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THURSDAY 5
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz City Lights Books, 261 Columbus, SF; www.citylights.com. 7pm, free. The author reads from The Great Sioux Nation: Sitting in Judgment on America.
IlluminArts Walk North Beach to Embarcadero/Pier 15 via Filbert Steps, SF; www.blackrockarts.org. 5:30-8:30pm, free. Grab some glow sticks and put on your finest illuminated gear, and bam! You’re part of this “strolling light-up installation.”
Jack London Square Lights Up for the Holidays! Jack London Square, Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakl; www.jacklondonsquare.com. 5-7:30pm, free. Jack London Square lights up its 55-foot Christmas tree — with entertainment by tap-dancing Christmas trees, among other luminaries.
Playland at the Beach: The Golden Years Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut, SF; www.booksinc.net. 7pm, free. California historian James R. Smith shares rare historic photos from his new book about the legendary San Francisco amusement park.
Zarina Zabrisky Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck, Berk; www.pegasusbookstore.com. 7:30pm, free. The author and special guests read from her debut novel, We, Monsters.
FRIDAY 6
Holiday Art Sale at Creativity Explored Creativity Explored Gallery and Studio, 3245 16th St, SF; www.creativityexplored.org. Opening reception tonight, 6-9pm, free. Exhibit runs through Dec 30. Support artists with developmental disabilities and add some unique artwork to your home at this popular annual sale. As a bonus, Creativity Explored celebrates its 30th anniversary this year by offering 30 percent discount off all original works.
SATURDAY 7
Babylon Salon Cantina SF, 580 Sutter, SF; www.babylonsalon.com. 6:30pm, free. Reading with authors Steve Almond (Candyfreak), Tom Barbash (Stay Up With Me), and others.
Holiday Crafts Day Randall Museum, 199 Museum Wy, SF; www.randallmuseum.org. 10am-2pm, craft activities (prices vary); 2pm, performance by Daniel DaVinci Comedy Circus Show, $3. Learn how to roll beeswax candles, make scented soaps, and other crafts that make great gifts. A kid-friendly comedy performance follows. Suitable for all ages, through children must be accompanied by an adult.
Jingletown Winter ArtWalk Between Park and Fruitvale, Oakl; www.jingletown.org. 11am-6pm. Open studios event featuring over 50 artists who live or work in the Jingletown neighborhood, near the estuary separating Oakland and Alameda.
Mexican Museum events Mexican Museum, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, Marina at Laguna, SF; www.mexicanmuseum.org. Free. The museum hosts La Tienda Holiday Sale (today, 10am-4pm), featuring handmade crafts made from ceramic, copper, and wood; and a Family Sunday celebration in honor of what would have been artist Diego Rivera’s 127th birthday (Sun/8, noon-3:30pm).
Middle East Crafts Bazaar Middle East Children’s Alliance, 1101 Eighth St, Berk; www.mecaforpeace.org. 10am-5pm, free. Also Sun/8. Handcrafted gifts from the Middle East, including Palestine, Lebanon, and Turkey.
San Francisco Bazaar Concourse Exhibition Center, East Hall, 635 Eighth St, SF; www.sanfranciscobazaar.org. 11am-6pm, free. Also Sun/8. Featuring a large selection of handmade gifts made by local artists who live and work in the Bay Area.
SFMade’s Annual Holiday Gift Fair Fleet Room, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna, SF; www.sfmade.org. 10am-5pm, free. Also Sun/8. Every item at this gift fair is guaranteed made in San Francisco.
Union Street Fantasy of Lights Union between Van Ness and Steiner, SF; www.unionstreetsf.com. 3-7pm, free. Union Street lights up at this neighborhood holiday festival, with cupcake decorating, pony rides, jugglers, face painting, and other kid-friendly fun. Future Union Street events include the Ugly/Creative Holiday Sweater Contest (Dec 21, 2-4pm), and holiday caroling (Dec 21, 1pm); check out the online calendar for details.
Winter Faire Golden Gate Spiritualist Church, 1901 Franklin, SF; facebook.com/spiritualistchurch. 11am-4pm, free. Holiday gifts for sale including pottery, canned fruits and jams, gently used books, baked goods, and more.
SUNDAY 8
“Snow Day in the Gourmet Ghetto” Parking lot, 1673 Shattuck, Berk; www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com. 10am-3pm, free. Pony rides, craft projects, holiday vendors, and, yes, actual snow.
MONDAY 9
Holiday Toy Drive Bayview YMCA, 1601 Lane, SF; www.urbanedacademy.com; www.ymca.net. 5pm, free. Bring books, games, and sneakers to brighten the holidays for kids at this drive hosted by San Francisco 49er Navorro Bowman. *