Holiday Ice Rink at the Embarcadero Center
All month, Justin Herman Plaza
Let out your inner Kristi Yamaguchi against the backdrop of the bay and Ferry Building. 1 Market Street (at the Embarcadero), 415-837-1931, www.embarcaderocenter.com

Margaret Cho
Saturday, December 4, Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium
Hometown girl Cho brings her brand of San Francisco comedy
to Nob Hill. 1111 California Street (at Taylor), 415-776-7000,
www.masonicauditorium.com

Ira Glass
Sunday, December 5, Herbst Theatre
The public radio darling and host of This American Life talks to you about his American life. 401 Van Ness Avenue (at McAllister),
415-392-4400, www.cityarts.net

Sara Bareilles
Thursday, December 16, The Warfield
She didn’t want to write her record company executives a love song just because they asked for one, but Sara Bareilles will sing her love songs to you. 982 Market Street (at Golden Gate), 415-345-0900,
www.thewarfieldtheatre.com

Cyndi Lauper
Saturday, December 18, The Independent
The girl who just wanted to have fun 25 years ago still knows how to throw a great party. 628 Divisadero Street (at Grove), 415-771-1421, www.theindependentsf.com

The Loved Ones
Saturday, December 18, Burritt Room
If the Bay Area music scene had royalty, these gentlemen would be kings. Bow down to greatness, my friends. 417 Stockton Street (at Sutter), 415-400-0500, www.crescentsf.com

Dinner Detective San Francisco
Saturday, December 25, Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf
Looking for something to do with the family on Christmas night? Well, put down the eggnog, and invite a little mystery into your holiday. (Also runs several other nights in December, including New Year’s Eve.) 555 North Point Street (at Taylor), 877-252-9307, www.dinnerdetective.com

San Francisco New Year’s Eve Ball
Friday, December 31, City Hall
If a New Year’s Eve party doesn’t feel special enough to you,
try breaking out your Cinderella duds and taking in a New Year’s Eve ball. 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place (at Polk and Fulton), www.2ndsunday.com

New Year’s Eve at Bimbo’s 365 Club
Friday, December 31, Bimbo’s 365 Club
Bimbo’s annual New Year’s Eve party features the best in swing
bands, cool cats and fancy ladies. 1025 Columbus Avenue (at Chestnut), 415-474-0365, www.bimbos365club.com

Streets of San Francisco New Year’s Eve
Friday, December 31, Fort Mason Festival Pavilion
Ring in 2011 among the streets of San Francisco without having to actually be outside on the streets of San Francisco. Marina Boulevard
(at Buchanan), www.streetsofnye.eventbrite.com

Melissa Culross is an anchor at KCBS as well as an occasional actor and singer. E-mail: melissa@northsidesf.com