Art
December de Young Artist-In-Residence Melissa Cody
As a fourth generation Navajo weaver, Melissa Cody knows a thing or two about classic design. The unique artist pushes beyond the realm of traditional Navajo weaving and also draws inspiration from contemporary multimedia artists.
When: Wed. 12/5–Thurs. 12/27
Where: de Young, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive

Talk
Jill Abramson
As the highest authority at The New York Times, Executive Editor Jill Abramson has seen and done a lot. Not to mention the fact that she is the first woman to ever hold the title. Don't miss the opportunity to hear her insider voice (during your lunch break) on all things news in her talk entitled: Deciding the News That's Fit to Print.
When: 12 p.m., Thurs. 12/6
Where: The Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St.

Art
SFAC Market Street Poster Sale
Just in time for the holidays, the San Francisco Art Commission is releasing nearly 20 years worth of posters from its renowned Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, which runs along Market Street three times a year. For this one day only, the posters will be on sale to the public for a mere $50 each. Consider it your chance to get your hands on some quality art, on the cheap. Past Bay Area artists to partake in the program include Paul Madonna, Julio Cesar Morales, and Amanda Hughen.
When: 12-7 p.m., Thurs. 12/6
Where: SFAC Galleries, 401 Van Ness Ave. 

Music
A Christmas Carol
The American Conservatory Theater revives their production of Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol again this season. Bay area vetern James Carpenter will return as Ebenezer Scrooge and Ken Ruta reprises his role as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. It's your excuse to indulge in holiday cheer.
When: Through Mon. 12/24
Where: A.C.T., 415 Geary St.

Party
GLIDE Annual Holiday Doin' Good Jam
Party for a cause. This annual music and spoken word event raises money to benefit Mo's Kitchen and many other GLIDE programs. Music by R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, singer/songwriter Lara Johnston, rock/pop band POPYLFE and many more.
When: 7 p.m., Thurs. 12/6
Where: THe Warfield Theatre, 982 Market St.

Lit Party
McSweeny's Annual Holiday Party
What is a holiday party without a little Emily Dickinson, a handful of cookies, and a bit of off-key karaoke? Join McSweeny's for a night filled with an intimate reading by Paul Legault from his book The Emily Dickinson Reader and karaoke with DJ Glenny Kravitz, followed by a full-blown dance party. Cookies will be available too, of course.
When: 7-10 p.m., Thurs. 12/6  
Where: The Make-Out Room, 3226 22nd St.

Comedy
Mortified 
Who doesn't love basking in other people's embarrassment? Join the cultural phenomenon, Mortified, as they celebrate their seventh anniversary with a huge blowout show. Let their all-music themed event "Mortified Rocks You Like A Hurricane" turn your cheeks red as you hear the funniest pieces from the past seven years, from awful teen metal lyrics to awkward music videos and pathetic diary entries. The night ends with improv and comedy freestyle rap sensation The Freeze.
When: 7:30 p.m., Fri. 12/7
Where: DNA Lounge, 375 11th St.

Music
Not So Silent Night
With a line-up featuring some of today's hottest groups including The Shins, Of Monsters and Men, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Gaslight Anthem, this is sure to be one rocking night. The two-day musical event will feature varying groups on each day. Dubbed as one of the Bay Area's biggest music festivals, this is a must-see show.
When: 6 p.m., Fri. 12/7 and Sat. 12/8
Where: Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland

DIY
Cocktails and Crafts
Grab your scissors, glue gun, and prepare to get crafty at this after hours cocktail party. Expect specialty cocktails by librarian bartenders and a special craft beer tasting by 21st Amendment Brewery. There will be DIY craft station in the book stacks in addition to a film screening of Free for All: Inside the Public Library. If you're not a member, you can join online or at the door.
When: 7-10 p.m., Fri. 12/7
Where: Mission Bay Branch Library, 960 4th St.

Music
Meshell Ndegocello
For her 10th album Pour Une Ame Souvraine (For a Soverign Soul), veteran singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegocello turned to the music of Nina Simone for inspiration. In a collaboration with guitarist Chris Bruce, Ndegocello's album is described as a labor of love an homage to the woman who refused to be owned by the music industry or its expectations.
When: 8 p.m., Sun. 12/9
Where: Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell St.

Comedy
W. Kamau Bell
Don't miss the politically charged stand-up comedy of W. Kamau Bell when he returns this month to the city where he got his start 15 years ago. Bell is no stranger to local venues, such as The Purple Onion and Cobb's Comedy Club. And earlier this year, Bell recorded his own show for the FX network, Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell (Chris Rock is the executive producer).
When: 8 p.m., Sun. 12/9
Where: The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.