WHO’S IN TOWN
Journalist Diana Henriques, who led the New York Times’ coverage of the Bernard L. Madoff scandal, discusses her new book, “The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust.” [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
MUSEUMS
Museum of the African Diaspora: Exhibits include “Collected: Stories of Acquisition and Reclamation,” “The Origins of the African Diaspora” and “Slavery Passages.” [11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 685 Mission St., S.F.]
Randall Museum: Exhibits include “Windswept,” a wind-driven kinetic facade by Charles Sowers, and “Riding the Rails,” a scale model of a caboose that children can climb on. [10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 199 Museum Way, S.F.]
TOURS
Old town: San Francisco City Guides’ “Gold Rush City” tour revisits the days of San Francisco’s Vigilance Committee, Emperor Norton, and original 49ers. [11 a.m.; meet at Transamerica Pyramid, Clay and Montgomery streets, S.F.]
Castro District: Foot Tours hosts “Come Out to the Castro,” a history romp that explores San Francisco’s gay community. [2 p.m.; Market Street near Sanchez Street; details/RSVP: www.foottours.com]
COLLEGES
Sculpture exhibit: A docent tour surveys the Cantor Arts Center’s collection of bronze Rodin sculptures, the world’s largest collection of Rodin bronzes outside Paris. [2 p.m., 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford University, Stanford]
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Open house: The library’s Mission Bay Branch hosts a gathering where locals can meet the staff and learn about library services. [5:30 to 7 p.m., 960 Fourth St., S.F.]
Holiday movie: Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” screens. [7 p.m., Park Branch, 1833 Page St., S.F.]
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Indie bands: The Fling, a Southern California based folk-rock and psychedelic-pop band, and Yukon Blonde, an indie-rock band from Canada, perform at Brick and Mortar Music Hall. [9 p.m., 1710 Mission St., S.F.]
Mean one: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical,” the Broadway show based on the Dr. Seuss story, comes to San Francisco. [7:30 p.m., Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., S.F.]
R&B artist: Grammy-nominated R&B and pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brian McKnight performs at Yoshi’s. [8 p.m., 1330 Fillmore St., S.F.]
Christmas story: Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presents “Rejoice!,” playwright Ron Stacker Thompson’s musical retelling of the Christmas story. [8 p.m., LHT, 450 Post St., S.F.]
Menorah lighting: The lighting of the second candle of the Bill Graham Menorah takes place in Union Square, in celebration of Hanukkah. [5 p.m., Powell and Post streets, S.F.]
Curbside collection: St. Anthony Foundation is conducting its annual curbside collection drive. Donations of canned food, dried food and clean and gently worn clothing are welcome. [8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 105 Golden Gate Ave., S.F.]
Ice rinks: Skating is happening at the Embarcadero and Union Square rinks. Sessions (90 minutes) start on every even hour. [Embarcadero: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Justin Herman Plaza, 1 Market St., S.F.; Union Square: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Powell and Post streets, S.F.]
