In Auckland, you know it’s ‘holly jolly’ season when the giant tree in Jack London Square lights up. This week’s roundup is packed full of winter and holiday-themed events, starting with this Saturday’s tree lighting.
If you would like us to consider putting together this event, please email azucena@oaklandside.org. Also, if you want to promote something on your calendar, you can use the self-posting form on your event page.
jack london tree lighting
Jack London Square is getting ready for the holidays with the lighting of a 55-foot-tall Shasta fir tree. In addition to the grand tree, there will be two laser light shows and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Christmas teddy bears and the Peppermint Princess. You can take photos freely, so please bring your cell phone. Oaktown Jazz Workshop (OJW), a nonprofit cultural and educational organization, and the faith-based Lyric Performing Arts Academy will perform at the event.
Saturday, December 2nd, 5:45pm to 8pm, free to attend, 472 Water St.
47th Illuminated Yacht Parade
Decorated boats cruise along the estuary during the 47th annual Lighted Yacht Parade. The judges will be stationed on the Alameda side of the estuary, past Encinal and the Oakland Yacht Club, but spectators can watch the parade from anywhere along the estuary that is not on private property, including Jack London Square and Brooklyn Basin. Proceeds from this year’s charity event will support the Alameda County Community Food Bank. The event will be held even in rainy weather unless there is a strong wind advisory.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m., free to attend, along the estuary between Jack London Square and Brooklyn Basin.
East Bay Open Studio Winter Event
Oakland’s First Friday is on hiatus after this month, but Oakland Art Murmur is still going strong. Hundreds of East Bay artists open their studios to the public on this free, family-friendly, self-guided tour of local art studios. Visitors can find unique and affordable artwork starting at $20. Information about each participating artist can be found on his website for East Bay Her Open Studio, a project of Oakland Art Murmur. There are 49 artists featured in Auckland alone, and venues range from collectives and galleries to home studios.
Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website Click here for more information and exact location.
Cantare Annual Holiday Concert
Cantare, an Oakland-based non-profit building community through choral music, is an annual festival conducted by David Morales and Julie Haydon and featuring a 100-voice adult choir and the Nova Youth Choir, accompanied by a full orchestra. We are holding an annual holiday concert.The set includes the following performances various moods of christmasCarol of Nigeria BethelehemKim Andre Arnesen’s song of justice, Stephen Schwartz’s hanukkah song, more. Purchase tickets online, by calling (510) 836-0789, or at the door.
Sunday, December 3rd, 4:00 p.m.$10 to $40First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway.
Temescal Brewing does not have a Jerks Ski Village
Temescal Brewing is bringing back its popular beer and bringing “an après-ski vibe to the city.” Jerks Ski Village, the brewery has been transformed into a skier’s wonderland, with an eye-catching ski check starting from the front door. The inside of Temescal Lodge is filled with Instagram-worthy knick-knacks, ski gear, floating gifts, lights, and more.
There’s also a heated covered outdoor area called the Festival Ballroom, reminiscent of the snowy fields just off the slopes. Temescal Brewing also offers a No Jark Ski Village Season His Pass that provides owners with a personalized ID and lanyard, discounts on purchases, free rounds, and exclusive Ski Village merchandise. For those who prefer warm non-alcoholic beverages, we also offer winter specialty drinks and hot cocoa.
Until February 2024, see: Website For business hours, please visit 4115 Telegraph Ave.