Looking for the coolest things to during the most festive month of the year in SF? We’ve got you covered. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in San Francisco including museums, cultural events and food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in San Francisco, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.Â
Featured Photo: Jesse Collins
Oy, Chanikah!
December 6
Guitar and a stellar Hanukkah song playlist in-hand, singer and lecturer Mark Levy invites you to a Zoom sing-along in Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew, Russian and English at a Festival of Lights celebration that concludes with lighting the candles to commemorate the liberation and re-dedication of the Temple.Â
More info: jccsf.org
The Nutcracker, San Francisco Ballet
December 8-27
The SF Ballet puts on one of the most revered version of Tchaikovsky’s treasured holiday play. Step into the reverie of little Clara in this unforgettable holiday tale and enter a magical wonderland of toy soldiers, a blizzard of snowflakes, and a kaleidoscope of more than 150 dancers. Battle the King of Mice and of course, dance through the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
More info: sfballet.org
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Through December 17
Visit London at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls! Enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with hundreds of lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens, the pages of history, and the sometimes saucy world of the Victorian stage.
More info: dickensfair.com
A Christmas Carol
Through December 24
The American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) annual production of Charles Dickens’s classic tale, A Christmas Carol, is a well-loved and celebrated tradition for San Franciscans. The musical features a lively cast, festive music, decked-out costumes, and spooky ghosts. It’s a great holiday addition for those looking to lift their spirits! All performances will be held at the Toni Rembe Theater — formerly the Geary Theater.
More info: acttheatre.org
Union Square Ice Rink
Through January 16
Looking for a cute date idea? How about a nice holiday skate in Union Square’s annual Holiday Ice Rink? Put on your pair (or rental pair) of skates and glide across the fresh ice with your date. After that, you two can warm up with some hot cocoa at Union Square Coffee, then explore the rest of the downtown area.Â
More info:Â unionsquareicerink.com
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in SF? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
