"It's Tiiiiimeeee..." 🎶 🎄

The clocks have turned back, the evenings are starting at 5 PM, and November is officially setting the tone. There is a distinct shift in the air this weekend—a crispness that demands warm layers, cozy dining spots, and an early taste of the holiday season. ✨☕🔥🧣

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Lace up the skates and kick off the holiday season early. The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink officially opens its doors this Friday in the heart of City Center. Expect a festive opening atmosphere under the evening plaza lights, surrounded by open-air fire pits, holiday tunes, and easy dinner spots for the whole family right steps from the ice. ✨

💡Insider Tip: Opening night session tickets go fast—book your family’s skate window online in advance. Grab hot cocoas from Equator Coffee right next to the rink to keep little hands warm while you wait for your ice time.

Kick off the weekend with a night off from cooking! With the days getting shorter and early dusk settling in, skip the kitchen prep and explore 8 rotating food trucks in downtown Oakley. Grab street eats, browse local artisan stalls, and bundle up for a relaxed start to the weekend. This event is kid and dog friendly, with downtown Main Street just a short walk away.

💡 Insider Tip: Dress warm! November night temperatures drop fast in the park.

A beloved Solano County tradition for over 20 years, this festive market is the perfect spot to jumpstart your holiday shopping. Browse dozens of local artisan booths for handcrafted jewelry, fine art, holiday decor, and clothing. Take a break from browsing with a hot cocoa, treat yourself to something sweet from the bake sale, or grab a homemade lunch at Dale’s Cafe while soaking in the Christmas music.

💡Insider Tip: Grab a few raffle tickets on your way in—every vendor donates a piece of their work, with funds supporting the local "Hands Up" charity.

Spend a crisp fall afternoon exploring Berkeley’s open-air Fourth Street corridor. The seasonal street celebration features live acoustic music, fall-themed photo pop-ups, children's craft tables, and seasonal sips from neighborhood cafes. 🍂🧺

💡Insider Tip: Fourth Street gets busy on fall afternoons—park at the nearby public lots on Ninth Street or take AC Transit, then grab a hot cider or matcha to sip while strolling the shops.

A beloved local tradition for over four decades, this long-running indoor holiday market brings together over 70 Bay Area makers and craft vendors. It’s a one-stop shop for handcrafted holiday decor, custom jewelry, cozy textiles, and artisan food gifts.

💡 Insider Tip: Stroll through early Saturday morning for the widest selection of unique handcrafted items, then head across the street to Alameda Point's Spirits Alley for a waterfront craft beer or wine tasting.

Bring story-time to life for the little ones this weekend! San Ramon is hosting the ultimate family Sunday featuring local authors, interactive storytelling, hands-on craft stations, and endless rows of incredible reads. The best part? Kids can meet, high-five, and take photos with their favorite storybook and movie heroes—including Elephant & Piggie and Woody & Buzz Lightyear!

💡Insider Tip: Show up early! The first 200 families through the doors score a free book backpack, and pre-registering online gets you a bonus "Book Buck" coupon to spend on your child's new favorite read.

Trade the cool November dusk for the warmth of the Hofmann Theatre. The California Symphony launches its fall showcase under the baton of Music Director Donato Cabrera, weaving together Russian romanticism and mid-century American classics—including Arensky's Variations, Barber’s haunting Adagio for Strings, and Copland’s soaring Clarinet Concerto. It is a lush, high-brow escape designed to ground your weekend.

💡 Insider Tip: Arrive one hour prior to curtain time to catch the complimentary 30-minute pre-concert talk in the auditorium. Heading to the Saturday 7:30 PM performance? Secure a 5:30 PM dinner reservation along Locust Street to keep your timeline seamless.

Enjoy dinner at a Walnut Creek institution for decades before heading over to the California Symphony! Only a 1 minute walk from the Lesher Center, Massimo offers white-cloth fine dining right across from the theatre entrance. It’s the ultimate traditional choice for handmade pastas, prime steaks, and an extensive vintage wine list before a Saturday night performance.

💡Insider Tip: Book a 5:30 PM table for a 7:30 PM show—their kitchen is well-accustomed to theatre schedules, but reservations sell out early on performance weekends.

🎲CELEBRATING OUR VERY OWN🎲

Deal yourself in for an unforgettable night at the waterfront!

Twin Oaks Real Estate is proud to support our very own and Solano Association of Realtors (SAOR) President—Pre’jon Bynum for Poker for a Purpose. 🏆♣️

Whether you're playing to win or just coming for the spectator fun, drinks, and high-stakes atmosphere, it’s all for a fantastic local cause benefiting the Willie B. Adkins Project.

Tickets: $85 Buy-In | $45 Spectator (Call SAOR at 707-644-5525 for tickets & sponsorships)

25 Hillside Rd. Antioch, CA 94509
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,412 SQFT
Welcome to 25 Hillside Road, where charm, comfort, and thoughtful updates come together! This inviting single-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a wonderful blend of character, style, and everyday convenience. Step inside to discover beautiful wood flooring, abundant natural light, and welcoming living spaces accented by custom touches throughout. The beautifully updated kitchen features pretty light cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and stylish finishes, creating a wonderful space for everyday living and entertaining. Additional highlights include central heating and air conditioning, newer exterior stucco completed approximately three years ago, and the convenience of an additional driveway for extra parking. Enjoy low-maintenance front and backyards designed for easy upkeep, leaving more time to relax, entertain, and enjoy your surroundings. Situated along a one-way street, this charming home combines comfortable single-level living, thoughtful improvements, and everyday practicality. Come see all that 25 Hillside Road has to offer!

3013 Keith Dr. Richmond, CA 94803
3 BEDS | 2 BATHs | 1,472 SQFT
Welcome to 3013 Keith Drive, nestled in the scenic hills of El Sobrante! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,472 square feet of living space on a generous 7,800-square-foot lot, creating an exciting opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or anyone looking to make a home their own. With beautiful hillside views, a spacious outdoor setting, and plenty of room to bring your vision to life, this property is full of possibilities. Whether you're dreaming of creating your ideal backyard retreat, entertaining outdoors, or updating the interior to reflect your personal style, there's plenty of potential to make this property truly special. Enjoy the peaceful hillside surroundings while still being conveniently located near local parks, shopping, dining, and commuter routes. A great opportunity to get into the market, build equity, and create something of your own. Come explore the views, imagine the possibilities, and see what makes 3013 Keith Drive worth a visit!

1235 Greenview Ct. Martinez, CA 94553
4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 1,466 SQFT
Beautifully Remodeled Tri-Level Home Perfectly Situated In A Desirable Court Location! This Home Showcases High-End Finishes. Stylish Flooring, Recessed Lighting, Crown Molding, And Custom Wall Paneling. The Spacious Kitchen Features A Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator With Custom Cabinetry With An Additional Built-In Wine Fridge Across The Kitchen. Don't Miss The Standout Features Including The Three-Panel Bifold Glass Doors In The Family Room That Creates Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining. The Bottom Level Also Features A Spacious Nook Perfect For A Workspace. Another Unique Highlight Is The Primary Suite With Two Levels! Offering Space And Versatility. A Grand, Wide Staircase With Elegant Contrasting Finishes Adds Architectural Charm. Enjoy A Private Fenced Backyard With Mature Trees, Beautiful Low-Maintenance Landscaping. Attached Two-Car Garage With Epoxy Finishing. Conveniently Located Near The Best Shopping, Dining, Parks, Trails, Hospitals, Schools, And Major Commuter Routes This Side Of Contra Costa Offers!

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Enjoying The East Bay Insider? Forward this issue to a friend or neighbor looking for weekend plans. ✨

Pull out the extra fuzzy blankets and enjoy the longer evenings. We’ll see you back in your inbox next week with fresh local plans. 🍂☕

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

[email protected]