Who’s in town

David Crist, a senior historian for the federal government and the author of “The Twilight War,” discusses relations between the United States and Iran. [6 p.m., Marines’ Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St., S.F.; RSVP: (415) 673-6672, ext. 229]

Lectures

‘Ethical Destinations’: Speakers discuss Ethical Traveler’s 2013 list of the “World’s Best Ethical Destinations” and why the 10 countries it contains were selected. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

David Morrison: The NASA scientist and director of the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe presents an “Entertaining History of End of the World Doom.” [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Bicycle theft: “Bike Theft in San Francisco” is the subject of a workshop hosted by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition featuring a theft-prevention talk by a police investigator. [6 p.m., Google S.F., 345 Spear St., S.F.]

Literary events

Phil Cousineau: The writer, filmmaker, teacher, scholar and TV host talks about “The Painted Word.” [Noon, Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F.]

Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer: The authors of the “Canal House Cooking” series present “Canal House Cooks Every Day.” [6 p.m., Omnivore Books on Food, 3885a Cesar Chavez St., S.F.]

At the colleges

Music master class: Guitarist Shin-ichi Fukuda conducts a master class with guitar students. [7:30 p.m., San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F.]

At the public library

Older Writers Laboratory: Poetry-writing group welcomes seniors. [3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Ave., S.F.]

Homework help: A math teacher visits the library to answer homework questions. [4 to 6 p.m., Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Ave., S.F.]

Holiday events

Holiday vocals: The San Francisco Symphony presents “Colors of Christmas.” Peabo Bryson, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr. and others sing pop hits and holiday classics. [8 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Tree lots: Holiday trees are for sale at four San Francisco lots run by, and benefiting, the Delancey Street Foundation. [9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 2198 Market St., S.F.; 1599 Bryant St., S.F.; 2601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.; and Pier 32, S.F.]

Local activities

Rock show: The Tragically Hip performs at the Fillmore. “Now for Plan A” is the Juno-winning rock band’s latest album, [8 p.m., 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]

Gala concert: Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation presents “Help is on the Way for the Holidays,” a star-filled gala benefit concert. Performers include Mary Wilson and Bruce Vilanch. [7:30 p.m., Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St., S.F.]

Nocturnal notes: Left Coast Chamber Ensemble presents “Night Music,” a concert that includes George Gershwin’s “Lullaby for String Quartet” and other night-inspired works. [8 p.m., Dennis Gallagher Arts Pavilion, 66 Page St., S.F.]

Comedy show: Kung Pao Kosher Comedy presents “Comedy Returns to El Rio.” Comedians Dan St. Paul, Eloisa Bravo, Kurt Weitzmann, Justin Lucas and Lisa Geduldig take the stage this month. [8 p.m., El Rio, 3158 Mission St. S.F.]

Dining out

Indian Oven: The chicken tikka masala is recommended today. The dish consists of barbecued boneless white meat sauteed with herbs, spices and tomatoes. [233 Fillmore St., S.F.; (415) 626-1628]