Sometimes in the hustle, bustle, and just downright craziness of the holidays we lose some of our holiday cheer. Thankfully, Oakland has plenty of activities and places that will help re-kindle all those warm and fuzzy feelings. Which of course means we had to put a few of them in a list for you! So with no more adieu, 5 different holiday adventures that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit:
1.) Go listen to the carolers in Jack London Square. TOSCA, the Oakland Symphony’s chorus group, sings holiday carols around the waterfront weekdays between 6:15pm and 7:45pm until December 23rd. So, grab some hot chocolate and head down to see the pretty bridge light, the huge tree, and hear jolly live music.
2.) Speaking of lights, the Oakland Zoo Lights are sure to warm anyone’s Scrooge-like heart. Twinkling lights, children’s laughter, and animals. Does it get any cuter? Also, this year they have added a second “Land of the Lost” light show featuring dinosaurs, music, and volcano’s with explosions of light for those who are in want of more adventure with their holiday light festival. The festival is a separate ticket from Zoo admission and runs through January 4th, 2015 but will be closed Christmas Eve and Day.
3.) Take in one of the Oakland Ballet’s performances of The Nutcracker at the Paramount Theater. Not only is The Nutcracker chalk full of holiday happiness, but this one is performed at the beautiful Paramount which gives you a great excuse to grab a drink or dinner downtown before heading to the theater. Magical Christmas trees, on-stage snowstorms, and life-sized toys, it doesn’t get much more holiday than that. Performances are being held Dec 20th-21st.
4.) Enjoy drink specials and a DJ after donating a toy to a great cause at the Tribune Tavern. Donate an unwrapped toy or article of clothing for the children served by The Bay Area Crisis Nursery and enjoy yummy holiday drinks and all the warm fuzzies that come with participating in both of those things. The toy drive is from 8pm-close on December 21st and should be all kinds of fun!
5.) Bring the kiddos to Fairyland for their Fairy Winterland Celebration. Running through December 23rd, kids can meet santa, enjoy the Festival of Lights Parade, and see fun performances throughout the day. Most of the activities are in the evening between 4pm and 7pm and is a great way to end a crazy day.
This is our favorite time of year here at Live Love Oakland and we hope you have a most wonderful holiday season full of cheer, peppermint, and love! <3
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