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All Around Alameda – Holiday Cheer, Photography, and Breadmaking

Snap a picture, bake a loaf, and celebrate the season

With the holiday season in full swing, Alameda has lots of festive events on the calendar, as well as some great opportunities to learn something new and get in touch with your creativity. On Friday, December 13, experience your favorite holiday tunes live at the Alameda Community Band Holiday Concert. The following morning—Saturday, December 14—head over to Crab Cove for a photography class and guided walking tour during the king tide. After the tour, you’ll still have plenty of time to check out Feathered Outlaw’s annual Yule Midwinter Market on Webster Street. (How about a delicious, themed mocktail?) The whole family is invited to Alameda Landing’s free Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 15. Grab a goodie bag while supplies last, and keep an eye out for the jolly man in red. For a midweek pick-me-up, head over to the Holiday Breadmaking Class at Almanac Beer on Tuesday, December 17. The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house sounds like a great way to find some comfort and cheer this season!

Alameda Post - a poster for the Alameda Community Band Free holiday concert

Alameda Community Band Holiday Concert

Friday, December 13

Did somebody say “free holiday concert?” Get ready for a delightful evening at the Alameda Community Band Holiday Concert on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Mastick Senior Center, 1115 Santa Clara Avenue, where there is ample parking and the building is accessible.

The concert features a variety of familiar, festive holiday tunes including “Spanish Dance” from The Nutcracker Suite, “Three Moods of Hanukkah,” “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)”, and more. The band promises both holiday favorites and some new takes on Christmas classics.



Alameda Community Band is composed of a dedicated group of volunteers “who have a common interest in playing music and improving their skills while having fun.” They rehearse weekly at Alameda High School in preparation for a series of concerts, multiple times each year. If you’d like to get involved, check out the ARPD website for registration information for the Winter/Spring 2025 season, which begins in January. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Alameda Post - a poster of the king tide at Crab Cove with the text "Rising Tides" and "Capture the King Tide"

King Tide Guided Photography Walk

Saturday, December 14

Are you interested in photography and the climate? Grab your cameras—or iPhones—for the free King Tide Guided Photography Walk on Saturday, December 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m., starting at the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Avenue. The guided walk aims to capture the very high tide, known colloquially as a  “king tide,” at Crab Cove. By observing the current high tides we can get a better idea of the future of our shorelines.

Professional portrait photographer Sarah Deragon will lead a hands-on iPhone photography workshop from 10 to 10:30 a.m. to help you capture the event. After that workshop, a larger guided tour will take place from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Reservations are required for the photography workshop, and all are welcome on the guided walking tour. After the tour, the event will conclude with hot cocoa, cookies, and a sound bath.

This special event is a group effort by several local arts and climate organizations— West End Arts District and RADIUM Presents have teamed up with East Bay Regional Park District, CASA, and Greenbelt Alliance. Keep an eye out for the 2025 In Plain Site photo exhibition which will mark the end of Rising Tides, a year-long series of arts experiences and performances focusing on climate.

Alameda Post - a poster for the Yule Midwinter Market

Yule Midwinter Market

Saturday, December 14 moved to Sunday, December 15

Join Feathered Outlaw for their annual Yule Midwinter Market on Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will be held outdoors at the Healing Garden, 1435 Webster Street.

The free-to-attend event is packed with festivities:

  •  30+ vendors featuring artisan goods, magical wares, and handcrafted gifts.
  • Holistic and mystical practitioners, including intuitive readers, energy healers, and more.
  • Witchy Mocktails Bar with delicious, themed beverages.
  • Photo booth featuring performers from The Foodbank Players as Yuletide characters.
  • Artisan burgers by Rock Club Burgers.

Although it’s often referenced in combination with the Christmas season, Yule is a separate holiday that predates Christianity. “Celebrated largely by the Norse people in northern Europe, many of the old Yule traditions have become Christmas traditions today,” writes Rittika Dhar for History Cooperative. Yule marks the return of light as the days get longer following the Winter Solstice.

The Yule Midwinter Market is sponsored by the West Alameda Business Association. See more information on the Feathered Outlaw website.

Alameda Post - a poster for the Alameda Landing Holiday Celebration

Holiday Celebration at Alameda Landing

Sunday, December 15

Alameda Landing is throwing a free, family-friendly Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 15, from noon to 2 p.m. The festivities will take place at Alameda Landing near Habit Burger, 2640 Fifth Street.

The Grinch, Santa, and Santa’s elves will be attending this star-studded event. Attendees can enjoy free face painting, balloon art, and treat bags while supplies last. After you’ve worked up an appetite, check out the restaurants at Alameda Landing.

If you’re feeling adventurous after the festivities, take a short walk over to Bohol Circle Immigrant Park and grab a ride on Alameda’s favorite little yellow ferry, Woodstock. In November, the popular—and completely free—shuttle program expanded their service between Alameda Landing and Jack London Square.

Alameda Post - a poster for the Almanac Holiday Flavors Spend Grain Breadmaking Class

Holiday Breadmaking Class at Almanac Beer

Tuesday, December 17

Want to wow your friends and family with your contribution to the next holiday gathering? Learn how to bake the perfect loaf with Grainbakers experts at their Holiday Breadmaking Class on Tuesday, December 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Almanac Beer, 651 West Tower Avenue.

Participants will enjoy a sampling of bread and butter, a lecture on breadmaking, and hands-on instruction. After learning to make Grainbakers Spent Grain Artisan Bread Dough, students will have the opportunity to customize their loaf with a variety of additions. Once the dough is ready, class will be dismissed, and students can head home to bake the bread in their own ovens.

Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to the class. Participants must be 18 or older. Tickets are available online.

What else is going on in Alameda?

All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!

Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Reach her at [email protected].

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