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JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

Pre-Parade celebration and tree lighting - Friday, Nov. 30, 5 to 7 p.m. at Jack London Square, meet some of the children's characters and view a float that will be in the next day's America's Children's Holiday Parade

America's Children's Holiday Parade, Saturday, Dec. 1 beginning at 2 p.m. at 11st and Clay streets in downtown Oakland

Annual Holiday After Five Reception - Thursday, Dec. 6, Claremont Hotel, 41 Tunnel Road, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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 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

Holidays at City Center - City Center in downtown Oakland will hold free outdoor concerts every Wednesday through Dec. 19. Help celebrate Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 5, Kwanzaa on Dec. 12 and Hanukkah on Dec. 19. In addition, City Center will hold its official tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Info: www.oaklandcitycenter.com or (510) 628-9170.

Neighbors helping neighbors - Come to Happy Hour at Farley's East on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m., where 20 percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County. Farley's East is located at 33 Grand Ave. Admission is free. Info: (510) 877-9254 or www.svdp-alameda.org

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: 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.

When was the last time you took a lazy Saturday or Sunday and discovered the beauty and attractions of Oakland? This weekend: