Welcome to an early edition of The Weekender (Pre-kender?). We’re posting today in case you are hunting right now for fun stuff to do over the long Christmas weekend — and to wish all of you a very happy holiday season.

Now let’s get to it, shall we?

(As always, be sure to double check event and venue websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines or other details.)

Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters  or  www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

1 WATCH: Christmas day movies

It’s one of those Hollywood traditions that continues, even if movie-watching habits have changed somewhat: Big, Oscar-hopeful films opening in theaters on Christmas Day. This year, the Xmas openings include the much-buzzed-about “A Complete Unknown,” with Timothee Chalamet playing Bob Dylan. And if horror is your thing, films don’t get much creepier than Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu,” which is getting rave reviews.

Latkes — crispy fried potato pancakes — are a staple of the Hannukah celebrations. (Courtesy Jonathan Ross) 

2 MAKE & EAT: A whole lotta latkes

Hannukah is Wednesday through Jan. 2; so it’s a perfect time to check out this recipe for mouthwatering, crispy-delicious potato pancakes.

3 PLAY: New Year’s Eve fun

If you want to get out and hear some live music on New Year’s Eve, you have some awesome choices. And come to think of it, there are a ton of ways to ring in 2025 in the Bay Area.

4 SIP: It’s Bloody Mary season

Whether you’re chasing the dog that bit you, looking for a new dog or just love the tangy, spicy taste of a well-made Bloody Mary, we salute you. And we’ve got what you need, if you want to find the Bay Area’s best or make your own.

Sabrina Carpenter, who headlined at Outside Lands in 2024, also released one of the year’s best albums. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group archives) 

5 HEAR: The year’s best albums

Artists ranging from current pop queens like Sabrina Carpenter to rock veterans like The Cure have one thing in common — they released amazing albums in 2024.

6 MAKE & SIP: Wonderful winter cocktails

Yes, there are some cocktails that are just meant to be savored during a chilly winter day. Here’s how to make them.

7 PLAY: Amazing video games

The holidays are a great time to unwind with video games — and you might as well try out the year’s best.