Things To Do in San Francisco This December
San Francisco is the place to be this December, with a mix of holiday traditions, local culture, and city energy that makes every weekend feel special. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident, there’s always something fresh to try, from festive markets to live performances and outdoor adventures.
Things To Do in San Francisco This December
San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
This holiday classic returns to the War Memorial Opera House, bringing families and ballet fans together for a timeless story set to Tchaikovsky’s music. The production runs from December 5 to December 28, 2025, with performances at 2 pm and 7 pm.
- Venue: War Memorial Opera House
- Website: sfballet.org
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Skate under the city lights and enjoy themed events like Drag On Ice. The rink is open daily from November 5, 2025, through January 19, 2026, and is a favorite for families and couples.
- Venue: Union Square
- Dates: November 5, 2025 – January 19, 2026
- Website: unionsquareicerink.com
Winter Walk at Union Square
Stockton Street turns into a pedestrian plaza filled with holiday vendors, décor, and live entertainment. The event runs from December 13 to 22, making it a festive spot for shopping and people-watching.
- Where: Stockton Street, Union Square
- Dates: December 13–22
- Website: https://visitunionsquaresf.com/winter-walk
- Free entry
Parol Lantern Festival & Parade
Celebrate Filipino Christmas traditions with a parade of star-shaped lanterns at Yerba Buena Gardens. The event features music, dancing, and a vibrant community celebration.
- Where: Yerba Buena Gardens
- Date: December 13
- Website: https://www.parollanternfestival.com/
- Free entry
Sunset Holiday Mercantile
Local artisans sell handmade crafts and holiday treats at this market in the Sunset District. The event is held on the second Saturday of December.
- Where: 10th Avenue, Sunset District
- Dates: Second Saturday each December
- Website: https://sunsetmercantilesf.com/
- Free entry
Public Bell-Ringing Ceremony at the Asian Art Museum
The annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony invites the community to help ring in the new year by striking a 2,100-pound temple bell. The afternoon ceremony is open to all, with tickets distributed on a first-come basis.
- Where: Asian Art Museum
- Website: calendar.asianart.org/event/40th-annual-japanese-new-year-bell-ringing-ceremony
- Date: December 28, 2025
- General admission required; numbered tickets distributed at the entrance to Samsung Hall beginning at noon
The Guardsmen Tree Lot
Pick out a Christmas tree and enjoy family activities at Fort Mason Center. The event runs from November 28 to December 24 and supports local youth programs.
- Where: Fort Mason Center
- Dates: November 29–December 18
- Website: https://sftreelot.guardsmen.org/
- Free entry; trees sold on-site
Downtown First Thursdays
Street parties, live music, and pop-up bars take over downtown on the first Thursday of December. The event features DJs, drag performances, and more.
- Where: Downtown SF
- When: First Thursday each month
- Website: https://www.dftsf.com/
- Free entry
Kung Pao Kosher Comedy
Laugh your way through the holidays at this annual comedy show in Chinatown. The event is held on December 24-26 and features stand-up acts and festive humor.
- Where: Kung Pao’s Comedy Club
- Dates: December 24-26
- Website: https://www.koshercomedy.com/
- General ticket prices apply
Holiday Lights Boat Parade
Watch a fleet of decorated boats light up the waterfront. The parade takes place on December 12 and is best viewed from Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf
- Date: December 12
- Website: fishermanswharf.org
- Free to view
West Coast Craft Fort Mason Night Market
Shop for local crafts and enjoy performances at Fort Mason Center. The market is held on December 13 and 19.
- Where: Fort Mason Center
- Dates: December 13, 19
- Website: westcoastcraft.com
- Free entry
Union Square Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Hanukkah with daily ceremonies and live music at Union Square. The event runs from December 14 to 22.
- Where: Union Square
- Dates: December 14-22
- Website: https://www.billgrahammenorah.org/
- Free entry
Golden Gate Park Winter Lights
Illuminated art and festive displays light up the city’s largest park. The event runs from December 1 to 31 and features installations throughout the park.
- Where: Golden Gate Park
- Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Website: https://gggp.org/lightscape/
- Free entry
Let’s Glow SF
San Francisco’s projection arts festival lights up eight buildings downtown, transforming the urban landscape into digital art. Nightly projections run for 10 nights in December.
- Where: Downtown (best viewed from Harry Bridges Plaza at the Ferry Building)
- Website: https://downtownsf.org/things-to-do/lets-glow-sf
- Dates: December 5–14, 2025
Dickens Christmas Fair
Step into a Victorian-era holiday festival at the Cow Palace. The fair runs from November 22 to December 21 and features themed shops, food, and entertainment.
- Where: Cow Palace, Daly City
- Dates: November 22–December 21
- Website: dickensfair.com
- Ticket prices apply
San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts
Orchestral performances of holiday favorites take place in early December at Davies Symphony Hall.
- Where: Davies Symphony Hall
- Dates: Early December
- Website: https://www.sfsymphony.org/calendar
- Ticket prices apply
The Music of The Lord of the Rings – In Concert
Celebrate the epic scores live at the Orpheum Theatre. The event is held on December 13 and features a full orchestra performing the iconic music.
- Where: Orpheum Theatre
- Date: December 13
- Website: https://www.broadwaysf.com/events/the-music-of-the-lord-of-the-rings/
- Ticket prices apply
Pier 39 Holiday Lights
Shop, dine, and pause to catch half-hour holiday light shows at the Pier’s signature Christmas tree.
- Where: Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf
- Website: pier39.com
San Francisco’s December lineup is packed with events for every taste, from the playful and festive to the culturally rich and artistic. No matter what kind of holiday experience is desired, the city delivers something memorable for everyone.
More…
- https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco-festivals-events-december
- https://traveltriangle.com/blog/san-francisco-in-december/
- https://www.overheresf.com/instagrammable-christmas-trees-in-san-francisco-this-holiday/
Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a big coffee enthusiast who loves traveling and discovering new places. When I’m not on the road, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and planning our next adventure.
