🎄 Cozy, Calm & Christmas Week
Christmas week has a different rhythm, slower mornings, glowing evenings, and moments made for connection. Whether you’re wrapping up last-minute plans, entertaining visitors, or just looking for something low-key and festive, here’s a curated list of meaningful East Bay experiences for the week ahead.
📅 This Week at a Glance
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🕯 Candlelight Christmas Concert
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🎁 Last-Minute Holiday Markets
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🎶 Interfaith Holiday Concert (Berkeley)
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🌲 Winter Solstice Walk (Big Break Shoreline)
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🍷 BoaVentura de Caires Winery
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🎬 4th Friday – Pizza + Movie Night
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🎤Holiday Party & Caroling (Oakland)
Scroll for full details 👇
Spotlight:
🌟 Candlelight Christmas Concert Series
📍 2619 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
🗓️ Sunday, Dec 20th | 6:30 PM
💵 $57.75
These intimate candlelit concerts feature string quartets and pianists performing classic Christmas carols and seasonal favorites in softly lit historic venues. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and a perfect break from the holiday rush.
🎨 MORE EVENTS TO EXPLORE
🎁Last-Minute Holiday Markets
📍 Downtown Danville · Lafayette · Alameda
⏰ December 21-23 | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
🎟️ varies by individual boutique and store.
Need thoughtful gifts without the mall chaos? These smaller pop-up markets feature local makers, handmade goods, and grab-and-go holiday treats — perfect for finishing your list with something meaningful.
🎶Interfaith Holiday Concert (Berkeley)
📍 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA 94709
⏰ December 21 | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
🎟️ $30
Free, welcoming sing-alongs where everyone is invited — no performance pressure, just familiar songs, warm voices, and candlelight. A beautiful way to slow down and enjoy the season.
🎄Winter Solstice Walk (Big Break Shoreline)
📍96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
⏰ December 20-21st | 2:00 pm
🎟️ Free
After all the holiday treats, a fresh-air reset hits just right. These trails offer cool-weather views, gentle hikes, and peaceful moments to clear your head before Christmas Day.
🍷BoaVentura de Caires Winery
📍 9309 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA
⏰ December 20-21st | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
🎟️ Start $25
Many wineries shift into cozy mode this week — think fireplaces, mulled wine, acoustic music, and relaxed tastings. Great for visitors or a low-key afternoon escape.
🎬 4th Friday – Pizza + Movie Night
📍 1 Seawall Drive, Berkeley, CA
⏰ December 26 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
🎟️ Free entry; pizza/drinks for purchase.
Once the wrapping paper is cleaned up, enjoy classic films and family favorites back on the big screen. A perfect “nothing-to-do-but-relax” holiday tradition.
🎤Holiday Party & Caroling (Oakland)
📍 825 Athens Avenue, Oakland, CA 94607
⏰ December 24 | 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
🎟️ Start around $10 – $20
The Holiday Party, Potluck, and Movie Night is an inclusive community gathering that replaces traditional religious services with a focus on festive social connection. This celebratory evening features communal caroling, shared holiday food, and an interactive gift exchange, concluding with a classic seasonal film screening within a historic church atmosphere.
🍽️ Local Flavor: Comfort Food Week
📍32 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA |⏰ Mon- Thurs, 11 am – 9 pm | Fri, 11 am – 10 pm | Sat, 10 am – 10 pm | Sun, 10 am – 8 pm | 🎟️ Dishes are around $20–$30 per person
Step into The Hideout Kitchen, where comfort food takes center stage. This cozy Lafayette spot is known for hearty, satisfying plates and seasonal specials that bring warmth and flavor to every meal. The welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for post-shopping dinners, casual family nights, or simply indulging in a comforting culinary experience.
Whether you’re craving classic comfort dishes or seasonal specials, The Hideout Kitchen delivers both flavor and warmth in every bite.
❤️ Give Back This Week
Christmas week is a powerful time to give locally:
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Holiday Meal Support
Volunteer with local nonprofits or community kitchens to help prepare and deliver holiday meals to families in need. Your time and effort can bring warmth and nourishment to those who might otherwise go without. -
Senior Check-In Programs
Many older adults spend the holidays alone. Participate in phone call check-ins, card writing, or home visits to share companionship, spread cheer, and remind seniors that they are remembered and valued. -
Toy & Gift Card Donations
Local drives often accept donations through December 24. Giving toys, books, or gift cards helps ensure children and families experience joy during the holidays, regardless of their financial situation.
🏠 Just Listed: East Bay Homes You’ll Love
1153 Rumrill Blvd #78, San Pablo, CA 94806
2 BEDS | 1 BATH | 672 SQFT
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and incredible value in the heart of San Pablo. Featuring an open layout with great natural light. View photos & details
150 Yorkshire Ct, Vallejo, CA 94591
QUADRUPLEX | 4,271 SQFT
Rarely available, this fully occupied fourplex at 150 Yorkshire Ct offers an ideal blend of cash flow and lifestyle amenities in a pristine East Vallejo end-of-the-court location. View photos & details
410 Webster St, 1, Oakland, CA 94607
1 BED | 1 BATH | 630 SQFT
This move-in-ready contemporary condo is priced to sell and perfectly placed in the heart of Oakland’s vibrant Jack London Square. Inside, soaring eleven-foot cathedral ceilings. View photos & details
💚 Twin Oaks Corner
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🌟 Catch You Next Week…
Hope this edition brings you fresh ideas, new places to explore, and a few warm pockets of joy this week. From lighted boats to candlelit music, the East Bay has a way of making December feel magical.
Stay local & stay inspired,
Ryan DeAmaral
Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider
