Around the bay in DECEMBER 2009

A holiday tradition since 1994, more than 100 boats adorned with lights and holiday decorations will parade along San Francisco’s waterfront at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 11.

Photo © Lori A. Cheung, thePetPhotographer.com

Published: December, 2009 

San Francisco Holiday Lights & Sights Boat Parade

A holiday tradition since 1994, more than 100 boats adorned with lights and holiday decorations will parade along San Francisco’s waterfront at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 11. The parade route will begin just east of PIER 39 proceeding west past Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Mason and the St. Francis Yacht Club, turning off of Crissy Field and returning along the waterfront.  The Fisherman’s Wharf Fishing Fleet boats will stay lit until January 10. After the parade, viewing of these spectacular lights can be seen most prominently on Jefferson Street (between Jones and Taylor) at the sportfishing boat harbor. For more information, call (415) 673-3530 or visit www.visitfishermanswharf.com/holidays/index.htm.

33rd Annual Lighted Yacht Parade in Oakland/Alameda

The 33^rd Annual Lighted Yacht Parade along the waterfront of the Oakland/Alameda Estuary will take place Saturday, December 5. The parade will begin just after sunset around 5:30 p.m. and this year’s theme is “Christmas Carols.” Prizes will be awarded for the Best Decorated Power Boats and the Best Decorated Sail Boats. Interested parade participants can find enrollment information and entry forms at the parade website: www.lightedyachtparade.com. Spectators can watch the parade from any waterside restaurant along the estuary and other public viewing areas will also be available at Wind River Park in Alameda and Jack London Square in Oakland. Hundreds of spectators gather along the waterfront at specified viewing areas or at restaurants that afford them a view of the estuary. Last year 45 boats participated in the parade, and this year’s organizers expect even more. The parade route can be found at www.lightedyachtparade.com.

21st Annual Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade

This annual holiday spectacular will take place along the Sausalito Waterfront, north to south and return, beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Viewing is good all along the waterfront, especially Gabrielson Park, the ferry landing and Yee Tok Chee Park. It has become a special evening in Sausalito, the restaurants and hotels with views of the waterfront are quite popular so make reservations early. There is ample parking in the City lots along the waterfront. All entrants and crew are invited to the party following the fireworks. The Grand Marshall, James Gabbert, will be leading the parade with his 165-foot motor yacht, Invader. Participation in the parade is free. For an entry form, visit the club website: www.sausalitoyachtclub.org

San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour

Classic Cable Car Sightseeing lights up the holiday season with a special tour of San Francisco. Departing from both Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, the 90-minute cable car tour takes in many illuminated attractions, including: the Union Street Fantasy of Lights; Macy’s Christmas tree and window displays; Pier 39 Christmas tree and holiday decorations; Ghirardelli Square Christmas tree and lights; Embarcadero Center holiday displays; the new Market Street illuminated snowflakes, and much more. Tours take place Wednesday-Sunday through December 15 and daily from December 16 through January 3 with limited tours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Departures are 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. from both Union Square (Geary and Powell) and Fisherman’s Wharf (Jefferson and Taylor). For reservations, visit www.classiccablecar.com or call (800) 452-4386 or (415) 596-9929.

4th Annual “Angel Lights” Benefit Features New, Solar-Powered Lights

The Angel Island Association (AIA) is pleased to announce its fourth annual “Angel Lights” Benefit to be held on Thursday, December 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon.  The Benefit supports AIA’s work toward the conservation and enhancement of Angel Island State Park and will feature the lighting of new, solar-powered LED Angel Lights atop the Island.  The solar lights, made possible by the generous financial support of PG&E, will replace the conventional lights that were destroyed by last year’s fire. Television personalities Doug McConnell and Jan Yanehiro will host the festivities, as Angel Lights sponsors and donors celebrate the past and help shape the future of the Park. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and wine, supporters will have the opportunity to bid on a handful of special auction items, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the Island such as a group overnight at the Civil War era Quartermaster building in Camp Reynolds. For more information, call (415) 435-3972.

Victorian Home Walk

A true Victorian Christmas experience, the Victorian Home Walk includes a visit inside a Victorian decorated in the 1890s style during the holiday season. The tour will also include other houses with exteriors decorated for the season. Departs daily at 11 a.m. (except December 25) from Union Square, corner of Powell and Post streets. No reservations required; $25 per person. For information, visit www.victorianwalk.com.

Muni Sunday FunDay Pass

Celebrate the season and shop local with Muni. Every Sunday effective through December 27, pay the regular $2 Muni fare and receive an all-day transfer. All-day transfers available on all Muni routes. Promotion does not include cable car lines or Candlestick Express buses. For information, visit www.sfmta.com.

Macy’s Holiday Windows Featuring SPCA Adoptable Pets

The windows of Macy’s on Union Square, Stockton and O’Farrell streets and the San Francisco SPCA continue their partnership on the famous holiday windows featuring animals hoping to spend the holiday season in a new home. For information, visit www.macys.com/events.

San Francisco Zoo Presents for Animals

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 12-13, 19-20 and December 26-Jan. 1, visitors can see the San Francisco Zoo’s traditional “presents for the animals,” where animals large and small receive wrapped boxes containing some of their favorite treats. The event will be included with paid Zoo admission and will be available daily, rain or shine. For more information, visit www.sfzoo.org.

Dessert and Cast Party with “WICKED” and Other Special Guests

Meet with company members from the touring cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway show, along with their special guests:  Lucie Arnaz, Patty Duke, RJ Helton, Sharon McNight, Connie Champagne and Leanne Borghesi.  The event takes place at Hard Rock Café on December 7 at 9:30 p.m. A limited number of dessert party tickets are available for $25 (includes complimentary wine).  Prior to the cast party, they will be performing a One Night Only Holiday Cabaret to Benefit REAF at J’LaChic Theatre 39, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (415) 956-2013 or visit www.hardrock.com/sanfrancisco.