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Holiday Festivities

Wednesday, December 17

New for 2025 “Unsilent Night” SF’s Boombox Xmas Parade (Pacific Heights)
Wednesday, December 17 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 7:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Golden Gate Valley Branch Library
New for 2025 "Unsilent Night" SF's Boombox Xmas Parade (Pacific Heights)
Unsilent Night is a participatory sound artwork by composer Phil Kline, an ethereal, electronic soundscape played by the audience on boomboxes carried through city streets. Each participant gets one of four tracks of music in the form of a MP3 or through the app. All four ...

Thursday, December 18

SF’s Holiday “Castro Wine Walk” (2025)
Thursday, December 18 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: $40*
*$40 for one or $70 for 2 (Better Together!)
| The Academy
SF’s Holiday "Castro Wine Walk" (2025)
Join us for the Castro Wine Walk! Sip seasonal pours, sip and stroll through 11 local businesses, and celebrate fall in the gayborhood. Raise a glass—it’s the holiday season in the Castro! On Thursday, December 18, the Castro Merchants Association is uncorking the Castro Wine Walk, ...

Friday, December 19

Holiday Night Market w/ CASE (SF)
Friday, December 19 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Fillmore & O'Farrell
Holiday Night Market w/ CASE (SF)
Join us for a festive Holiday Night Market featuring live music by R&B Star CASE, a variety of vendors, a magical Kids Wonderland and more. The free, family attractions seem infinite, beginning with the magic and joy at Kids Wonderland as Gene Suttle Plaza is transformed ...

Saturday, December 20

Chabot Space & Science Center’s Winter Fest
Saturday, December 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*FREE for Members, $24 Adults, $19 Children (2-12) and Seniors (65+)
| Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center's Winter Fest

WinterFest December 20th – 21st | 10AM-5PM FREE for Members, $24 Adults, $19 Children (2-12) and Seniors (65+) Step into a world of icy planets and faraway galaxies this winter at Chabot! With festive tunes and a variety of interactive activities blending science and seasonal cheer, ...

SF’s 41st Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Saturday, December 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 41st Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

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 ...

2025 Holidays on Fourth Street: SF Chorus Carolers | Berkeley
Saturday, December 20 – 1:00 pm - Ends at 3:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Fourth Street (Berkeley)
2025 Holidays on Fourth Street: SF Chorus Carolers | Berkeley

Dazzling Holiday Lights Each Night On each night starting at dusk, Fourth Street street sparkles with cheer every night at about 5PM. Holiday lights embroider every tree and glowing balls of light dangle from the branches. Enjoy the three blocks of beauty with friends and ...

Livermore SantaCon
Saturday, December 20 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Downtown Livermore
Livermore SantaCon
Join us Saturday December 20th for our 3rd annual SantaCON. Featuring 20 of Downtown Livermore’s hottest Restaurants & Bars.

Sunday, December 21

Chabot Space & Science Center’s Winter Fest
Sunday, December 21 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*FREE for Members, $24 Adults, $19 Children (2-12) and Seniors (65+)
| Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center's Winter Fest

WinterFest December 20th – 21st | 10AM-5PM FREE for Members, $24 Adults, $19 Children (2-12) and Seniors (65+) Step into a world of icy planets and faraway galaxies this winter at Chabot! With festive tunes and a variety of interactive activities blending science and seasonal cheer, ...

SF’s 41st Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Final Day)
Sunday, December 21 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
| Cow Palace
SF's 41st 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 ...

2025 Holidays on Fourth Street: Fratello Marionette’s Holiday Shows | Berkeley
Sunday, December 21 – 1:00 pm - Ends at 3:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Fourth Street (Berkeley)
2025 Holidays on Fourth Street: Fratello Marionette's Holiday Shows | Berkeley

Dazzling Holiday Lights Each Night On each night starting at dusk, Fourth Street street sparkles with cheer every night at about 5PM. Holiday lights embroider every tree and glowing balls of light dangle from the branches. Enjoy the three blocks of beauty with friends and ...

Winter Solstice “Make Music” Parade & Stroll (Oakland)
Sunday, December 21 – 2:00 pm | | Degrees Plato
Winter Solstice "Make Music" Parade & Stroll (Oakland)
Make Music – Winter Solstice Edition Sunday, December 21 (2pm-4:30pm and beyond) All are welcome to celebrate Winter Solstice by making music and sharing in libations. Parade between two locations where you can enjoy craft beverages and entertainment, and play instruments (or use your voice) as you ...

Wednesday, December 24

20th Anniv. of SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at The Westin St. Francis
Wednesday, December 24 – All Day | Cost: FREE | The Westin St. Francis
20th Anniv. of SF's 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle" at The Westin St. Francis

The Westin St. Francis’ iconic Sugar Castle celebrates 20 years of holiday magic in San Francisco. This nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound masterpiece features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms, and a running train, bringing a whimsical French château to life in the heart of the ...

San Jose’s Xmas Eve “Skate Under the Palms” Ice Skating
Wednesday, December 24 – 11:00 am - Ends at 10:30 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
San Jose's Xmas Eve "Skate Under the Palms" Ice Skating

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Wednesday, November 26, and operates daily through January 19, 2026. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Skate Under the Palms, formerly known as Downtown Ice in San Jose, ...

Christmas Eve at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”
Wednesday, 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 "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 ...

Thursday, December 25

SF’s 20th Anniv. of 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at The Westin St. Francis
Thursday, December 25 – All Day | Cost: FREE | The Westin St. Francis
SF's 20th Anniv. of 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle" at The Westin St. Francis

The Westin St. Francis’ iconic Sugar Castle celebrates 20 years of holiday magic in San Francisco. This nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound masterpiece features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms, and a running train, bringing a whimsical French château to life in the heart of the ...

Christmas Day at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”
Thursday, 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 "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 ...

San Jose’s Christmas “Skate Under the Palms” Ice Skating
Thursday, December 25 – 1:00 pm - Ends at 10:30 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
San Jose's Christmas "Skate Under the Palms" Ice Skating

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Wednesday, November 26, and operates daily through January 19, 2026. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Skate Under the Palms, formerly known as Downtown Ice in San Jose, ...

Wednesday, December 31

20th Anniv. of SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)
Wednesday, December 31 – 10:00 am - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE | The Westin St. Francis
20th Anniv. of SF's 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)

The Westin St. Francis’ iconic Sugar Castle celebrates 20 years of holiday magic in San Francisco. This nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound masterpiece features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms, and a running train, bringing a whimsical French château to life in the heart of the ...

San Jose’s NYE “Skate Under the Palms” Ice Skating
Wednesday, December 31 – 11:00 am - Ends at 8:30 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
San Jose's NYE "Skate Under the Palms" Ice Skating

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Wednesday, November 26, and operates daily through January 19, 2026. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Skate Under the Palms, formerly known as Downtown Ice in San Jose, ...

New Year’s Eve at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”
Wednesday, 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 "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 ...

2025 Macy’s Holiday Windows & Adorable Puppies & Kittens: Final Day | Union Square
Wednesday, December 31 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Macy's (Union Square)
2025 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 39th 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 ...

San Francisco New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Midnight (2025/2026)
Wednesday, December 31 – 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE | Embarcadero
San Francisco New Year's Eve Fireworks at Midnight (2025/2026)
Ring in 2026 with San Francisco’s annual fireworks show over the Bay. The big fireworks show will take place at midnight this year (December 31, 2025) on New Year’s Eve 2025/2026. Say goodbye to 2025 and ring in the 2026 new year with 200,000 fellow bundled-up San ...

Thursday, January 1

SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at the Westin St. Francis (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)
Thursday, January 1 – All Day | Cost: FREE | The Westin St. Francis
SF's 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle" at the Westin St. Francis (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)

The Westin St. Francis’ iconic Sugar Castle celebrates 20 years of holiday magic in San Francisco. This nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound masterpiece features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms, and a running train, bringing a whimsical French château to life in the heart of the ...

San Jose’s New Year’s Day “Skate Under the Palms” Ice Skating
Thursday, January 1 – 11:00 am - Ends at 10:30 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
San Jose's New Year's Day "Skate Under the Palms" Ice Skating

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Wednesday, November 26, and operates daily through January 19, 2026. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Skate Under the Palms, formerly known as Downtown Ice in San Jose, ...

New Year’s (& Final) Day at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”
Thursday, 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 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 ...

Friday, January 2

Final Day: SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at The Westin St. Francis
Friday, January 2 – All Day | Cost: FREE | The Westin St. Francis
Final Day: SF's 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle" at The Westin St. Francis

The Westin St. Francis’ iconic Sugar Castle celebrates 20 years of holiday magic in San Francisco. This nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound masterpiece features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms, and a running train, bringing a whimsical French château to life in the heart of the ...

Monday, January 19

San Jose’s Holiday Ice Rink “Skate Under the Palms” Final Day
Monday, January 19 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
San Jose's Holiday Ice Rink "Skate Under the Palms" Final Day

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Wednesday, November 26, and operates daily through January 19, 2026. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Skate Under the Palms, formerly known as Downtown Ice in San Jose, ...