Hi everyone! Happy holidays!
It’s the last week until Christmas, and hopefully you’re not like me and still need to do some last-minute shopping.
But this week, the island still has plenty of things to do,
So set’s dive in!
In this week’s email:
Featured Events: Winter Market & Holiday Tunes
This Week’s Events: Holiday events, dancing, and more
Restaurant Of The Week: Shaka Shack Hawaiian Eatery
Houses On The Market: Alameda Listings
Read time: 6 mins
Poll: Which segment do you care about most?
FEATURED EVENTS
Faction Brewing Winter Market
Faction Brewing Winter Market | Sat, Dec 20 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Free 📍Faction Brewing, Alameda – Holiday pop-up market with 35+ local artisan vendors, food trucks, and of course craft beer. Shop for unique gifts while enjoying a pint in a festive brewery atmosphere. More info
Park Station Holiday Tunes
Live Music & Holiday Tunes | Thu, Dec 18 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Enjoy a festive night of live music featuring Mikey and the G’s alongside holiday favorites performed by Kiki Bublé. A cozy way to get into the holiday spirit with friends and drinks. More info
RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK
Shaka Shack - Hawaiian Eatery
This week I checked out Shaka Shack Hawaiian Eatery, and I’ve gotta tell you about it.
It’s owned by Amy and Donald, and they opened last October right by the Park Street Bridge. If you remember Little House Cafe, it’s in that same spot. You’ll know you’re there when you see the red boots out front.
They’re already getting known for their brunch, and honestly, I get why. I really liked it.
They’ve got all the classic Hawaiian favorites like loco moco, spam musubi, and malasadas. But they also add some fun twists, like ube waffles and ube matcha, which were really good.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I definitely recommend going. Just a heads up, it gets pretty busy on weekends, so try to go a little early.
I also made a video about my visit, if you want to check it out.
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS
Holiday Events
Saturday @ The Avenue: Holiday Edition | Sat, Dec 20 | 1:00–5:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Avenue – Outdoor holiday market with local vendors, live music, games, and festive fun for all ages. More info
Alameda Xmas Pedicab Tour | Fri, Dec 19 | 7:00–7:45 PM | $ Deposit 📍Alameda Ave & Christmas Tree Lane – Family-friendly pedicab ride through Alameda’s holiday lights, including a stop at the famous Christmas Tree Lane. More info
Faction Brewing Winter Market | Sat, Dec 20 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Free 📍Faction Brewing, Alameda – Holiday pop-up market with 35+ local artisan vendors, food trucks, and of course craft beer. Shop for unique gifts while enjoying a pint in a festive brewery atmosphere. More info
Cinema Under the Stars | Fri & Sat, Dec 19–20 | 5:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda South Shore Center – Outdoor holiday movie screenings for families with free popcorn and hot cocoa (final weekend of the series). More info
Caroling with the Foodbank Players | Thu, Dec 18 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free 📍Alameda Ave – Join a local theater troupe for an evening of festive street caroling in the Park Street district, spreading holiday cheer downtown. More info
For The Family
Children’s Fairyland “Fairy Winterland” | Sat–Sun, Dec 20–21 | 12–7PM | $22 adults, $20 kids 📍Children’s Fairyland – Beloved Oakland tradition with twinkling lights and multicultural holiday displays across the storybook park. Enjoy festive crafts, scavenger hunts, free cocoa, puppet shows, and special appearances. More Info
Alameda Story Slam | Fri, Dec 19 | 7:30–9:30 PM | $20–$30 📍Alameda Elks Lodge, Alameda – A monthly storytelling night where 10 people share true 5-minute stories based on the evening’s theme, followed by a featured storyteller. Complimentary soft drinks and snacks provided. More info
WinterFest 2025 at Chabot Space & Science Center| Sat & Sun, Dec 20–21 | 10 am–5 pm | $24 (kids $19)* 📍Chabot Space & Science Center – A two-day festival blending science with seasonal cheer. Enjoy live music, face painting, and hands-on winter science activities among the museum’s exhibits. More Info
Community & Ongoing Events
Rodeo Bingo | Thu, Dec 18 | 6:00–10:00 PM | $15 📍Alameda Eagles Hall – Bingo with a Wild West twist – enjoy a cowboy-themed bingo night with a cash bar and food options. Fun prizes and a rootin’ tootin’ good time for adults. More Info
Line Dancing Rodeo Style | Thu, Dec 18 | 8:30–10:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Eagles Hall – Yeehaw! Kick up your heels with a country line dancing party. All levels welcome – learn new moves at this rodeo-themed dance event (western attire encouraged). More info
Saturday Morning Run Group | Every Saturday Morning | 8 AM | Free 📍Kindred Running, Webster - Choose a 5k or 10k run, meet new running friends, and cruise through the neighborhood. More info
Wednesday Morning Walk Group | Every Saturday Morning | 8 AM | Free 📍Kindred Running, Webster - Good company, light movement, moderate pace. More info
Live Shows & Entertainment
Live Music & Holiday Tunes | Thu, Dec 18 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Enjoy a festive night of live music featuring Mikey and the G’s alongside holiday favorites performed by Kiki Bublé. A cozy way to get into the holiday spirit with friends and drinks. More info
Pop-Up Market | Tue, Dec 23 | 5:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Shop local at this evening pop-up market featuring small businesses, makers, and unique gifts. Perfect for last-minute holiday shopping while grabbing food or drinks. More info
Joe Brennan & Julia Randall | Sun, Dec 21 | 5:00–7:00 PM | Free 📍The Hobnob, Alameda – Joe Brennan teams up with his cousin Julia Randall (from Burlington, Vermont) for an evening of amazing live music! More info
Entwined Liberations: An Afternoon of Poetry and Film | Sat, Dec 20 | 2:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Free Library (Main Branch) – Join local poet Noor Al-Samarrai for poetry paired with a film screening, plus refreshments and community. More info
Connection & Dating
Christmas Dance for Single Professionals | Sat, Dec 20 | 7–10 PM | $30–$50 📍Private Home Sherman St, Alameda – Holiday dance party for singles of all ages at a Victorian home with a huge dance floor. Ticket includes light appetizers and a drink. Festive attire (Santa hats encouraged). More Info
Beyond Alameda
Off the Grid Fort Mason: Holiday Night Market | Friday, Dec 19 | 4–9PM | Free 📍Fort Mason Center – A giant outdoor night market to close out the season with over 100 vendors. Experience a cheerful evening of food trucks, local craft stalls, and holiday lights by the bay. More info
Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire | Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21 | 12-5PM | Free 📍Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill – New for 2025: The Fairmont’s rooftop garden transforms into a charming European-style holiday market. Browse local artisan stalls with holiday crafts, gifts, and epic city skyline views. More info
2025 Winter Wonderland Hanukkah Celebration | Thursday, Dec 18 | 4–7PM | Free 📍Thrive City Plaza – Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a special Hanukkah party at Chase Center’s plaza. More info
PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Lighting Show | Wednesday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | 5–10PM | Free 📍Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf – Spend Christmas Eve at Pier 39 under a 60-foot sparkling tree. The pier’s famous tree comes to life with a synchronized music and light show that repeats throughout the evening. More info
Have something locals should know about? 👉 Email: [email protected]
HOUSES ON THE MARKET
Alameda Listings
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— For Frankie