Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanza, everyone!

We’re fully in holiday mode right now and yes, the line at Crispian Bakery is still as long as ever.

This one’s short and sweet. Things are a little quieter on the island, but there are still some fun events coming up, especially with New Year’s right around the corner.

I also stopped by the iconic Ole’s Waffle Shop and was reminded just how good those waffles are.

Let’s dive in.

In this week’s email:

FEATURED EVENTS

New Year’s Eve Party w/ Live Music by Slinky Thing | Wed, Dec 31–Thu, Jan 1 | 7:00 PM–1:00 AM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Ring in the New Year with live music by Slinky Thing. Enjoy an East Coast toast at 9:00 PM and a West Coast toast at midnight while dancing to classic, feel-good tunes. More info

RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK

Alameda just wouldn’t be Alameda without Ole’s Waffle Shop.

They opened back in 1927, and I recently learned that Ole’s is the oldest waffle shop in America that’s still running today.

It’s not like they need the extra business, but I wanted to highlight them as one of the Bay Area’s most iconic breakfast spots and share why so many people love this place.

If you want to check out the video I made, it’s linked here.

I ordered the classic waffle combo with freshly squeezed orange juice.

What do you usually get there?

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

Christmas Tree Lane Lights | Daily, Dec 25–31 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Free 📍Thompson Ave (between High & Fernside) – Alameda’s most famous street is a winter wonderland with lights and decorations on every house. You can walk or drive through to see the massive displays. More info

Mike Della Penna’s Winter Magic Show | Sat, Dec 27 | 3:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library – A fun magic show for kids and families about the "magic of the season." It’s a great way to get out of the house after Christmas Day. More info

Marty Supreme – Movie Release | Thu, Dec 25 | Ticket prices vary at 📍Alameda Theatre & Cineplex and area movie houses – Timothée Chalamet stars in Marty Supreme, a new film about a table-tennis prodigy chasing his dream, premiering. More info

Jurassic Quest | Sat–Tue, Dec 27–30 | Times Vary | $25+ 📍Alameda County Fairgrounds – A massive indoor event where you can see giant, moving dinosaurs. Kids can also dig for fossils and play in bounce houses. More info

Pints & Pixels: Retro Gaming | Fri, Dec 26 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co. – Play classic video games on the big screen while you enjoy a local beer. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to hang out with friends. More info

Year-End Book Potluck | Sun, Dec 28 | 3:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library – Share your favorite book of 2025 with other readers. It is a cozy, relaxed meeting where you can get ideas for what to read next year. More info

“The Reset” Career Workshop | Fri, Dec 26 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library (1550 Oak St) – A supportive workforce development workshop to help you map out your career success. More info

Trivia Tuesday: Year-End Edition | Tue, Dec 30 | 7:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co. – The island’s weekly trivia tradition continues through the holidays. Team up with neighbors to win prizes and test your brain. More info

Trivia Night at Almanac | Tue, Dec 30 | 6:30 PM | Free 📍Almanac Brewery – A high-energy trivia night held in a giant airplane hangar. They have lots of outdoor space and fresh craft beer to enjoy. More Info

Fools D’Light Parade & Festival | Sat, Dec 27 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Donation (99¢–$99) 📍Webster Street Park, Alameda – A silly, family-friendly parade and festival with upcycled costume making, hula hoops, juggling, a “silly walk” contest, and more fun activities. More Info

New Year’s Eve Big Band Gala 2025 | Wed, Dec 31 | 7:00 PM–1:00 AM | From $69 📍USS Hornet – Ring in the New Year aboard a historic aircraft carrier with live big band music, multiple heated dance floors, a silent auction, and a midnight countdown. Black tie optional, cash bars and food available, free parking. Headlined by 3 O’Clock Jump with special guest Nick Rossi & His Swing Six. More info

Guiding Light Benefit Concert | Sat, Dec 27 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | $18 📍The Fireside Lounge, Alameda – A night of live music and dancing featuring Kristin Fairfield & the Allies and guest performers. More info

Live Music at Salt Breaker | Sun, Dec 28 | 5PM-7PM | Free (food & bev not included) 📍The Yard Salt Breaker - Good drinks, vibes, musicway

East Bay Dipping Society: New Year’s Polar Bear Dip 2026 | Thu, Jan 1 | 9:00–10:00 AM | Free 📍Grand St & Shore Line Dr, Alameda – Group cold-water dip to start the year (meetup-style). More info

New Year’s Eve Singles Bash | Wed, Dec 31 | 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM | $55–$75 📍Dita’s Lounge, Sausalito – A New Year’s Eve party for single adults of all ages, with a live DJ spinning popular hits and a festive midnight champagne toast. 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

“Noon Year’s Eve” at Thrive City | Wed, Dec 31 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Free 📍Thrive City at Chase Center– A daytime New Year’s Eve party for families celebrating both Kwanzaa and the new year. Enjoy live Afrobeat music, West African dance performances, arts-and-crafts stations, and an early countdown with a balloon drop at 12:00 noon so kids can cheer in 2026 without staying up late. More info

San Francisco New Year’s Eve Fireworks | Wed, Dec 31 | 12:00–12:15 AM | Free 📍San Francisco Waterfront (best views along the Embarcadero) – Midnight fireworks to ring in 2026.

Winter Glow Drive-Thru Light Show | Thu, Dec 25 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | $33 per vehicle 📍Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton – A one-mile drive-through holiday light experience filled with dazzling displays. Hot cocoa and snacks are available. More info

Kwanzaa Celebration (Oakland) | Sat, Dec 27 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free 📍East Bay Church of Religious Science, Oakland – A community gathering to celebrate Kwanzaa’s principles with music, dance, and cultural traditions. More info

Have something locals should know about? 👉 Email: [email protected]

ISLAND UPDATE

Have you ever been to Gim’s Chinese Kitchen on Lincoln? It’s right next to the gas station, across the street from Subpar.

Gim’s has been around for over 60 years, so when I saw bags covering the windows, I thought they had closed for good.

But after taking a closer look, it seems like they’re either renovating or possibly moving to a new spot.

Either way, that’s really exciting news for the neighborhood.

In the meantime, if you have any details or know something the community should know about, feel free to email me at [email protected].

P.S. I do have some info about the business replacing Feel Good Bakery in the market that I’m excited to share soon.

HOUSES ON THE MARKET

Want your business in front of thousands of Alamedans? Email us at [email protected]

— For Frankie