Best Things to Do in the Bay Area
This December
Featured Photo: Alcatraz, by Eric Ward
December in the Bay Area is like nothing else in the country. It’s not just that you get more diversity (cultural, culinary and every other way imaginable) than anywhere else in the world. But the weather is perfect: just cold enough to put you in the holiday spirit, but not freezing enough to make you shovel anything in the morning.
Whether you’re hosting visiting friends and family or just avoiding the airport this year, we have wide-ranging picks for any type of mood or preference. These include unique shopping events, word-class seasonal productions, and outdoor activities that’ll bring you and your loved ones closer together.
For even more coverage of the San Francisco Bay Area, plus where to stay and eat while you’re here, check out our region-specific guides to help you travel like a local. In the meantime, click any of the images below to learn what to do in the Bay Area this December.
Featured photo: Macy’s Union Square.
A world-renowned Nutcracker ballet, a Hanukkah pop-up, ice skating and more.
What would December be without holiday events that only come once a year? No matter your beliefs, there’s something for you and your loved ones to enjoy. The beloved Ghiardelli Square offers its annual Hanukkah lighting, with activities for kids and adults alike. The Cow Palace in Daly City provides six dates of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, which transports you to Victorian London.
If you’re in the mood for a show, there’s the San Francisco Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, which is one of the oldest in U.S. Downtown San Francisco is perfect for outdoor events, from ice skating in Union Square to the exciting Winter Walk that features live performances and food trucks. Click the button below to learn more.
Arts & crafts, star-gazing, Thanksgiving races and tons of other fun activities.
Heading north over the Golden Gate Bridge brings moving artistic expression that will inspire you all month long. Enjoy downtown Mill Valley’s First Tuesday ArtWalk that takes you through various galleries and venues to witness local creations. At the north end of Marin, Novato’s Holiday Crafts Faire showcases artisans’ handmade crafts that make singular holiday gifts.
Unique holiday celebrations abound, from San Rafael’s Giant Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop for Hanukkah to its annual Downtown Elf Hunt and the glorious Sausalito Winterfest boat parade. The Marin Symphony’s Holiday Choral by Candlelight show is always a hit, while the vocal group Kitka brings ancient and contemporary sounds from across Eastern Europe and Eurasia all the way to Belvedere. Visit the link below to for details.
Street festivals, Kwanzaa and Christmas celebrations, and unparalleled artistry.
As more of the world continues to take notice of the East Bay as a major force in American arts and culture, December’s a perfect time to remind yourself why. Open Studios in Oakland at the start of the month spotlight a vibrant creator community, while Richmond’s Holiday Arts Festival offers unique shopping and art-making activities foe the entire family.
For the holiday spirit, you can take in Umoja & Mimosas, a joyous and regenerative Kwanzaa celebration. Or try more traditional Christmas activities, like Santa photos at Jack London Square or Oakland Ballet’s Nutcracker, featuring the Oakland Symphony. Click the button below to learn more.
An illuminating science exhibit, Christmas-themed productions and more!
The South Bay Area has been cultivating innovators for decades, and the annual IlluminOdyssey exhibit in San Mateo exploring the science of light is a perfect way to inspire the next generation of world-changers. And the Santa Run of Silicon Valley is a wonderful event to get the entire family outside and moving.
The beloved San Jose Nutcracker always delivers, and even offers a special, truncated version for very young attendees. Christmas in the Park transforms downtown San Jose into a veritable winter wonderland full of decorated trees, singing and animated exhibits from local community groups. Click below for more information.