Compiled by Eric J. Kos

Thursday, Dec. 19

n 7 p.m. “PEOM (Poetry Every Other Month).” Featured reader Alameda Poet Laureate, Gene Kahane. New poets read every other month. Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden, 1223 Park St. (Info: 865-2385, genekahane@gmail.com)

Friday, Dec. 20

n 7 p.m. Tropical Dance Party with Bululú. Experience holiday musical traditions of Latin America.Dance lesson and food offerings. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day-of-show, $12 youth, 12 and younger. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org)

Saturday, Dec. 21

n 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “The Menagerie.” Holiday oddities market. More than 50 artists and vendors offering strange and unusual wares as holiday gifts. $5 general admission. Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave. (Info: themenageriealameda@gmail.com)

n 2 and 7 p.m. The Nutcracker. Annual performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 classic holiday ballet by Alameda Civic Ballet. Tickets: $24 to $48. Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley. (Info, tickets: 337-1929, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4277035)

Sunday, Dec. 22

n 2 p.m. The Nutcracker.Annual performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 classic holiday ballet by Alameda Civic Ballet. Tickets: $24 to $48. Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley. (Info, tickets: 337-1929, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4277035)

n 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hanukkah Community Celebration. Third annual menorah lighting hosted by Chabad of Alameda. Fire and LED light show. Snacks, crafts, raffle and more. The Waterfront at Nob Hill Foods, 2531 Blanding Ave. (Info: 640-2590, www.jewishalameda.com/chanukah)

Monday, Dec. 23

n 5 to 7 p.m. Menorah Lighting. Temple Israel and South Shore Center’s second annual celebration of Hanukkah. Rabbi Koch presents at 5:30 p.m. Guest speakers follow. At 6 p.m., Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft lights the candles. Live music, crafts for kids, treats for all. The public may also bring menorahs. South Shopping Center, Park Street and Shore Line Drive. Center Court. (Info: 522-9355, alamikey@comcast.net)

SNEAK PEEK

n Dec. 29, 7 to 9 p.m. The Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show.  Featuring comedians: Debi Durst, Michael Bossier, Mari Magaloni, Arthur Gaus and Johnny Steele sending up major news stories of 2019. (Note: Will Durst will not appear this year.) Tickets: $28 in advance, $35 day of show. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org)

n Jan. 8 thru Feb. 12, 7:30 to 9 p.m. “Learn to Drum!” Six Wednesdays exploring West African percussion and rhythms geared for beginners with instructor Tina “Bean” Blaine.  $120 for six classes. Ages 16 and older. Bring a djembe, or drums will be provided. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org)

n Jan. 9 thru Jan. 30, 7 to 9 p.m. “The Beatles, Part I: From the Beginning through Sgt. Pepper.” Four Thursdays of indepth education from Carnegie Mellon University Professor Stephen Schultz on the music and impact of the Fab Four. Tickets: $100 for the series or $30 per class. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org)

n Jan. 11, 6 to 9 p.m. The Writing is on the Wall. Exhibit opening celebration. Featuring provocative works of art from Salma Arastu, Najib Joe Hakim and collected poems and letters from the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Meet the artists, light refreshments. Free admission. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org)