For many Alamedans, Christmas Day begins with Midnight Mass at St. Albert's, St. Barnabas, St. Joseph Basilica or St. Philip Neri. The congregation at Christ Episcopal celebrates a bit later in the day with a 10 a.m. service.
For early birds, Starbucks on Park Street will open its doors at 5:30 a.m. Besides a warm cup of coffee, store manager Valerie Rosenthal says that Starbucks is a great place to pick up last-minute gift cards or discounted Christmas gift packs to slip under the tree. Starbucks will remain open until 8:30 p.m.
House of Bagels will also be open early, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For those who sleep in, a more leisurely brunch is available at East Ocean. Dim sum will be served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. East Ocean is also open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.
There is no reason for anyone to be alone or hungry on Christmas Day. In what has become a heart-warming Alameda tradition, Angela's Bistro, with the help of many local partners and volunteers, is serving a Christmas meal with all the trimmings free of charge to anyone who walks in the door. Seating is available in Angela's and also next door at the Twin Towers United Methodist Church. Hours are 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Want to watch the latest movies on the big screen? The box office at the Alameda Theatre opens at 10:30 a.m. with movies all day long.
Would you rather do something more active? AMF Southshore Lanes will open at 2 p.m. to midnight. (Jazzercise, for the first time in over a decade, will be closed on Christmas Day.)
Last-minute guests expected at the table? No worries. Shortages of food or drink can be remedied at Lucky Supermarket, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the Safeway at South Shore (Bay Farm Safeway will be closed), open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Headed to someone else's house for dinner? Lucky you! Show your appreciation by picking up a bouquet for your hostess at 1-800-Flowers Central Florist, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For antacids or a prescription refill that cannot wait, the Walgreen's pharmacy at South Shore remains open 24 hours (the one on Webster will be closed).
Finally, if for some reason you are still hungry after an endless day of feasting, call A-Town Pizza, which is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What else is open Christmas Day? Please share with us in the comments section below.
Like Alameda Patch | Follow Alameda Patch | Blog on Patch | Get Free Patch Newsletters | Post Events | Post Announcements
