IMAGE OF THE WEEK
Engaging: A man pauses to light a candle at the National AIDS Memorial Grove on Dec. 1 in Golden Gate Park. World AIDS Day was observed around the globe.
SOMETHING TO READ
Natural History of San Francisco Bay
By Ariel Rubissow Okamoto and Kathleen M. Wong ($24.95)
The well-researched, easy-to-ready primer — which features viewpoints of scientists, activists and resource managers — explores the many facets of the extraordinary body of water.
LEND A HAND
Swing U: Volunteers are needed to greet people at the door at a swing-dance festival. [5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market St., S.F.; info/RSVP: (415) 305-8242 or sfbalfest@yahoo.com or http://volunteer.truist.com/thevolunteercenter]
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Symphony party: The San Francisco Symphony hosts its “Deck the Hall” family concert and party. Festivities include holiday music, crafts and entertainment. [11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Craft party: The Museum of Craft and Design’s holiday party features three creative activities, plus refreshments and shopping. Ten percent of proceeds benefit MCD. [1 to 3:30 p.m., Flax Art and Design, 1699 Market St., S.F.]
Rabbit tale: ODC/Dance presents “The Velveteen Rabbit,” its annual holiday performance based on Margery Williams’ tale about a boy, a stuffed rabbit and the power of love. [2 p.m., Novellus Theater, 700 Howard St., S.F.]
Victorian fair: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair re-creates Victorian-era London. Look for lamplit shops, pubs, music halls, costumed actors and more. [11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City]
AROUND TOWN
Music
String quartet: The Juilliard String Quartet, with newest member Joseph Lin, performs at Stanford. The program includes works by Mozart and Stravinsky. [2:30 p.m., Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University]
Latin jazz: The Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra performs at Yoshi’s. Palmieri, the multiple-Grammy-winning Latin-jazz artist, is celebrating his 75th birthday. [7 and 9 p.m., 1330 Fillmore St., S.F.]
Literary arts
Olive oil: Journalist Tom Mueller talks about his new book, “Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil.” [3 p.m., Omnivore Books on Food, 3885a Cesar Chavez St., S.F.]
Conversation
Meet Amy Sedaris: The comedian and bestselling author visits the Roxie Theater for an evening featuring a reception, a conversation, a Q&A, a book signing and craft making. It benefits the Roxie. [7:30 p.m., 3117 16th St., S.F.]
Comedy
Standup show: Comedian Jeffrey Ross performs a standup show. Ross’ credits include the DVD “Jeffrey Ross: No Offense” and appearances at celebrity roasts. [7 p.m., Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
BRUNCH
1300 on Fillmore: Chef David Lawrence’s brunch menu features southern flavors and California ingredients. Dishes include spicy tasso Cajun ham and eggs Benedict with buttermilk-chive biscuits and Tabasco hollandaise; black-skillet fried chicken with buttermilk whipped potatoes and gravy; cinnamon-brioche French toast; lemongrass-ginger house-cured salmon; and a rib-eye burger. [11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 1300 Fillmore St., S.F.; reservations: (415) 771-7100]
GAME OF THE DAY
NFL
49ers vs. Rams
1:15 p.m., Fox (KTVU, Ch. 2)
The 49ers look to snap back after losing in Baltimore to the Ravens on Thanksgiving.
A win today would mean the Niners clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2002.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
NFL: The Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins. [10 a.m., Sun Life Stadium, Miami, CBS (KPIX, Ch. 5)]
