under The Stars 2018: Bankhead Theater. Music, latkes, donuts & more!

DEC. 8-16: 'Nutcracker' With Valley Dance Theatre: Bankhead. A holiday classic.

DEC. 9: Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide. Victorian-era event, and admission is free.

DEC. 9: Christmas Concert. An afternoon of holiday music.

DEC. 15: Livermore High School Holiday Boutique. Supports seniors' Safe and Sober Grad Night.
DEC. 15: LARPD Winter Floral Workshop. Materials provided.

DEC. 20: 'Doo Wop Project Christmas' Concert: Bankhead. "Features stars of Broadway's smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical."

DEC. 21: Irish Christmas In America 2018: Bankhead Theater. A hugely popular show in its 14th year.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Celebration At The Bankhead 2018-19. A great way to ring in the New Year.
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MARTINEZ:

NOV. 30-DEC. 1: Holiday Frolic Parade, Tree-Lighting & Santa. Two jam-packed days. Enjoy!

DEC. 1: Hidden Valley HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR- Shopping & Santa, Festive fun! Enjoy some holiday cheer.

DEC. 8: Santa Beer Crawl 2018: Downtown. A place to wear that ugly Christmas sweater!
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MILPITAS:

DEC. 1: 'A Charlie Brown' Tree-Lighting Ceremony. An annual tradition!

DEC. 8: Milk & Cookies With Santa. Always popular, so don't delay in getting tickets.

Through DEC. 24: Make Magical Memories At Great Mall. Many holiday events, including pet photos with Santa.
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MORAGA:

NOV. 30-DEC. 2: Hacienda Holiday Faire. One-of-a-kind handmade gifts and food.

DEC. 6: Holiday Tree-Lighting & Santa Visit. Music, cookies and cocoa!

DEC. 8: Breakfast With Santa. Family-friendly hot breakfast & photo ops with Santa.

Through JAN. 5: Holiday Magic In Porcelain and Paint. "Featuring the works of two of Lamorinda's most celebrated artists."
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NEWARK:

DEC. 1: The Music from a Charlie Brown Christmas - Concert. Family friendly with room for the kids to dance.

DEC. 3: Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting & Trees of Angels. Santa, too!

DEC. 9: Drivers for Survivors' Holiday Pancake Breakfast & Santa. Silent auction & raffle, too!
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OAKLAND:

NOV. 30: Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting 2018: Jack London Square. Food, toy & coat drive planned, too.

DEC. 1: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's 33rd Annual Holiday Concert. At Paramount Theatre.

DEC. 2: 'Gingerbread Christmas' 2018: Camron-Stanford House. Free open house and delightful tour of a Victorian-era historical gem.

DEC. 2: Grand Menorah Lighting - Chanukah 2018: Lake Merritt. Full celebration with latkes, dreidels, donuts & gelt.

DEC. 1-2: Annual Jingletown Winter Art Walk/Open Studios. Great way to experience "Jingletown!"

DEC. 8: Voci Women's Ensemble presents: Season of Peace. Interweaving Christian and Jewish musical traditions.

DEC. 8-9, 14-16: The Christmas Revels. "Grand celebration of traditions and cultures from around the world."

DEC. 8-23: Santa Brunch & Holiday Tea 2018: Dunsmuir Hellman Estate. Holiday traditions also include mansion t & drive through Winter Wonderland.

DEC. 14-15: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs by Candlelight. "Treasure-trove of seasonal music from wide variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions."

DEC. 14-23: Fairy Winterland 2018: Children's Fairyland. Festival of Lights Parade daily 6:15 p.m.

DEC. 14-JAN. 6: Holiday Ice-Skating Rink. Bundle up, and have fun!
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ORINDA:

DEC. 1: Holiday Magic, Santa & Tree Lighting 2018: Theatre Square. Carriage rides & ornament workshop, too.

DEC. 9: Real Reindeer & Toys Come To Life: Theatre Square. Meet your favorite toys!

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PIEDMONT:

Through DEC. 20: Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Lot. Super fundraiser spot to pick a tree, plus home delivery available.

DEC. 5: Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony. A community tradition open to all!

DEC. 8-9: Piedmont Community Church Annual Christmas Concert."The best-kept secret in the Bay Area."
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PINOLE:

DEC. 1: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Photos With Santa. Fun includes kids' activities, live entertainment & the Pinole Valley High School's Marching Band
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PLEASANT HILL:

NOV. 28: Holiday 'Light Up The Night': Crafts, carriage rides, caroling & more.

DEC. 1: Breakfast With Santa. Two seatings - reserve your spot!

DEC. 1-2: 2 Super Holiday Boutiques 2018: Concord & Pleasant Hill. Admission is free.

DEC. 5: 'May The Magic Be With You' Holiday Festival. Featuring Star Wars characters, holiday express train, giant snow globe & more.

DEC. 15-16: Diablo Symphony Holiday Concert: Snowman, Favorites, Sing-a-long. Festive concert that includes Tri-Valley Theatre's Broadway Chorus.

DEC. 20: Clarinet Fusion Holiday Concert. Live holiday music to delight all ages.
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PLEASANTON:

NOV. 27, 29, 30: A Long Winters Tale - Creatures Of Impulse At Firehouse. Each show is different, so see more than one!

NOV. 30-JAN. 20: Lantern Light Festival 2018-19: Alameda Co Fairgrounds. "Massive handmade lanterns, inspiring performances, and children's activities."

DEC. 1: Hometown Holiday Tree-Lighting & Parade. A much-loved community tradition.

DEC. 1-31: Widmer World - Holiday Lights. A local family tradition!

DEC. 2: Chanukah Parade & Menorah Lighting. Parade from Boulder Court to Hopyard.

DEC. 4: Chanukah Wonderland & Menorah 2018: Stoneridge Mall. Crafts, games & entertainment.
DEC. 6: Holiday Tea and Dessert. Holiday musical performances, too.

DEC. 27: 'Big Fat Year-End Kiss-Off' Stand-Up Comedy: Firehouse . "An evening of pure yuks at the expense of the year 2018 (talk about plenty of material)."
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POINT RICHMOND:

DEC. 8: Arts of Point Richmond Holiday Faire and Sale. Local artists, writers and unique gifts.
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SAN FRANCISCO:

Through JAN. 21: Holiday Ice-Skating Rink 2018-19: Union Square. A holiday tradition with a fun event roster.

Through DEC. 31: Beach Blanket Babylon Holiday Extravaganza. "Parodies of traditional Christmas carols, hilarious spoofs of pop culture and political characters, and the legendary gigantic Yuletide Hat."

Through DEC. 1: Taylor Mac's Holiday Sauce: Curran. "Celebrating the holiday season in all of its dysfunction."

NOV. 26-DEC. 31: 'Winter Walk' Holiday Promenade 2018: Union Square. A pop-up event with amazing food, drinks & entertainment.

NOV. 30-DEC. 15: The Marsh San Francisco Presents "The Jewelry Box." "Follow a young Brian as he heads to the "mean streets" of Oakland to buy his mom a Christmas present."

NOV. 30-JAN. 6: Winter Park Ice-Skating Rink 2018-19: Civic Center.Christmas tree forest, food and beverage stalls, and local holiday arts and crafts.

DEC. 1-2: Caltrain Holiday Train 2018: SF Bay Area Peninsula. A festive tradition of glittering lights and holiday giving.

DEC. 2: Bill Graham Menorah Lighting 2018: Union Square. A long-time tradition in Union Square!

DEC. 2-JAN. 6: Conservatory Of Flowers' 'Night Bloom'. "Stunning intersection of art, technology and nature."

DEC. 6-9: Michael Feinstein & Holly Jolly Holiday: Feinstein's At Nikko. Holiday show with the two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated Feinstein.

DEC. 6-29: A.C.T.'s 'A Christmas Carol' - In its 42nd year, the Bay Area's favorite holiday tradition returns.

DEC. 7-8: 'Brassy & Sassy' with SF Gay Men's Chorus. With special guest, acclaimed coloratura soprano Marnie Breckenridge.

DEC. 7-30: A Noh Christmas Carol. Theatre of Yugen's beloved adaptation of Dickens classic.

DEC. 9: Ragazzi Boys Chorus Presents "For the Beauty of the Earth." "Concert will conclude with traditional carols and an invitation for the audience to join the boys in song."

DEC. 13: Silent Skate Party. Headphones for all skaters at Union Square.

DEC. 13: The Skivvies Present 'I Touch My Elf': Feinstein's. "Stripped-down, mashed-up versions of holiday favorites and more."

DEC. 13-24: Smuin Presents "The Christmas Ballet" - A beloved Bay Area tradition.

DEC. 16: 'A Dickens Of A Holiday' with A.C.T: Macy's. Enjoy arts and crafts, strolling carolers, holiday-themed treats and libations!

DEC. 16: 2018 SFMade Holiday Fair at CCA. Every awesome item is made in SF!

DEC. 21-23:Cinderella. "An annual holiday treat, this timeless tale, brought to whimsical, magical life just in time for the holiday season."

DEC. 31: Norm Lewis: New Year's Eve 2018: Feinstein's. "Celebrate New Year's Eve with one of Broadway's most sought-after leading men."

JAN. 1: Polar Bear Skate. Kick off the New Year & ice skate in your beachwear!
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SAN LEANDRO:

Through DEC. 5: Share the Warmth Coat Drive. Temple Beth Sholom Lobby is partnering with Davis Street.

Through DEC. 7: Community Gift Drive. Giving tree sponsored by Temple Beth Sholom & Side by Side.

NOV. 30-DEC. 1: 15th Annual Creekside Craft Show. Admission free, and don't miss chili cook-off.

DEC. 1-2: Holiday Model Train Show & Open House. with Santa & bake sale.

DEC. 3: Hanukkah Sing Along. All ages welcome & refreshments will be served.

DEC. 4: Holiday Cookies With The Cops & Santa. Decorate cookies at the police station! Toy drive, too.

DEC. 6: Cookies & Cocoa With Santa . Jammies & cameras welcome!

DEC. 7: Hanukkah Shabbat Potluck Dinner. With latkes and sufganiyot!

DEC. 7: Holiday Tree-Lighting & 'It's Wonderful Night' - Santa, horse-drawn carriages, entertainment, cookie decorating ... Don't miss this night!

DEC. 8-9: Annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Warehouse Sale. Don't miss this!

DEC. 8-9: Navidad en Mexico Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno. Amazing show!

DEC. 15: Family Holiday Concert 2018: Historic BAL Theatre.Featuring Howard Hewett and Keith Washington.
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SAN JOSE:

NOV. 30-DEC. : An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas. "A festive cocktail of hits."

DEC. 1: Origami: Paws on Paper Holiday Edition! Try something different this holiday.

DEC. 2: Menorahs & Miracles: A Hanukkah Celebration. At Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose.

DEC. 4: Hammer Theatre Center Presents "Cool Yule." With the SJSU Jazz Orchestra.

DEC. 7-9: Tandy Beal's JOY Holiday Show - Circus, Dance & Music. An exuberant, family-friendly holiday spectacular.

DEC. 16: Symphony Holiday Pops Concert. "Dance is the inspiration for this jovial concert."

DEC. 22: The Jingle Ball - Singles Dance Party. Co-sponsored by The Society of Single Professionals.
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SAN RAMON:

NOV. 28-30: Holiday Tree Lighting 2018: City Center Bishop Ranch. DJ, toy soldiers and elves and Santa light the tree each evening.

DEC. 1: Bah Humbug! 5K Run/Walk. "Costume awards will be given for most Grinch-Like, Best Holiday Spirit and Best Group Theme."

DEC. 8: Holiday On The Farm with Santa & Reindeer: Free. "Old-fashioned ornament making, a puppet show, holiday entertainment & refreshments."

DEC. 9: Chanukah @ City Center Bishop Ranch. Music, entertainment, latkes & donuts, arts and crafts & movie screening.

DEC. 15: Community Chorus Holiday Concert 2018: Free . "Listen to all of your favorite tunes and enjoy local dance performances."

DEC. 23: Symphonic Band Concert: A Wintry Holiday Festival. A community favorite. Get your tickets early!

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SUNOL:

Through DEC. 30: Holiday Train Of Lights 2018: Niles Canyon Railway, Sunol-Fremont. A Bay Area tradition as riders board antique coaches offering refreshments, music and cheer.

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UNION CITY:

DEC. 8: Snacks & Photos With Santa. Space will fill up - make your reservations.
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WALNUT CREEK:

NOV. 29: Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: Broadway Plaza. Enjoy the annual Holiday Parade of Lights.

NOV. 30-DEC. 2: Holiday Teddy Bear Tea 2018: Heather Farm Gardens. Sweetest event ever! Get tickets soon.

NOV. 30-DEC. 2: The Gift of the Magi. Timeless O. Henry tale at Lesher Center.

NOV. 30-DEC. 2: Handcrafted Holiday Sale: Shadelands, Art Center. "A weekend of holiday shopping, live entertainment, raffles and festive craft-making!"

DEC. 1: New Day for Children Holiday Bazaar. Shop for beautiful gifts.

DEC. 2: Grand Menorah Lighting. Live music, latkes, doughnuts, entertainment and fun at Broadway Plaza.

DEC. 6: Chanukah Latke Luncheon. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 6-16: 'A Christmas Carol' by Center REPertory: Lesher. Critics have called it "THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area."

DEC. 7: Latkes and Lights Chanukah Celebration and Shir Joy Shabbat. "Bring the whole family for a musical community celebration of the Festival of Lights."

DEC. 7: Downtown Holiday Stroll. Promotions, music & holiday treats.

DEC. 7: Hanukkah Celebration. Service followed by latke feast, dinner & celebration.

DEC. 7-8: Winter Ballet Gala. The Nutcracker will be the second half of the performance.

DEC. 9: Community Arts Jazz Band and Flock of Flutes Winter Concert. Flock of Flutes, East Bay's premiere flute choir, and tunes performed by Community Arts Jazz Band.

DEC. 17: Make and Mingle Open Studio: Mini Evergreen Wreath. Meet new friends & make mini wreaths

DEC. 20: A Very 'Follies' Holiday! 2018: Lesher Center. "Talented and energetic senior performers, ages 60-88, brighten the holiday season."
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FOR PATCH'S ENTIRE SF BAY AREA HOLIDAY GUIDE:

Holiday Tree Lightings, Parades & Events: SF Bay Area 2018

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If we missed your organization's or city's event, email details and online links to susan.schena@patch.com
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TRAVELING OVER THE HOLIDAYS?

• Holiday Tree Lightings, Parades & Events: Riverside County 2018

• Holiday Tree Lightings, Parades & Events: San Diego County 2018

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--Image via Phil Walter Getty Images

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