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15+ Fun Things to Do This Weekend (Dec. 29-Jan. 1) in San Francisco + Bay Area

Explore Union Square’s Winter Walk, dress up for the “Ugly Sweater” Pub Crawl, gather for SF’s “Unsilent Night” Boombox Christmas Parade and more
By - posted 12/28/2023 No Comment

15+ Fun Things to Do in the SF Bay Area

New Year’s Eve Weekend: December 29, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Your Weekend Plans: Say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 at San Francisco’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks, start the new year off in your swimsuit…on the ice…in the middle of Union Square for the annual Polar Bear Ice Skate, visit Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland for a Noon Year’s Eve countdown and celebration, and more!

See our full weekend events calendar (updated daily!) with 50+ things to do this weekend!


Tuesday, December 31

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 ...

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 ...

SF City Hall Lights Up for New Year’s Eve (2024)
Tuesday, December 31 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for New Year's Eve (2024)

Every evening at sunset, over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures illuminate City Hall’s exterior. Normally, a soft white glow shows off the play of light and shadow on the full façade and dome. Frequently, special plaza façade lighting schemes honor or celebrate events, seasons, and ...

Wednesday, January 1

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 ...

SF City Hall Lights Up Gold for New Year’s Day (2025)
Wednesday, January 1 – 5:01 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up Gold for New Year's Day (2025)

San Francisco’s City Hall and its 220+ state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures get into the New Year’s spirit by illuminating in gold for New Year’s Day. City Hall Holiday Lighting Schedule Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – gold – Happy New Year!! 😊 The schedule is always tentative for ...