San Francisco Ballet performs the Nutcracker, the story of a young girl’s Christmas fantasy, at War Memorial Opera House.

Stop by the lobby of the Westin St. Francis to admire the St. Francis Holiday Display, featuring two castles with circular towers, individual rooms, and illuminated windows, surrounded by holiday sugar cakes. Free.

ZooLights has colorful light displays, laser light shows, gondola rides, Christmas trees, and Santa some nights at the Oakland Zoo. Free parking. Closed Dec. 24-25.