Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Alameda is in full holiday mode this week with tree lightings, holiday events, movie nights, and plenty of ways to shop local.

If you’re staying in town, there’s a lot to enjoy!

But stay tuned because you can win your family a free Christmas tree!

Let’s dive in!

Quick congrats to our 5 LinkedIn Premium winners! Check your inbox if you see your name: Susan McGehee, Melissa Chavez, Javkhlan Ganbold, George Stephens, and Marie Brown

In this week’s email:

We’re partnering with Almanac this holiday season, giving away 5 of their best Christmas trees to 5 Alameda Pulse readers with $50 gift cards attached. Delivery Included!

Details:
Tree: Each tree is a 6-7ft tall Douglas Fir, freshly harvested from a family farm in Oregon. You can choose and pick up your tree, or have us choose from the best and deliver it to you.
Gift card: Attached to each tree will be a $50 Almanac gift card.

How to enter:
1. Follow The Alameda Pulse on Instagram
2. Fill out the giveaway entry form below
3. We’ll be announcing winners next week!

Paws & Claus | Sat, Nov 29 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Island Brewing Co. Alameda – Snap a holiday photo with Santa and a pup from Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter. Bring your dog or meet an adoptable one!

Lumpia Fest | Sat, Nov 29 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free 📍Civic Center Park, Berkeley – Celebrate all things lumpia with food vendors, giveaways, holiday shopping, and fun photo ops at this family-friendly outdoor market. More info

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Did you know families can get $1500 worth of STEM toys for as little as $15 a month? You can with Rova!

Rova is Alameda’s premium STEM toy rental service for kids ages 3–10.

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Special offer: Get your first month free with code ROVA-PULSE at checkout. Try it out (cancel anytime) and see why Alameda parents are choosing Rova.

Holiday Tree Lighting at South Shore Center | Fri, Nov 28 | 4–6 PM | Free 📍 Alameda South Shore Center – Kick off the season with live music, festive performances, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Kids receive a free flashing candy cane wand while supplies last. More info

Paws & Claus | Sat, Nov 29 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Island Brewing Co. Alameda – Snap a holiday photo with Santa and a pup from Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter. Bring your dog or meet an adoptable one! More info

Cinema Under the Stars: Elf | Sat Nov 29 | 5:15 PM | Free 📍 Alameda South Shore Center (outdoors) – Cozy up for a free outdoor screening of the holiday comedy Elf. More movie show times

Photos with Santa | Nov 28 – Dec 24 | Times vary | Price varies 📍South Shore Center (Off Center Court near Great Clips & European Wax Center), Alameda – Snap a holiday photo with Santa, including special pet photo nights. Schedule runs daily through Christmas Eve with short breaks. More info

Small Business Saturday | Sat, Nov 29 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Free 📍Park Street Business District, Alameda – Shop local and support Alameda businesses during this all-day event. Kicks off the city's "12 Days of Alameda" campaign with chances to win themed prize baskets while celebrating community and small business. More info

Small Business Saturday Block Party | Sat, Nov 29 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free 📍Caroline Business District, Alameda – Celebrate Small Business Saturday with an outdoor block party featuring local shops, community cheer, and great finds in the Caroline District.

Alameda Men's Pick-Up Soccer | Sat, Nov 29 | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Free 📍The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alameda – Join this casual Saturday morning soccer game open to all skill levels. Email: [email protected] to participate.

Volunteer Day & Open House | Wed, Nov 26 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Free 📍REAP Climate Center, Alameda – Drop in to explore the center and join hands-on volunteer activities like planting, composting, or light building work. Sign the waiver before attending: Waiver

The Kings of Funk Annual Funksgiving Party | Fri, Nov 28 | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Free (donations welcome) 📍Fireside Lounge, Alameda – Dance into the holiday weekend with TKOF's annual Funksgiving jam, featuring funk, soul, and good vibes all night long. More info

Fireside Alameda Presents: Until Next Time | Sat, Nov 29 | 7:00 PM | Price varies 📍Fireside Lounge, Alameda – A night of live music featuring Mama Coon, Pussy Velour, Marty Robbins Ghost, Lost Puppy Forever, and Zaine Lee Jackson. More info

Karaoke Friday at Hobnob | Fri, Nov 28 | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Free 📍The Hobnob, Alameda – Sing, dance, or relax with a drink at this weekly karaoke party after the restaurant closes. More info

Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony | Sat, Nov 30 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Free 📍Thrive City, San Francisco – Celebrate the holidays with the Bay Area’s tallest tree, live music from Louis Cato, guest appearances, holiday treats, and a special screening of The Polar Express at 6:15 PM. More info

Lumpia Fest | Sat, Nov 29 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free 📍Civic Center Park, Berkeley – Celebrate all things lumpia with food vendors, giveaways, holiday shopping, and fun photo ops at this family-friendly outdoor market. More info

Reggaeton Rave SF | Sat, Nov 29 | 10:00 PM – Late | Price varies 📍REVERB, San Francisco – A high-energy night of reggaeton and EDM with Latin hits and non-stop dancing at this 21+ party. More info

Nutcracker Nightmare Fantasy | Sun, Nov 30 | 6:30 PM | Price varies 📍Flux Vertical Theatre, Berkeley – A bold, adult-only reimagining of the classic ballet, blending pole, aerial, dance, and burlesque in a dazzling holiday fantasy (ages 18+). More info

Big changes are coming to Alameda’s Civic Center Parking Garage at Oak and Central. The city is beginning a full renovation this month to upgrade lighting, security, ADA access, and add smart parking features. The garage will remain open during construction, which is expected to finish by March 2026. Read more at Alameda Post

From November 11–24, 2025, 19 homes sold across Alameda, with a median sale price of $1.2 million, and most buyers used conventional loans. The priciest home was a historic 1888 property on Grand Street that sold the same day it was listed for $3.3 million, while the least expensive was a $400K condo on Shorepoint Court. Read more at Alameda Post

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

Win prizes worth up to $200 in Alameda for shopping local, Nov 29th - Dec 10th.

Each of the 12 days has a designated theme, like dining, pets, family, etc. By shopping at the designated shops, you can get tickets and claim prizes. Starting us off on Nov 29th is Wellness & Self Care.

Check the Schedule & Participating Business Here: Full List

Nov 30: Dining Around Alameda
Dec 1: 21+ (Bars, breweries, dispensaries, wineries)
Dec 2: Style & Fashion
Dec 3: Entertainment & Experiences
Dec 4: Gifts & Home
Dec 5: Vintage & Handmade Art
Dec 6: Kids & Family
Dec 7: Pet Lovers
Dec 8: Professional & Practical Services
Dec 9: Recreation
Dec 10: Local Love: Alameda Pride

Soccer:

Lil’ Kickers Soccer Program (Ages 18 Months–7 Years) | Ongoing | 50-minute weekly classes | Price varies 📍Alameda Point Gym, Alameda – High-energy, age-based soccer classes designed by child development pros to build confidence, teamwork, and motor skills—no experience needed. More info

Skills Institute Level 1 (Ages 5–8) | Ongoing | 1 class/week | Price varies 📍Alameda Point Gym, Alameda – Kids build soccer skills like dribbling and passing through fun drills and small-sided games, helping boost confidence and game smarts. More info

Youth Development Program (Ages 8–12) | Ongoing | 2 classes/week | Price varies 📍Alameda Point Gym, Alameda – Designed for experienced players, this Manchester City-backed program builds technical skills, teamwork, and confidence through small-sided games and advanced training. More info

Tennis:
Private Tennis Lessons: Dec 2025 - More info

Pickleball:
Pickleball Grade 6th-8th: January 2026 - More info

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

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

— For Frankie