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2023 Holiday Festivities (San Francisco + Bay Area)

Annual holiday tree lightings, holiday light shows, Hanukkah celebrations, Christmas festivals and more in San Francisco and around the Bay.
By - posted 11/26/2023 No Comment

Embracing the holiday spirit in the Bay for 2023!

Bay Area comes alive with vibrant holiday cheer as the season approaches. From dazzling lights to festive markets, the region offers an array of delightful festivities for locals and visitors alike.

> Please note that we’ll be continuing to update our Holiday Festivities Guide for 2023


Saturday, November 23

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Saturday, November 23 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Sunday, November 24

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Sunday, November 24 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Thursday, November 28

Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at Union Square’s Holiday Ice Rink
Thursday, November 28 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at Union Square's Holiday Ice Rink

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

2024 Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at San Jose’s “Downtown Ice”
Thursday, November 28 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
2024 Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at San Jose's "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

Friday, November 29

Black Friday at SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Friday, November 29 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
Black Friday at SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Black Friday at San Jose’s Holiday Ice Rink “Downtown Ice”
Friday, November 29 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
Black Friday at San Jose's Holiday Ice Rink "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

Ghirardelli Square’s 2024 Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 29 – 4:30 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square's 2024 Holiday Lighting Ceremony
The 2024 holiday photo season has officially arrived! Visit Ghirardelli Square on a festive Christmas night with your loved ones to capture cherished memories with Santa. Enjoy the annual holiday performance by the SF Boys Chorus, singing classic holiday tunes around the fountain in the ...
“Miracle” Christmas-Themed Pop Up Cocktail Bar: Opening Night (SF)
Friday, November 29 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE | Pacific Cocktail Haven
"Miracle" Christmas-Themed Pop Up Cocktail Bar: Opening Night (SF)

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting, with kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to. Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the ...

San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park” Opening Day (Nov. 29 – Jan. 1)
Friday, November 29 – 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park” Opening Day (Nov. 29 – Jan. 1)

Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...

Saturday, November 30

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Saturday, November 30 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Thrive City “Winter Wonderland” Lighting Ceremony w/ Montell Jordan (SF)
Saturday, November 30 – 3:30 pm - Ends at 5:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Thrive City
Thrive City "Winter Wonderland" Lighting Ceremony w/ Montell Jordan (SF)
The holidays are here! Winter Wonderland is tipping off the festive season with the annual Lighting Ceremony presented by Kaiser Permanente featuring the Bay Area’s largest tree standing at 90 feet tall! This event features live music from the one and only, Montell Jordan, and don’t ...

Sunday, December 1

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Sunday, December 1 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Monday, December 2

2024 Nob Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony (SF)
Monday, December 2 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Huntington Park
2024 Nob Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony (SF)
The Nob Hill Association will host its annual Nob Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 5:30 – 7:30 pm. This year’s event will include: Live seasonal music from the popular French American Jazz Quartet Cookies and hot beverages courtesy of the InterContinental Mark ...

Thursday, December 5

SF’s Drag Queens on Ice 2024 (Union Square)
Thursday, December 5 – 6:30 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*FREE to watch; $30 to skate (includes skate rental)
| Union Square Park
SF's Drag Queens on Ice 2024 (Union Square)
Don’t miss out on the City’s most popular event of the holiday season—Drag Queens on Ice. Be a part of the fun, frivolity, and fabulousness on the ice! If you dare, skate with the Queens as they mingle and warm-up for their entertainment performances, or ...

Friday, December 6

Hayes Valley’s 34th Annual Holiday Stroll (2024)
Friday, December 6 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley's 34th Annual Holiday Stroll (2024)
The 34th Annual Hayes Valley Holiday Stroll Join Us for an Evening of Holiday Merriment Music! Shopping! Performers! Kids activities! And more! ...

Saturday, December 7

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Saturday, December 7 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Sunday, December 8

Santa Skivvies 2024: Holiday Underwear Run Through the Castro (SF)
Sunday, December 8 – 10:00 am - Ends at 1:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch, but registration for the run is $40 and supports the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
| The Lookout
Santa Skivvies 2024: Holiday Underwear Run Through the Castro (SF)
The Santa Skivvies Run is a festive romp through the Castro benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation when you can watch hundreds of bods drop trou, don Santa hats and reindeer antlers and help raise funds to support the free and local services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. On ...
SF Holiday Maker Market & Chocolate Gallery 2024 (SF’s Ferry Building)
Sunday, December 8 – 11:00 am - Ends at 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free market for all guests. No tickets, purchases, or donations required to visit.
| San Francisco Ferry Building
SF Holiday Maker Market & Chocolate Gallery 2024 (SF's Ferry Building)
A one-day-only holiday market with everything made right here in San Francisco. Get your gifts and stocking stuffers—and maybe something nice for yourself—from local brands. In addition, the holiday market will include a Chocolate Gallery filled with San Francisco chocolate makers. Share the joy of locally ...
SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Sunday, December 8 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Thursday, December 12

Union Square’s “Silent Skate” 2024: Silent Disco on Ice
Thursday, December 12 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: $30*
*$30 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
Union Square's "Silent Skate" 2024: Silent Disco on Ice
SILENT SKATE Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions. $30pp The popular Silent Skate party returns to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente for one night only! It’s a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to ...

Saturday, December 14

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Saturday, December 14 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Sunday, December 15

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Sunday, December 15 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Saturday, December 21

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Saturday, December 21 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Sunday, December 22

SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Final Day)
Sunday, December 22 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Final Day)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London ~ an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. The Great ...

Tuesday, December 24

SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (Christmas Eve)
Tuesday, December 24 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
SF's Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (Christmas Eve)

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

Christmas Eve at San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park”
Tuesday, December 24 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Christmas Eve at San Jose's 2024 "Christmas in the Park"

Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...

2024 Christmas Eve Ice Skating at San Jose’s “Downtown Ice”
Tuesday, December 24 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
2024 Christmas Eve Ice Skating at San Jose's "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

Wednesday, December 25

SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (Christmas Day)
Wednesday, December 25 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
SF's Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (Christmas Day)

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

Christmas Day at San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park”
Wednesday, December 25 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Christmas Day at San Jose's 2024 "Christmas in the Park"

Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...

2024 Christmas Day Ice Skating at San Jose’s “Downtown Ice”
Wednesday, December 25 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
2024 Christmas Day Ice Skating at San Jose's "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

Tuesday, December 31

SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (New Year’s Eve)
Tuesday, December 31 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
SF's Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (New Year's Eve)

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

New Year’s Eve at San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park”
Tuesday, December 31 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
New Year's Eve at San Jose's 2024 "Christmas in the Park"

Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...

New Year’s Eve Ice Skating at San Jose’s “Downtown Ice”
Tuesday, December 31 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
New Year's Eve Ice Skating at San Jose's "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

2024 Macy’s Holiday Windows & Adorable Puppies & Kittens: Final Day | Union Square
Tuesday, December 31 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Macy's (Union Square)
2024 Macy's Holiday Windows & Adorable Puppies & Kittens: Final Day | Union Square

Get ready for a heartwarming holiday tradition as adoptable rescue animals return to Macy’s 38th Holiday Windows, bringing joy and cheer to the festive displays. Macy’s, in partnership with the San Francisco SPCA, aims to inspire families to consider the joy of adopting a furry friend, reminding ...

Wednesday, January 1

SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (New Year’s Day)
Wednesday, January 1 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
SF's Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (New Year's Day)

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

New Year’s (& Final) Day 2025 at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”
Wednesday, January 1 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
New Year's (& Final) Day 2025 at San Jose's "Christmas in the Park"

Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...

New Year’s Day Ice Skating at San Jose’s “Downtown Ice”
Wednesday, January 1 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
New Year's Day Ice Skating at San Jose's "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

SF’s New Year’s Day 2025 Polar Bear Ice Skate (Union Square)
Wednesday, January 1 – 2:30 pm - Ends at 3:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch; $25 to skate (Includes Skate Rental)
| Union Square Park
SF's New Year's Day 2025 Polar Bear Ice Skate (Union Square)
POLAR BEAR SKATE Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. $25pp The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente welcomes skaters of all ages to start the New Year off in your swimsuit…on the ice…in the middle of Union Square! As a nod ...

Monday, January 20

SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (Final Day)
Monday, January 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
SF's Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (Final Day)

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

San Jose’s “Downtown Ice” Ice Skating (Final Day)
Monday, January 20 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
San Jose's "Downtown Ice" Ice Skating (Final Day)

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...