This is our first holiday season living in San Francisco and we are very excited for the myriad of holiday events! As I research holiday events in and around the city, I will add them to the list below. Please, let me know if you have any other suggestions I should add to the list! Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Multiple Dates
- November 19 – December 18
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, San Francisco; Weekends 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
A one-of-a-kind holiday adventure into Victorian London. Costumed players performing, music halls, pubs, dance floors, and Christmas shops.
- Wednesday, November 23 – Sunday, January 8
‘Tis the Season for Science
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Interactive exhibit about reindeer adaptation, festive performances, live reindeer, and a Snowman Theater with a planetarium-like show about the northern lights.
- Thursday, November 24 – Sunday, January 1
Illuminate SF Festival of Light
Multiple Locations, San Francisco
35 Installations. 31 Artists. 12 Neighborhoods. View the website for more information on the illuminated installations throughout San Francisco.
- Friday, November 25 – Sunday, January 1
Winter Walk
Union Square, San Francisco
A pedestrian-only pop-up plaza in Union Square on Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis. Food vendors, live music & carolers, beer & wine garden, and other wintery surprises
- Friday, November 25 – Sunday, January 1
Christmas in the Park
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose; 9:00 am – midnight
The two-acre park is transformed with over 60 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and a 60-foot Christmas tree.
- Saturday, November 26 – January 1, 2007
Fairmont San Francisco Gingerbread House & Holiday Tea
Fairmont San Francisco
A two-story giant Gingerbread House, giant Christmas tree, and other decorations in the hotel’s lobby. Holiday Tea times are available in the hotel restaurant.
See more in my post: Gingerbread Holiday Tea at Fairmont San Francisco
- Thursday, December 1 – Saturday, January 7
Winter Nights Holiday Bazaar
Westfield Centre, Under the Dome, San Francisco; Monday – Friday 4:00 pm-8:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Featuring the Bespoke Marketplace. Unique gifts from local artisans, Holiday Tree, food and libations, holiday entertainment, and Santa. Musical performances Thursday – Saturday.
- Friday, December 2 – Sunday, January 1 (closed December 24 & 25)
Oakland Zoo Lights
Oakland Zoo, Oakland; 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
LED lights throughout the Oakland zoo. Highlights include candy cane themed rides area, a nighttime adventure on the Outback Express train, rocking around the Christmas trees and a light show.
- Monday, December 12 – Saturday, December 31
Christmas Tree Lane
Fulton Street, Palo Alto; 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
A row of lighted trees and decorated houses on Fulton Street off Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto.
- Friday, December 16 – Friday, December 30 (closed December 24 & 25)
San Francisco Zoo Lights
San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco; 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bright lights throughout the zoo, Santa Claus, reindeer, carolers, and a holiday marketplace with food and seasonal delights.
- Wednesday, December 21 – Wednesday, December 28
Otter Gifts
Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
The river otters will be showered with “fun presents, like fish-stuffed stockings, festive trees, gift-wrapped toys, ice wreaths, and more”
- Saturday, December 24 – Sunday, January 1
Billy Graham Menorah Project
Union Square, San Francisco
Celebrate Chanukah at lighting ceremonies at 5 pm each day, except for Saturday, December 24 (7:30 pm) and Friday, December 30 (3:00 pm).
- Monday, December 26 – Sunday, January 1
Kwanzaa S.F.
Multiple Locations, San Francisco
15 Kwanzaa celebrations throughout the city presented by the Village Project and community partners. The Nguzo Saba will be highlighted with the lighting of a candle followed by a feast and a myriad of artistic performances.
Holiday Calendar
Thursday, December 8
- Build It! Lego Club and Holiday Card Making
North Beach Library, San Francisco
“Legos for architects, engineers and artists of the future. Parents and caregivers are welcome to build with their child! Bi-weekly program. And we’ll have supplies on hand for you to make a magical holiday card! Get creative building with LEGO. We provide all the pieces you’ll need to create vehicles, robots, castles, and more.”
- Free Festival of Light Guided Tour | Civic Center Central Market
6:00 pm
Civic Center Central Market, San Francisco
Guided tour through central market/civic center light sculptures led by light art guide Robin Marks. Visit the website to rsvp.
Friday, December 9
- Free Holiday Fanfare Concert
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
In front of the Opera House | San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center
Free holiday concert by the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Brass Quintet
Saturday, December 10
- Winterfest
Noon – 5:00 pm
Avaya Stadium, San Jose
San Jose Earthquakes are hosting their first Winterfest. Will feature more than 10 tons of snow and holiday-related activities ahead of a viewing party for MLS Cup 2016
- Free Holiday Fanfare Concert
1:30 – 3:00 pm
On Hayes between Franklin & Gough
Free holiday concert by the Mostly Madridals
- Parol Lantern Festival & Parade
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jessie Square, San Francisco
Parol lantern parade followed by a festival and Tala awards in Jessie Square
- Free Holiday Fanfare Concert
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
In front of Davies Hall | Davies Symphony Hall
Free holiday concert by the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Brass Quintet
- Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Fireworks
Boat Parade: 6:30 pm; Fireworks: 7:30 pm
Downtown Sausalito
Boat parade and fireworks viewable from Caledonia Street area, the ferry pier in downtown Sausalito, and the Bridgeway Promenade
Tuesday, December 13
- Holiday Nights at the Academy
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Members experience indoor snow flurries, live reindeer, Snowman Theater, carolers and live entertainment, Polar Night Sky planetarium show, and see the rainforest and aquarium after dark.
Wednesday, December 14
- River Otter Snow Days
Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
Over 1,000 pounds of snow will be added to the river otter habitat for the otters’ enjoyment.
Thursday, December 15
- Free Festival of Light Guided Tour | Yerba Buena/Mission Bay/Bay View
6:00 pm
Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
Guided tour through Yerba Buena/Mission Bay/Bay View light sculptures led by light art guide Robin Marks. Visit the website to rsvp.
Friday, December 16
- Lighted Boat Parade
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Boats festooned with lights and holiday decorations will parade along the waterfront near Aquatic Park, Pier 39, the Marina Green, and Crissy Field
Wednesday, December 21
- River Otter Snow Days
Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
Over 1,000 pounds of snow will be added to the river otter habitat for the otters’ enjoyment.
Friday, December 23
- Holiday Card Making
Mission Bay Library, San Francisco
“Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just want to spread some cheer this winter, come celebrate with us and make your very own holiday cards. All materials will be provided. Space is limited.”
Sunday, December 25
- Dreidel House Kids Crafts Activities
2:00 pm
Union Square, San Francisco
Wednesday, December 28
- River Otter Snow Days
Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
Over 1,000 pounds of snow will be added to the river otter habitat for the otters’ enjoyment.
- Festival of Lights
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Westfield Centre, Level 4 Under the Dome, San Francisco
A Festival of Lights Hanukkah Celebration in partnership with the Bill Graham Menorah Project. Holiday treats, live music and family activities
Sunday, January 1
- Menorah New Years Eve Parade
8:00 pm
Union Square, San Francisco
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