Oakland, Calif. – November 29, 2017: Jack London Square kicks off the holiday season with the annual tree-lighting ceremony this Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment, free photos with Santa, and local holiday vendors.
Decorators are placing 5,000 sparkling lights and 600 ornaments on the 55-foot Mt. Shasta fir tree in preparation for the event Dec. 1.
Kev Choice and Friends with the Oakland Youth All-Star Ensembles will perform along with the tap-dancing Christmas trees. Oaktown Jazz Workshops, Roses in Concrete Elementary Choir and Oakland School for the Arts will provide live music. Santa will be on hand to pose with guests for a free smartphone photo.
Visitors are asked to donate non-perishable foods, unwrapped toys or gently worn coats. The donations will go to the Alameda County Food Bank, Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness, and One Warm Coat, all non-profits serving the community.
The Port of Oakland will host a free photo booth where guests can choose props and a special Port backdrop for a unique holiday picture.
Kids and adults are invited to make their own holiday gifts during the Urban Air Market at 55 Harrison St. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A $10 donation is suggested at the door for craft supplies. There will be holiday treats and beverages available for purchase.
Dec. 2 is the 41st annual Lighted Yacht Parade, which will sail the Oakland Estuary. Boats are decorated with lights and holiday displays. Viewing spots are outdoors from Jack London Square or indoors at one of the many restaurants at the Square. The parade route is between the ferry dock at Jack London Square and the Grand Marina in Alameda.
Sunday, Dec. 3, is CUESA Farmers Market and the Urban Air Market: Holiday Show, a one-stop-shop for ethically made gifts from more than 150 local vendors.
www.jacklondonsquare.com/events/special-events
www.lightedyachtparade.com
Go here to see all of the activities offered at the Oakland waterfront or call (510) 645-9292. Transportation options to the Square include the Alameda/SF Bay Ferry, public transit, biking, walking and driving. For directions to Jack London Square, please go here.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
| Media Contacts: Marilyn Sandifur Port Spokesperson Port of Oakland (510) 627-1193 Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur Mike Zampa |