Between work, the holidays and travel, December is undoubtedly one of the busiest months of the year. Obligations aside, the coming weeks offer no shortage of fun things to do in the Tri-Valley area. Ready to fill your calendar?

Beginning December 1 through the 23rd, hop on the trolley and enjoy the Lights of Livermore Holiday Tour, featuring classic seasonal music and up-close looks at some of the community’s most beautifully decorated homes. Those 21 and over can take in the scenery following a private wine tasting paired with light bites.

And while you already know that full-bodied wines complement heartier winter meals, why not take that knowledge to the next level? Head to theVINE in Danville, where you’ll learn how to pair Malbec with food on December 8. Beer drinkers can get in on the fun, too. Livermore’s burgeoning craft beer scene means new brews and new hangouts. Get to know them on a tour of the town’s breweries on December 2.

If you’re looking to work off that wine and beer and get outdoors, you’re in luck. On December 3, join the San Ramon Bah Humbug! 5K Run and Walk. In the spirit of the season, participants are asked to bring a can of food to be donated to the Contra Costa County Food Bank. On December 3 and 12, hikers can meet up in Danville to explore the trails at one of the town’s Trail Mixers.

Also be sure and carve out some time for culture. On December 14 and 21, join the Livermore Shakespeare Festival when its artists present staged readings of classic stories, including O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Happy holidays!

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If you’re still looking for a new home in beautiful Northern California, now is your time! Located in the heart of Wine Country, The Vines is a new-home community in Livermore featuring spacious two-story residences with ample amenities.

These homes offer up to 2,235 square feet, three bedrooms plus optional loft/retreat and two-and-half baths. You’ll also enjoy energy-saving features, premium stainless steel kitchen appliances, luxurious master suites and the opportunity to customize your spaces.

The Vines is still accepting priority registration and pre-qualification letters in anticipation of its first Phase Sales Release on Saturday, December 3, so act quickly! To be eligible to participate in the December 3 Sales Release, you must first join the first-come, first-served priority list.

Additionally, a pre-qualification letter from one of our preferred lenders must be provided by Sunday, November 27 at 5pm. To learn more, please contact Ben Vogelsang at The Vines Sales Office at [email protected] or at 925.460.8984.

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This Thanksgiving, make sure your seasonal décor brings maximum effect with minimal effort. These DIY’s are festive, chic and incredibly low-budget.

Amplify your table décor this season with the effortless yet luxe Gold Leaf Pumpkins. With a beautiful, shiny finish, these are sure to impress your guests.

Bring the outdoors in with this simple candle DIY. Venture outside for a few twigs and add both water and a floating candle into a vase to create this easy-to-do holiday centerpiece.

Eliminate the vase with your very own Pumpkin Flower Arrangement. In just a few simple steps you will create a centerpiece that captures the imagination and adds beauty to your table.

Design the perfect fall wreath that will last years to come! Made out of Indian corn, this stunning piece of décor epitomizes the season wonderfully!

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It’s time to fall back! As the days get shorter and we start spending more time at home, it is important to make sure that your house is in great shape. Here are some fall maintenance tips to get you started. 

Fall leaves may look beautiful, but it is important to make sure that you don’t let them clog your gutters. Plan on cleaning your gutters this season to prevent any damage during rainstorms. 

Make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. The changing season brings more moisture and wind that can cause leaks and other pesky issues. Proactively get ahead of any problems by checking your roof’s condition soon.

Stay warm! As it gets cooler, it is important to have proper sealing and insulation to keep your home from losing heat. Check for air leaks from windows and doors by moving your hand around the frame. If you sense any draft, you can use weather stripping or caulk to create a seal. 

The holidays are just around the corner, and you will be busy before you know it, so don’t delay on checking on the condition of your home. Happy Fall! 

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