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Christmas in San Francisco

Everything to do in SF on Christmas Eve and Day to help you escape family
By - posted 12/24/2019 No Comment

The holidays are just around the corner and you are invited to get into the spirit at tree lightings and holiday festivals all over the Bay Area.

Grab your friends and family and marvel twinkling lights, hear carolers sing all your seasonal favorites, as the little ones tell Santa their Christmas wishes.


Friday, December 19

Inner Sunset Winter Solstice Community Art Walk (SF)
Friday, December 19 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free with RSVP, and you'll receive updates and a link to the Google map of participating businesses.
| Inner Sunset
Inner Sunset Winter Solstice Community Art Walk (SF)
Celebrate Winter Solstice while exploring and supporting local art and business in the Inner Sunset! Stroll through the charming, festive streets of the Inner Sunset, immerse yourself in the community atmosphere, and discover a diverse range of local art, music and business. Participating galleries and businesses will ...
“Home Alone” Film with Live Orchestra by the SF Symphony
Friday, December 19 – 7:30 pm | Cost: $49.50*
*Ticket starts at $49.50 (while supplies last) | Kids’ Tickets Half Off!
| Davies Symphony Hall
“Home Alone” Film with Live Orchestra by the SF Symphony

Experience the beloved holiday hit Home Alone on the big screen like never before, with John Williams’s exuberant score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. Starring an adorable Macaulay Culkin, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy is holiday fun for the entire family. Home Alone Friday ...

Union Square’s Festive “Winter Walk” 2025 (Dec. 13-24)
Friday, December 19 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Lower Stockton Street
Union Square's Festive "Winter Walk" 2025 (Dec. 13-24)

San Francisco’s signature holiday event, Winter Walk, returns to Union Square from December 13–24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This year’s Winter Walk will feature a holiday marketplace, interactive vendors, food trucks, family-friendly stage ...

SF’s New “Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire” w/ Epic City Views (Dec. 19-21)
Friday, December 19 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | The Fairmont (San Francisco)
SF's New "Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire" w/ Epic City Views (Dec. 19-21)

This winter, local artisans will be part of a brand-new holiday experience: the Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire, in the quaint gardens of the legendary Fairmont San Francisco. This unique open-air market will bring the charm of a European holiday village to Nob Hill—complete with lights, festive ...

Winter Solstice Inner Sunset Art Walk (2025)
Friday, December 19 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free with RSVP
| Inner Sunset
Winter Solstice Inner Sunset Art Walk (2025)
Celebrate WINTER SOLSTICE while exploring and supporting local art and business in the Inner Sunset! Stroll through the charming, festive streets of the Inner Sunset, immerse yourself in the community atmosphere, and discover a diverse range of local art, music, and business. Participating galleries and businesses will ...
A Sweet Nothing Holigay Party + Drag Bingo (Emeryville)
Friday, December 19 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Public Market Emeryville
A Sweet Nothing Holigay Party + Drag Bingo (Emeryville)
We return for our annual Sweet Nothing HoliGAY Party. Our evening begins with community engagement + music by DJ M Propper, a holiday-themed DRAG BINGO (6:30p-7:30p), and Drag Routines starting at 7:30pm. We will also have mystery presents AND stuffed stockings for folks who make ...
Floating Cinema: Outdoor Movies While Sailing on the Bay (SF)
Floating Cinema: Outdoor Movies While Sailing on the Bay (SF)
Get ready for the coolest movie night in San Francisco—because we’re pretty sure we have the only sailing movie theater on the planet. Seriously. This holiday season, Red and White Fleet is teaming up with San Francisco’s iconic Roxie Theater to bring you a film ...
“Carols + Cocoa” Free Holiday Cheer Night on Balboa St. (Outer Richmond)
Friday, December 19 – 6:30 pm - Ends at 7:45 pm | Cost: FREE*
*FREE Cocoa and cookies
| Eye & Hand Society
"Carols + Cocoa" Free Holiday Cheer Night on Balboa St. (Outer Richmond)
Join your friends in Outer Richmond in partnership with Avenue Green Light, for a fun, family-friendly night of caroling along Balboa Street as we stop by local businesses, spreading holiday cheer, and enjoying a creative evening together! We’ll finish at Full Life Christian Center with free ...
Dragoon’s Car Club Presents: “Gooneyes” Hot Rod Holiday Party
Friday, December 19 – 8:00 pm - Ends at 12:00 am | Cost: FREE*
*Entry is Free- 1 drink minimum
| Boo Loo Lounge
Dragoon's Car Club Presents: "Gooneyes" Hot Rod Holiday Party
Get ready to jingle and mingle. Join us on Friday 12/19 at Boo Loo Lounge for the sorta annual Gooneyes Xmas Party! Sip on some festive tiki libations (if you’re not driving), groove to amazing tunes, and don’t forget to sit on Santa’s lap. Let’s ...

Saturday, December 20

“Home Alone” Film with Live Orchestra by the SF Symphony
Saturday, December 20 – 2:00 pm | Cost: $49.50*
*Ticket starts at $49.50 (while supplies last) | Kids’ Tickets Half Off!
| Davies Symphony Hall
“Home Alone” Film with Live Orchestra by the SF Symphony

Experience the beloved holiday hit Home Alone on the big screen like never before, with John Williams’s exuberant score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. Starring an adorable Macaulay Culkin, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy is holiday fun for the entire family. Home Alone Friday ...

Volunteer for Holiday Gift Deliveries to Elderly this December (SF)
Volunteer for Holiday Gift Deliveries to Elderly this December (SF)
Come and volunteer with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) in San Francisco this holiday season! Volunteers are required to clear a background check in order to participate in any one of these events below. December Holiday Gift Deliveries Deliver holiday gifts to multiple older adults who have requested drop-offs (no in-home visits). Gift Pick-Up Times: December ...
Union Square’s Festive “Winter Walk” 2025 (Dec. 13-24)
Saturday, December 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Lower Stockton Street
Union Square's Festive "Winter Walk" 2025 (Dec. 13-24)

San Francisco’s signature holiday event, Winter Walk, returns to Union Square from December 13–24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This year’s Winter Walk will feature a holiday marketplace, interactive vendors, food trucks, family-friendly stage ...

WinterFest 2025: Cosmic Fun + Science Talks (Chabot Space & Science Center)
Saturday, December 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: $24*
*$19 youth, Chabot Members get in FREE
| Chabot Space & Science Center
WinterFest 2025: Cosmic Fun + Science Talks (Chabot Space & Science Center)
Kick off the Winter season at Chabot with WinterFest FREE for Members, $24 Adults, $19 Children (2-12) and Seniors (65+)   Join us for a two-day celebration that marks the launch of Winter at Chabot! The Center comes alive with festive energy. Enjoy live music, face painting, and special activities that ...
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 ...

19th Annual Holiday Celebration + Free Festivities (Oakland)
Saturday, December 20 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*MUST PRE REGISTER KIDS FOR TOYS REST OF EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
| EOBA
19th Annual Holiday Celebration + Free Festivities (Oakland)
Get ready to celebrate in person at The Euniece Law: The Legacy Continues 19th Annual Holiday Celebration, in partnership with E.O.B.A.! Join us for holiday cheer, community fun, and heartwarming memories. This special tradition is all about joy, connection, and keeping a beautiful legacy alive. ✨ Food ...
Rodeo Holiday “Indoors by the Bay” Market (East Bay)
Saturday, December 20 – 11:00 am - Ends at 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE | The Waterfront Rodeo
Get ready for a festive holiday market filled with rodeo fun, all indoors by the bay – it’s gonna be a blast! Come join us at The Waterfront Rodeo for a festive shopping experience at our Indoors by the Bay market! Get into the holiday spirit ...
SFMade’s 1st Ever “Holiday Pop-Up Store” (Final Day)
Saturday, December 20 – 11:00 am - Ends at 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE | 2 Embarcadero Center
SFMade's 1st Ever "Holiday Pop-Up Store" (Final Day)

This holiday season, SFMade is hosting their first-ever Holiday Pop-Up Store: a 3-week retail destination at Two Embarcadero Center showcasing the incredible products made by our members right here in San Francisco! December 2nd to 20th, we’ll be transforming a storefront into a curated shopping ...

SF’s New “Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire” w/ Epic City Views (Dec. 19-21)
Saturday, December 20 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | The Fairmont (San Francisco)
SF's New "Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire" w/ Epic City Views (Dec. 19-21)

This winter, local artisans will be part of a brand-new holiday experience: the Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire, in the quaint gardens of the legendary Fairmont San Francisco. This unique open-air market will bring the charm of a European holiday village to Nob Hill—complete with lights, festive ...

KOHO’s Holiday Artist + Maker Marketplace (SF)
Saturday, December 20 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP preferred
| KOHO Co-Creative Hub
KOHO’s Holiday Artist + Maker Marketplace (SF)
KOHO warmly invites you to celebrate the holidays at our Creative Hub—a space dedicated to nurturing belonging, unity, and community spirit. For one weekend, we’ll take over areas of the East Mall as well as the KOHO Co-Creative hub to host a craft and art ...
“Love the City” Winter Wonderland Food & Toy Giveaway
Saturday, December 20 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | 4705 3rd Street
"Love the City" Winter Wonderland Food & Toy Giveaway
Ruth Williams Opera House and Mobilize Love invite you to join us for an afternoon of FREE food, toys, and festive fun for the whole family! NOTE: Every child and adult must have a ticket registered under their own name. You cannot register for multiple tickets ...
Faction Winter Market w/ 35+ Vendors + Craft Beer (Alameda)
Saturday, December 20 – 1:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Faction Brewing
Faction Winter Market w/ 35+ Vendors + Craft Beer (Alameda)
A cozy Bay Area Winter Market featuring local small businesses, delicious food, craft beer, and festive community vibes. Join us for the Bay Area Winter Market at Faction Brewing — a festive day of shopping, sipping, and supporting local! Get into the holiday spirit at one of ...
4th Annual Caroling Fun Sing Along + Hot Cocoa (Novato)
Saturday, December 20 – 3:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Donation Tickets (optional)
| Hamilton Amphitheater Park
4th Annual Caroling Fun Sing Along + Hot Cocoa (Novato)
Join in the Holiday Cheer for all to hear on December 20, 2025, Saturday from 3-5 pm. Watch then promenade as Comfort & Joy Carolers sing for us at Hamilton historic stopping points. Join in as we promenade singing our holiday favorite jingles in between ...
Winter Solstice Holiday Gathering in North Beach (SF)
Saturday, December 20 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: $1*
*Donations are kindly requested, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
| Live Worms Gallery
Winter Solstice Holiday Gathering in North Beach (SF)
Holiday Gathering in North Beach Join Decriminalize Nature, Oakland Hyphae and Church of Mother Gong for a fun and festive in-person get-together in North Beach! It’s the perfect chance to catch up with friends and enjoy some holiday cheer. We’ll be hosting an Albino Mushroom Gift Giveaway: ...

Sunday, December 21

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Live with the SF Symphony
Sunday, December 21 – 7:30 pm | Cost: $50*
*Ticket starts at $50 (while supplies last); Kids’ Tickets Half Off!
| Davies Symphony Hall
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" Live with the SF Symphony

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang are back at Davies Symphony Hall to bring this television classic to life! With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the SF Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you ...

Union Square’s Festive “Winter Walk” 2025 (Dec. 13-24)
Sunday, December 21 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Lower Stockton Street
Union Square's Festive "Winter Walk" 2025 (Dec. 13-24)

San Francisco’s signature holiday event, Winter Walk, returns to Union Square from December 13–24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This year’s Winter Walk will feature a holiday marketplace, interactive vendors, food trucks, family-friendly stage ...

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 ...

Solstice Art Market for Palestine (SF)
Sunday, December 21 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Suggested Donation $5-20
| San Francisco Mime Troupe
Solstice Art Market for Palestine (SF)
All proceed benefit Palestinian families in Gaza. Join Artists Unite for Palestine for the Second Annual Solstice Art Market! Featuring art for sale by 20+ artists, pop-up performances every half hour, art activities, food, and drink! Visits sfa4p.weebly.com or IG @artistsunitepalestine to learn more about featured artists ...
SF’s New “Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire” w/ Epic City Views (Dec. 19-21)
Sunday, December 21 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | The Fairmont (San Francisco)
SF's New "Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire" w/ Epic City Views (Dec. 19-21)

This winter, local artisans will be part of a brand-new holiday experience: the Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire, in the quaint gardens of the legendary Fairmont San Francisco. This unique open-air market will bring the charm of a European holiday village to Nob Hill—complete with lights, festive ...

Winter Wonderland Concert (Oakland)
Sunday, December 21 – 3:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free Admission; Donations Accepted
| Rawley T. Farnsworth Theater, Skyline High School
Winter Wonderland Concert (Oakland)
The Young Musicians Choral Orchestra™ presents: 2025 Winter Wonderland Concert! Celebrate the magic of the season at YMCO’s 2025 Winter Wonderland Concert featuring an extraordinary lineup of ensembles, including the YMCO Choral Orchestra, Junior Choral Orchestra, Jazz Big Band, R&B Combo, and additional ensemble performances. Guests will be treated to a dazzling program ...
Neighborhood Movie Screening: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Sunday, December 21 – 3:30 pm - Ends at 5:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*All are welcome!
| St Francis Lutheran Church
Neighborhood Movie Screening: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Come get in the Christmas spirit by watching a beloved holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Come get to know your neighbors and St Francis. In these times, we all deserve to laugh a little. This movie is guaranteed to make you laugh. Free All are Welcome ...

Monday, December 22

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Live with the SF Symphony
Monday, December 22 – 7:30 pm | Cost: $50*
*Ticket starts at $50 (while supplies last); Kids’ Tickets Half Off!
| Davies Symphony Hall
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" Live with the SF Symphony

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang are back at Davies Symphony Hall to bring this television classic to life! With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the SF Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you ...

Union Square’s Festive “Winter Walk” 2025 (Dec. 13-24)
Monday, December 22 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Lower Stockton Street
Union Square's Festive "Winter Walk" 2025 (Dec. 13-24)

San Francisco’s signature holiday event, Winter Walk, returns to Union Square from December 13–24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This year’s Winter Walk will feature a holiday marketplace, interactive vendors, food trucks, family-friendly stage ...

Tuesday, December 23

Union Square’s Festive “Winter Walk” 2025 (Dec. 13-24)
Tuesday, December 23 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Lower Stockton Street
Union Square's Festive "Winter Walk" 2025 (Dec. 13-24)

San Francisco’s signature holiday event, Winter Walk, returns to Union Square from December 13–24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This year’s Winter Walk will feature a holiday marketplace, interactive vendors, food trucks, family-friendly stage ...

Wednesday, December 24

PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Xmas Eve Lighting Show
Wednesday, December 24 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
PIER 39's Dazzling 60' Tree Xmas Eve Lighting Show

The Holidays are HapPIER at PIER 39! Get into the spirit of the Season at PIER 39 while shopping, dining and strolling The PIER. An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 ...

Union Square’s Xmas Eve “Winter Walk” 2025 (Final Day)
Wednesday, December 24 – 10:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Lower Stockton Street
Union Square's Xmas Eve "Winter Walk" 2025 (Final Day)

San Francisco’s signature holiday event, Winter Walk, returns to Union Square from December 13–24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This year’s Winter Walk will feature a holiday marketplace, interactive vendors, food trucks, family-friendly stage ...

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 ...

SF’s Festive Larger-Than-Life Ornament Trail 2025 (Final Day)
Wednesday, December 24 – 11:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Cable Car Turnaround (Market/Powell)
SF's Festive Larger-Than-Life Ornament Trail 2025 (Final Day)

SF’s Ornament Trail is back in Union Square, bringing 11 oversized holiday ornaments created by local artists to Powell Street and the surrounding area. Running daily from December 6 through December 24, the free, self-guided trail invites you to take a holiday walk through downtown ...

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 ...

SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers
Wednesday, December 24 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's Epic "Photosynthesis" Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

SF’s 2025 Macy’s Union Square Great Christmas Tree Dazzles
Wednesday, December 24 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
SF's 2025 Macy's Union Square Great Christmas Tree Dazzles

This iconic landmark, Macy’s Great Tree in Union Square, returns decorated in an abundance of festive ornaments and glimmering lights to light up Union Square throughout the holidays. 2025 update – The official lighting quietly took place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. San Francisco’s most ...

Thursday, December 25

PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Christmas Lighting Show
Thursday, December 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
PIER 39's Dazzling 60' Tree Christmas Lighting Show

The Holidays are HapPIER at PIER 39! Get into the spirit of the Season at PIER 39 while shopping, dining and strolling The PIER. An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 ...

Free Admission Day for Christmas at San Francisco Botanical Garden (2025)
Thursday, December 25 – 7:30 am - Ends at 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and daily from 7:30-9 am
| San Francisco Botanical Garden
Free Admission Day for Christmas at San Francisco Botanical Garden (2025)

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. A unique urban oasis, the garden is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, offering 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, and showcasing over 9,000 different kinds ...Monthly

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, ...

SF’s Xmas Day “Queersada” Free Queer Holiday Gathering (The Castro)
Thursday, December 25 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free with RSVP
| Beaux
SF's Xmas Day "Queersada" Free Queer Holiday Gathering (The Castro)
A free queer posada with food, chosen family, and a place to kick it, all in the heart of the Castro. It’s all for love of community. Let’s kick it, family! Happening on December 25th from 2-5pm at Beaux in the Castro, a FREE Queer Posada — The ...
The Willows’ “Beer Xmas” Beer, Shots + Egg Nog (SF)
Thursday, December 25 – 4:00 pm - Ends at 12:00 am | Cost: FREE*
*Pay for what you drink
| The Willows
The Willows' "Beer Xmas" Beer, Shots + Egg Nog (SF)
The Willows will be opening for all of the Christmas orphans, the natives that need a drink after spending the day with family. All of the people that don’t celebrate or are far away from home. I’ll be opening at around 4. I’ll stay open as ...
Christmas at “Lightscape”: Immersive Holiday Light Trail in Golden Gate Park
Thursday, December 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 8:15 pm | Cost: $32*
*Adult tix start at $32
| San Francisco Botanical Garden
Christmas at "Lightscape": Immersive Holiday Light Trail in Golden Gate Park

San Francisco Botanical Garden will transform into a glowing after-dark wonderland this winter with Lightscape, an immersive holiday light and music trail that has wowed crowds in London, Chicago, Melbourne, and New York. From November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, visitors can wander a ...

SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers
Thursday, December 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's Epic "Photosynthesis" Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

SF’s 2025 Macy’s Union Square Great Christmas Tree Dazzles
Thursday, December 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
SF's 2025 Macy's Union Square Great Christmas Tree Dazzles

This iconic landmark, Macy’s Great Tree in Union Square, returns decorated in an abundance of festive ornaments and glimmering lights to light up Union Square throughout the holidays. 2025 update – The official lighting quietly took place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. San Francisco’s most ...

26th Annual “Black XMass” Unholy Christmas/Solstice Variety Show (SF)
Thursday, December 25 – 9:00 pm - Ends at 1:30 am | Cost: $13.*
*Pay at door. Admission includes free snacks and giveaways
| The Knockout
26th Annual "Black XMass" Unholy Christmas/Solstice Variety Show (SF)
Karla LaVey’s First Satanic Church presents the 26th annual BLACK X MASS, an unholy Christmas/Solstice variety show. The acts will include FROM HELL, SUICIDE QUEEN, SIMON FEROCIOUS, VERTACYN ARC MATERIALIZER and THEREMIN WIZARD BARNEY.  DJ/ VJ by K-ROB. KARLA LA VEY will be the hostess/emcee. ...

Tuesday, December 30

Free SF Chamber Orchestra Concert Night: The Revolutionary Artist (Herbst Theater)
Free SF Chamber Orchestra Concert Night: The Revolutionary Artist (Herbst Theater)
Always Admission Free…because world class music belongs to EVERYONE! These concerts are in Memory of SFCO Founder, Edgar Braun and Ida Braun Program ...

Wednesday, December 31

PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree New Year’s Eve Lighting Show
Wednesday, December 31 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
PIER 39's Dazzling 60' Tree New Year's Eve Lighting Show

The Holidays are HapPIER at PIER 39! Get into the spirit of the Season at PIER 39 while shopping, dining and strolling The PIER. An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 ...

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 ...

SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers
Wednesday, December 31 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's Epic "Photosynthesis" Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

Thursday, January 1

PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Lighting Show (New Year’s Day)
Thursday, January 1 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
PIER 39's Dazzling 60' Tree Lighting Show (New Year's Day)

The Holidays are HapPIER at PIER 39! Get into the spirit of the Season at PIER 39 while shopping, dining and strolling The PIER. An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 ...

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 ...

SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers
Thursday, January 1 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's Epic "Photosynthesis" Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

Sunday, January 11

PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Lighting Show (Final Night)
Sunday, January 11 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
PIER 39's Dazzling 60' Tree Lighting Show (Final Night)

The Holidays are HapPIER at PIER 39! Get into the spirit of the Season at PIER 39 while shopping, dining and strolling The PIER. An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 ...