Seamen's Church Institute - Rev. David Rider, president and executive director of Seamen's Church Institute (SCI), will be the guest speaker at the Propeller Club of Northern California's quarterly luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. at Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar in Jack London Square on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Info: (510) 839-2226 or www.seamenschurch.org.
Oakland Structures - Oakland leaders will again converge at this annual look into the city's economic future, which is presented by the San Francisco Business Times and Oakland law firm Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP. The breakfast will run from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Oakland Marriott, 1001 Broadway, on Friday, Nov. 30. Info: www.sanfranciscobusinesstimes.com/event/57911 or call (415) 288-4972.
ZooLights - During the evenings of Nov. 30 through Dec. 31 (not including Dec. 24 and 25), the Oakland Zoo morphs into a magical wonderland filled with lights, sights, and sounds of the holiday season. Thousands of LED lights brighten Oakland's night sky for the presentation of ZooLights, an annual Oakland holiday tradition. Info: www.oaklandzoo.org.
Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate - During "A Holiday Tradition" at the Oakland hills estate, visitors can tour the magnificent 37-room mansion and stroll on the lovely 50-acre grounds. The mansion features turn-of-the-century holiday decorations. On Saturday, Dec. 1, opening day, join in on a holiday sing-along located on the Great Meadow. Events run Dec. 1 through 16 (Saturdays and Sundays only) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: (510) 238-3052 or www.dunsmuir-hellman.com
Oakland East Bay Symphony - The symphony and Music Director Michael Morgan will celebrate the holiday season with OEBS' popular annual holiday celebration "Let Us Break Bread Together" on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. at Oakland's Paramount Theatre. The symphony will be joined by the Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir, Mt. Eden High School Choir and Klezmer sensation Kugelplex. Info: http:// www.oebs.org.
'Nutcracker' begins Dec. 22 - The Oakland Ballet Company will present its annual performances of "The Nutcracker" at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 22 (2 p.m.), Sunday, Dec. 23 (2 p.m.) and Monday, Dec. 24 (11 a.m.).The Nutcracker, which will feature Michael Morgan conducting members of the Oakland East Bay Symphony, will once again feature the work of ballet artistic director Graham Lustig. Info: www.Ticketmaster.com or call the Paramount Box office at (510) 465-6400.
