destination oakland
Classical Favorites at the Paramount
Paramount TheaterFew symphony halls in the world have the glamor and grandeur of Oakland's Paramount Theatre, making it the perfect setting to enjoy classical music and dance. On Nov. 13, the Oakland East Bay Symphony kicks off it's 2009/2010 season with "A Night at the Opera". Single ticket prices start at a very affordable $20. In December, the Oakland Ballet Company takes the stage once again for The Nutcracker. The Paramount also hosts contemporary music, comedy and movies. For more on concerts and entertainment in Oakland, visit www.oaklandcvb.com.
Lights and Parades                Oakland Parade
Oakland's streets, hills and waterways are filled with festivities in December. The holiday trees are palms not pines at Jack London Square this year, with a lighting ceremony on Dec. 4. The next day, it's the Oakland Holiday Parade down Broadway during the day and the Lighted Yacht Parade on the estuary that night. Zoo Lights come in many colors - all of them green with new LED energy-saving bulbs. The Mormon Temple's annual display of lights is dazzling. For more holiday events, visit: www.oaklandcvb.com
Hotel Holiday SpecialsHoliday Table with Red Berries
Here's a hint for cutting holiday stress: let the professionals pamper you - or your guests. Many Oakland hotels offer specials during the holidays. At the Claremont Resort, it's free parking, internet and fitness center access, plus three hours of childcare at the Kid's Club. The Oakland Marriott City Center is giving guests options such as gift cards and certificate for free stays in 2010. Visit www.oaklandcvb.com for more information on holiday specials.
Made in Oakland Gifts
ChocolateOakland is becoming nationally known for its art and gourmet food production. Locally made items make thoughtful hostess gifts, so stock up now before the holiday rush. Beverages include JC Cellers, Urban Legend and Irish Monkey wines, Blue Bottle and Peerless coffees and Numi tea. A perennial favorite, artisan chocolates are made by locals such as Cosmic Chocolate and Michael Mischer. If you'd like to order online, browse the listings on Oakland Unwrapped, which has more than 150 Oakland businesses and artists. For more Made in Oakland items and specialty stores, visit www.oaklandcvb.com.
Autumn HikesAutumn Hike
Snow is falling in many parts of the country, but Oakland's temperate climate makes it perfect for hiking throughout the year. The East Bay Regional Park District has more than 1,150 miles of trails, and more than 250 miles of paved trails linking the parks. Trails can be explored by foot, bicycle, horseback, in-line skating and wheelchair. Oakland's diverse parks include Redwood Regional Park, a hidden redwood forest just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland, and Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, which has spectacular views of San Francisco. For specific information on park hours and trails, visit: www.ebparks.org.
November 2009
Classical Favorites
Lights and Parades
Hotel Specials
Made in Oakland Gifts
Autumn Hikes
Calendar
Calendar of Events
Looking for something to do this weekend, next month or later in the year? Check out the new and improved Calendar of Events. Follow us on Twitter to find out other favorites.   
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
The Food & Drink newsletter highlights Oakland's vibrant food scene, including restaurants, bars, cooking schools and recipes. Hungry? Sign up today at www.oaklandcvb.

Quick Links

Upcoming Events
Raphael Saadiq - November 18; Fox Oakland
Andre Ward vs. Mikkel Kessler World Championship Boxing - November 21; ORACLE Arena
Golden State Warriors v. LA Lakers - November 28; ORACLE Arena
Feliz Navidad Celebration - December 2; City Center
Montclair Village Holiday Stroll - December 3; Montclair Village
Jack London Square Holiday Celebration - December 4; Jack London Square
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir - December 5; Paramount Theatre
Chanukah Celebration - December 9; City Center
California Revels: A Celebration of the Winter Solstice - December 11-20; The Scottish Rite Theatre
Fairy Wonderland - December 11-20; Children's Fairyland
Holiday Skate & Stroll - December 12-13; Temescal District
Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show - December 12-13; Oakland Marriott Convention Center
Kwanzaa Celebration - December 16; City Center
OCVB Southwest       
Planning a Reunion or Wedding?
The staff at the Oakland Convention & Visitors Bureau can provide great tips on where to hold a fun family gathering or event. For more information, visit oaklandcvb.com or email us at info@oaklandcvb.com.
Contact Information
Oakland Convention & Visitors Bureau
463 11th St.
Oakland, CA  94607
510-839-9000