December 11

Bedtime with the Beasts
Bedtime with the Beasts is a special overnight program for youth groups (ages 6-18) and their chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an evening hike around the zoo where you’ll get a look at what the zoo is like after all of the guests leave. Afterwards, enjoy snacks and participate in a fun activity.Then get the chance to meet one of our education animals up close.
When it’s time for bed, you’ll head down to the Education building’s auditorium, where you have the option of watching an educational wildlife video on the big-screen as you drift off to sleep.
In the morning your group will enjoy a tasty continental breakfast and take a private tour to see some of the animals as they awake! Groups arrive at the zoo at 7:00pm and the program ends the next morning at 9:00am.
Minimum group size 15; maximum 100 participants (including adults). Pre-registration is required.
When: 7:00  PM—9:00 AM
Where:  Oakland Zoo
Cost: $60 per person (adult or child)
More Information: https://www.oaklandzoo.org

December 12

The Crucible: Family Friendly Holiday Gift Art Sale and Open House
Support local artists and community arts education for youth and adults while you get your last minute shopping done at the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday celebration.
When: 10:00 AM—4:00 PM
Where:  The Crucible,    1260 7th Street, Oakland
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.thecrucible.org/

24th Annual Holiday Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show
As Oakland’s and the Bay Area’s original African American Holiday Crafts Show, this grand event is in its 24th year and is undoubtedly committed to sustaining and growing African American crafts exhibitors, small businesses, wholesome families and communities.
Oakland Marriott Convention Center
When: 11:00 AM—7:00 PM
Where: Oakland Marriott,    1001 Broadway, Oakland
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.kwanzaagiftshow.com

December 13

The Crucible: Family Friendly Holiday Gift Art Sale and Open House
Support local artists and community arts education for youth and adults while you get your last minute shopping done at the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday celebration.
When: 10:00 AM—4:00 PM
Where:  The Crucible,    1260 7th Street, Oakland
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.thecrucible.org/

24th Annual Holiday Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show
As Oakland’s and the Bay Area’s original African American Holiday Crafts Show, this grand event is in its 24th year and is undoubtedly committed to sustaining and growing African American crafts exhibitors, small businesses, wholesome families and communities.
Oakland Marriott Convention Center
When: 11:00 AM—7:00 PM
Where: Oakland Marriott,    1001 Broadway, Oakland
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.kwanzaagiftshow.com

December 14

For Gentlemen Only: Shop, Swig & Score
Shop for every woman on your list in 15 minutes or less.
Knock back a cold one while doing it.
Watch Monday Night Football with the guys while we beautifully wrap up all of your purchases!
Sound interesting?  Here are the details:
On Monday December 14th, from 7-9pm the girls at Marmalade will greet you with a cold beer and help you select gifts for every woman on your list. From mothers and in-laws to girlfriends and wives (hopefully you’re not taking a cue from Tiger and shopping for both!), sisters, roommates, nieces, admin assistants…even the girl you just started seeing and you aren’t sure what the ‘gift rule’ is, we’ll help you find something every one of them is sure to love!
When you’re all finished, we send you off to the Bus Stop with a drink chip (the first one’s on us) to watch the Cardinals vs. 49ers. Relax with your buddies and avoid the holiday madness while we wrap all of your purchases.
When the game’s over (or whenever you’ve had enough), swing back over to Marmalade and pick up your beautifully wrapped gifts.  Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a hassle!
So let her think you’ve been out scouring the city for the perfect gift…It’ll be our little secret!
Happy Holidays from Marmalade!
When:  7:00 PM
Where:  Marmalade,    2059 Union St., San Francisco
Cost: Free

December 15

Sasha Abramsky discusses “Inside Obama’s Brain”
Sasha Abramsky presents “Inside Obama’s Brain,” in which Abramsky presents a fascinating glimpse into the thinking process and leadership style of President Obama.
When:  7:00 PM
Where: Books Inc.,     1760 4th Street, Berkeley
Cost: Free
More Information:  https://www.booksinc.net/

December 16

Kwanzaa Celebration
Kick off the Kwanzaa season with a performance by West African Highlife Band.
City Center, Broadway between 12th & 14th Streets
When:  12:00 PM—1:00 PM
Where: Oakland City Center,   555 12th Street, Oakland
Cost: Free
More Information: www.oaklandcitycenter.com

December 17

Oakland
Come indulge on eggnog and gingerbread cookies while we raffle off our holiday tree!!  Get a raffle ticket for every purchase made in December and another one for attending the holiday party.  Kids get to make their own ornament at the party to decorate their tree at home, or give as the perfect handmade gift!  Specials on last minute gifts that night and more!  Handmade, fresh cut soap 20% off all month, the perfect stocking stuffer!!  See you on the 17th at the Silk Road for holiday fun!
When:  4:00 PM—7:00 PM
Where: Silk Road International Fair Trade Gifts,    2534 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda
Cost:  Free

Author Photo

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Andy is a highly recognized wrongful death lawyer in California.