With the holiday season in full swing, December is full of exciting and festive events — from whimsical versions of The Nutcracker to breakfast with Santa on a merry-go-round. Here are the best things to do in the East Bay this December.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Jack London Square
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Oakland
Next to Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, 336 Water Street
Over three weekends, families can capture special moments with Old St. Nick using their own devices at no charge. Each Santa Selfies event is free of charge and open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. Best of all? Even furry members of the family are invited: well-behaved, leashed dogs are also invited to take photos with Santa!
December 6, 7, 13 and 14
Oakland
East Bay Open Studios, 3094 East 10th Street
For nearly 50 years, East Bay Open Studios has hosted local artists and given the community an opportunity to buy art directly from artists. Over two weekends this month, 180+ artists will open their studios to the public. This free, self-guided event is the perfect time to holiday shop for unique, hand-made gifts while supporting local artists and makers. Browse paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures and more.
December 6, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Orinda
Tilden Regional Park, 2501 Grizzly Peak Boulevard
Every holiday season, the Tilden Park Merry Go Round in Berkeley transforms into a magical winter wonderland with decorated trees and trinkets, holiday lights, seasonal treats and even a place to mail letters to the North Pole. To take it up a notch, there’s Breakfast with Santa on select days, which includes a breakfast buffet, unlimited rides on the go-round, a special gift and of course the opportunity to sit on the Big Guy’s lap and whisper into his ear.
December 7
Richmond
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue
Each year the Richmond Holiday Arts Festival offers visitors a chance to shop for unique gifts from local arts and crafts vendors, enjoy food and beverages, learn about inspiring community organizations, and participate in art-making activities for the whole family.
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 21 and 21
Berkeley
Adeline between MLK Jr. Way and Ashby
Enjoy some holiday shopping throughout select December weekends at the Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair. The event will feature over 200 local artisans selling handcrafted wares. This fair offers you a very unique opportunity to buy fine original art and inexpensive gifts in the same place. Free gift wrapping will also be available!
December 20
Oakland
Studio 405, 1155 5th Street
Join the Serving Melanin Collective for Umoja & Mimosas, a vibrant celebration of unity, culture and community in the heart of the East Bay. Enjoy delicious food, live performances and beautiful moments of connection to honor the spirit of Umoja (unity). Come ready to laugh, dance, eat and celebrate Kwanzaa, an underrepresented yet important holiday.
December 20-21
Oakland
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway
Oakland Ballet’s artistic director Graham Lustig puts his own spin on the classic ballet by basing it on the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, in which a young girl named Marie receives a nutcracker doll from her Uncle Drosselmeyer. Lustig’s version of The Nutcracker is even more fantastical with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery and imaginative costumes. Oakland Symphony along with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bring Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to life.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the East Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!