"The holiday season has officially started! Instead of researching activities you can do this Winter, I’ve created an exhaustive list of fun holiday activities in the Bay Area." -- Aiyla Baker, 10th Grade
Annual events
Macy’s Great Tree Union Square (Nov. 9-Jan. 1) – every year, Macy’s gifts their Great Tree. This year there was no tree lighting, however, people can still view this tree in Union Square until January 1st.
Union Square Ice Rink (Nov. 1-Jan 15)- Tickets are on sale now.
The Ferry Building (Dec. 1-Dec. 31) – During the holiday season, the Ferry Building in San Francisco turns into the Merry Building. Throughout December, gingerbread houses will be on display throughout.
WinterFest at CA Great America (Nov. 24-Dec. 31)
Sausalito Winterfest (Dec. 9-10) – Two-day event in Sausalito with a Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks on day one and a Jingle Bell run on day two
Holiday shows
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker (Dec. 13-30)
ACT’s A Christmas Carol (Dec. 7-24) - The classic show A Christmas Carol is back at ACT! You can see it throughout December at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre.
Bay Area Winter Solstice Freight and Salvage (Dec. 16, 7 pm-11 pm) - This performance is to “celebrate humanity and reflect on our place in the universe” and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Holiday Markets
Mini Art Mart in Japantown (Dec 9-10 and 16-17, 11 am-6 pm) – a monthly artist alley event where local Bay Area artists sell their work at the Japan Center in Japantown. Due to the holidays, there will be two events in December.
Holiday Maker’s Market Kapwa Gardens (Dec. 3, 8 pm-1 am)
Harajuku Holiday SAN FRANCISCO 833 Market Street (Dec. 16, 11 am-5 pm)
Calicraft Holiday Market (Dec. 9, 11 am-7 pm) - At Calicraft Brewing Company there will be cooking demos throughout the day along with food vendors and handicrafts you can purchase.
Allied Arts Guild Christmas Market Menlo Park (Dec. 2)
Light-themed events
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Golden Gate Park (December 7) – features live music, cookie decorating, carnival rides, food trucks, and more!
Let’s Glow SF (Dec. 1-10) – the kickoff event is on December 1 and includes light installations all over the city.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo (Select dates in November, December, and January) – A nighttime lantern festival at the Oakland Zoo lasting from early November to late January. Tickets are on sale now.
Events for Hanukkah
Thrive City Hanukkah Menorah Lighting (Dec. 7, 4 pm-7 pm) - To celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah, Thrive City is hosting a Menorah Lighting. This will include food, entertainment, and themed arts and crafts.
JCCSF’s Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghiradelli Square (Dec. 10, 3 pm-6 pm) – This event, hosted by the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, includes hands-on crafts, sweet treats, a Hanukkah candle lighting, and ends the night with a piano concert.
Google Calendar for 2023 Holiday events
Macy’s Great Tree Union Square (Nov. 9-Jan. 1) – every year, Macy’s gifts their Great Tree. This year there was no tree lighting, however, people can still view this tree in Union Square until January 1st.
Union Square Ice Rink (Nov. 1-Jan 15)- Tickets are on sale now.
The Ferry Building (Dec. 1-Dec. 31) – During the holiday season, the Ferry Building in San Francisco turns into the Merry Building. Throughout December, gingerbread houses will be on display throughout.
WinterFest at CA Great America (Nov. 24-Dec. 31)
Sausalito Winterfest (Dec. 9-10) – Two-day event in Sausalito with a Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks on day one and a Jingle Bell run on day two
Holiday shows
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker (Dec. 13-30)
ACT’s A Christmas Carol (Dec. 7-24) - The classic show A Christmas Carol is back at ACT! You can see it throughout December at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre.
Bay Area Winter Solstice Freight and Salvage (Dec. 16, 7 pm-11 pm) - This performance is to “celebrate humanity and reflect on our place in the universe” and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Holiday Markets
Mini Art Mart in Japantown (Dec 9-10 and 16-17, 11 am-6 pm) – a monthly artist alley event where local Bay Area artists sell their work at the Japan Center in Japantown. Due to the holidays, there will be two events in December.
Holiday Maker’s Market Kapwa Gardens (Dec. 3, 8 pm-1 am)
Harajuku Holiday SAN FRANCISCO 833 Market Street (Dec. 16, 11 am-5 pm)
Calicraft Holiday Market (Dec. 9, 11 am-7 pm) - At Calicraft Brewing Company there will be cooking demos throughout the day along with food vendors and handicrafts you can purchase.
Allied Arts Guild Christmas Market Menlo Park (Dec. 2)
Light-themed events
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Golden Gate Park (December 7) – features live music, cookie decorating, carnival rides, food trucks, and more!
Let’s Glow SF (Dec. 1-10) – the kickoff event is on December 1 and includes light installations all over the city.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo (Select dates in November, December, and January) – A nighttime lantern festival at the Oakland Zoo lasting from early November to late January. Tickets are on sale now.
Events for Hanukkah
Thrive City Hanukkah Menorah Lighting (Dec. 7, 4 pm-7 pm) - To celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah, Thrive City is hosting a Menorah Lighting. This will include food, entertainment, and themed arts and crafts.
JCCSF’s Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghiradelli Square (Dec. 10, 3 pm-6 pm) – This event, hosted by the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, includes hands-on crafts, sweet treats, a Hanukkah candle lighting, and ends the night with a piano concert.
Google Calendar for 2023 Holiday events
