Community Corner
Holiday Highlights in Oakland This Weekend
The annual downtown Children's Parade, tree lighting festivities on Piedmont Avenue, a parade of lighted yachts, Yule at the Zoo

Here's a round-up of Saturday's holiday events:
December 1, 1pm
6th Annual Yule at the Oakland Zoo
Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road
Enjoy holiday song and dance presented by the California Revels.
Admission Fee
www.oaklandzoo.org/Calendar_Item.php?i=229
December 1, 2pm
Oakland Holiday Parade
Downtown Oakland, Broadway from 11th to 20
There are giant balloons that fly high in the sky. They are causing oohs and aahs as they pass by. Dancing trees and floats on parade. There are marching bands, drill teams and clowns on that day! It’s fun to watch kids see their favorite stars. It’s a holiday celebration for the whole family to enjoy. It even features Santa for all girls and boys.
Free Admission
www.oaklandholidayparade.com
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December 1, 5-7pm
Piedmont Avenue's 4th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll
Key Route Plaza, Piedmont Ave. at 41st St.
An anticipated holiday tradition featuring the unveiling of the Avenue’s holiday decorations, performances by local school children and Santa Claus ceremoniously lighting a giant tree in the plaza. Enjoy photos with Santa and walk the Avenue to visit shops staying open throughout the evening.
Free Admission
www.piedmontavenue.org or (510) 428-1838
See "Piedmont Avenue Tree Lighting on Saturday" for more information.
December 1, 5:30pm
36th Annual Lighted Yacht Parade
Jack London Square, foot of Broadway
The Encinal Yacht Club and Oakland Yacht Club present this festive event featuring highly decorated boats gliding along the Oakland Estuary.
Free Admission
www.lightedyachtparade.com
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December 1, 7:30pm
27th Annual Holiday Concert
Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir presents its popular holiday concert with special guests.
Admission Fee
www.oigc.org
December 1, 7:30pm
Winter Choral Concert
McLean Chapel, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd.
The concert features the Chamber Singers, under the direction of Janos Horvath, and the University Chorus.
Admission Fee
www.hnu.edu/musicevents/index.html
December 1 & 2, 11am–3pm
Holiday Gift & Art Sale
Junior Center of Art and Science, 558 Bellevue Ave.
Student artwork for sale along with handmade wares from local artists. Face painting, Kids' activities and more.
Free Admission
www.juniorcenter.org
December 1 & 2, Noon-4pm
5th Annual Temescal Holiday Skate & Stoll
Telegraph Ave. at 49th St.
Enjoy an outdoor skating sensation on a faux ice rink plus skateboarding demonstrations, roving musicians, booths, lights & decorations, Santa and holiday cheer.
Free Admission
www.temescaldistrict.org
See "Temescal Holiday Skate & Stroll Dec. 1 and 2" for more information.
December 1 & 2, 7pm Sat & 5pm Sun
Songs for a Starry Night
Odell Johnson Theater, Laney College, 900 Fallon St.
The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus presents its holiday concerts with a mix of seasonal songs representing the diversity of the East Bay.
Admission Fee
www.oebgmc.org
December 1-2, 8-9 & 15-16, 11am-4:30pm
A Holiday Tradition
Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Ct.
For three consecutive weekends, visitors tour the magnificent 37-room mansion, which features turn-of-the-century holiday decorations. Visitors can indulge in Holiday teas, ride the romantic horse-drawn carriage and sip something warm while being entertained by holiday performers. They also can enjoy a light lunch or snack located in the Carriage House Café, while working on their holiday shopping list at the mansion gift shop or the Carriage House crafters. The Kids’ Zone will have pony rides, holiday face-painting, crafts and the Breakfast with Santa. The Oakland Ballet will perform an excerpt of The Nutcracker.
Admission Fee
www.dunsmuir-hellman.com or (510) 238-3052
December 1-31, 5-9pm
Snow Flurries
Jack London Square, foot of Broadway
Enjoy snow flurries on ever hour sprouting 15 feet into the air from atop life-sized snowmen located throughout the Square.
Free admission
www.jacklondonsquare.com
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