Tons of people leave the city to spend the holidays elsewhere. But there’s still lots of free (and cheap) things to do in the city on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Here’s our top picks for walking tours, dance parties, karaoke and other fun events.
Friday, November 6
Marin Arts & Crafts Show (San Rafael)
Marin Arts & Crafts Show returns to the Marin Center Exhibit Hall November 6–8, filling the hall with more than 200 exhibits of fine craft, art and artisan goods. Arriving just as the holiday season gets underway, the three-day market brings together an exciting mix ...
ZooLights at San Francisco Zoo (Nov. 6-Jan 3)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is thrilled to announce its all-new, two-month-long ZooLights evening holiday program that will light up the Zoo in spectacular fashion from November 6 through January 3, 2027. The nighttime event represents the return of ZooLights, which the Zoo last hosted ...
Sunday, November 15
Holiday Mercato w/ Artisan Cheese + Hand-Poured Candles (Sonoma)
The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s time to get festive! Join us at Jacuzzi for our annual Holiday Mercato, featuring seasonal products and gifts from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press alongside a curated collection of local artisans and makers.
Shop art ...
Saturday, November 21
SF’s 42nd Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 21-Dec. 20)
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind trip to Victorian London, where Christmas Eve never ends. More than 140,000 square feet of the Cow Palace transforms into a maze of lamplit streets, music halls, pubs, dance floors, and shops filled with handmade gifts. Hundreds ...
Friday, November 27
2026 Cambria Christmas Market (Central Coast)
Step into a holiday tradition where twinkling lights, festive music, and the spirit of Christmas come together to create an unforgettable winter escape in the charming town of Cambria, California. Experience the magic of the Cambria Christmas Market, returning Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, 2026. ...
Free “Holiday Light Spectacular” 2026 at Marin County Fairgrounds (Nov. 27-Jan 3)
Come one come all and experience the Holiday Light Spectacular! People of all ages are welcome to experience enchanting evenings of magical light displays, dazzling pathways, festive photo ops, and so much more. As you make your way through the lights, you’ll make unforgettable holiday ...
Friday, December 4
2026 Twisted Holiday Festival: 24 New Theater Performances in SF (Dec 4-20)
PlayGround closes out the summer season with the inaugural Twisted Holiday Festival, December 4th – December 20th, 2026, at Potrero Stage and simulcast. This three-week “fringe style” new works festival features 8 productions and 24 performances of new holiday-themed works (with a twist!) by talented ...
Saturday, December 5
City of San Rafael’s Winter Wonderland: 45th Anniversary
A beloved San Rafael holiday tradition returns with a new date this year for the 45th anniversary of Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Downtown San Rafael.
This free, family-friendly celebration will feature winter-themed activities, entertainment, and holiday ...
Saturday, December 12
Authentic Open-Air German Holiday Market 2026 (Mountain View)
Saturday, December 12 – 11:00 am - Ends at 9:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Mountain View City Hall Plaza
The German Holiday Market recreates the jovial atmosphere of a traditional open-air, European winter market on Mountain View’s City Hall Plaza. Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts from Germany and local artisans: Wood ornaments and nutcrackers from Germany, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen, chocolate, toys, ceramics, and knitwear. ...
Sunday, December 13
Contra Costa Vintage Market Sunday (Lafayette)
Find unique gifts and vintage treasures at the Contra Costa Vintage Market’s holiday edition on Sunday, December 13th in downtown Lafayette. Browse antiques, collectibles, clothing, records, furniture, and home decor while enjoying live music and a vintage photo booth experience.
Admission is free, with free street ...
Saturday, December 19
Free 5th Annual Holiday Caroling w/ Cider + Treats (Novato)
Join Us for Holiday Cheer!
Saturday, December 19, 2026 • 4–6 PM
Join us for an evening filled with music, merriment, and holiday cheer!
Begin by listening to the wonderful Comfort & Joy Carolers, then join in as we promenade through historic Hamilton, singing beloved holiday favorites at ...
Adam Shulman Trio Plays a Charlie Brown Christmas
Join pianist Adam Shulman and his trio at the Jazzschool for a cozy holiday tribute to Bay Area jazz legend Vince Guaraldi and his iconic soundtrack to Charles Schulz’s 1965 TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This event features two showtimes: an earlier family concert ...
Thursday, December 24
SF’s Christmas Eve Ice Skating at Union Square
Thursday, December 24 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm |
Cost: $22 | Union Square Park
One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 19th season. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square opens November 4, 2026, bringing outdoor ice skating to the heart of downtown San Francisco through January 18, 2027. Skate beneath the holiday lights in ...
Friday, December 25
SF’s Christmas Ice Skating at Union Square
Friday, December 25 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm |
Cost: $22 | Union Square Park
One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 19th season. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square opens November 4, 2026, bringing outdoor ice skating to the heart of downtown San Francisco through January 18, 2027. Skate beneath the holiday lights in ...
