Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

OXNARD--Local Yuletide festivities get under way with the Oxnard Christmas Tree Lighting and Downtown Stroll, 5 p.m. Dec. 2. Carols accompany the tree lighting, followed by a walk through the decorated downtown. Meet in Plaza Park, 5th and B streets. The Hometown Holidays Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Dec. 3 and travels down B Street from Heritage Square to City Hall. (805) 483-7960.

INDIO--A spicy feast of music and food awaits at the third annual International Tamale Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3. Highlights include a holiday parade at 9 a.m., arts and crafts, carnival rides, and live music. Jazz artist Poncho Sanchez headlines at 3 p.m. Free. On Miles Avenue between Oasis and Towne streets. (800) 44-INDIO.

CLOVERDALE--Celebrate the holidays in the spirit of Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and Scrooge at the fourth annual Cloverdale Dickens Street Faire, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3-4. Arts and crafts, entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and kids’ activities are among the offerings in uptown and downtown Cloverdale. A tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the town square. (707) 894-4470. ANAHEIM--Be on the cutting edge of transportation technology by attending the 12th International Electric Vehicle Symposium. A public exposition is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3; noon-4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Disneyland Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 W. Cerritos Ave. $5. (415) 855-8799.

SAN FRANCISCO--The 16th annual Celebration of Craftswomen fills the Herbst Pavilion at Ft. Mason Center, Dec. 3-4 and 10-11. About 280 artists, working in a wide variety of mediums, are featured, with different ones on hand each weekend. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. A diverse selection of performers is featured in the Cultural Rainbow Cabaret. $5, general; $4, seniors; free for kids under 12. (415) 361-0700.