The holiday fun continues, with Oakland Ballet's Nutcracker, a Grand Menorah Lighting in Walnut Creek, a Winter Solstice campfire in Martinez, a Festivus Celebration in Dublin, and more. Click here.

Celebrate Chanukah on December 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. with a menorah candle-lighting, traditional sweets and dreidel giveaways. Donate a new unwrapped toy for foster children on December 19 from 8-11 p.m.; receive $2 off admission, enjoy games, a DJ and pictures with Santa! Click here for more cool details.

Fresh Mediterranean arrives in downtown Pleasant Hill. Incorporating traditional Mediterranean spices and flavors along with classic grilling techniques, Yalla offers an authentic, casual dining experience that's not only delicious and good for you, but also served fast and affordably priced. The menu boasts exciting flavors to each plate through made-to-order skewers, wraps, stuffed pitas, salads, seasonal sides and desserts, plus local wines on tap and craft beers. Click here to learn more.  

Altera Design is offering free educational seminars on remodeling in 2015. Come learn about important topics such as: how to avoid the most common remodeling mistakes; how to eliminate design regrets; what to look for to ensure that your remodeling project will be completed on time and on budget; how much should you pay for your remodel; and much more. Click here for more details and to receive notifications for upcoming seminars.

As part of BNP Paribas, Bank of the West is a local bank backed by global insights. Our integrated, global perspective is designed to keep clients one step ahead of emerging trends. We can adjust our investment strategies to current market conditions while remaining focused on your unique goals. Click here to learn more or call (877) 898-1003.

Has your skin lost its youthful glow due to sun exposure? The Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser, eliminates years of sun damage by targeting exactly the right depth and can restore you to the luminous glow of your younger years. Plus, it allows for great results with minimal downtime. Call (925) 937-8377 or visit Dr. Robert Aycock's office in Walnut Creek to learn more and set up your appointment for a Halo treatment today. Just in time for holiday parties, too! Click here to find Dr. Robert Aycock online.

One of Lafayette's treasures, Floret offers a curated collection of hostess, home gifts, and fresh floral. Stop in and pick an arrangement for your holiday table, mantel or front door, or let our designers create something unique for your space. Follow us on Instagram @floretshoppe or read our blog for tips and style ideas for your next event. Floret Lafayette is located at 3581 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Ste. C in Lafayette. Please call (925) 310-4546 for more information.

The Diablo editors have their holiday wish lists ready this year. From keeping ears warm to floating in an Epsom salt bath, this list might just give you a last minute gift idea.

From designer jeans, to beautiful jewelry and even world class woolens, La Fiesta Square has something special for everyone. This holiday season, save yourself the hassle and head to La Fiesta Square to discover something fashionable for the entire family. La Fiesta Square is located in the heart of Lafayette at Mt. Diablo and Oak Hill Road.

Broadway Plaza is the ideal place to do all of your holiday shopping, and with the new South Broadway Parking Garage now open, there's 550 more reasons to shop...550 new parking spaces, that is! With ample parking, free valet and the center's stellar retailers, such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy's, it's time to say hello to hassle-free holiday shopping! For sales, events and more, click here!

Check out this photo of Santa Claus smiling for the camera at Blackhawk Plaza, taken by Instagram user danvilleliving. Don't forget to tag your Instagram photos with #eastbay to be considered for our blog!

This holiday, watch as a scuba diver dressed as Santa Claus plunges into the Academy's Philippine Coral Reef tank to talk about coral reef biodiversity and answer reef-related questions from visitors. The 212,000-gallon tank is the world's deepest living coral reef exhibit, teeming with thousands of colorful reef fish. Scuba Santa will take the plunge daily at 11:30 a.m. from December 17-24. Click here for ticket information.

Join the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District for a New Year's Eve Celebration. Dance your way into the New Year with live tunes by Cover2Cover! Located in the Chateau Room at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, tickets are now available for purchase. VIP tickets include dinner and VIP seating and are $85. A party ticket is $50. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Claremont Hotel is the best NYE party in the East Bay with choices for every taste. Click here for party only tickets or choose from the many NYE room and dinner packages for every taste. Book now and get ready for fun. Visit us online or call (800) 551-7266, extension 1 for room packages or Ext. 3 for dinner packages.

Join ARF and host Tony La Russa at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek for a fundraiser featuring American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, singer-songwriter Jim Beavers, country duo The Warren Brothers, and more! All proceeds support ARF's life-saving programs. Click here for tickets or call (925) 943-SHOW.

Join East Bay BMW for an end of the year savings you don't want to miss! Receive a holiday credit of up to $3,500* on select models. It's your last chance to save on our 2014 428i, 2014 528i, and 2014 535i. Come in today to find your dream car at a magical price, only with East Bay BMW. Click here for more information.

Bridges Restaurant and Bar is excited to be teaming up with Far Niente and their family of wines to host a winter winemaker dinner. Executive Chef Kevin Gin along with Wine Director JJ Foster, kicks off the evening with a wine and cheese reception. A four course meal follows with each course thoughtfully paired with wine from the Far Niente family of wines. To round out the evening, a decadent dessert is paired with a delicious wine to complete this evening to remember. Click here or call 

(925) 820-7200 for tickets and more information.

Treat yourself to a Platinum Pumpkin Peel for the holidays. It's rich in beta carotene and hydroxyl acids will exfoliate and bring antioxidants to the superficial layers of the skin. Look your best for the office holiday party with our Signature facelift. This signature, results-driven skin treatment will rejuvenate your skin. Mention Diablo when you call to book an appointment and receive A-Lister special pricing. Click here to learn more about Silhouette Med Spa (link needed).

Click here for a sampling of the many East Bay events occurring throughout the holiday season. 

Vote for your favorite Diablo cover from this year for a chance to win a gift certificate to an East Bay restaurant. Click here and enter now. Good luck!

Hot and glistening chicken with rich potatoes make this dish as thrilling as they come. Click here to read the full report.

Sports bar shakeup; holiday events, anniversaries and new chefs; vegan butcher shops and meaty ones, too! Click here for the full report. Happy Christmas and Hanukkah everyone!