Things To Do in San Francisco This Week (November 24-30)

It’s the week where Thanksgiving leftovers become the next city adventure—San Francisco keeps the energy up with holiday rinks, late-night snacks, and plenty of ways to get out without getting stuck indoors. If you tend to roll your eyes at traditional holiday season clichés, this is a city that knows how to do a week of feasts and fun without falling into the usual routines. If you want something other than canned cranberry sauce and familiar carols, this week’s roundup is for you.

Things To Do in San Francisco This Week (November 24-30)

Union Square Ice Rink

Lace up your skates for something that’s become a city tradition, minus the forced holiday jazz. The rink pops up right in the middle of downtown, and while it’s not exactly Rockefeller Center, the vibe is pure San Francisco—hustle, a bit of chill, and always a chance to grab a coffee after. The actual tree lighting happens here too, usually a few days after Thanksgiving, and you’ll find plenty of people using it as a backdrop for next year’s holiday card.

• Location: Union Square, near Macy’s and Powell Street BART
• Dates: Rink open daily, tree lighting the Friday after Thanksgiving
• Skating bookings: unionsquareicerink.com
• What else: Crowds peak after dark; recommend midweek if you’re not into long lines

Turkey Trot at Golden Gate Park

Prefer your turkey with a side of sweat? Golden Gate Park gets packed for the annual Turkey Trot, a run that’s open to anyone, whether you’re one of those year-round marathoners or just in it for the commemorative T-shirt. The course weaves through some of the park’s quieter paths and, honestly, isn’t a bad way to burn through some pie guilt.

• When: Thursday, November 27, morning
• Start: Music Concourse
• Distances: 5-mile, 3-mile, kids’ run
• Register online: sfturkeytrot.com
• A word: Parking’s a mess—public transit or ride-share works better

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Part carnival, part open-air theater, the Dickens Fair at Cow Palace is where you can wander through what feels like a holiday theme park for grownups. Victorian costumes, live performances, and booths with kettle corn, mulled wine, and handmade gifts give this a vibe that’s more unusual than most holiday markets in the city.

• Location: Cow Palace, Daly City (just south of city limits)
• Dates: Weekends, November 22–December 21
• Tickets: dickensfair.com
• Do this: Go early to avoid lines, and wear something comfortable—walking is a real thing here

GLOW at the Exploratorium

If you’d rather skip the usual holiday glitz, head to the Exploratorium for GLOW, a city experiment in lights and art. Installations, interactive exhibits, and a genuinely smart use of the space make this a solid pick for a Friday or Saturday night. It’s mostly inside, so the cool November weather isn’t a problem.

• Where: Pier 15, The Embarcadero
• When: Runs from November 20 through January 25
• Hours: Check website—some nights are evenings only
• More info: https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit
• Good for: Anyone tired of the same old string lights and garlands

Giant Gingerbread House at The Fairmont

The Fairmont’s lobby becomes home to a full-sized gingerbread house—an edible structure for photos and maybe holiday nostalgia. Open daily and a hit for kids and anyone needing a little holiday cheer without commitment.

• Location: The Fairmont San Francisco, Nob Hill
• Open: From November 22 forward
• Cost: Free to view
• Family-friendly: Yes; bring a camera

Holiday Lighting at Ghirardelli Square

Yes, you can buy a hot chocolate here, but the real draw is the tree lighting, which usually happens right after Thanksgiving. Expect the standard mix of holiday songs, crowds, and a few people in ugly sweaters—classic, but in a city with options, it’s a quick, simple way to get into the spirit.

• When: Friday evening, exact date varies by year
• Address: 900 North Point Street
• What else: Free, but parking’s a hassle—streetcar or ride-share is easier
• Website: ghirardellisq.com

Thanksgiving Dining Out

Catered holiday meals? In San Francisco, that’s not a euphemism for a half-baked department store buffet. Most of the city’s solid restaurants—from Waterbar and The Fairmont to even smaller neighborhood joints—run a Thanksgiving menu, usually with a reservation required. No one will judge if you skip the dishes and the cleanup.

• Where: Citywide—Zuni Cafe, Waterbar, The Fairmont, local favorites
• Book ahead: Yes, this week is busy everywhere
• Takeout: Many places do it, and honestly, that’s a power move
• Apps: OpenTable, Resy, or check restaurant site direct

Ballet of Lights: The Sleeping Beauty

If you want culture without the usual holiday stories, Brava Theater runs The Sleeping Beauty with dancers, elaborate costumes, and a full production. It’s not downtown, so skip the Union Square fuss and head to the Mission for a quieter, less predictable night out.

• When: November 21 (runs into holiday week)
• Venue: Brava Theater, 24th Street, Mission District
• Tickets: https://feverup.com/m/188731?srsltid=AfmBOoq5IFMVQBHWhrERJDPPRYGDG0xIYbAGkByAHSDvUTyTxzMO1VYL
• Who should go: Anyone who prefers Tchaikovsky over Bing Crosby

Golden Gate Bridge Walk or Ride

Start your weekend fresh with a walk or bike ride across the bridge. Early morning usually means thin crowds and clear views (fog permitting). No tickets, no fuss, just head out and go.

• Where: Bridge entrance via Crissy Field or Marine Drive
• Cost: Free
• Good to know: Pedestrian pathway open sunrise to sunset; rental bikes available nearby

Bay Cruises

If you want that holiday feeling—without being surrounded by tinsel—a few boat companies run Thanksgiving brunch or dinner cruises. These wind around the bay, often with music and that classic San Francisco skyline view. Not exactly a secret, but a solid way to get out of the house and do something you wouldn’t do every week.

• Departure: Pier 39 or Fisherman’s Wharf
• Booking: Hornblower, Adventure Cat, others
• Times: Mostly daytime, some evening options
• What else: Dress for cold—the bay breeze gets real

Ask a Master Gardener at Golden Gate Park

Drop into the Botanical Garden’s library on November 28 and get real answers to your gardening questions, from pest control to plant woes. It’s a community-run program and free, with a suggested donation to support the gardens.

• Location: Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture, SF Botanical Garden
• Date & Time: Friday, November 28, 10:30am–1:30pm
• Admission: Free for SF residents, Members, kids, military/veterans, EBT/Museums for All participants
• Details: No RSVP needed, rain cancels, photos of plants only
• Website: gggp.org/event/ask-a-master-gardener-89/

San Francisco in late November isn’t just for holiday cheer or seasonal routines. It’s a city that does things differently—whether that’s a massive fair devoted to Victoriana, an ice rink surrounded by hotels rather than carriage rides, or a chance to swap holiday music for hip-hop. Thanksgiving week here means options, variety, and the chance to shake off the usual holiday script if you want to try something a bit more interesting.

More…

• https://www.overheresf.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-this-november/
• https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco-festivals-events-november
• https://www.hellotickets.ca/us/san-francisco/san-francisco-in-november/sc-7-3302