3 December 2024

December in San Francisco (and the Bay Area) is full of holiday celebrations, ranging from Holiday markets to Christmas shows, spectacular light displays, and family-friendly events. This is one of my favorite months in the city because you can really get into the holiday mood. Add to this list some well-decorated Christmas pop-up bars, organ concerts, and light shows, and you will have the perfect month to celebrate. Check out my guide to the top events and activities happening this December in San Francisco:

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The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

When: November 23 – December 22
Where: Cow Palace, Daly City
Tickets

Step back in time at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, where you’ll be transported to Victorian London. Themed streets are lined with shops selling handcrafted goods, delicious holiday treats, and beverages like mulled wine. Enjoy lively performances of carolers, dancers, and scenes from Dickens’ beloved works. Don’t miss the chance to interact with costumed characters, including Scrooge himself!

San Francisco Fire Engine Holiday Lights Tour

When: December 1 – 23
Where: San Francisco
Reserve here

Join a festive 1.5-hour tour of San Francisco’s holiday lights aboard a vintage open-air Mack fire engine. Hear commentary from your enthusiastic guide and holiday music as you travel to Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, Market Street, and Union Square to see festive holiday light displays at top sightseeing attractions. Ride with a small group limited to 12 people for a more intimate, family-friendly experience of San Francisco. Have the option to wear the provided firefighter gear to stay warm and look great in photo ops!

Visit the giant Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House

When: All December
Where: Fairmont Hotel
Tickets: free

Step inside a life-sized gingerbread house at the Fairmont Hotel, a holiday tradition that delights kids and adults alike. With its intricate details and sweet aroma, this display is perfect for holiday photos and festive fun. Pair your visit with afternoon tea or a drink in the Fairmont’s luxurious lobby for an extra special experience.

San Francisco Baltic Christmas Fair

When: December 2
Where: Latvian Hall, San Francisco
Tickets: free

Experience Baltic traditions at this cultural fair, featuring handmade crafts, festive foods, and live performances. From traditional pastries to unique holiday gifts, this event is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while learning about Baltic heritage.

The Jingle Bar: Festive Holiday Pop-up Bar

Jingle Pop-up Bar

When: All December
Where: Pier 39
Tickets: free

The Jingle Bar in San Francisco is the ultimate spot for festive fun this holiday season! Here for a limited time only, this holiday pop-up bar promises a magical experience for all ages. With dazzling decorations, themed cocktails and snacks, non-stop holiday hits, and games hosted by the onsite elves, The Jingle Bar is the merriest place to be this December.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ritz Carlton

When: December 4, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Ritz Carlton Hotel
Tickets: free

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ritz Carlton will feature live entertainment with Dickens-era carolers and trumpeters, the legendary tree lighting at the hotel’s front drive, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

Let’s Glow SF

Let's Glow SF

When: December 6 – 15
Where: Various locations in downtown San Francisco
Tickets: free

Experience the nation’s largest holiday projection event as downtown San Francisco transforms with large-scale animated light installations by 16 artists from around the world. This free festival spans seven locations, including the Ferry Building and Annie Alley in Yerba Buena. Highlights include the “Countdown to Glow” kickoff on December 6 at 5:00 PM and the “Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party” on December 13 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

North Beach Vintage Holiday Market

When: December 6
Where: Yesterdays Collective, North Beach
Tickets: free

Join us for a magical evening of holiday shopping, local vendors, and festive cheer at the North Beach Holiday Market! This unique event brings together San Francisco’s best vintage vendors, offering clothing, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether hunting for the perfect holiday gift or simply treating yourself, our curated market is the ideal place to shop local and support small businesses.

Mission Bay Christmas Market

When: December 7
Where: Spark Social SF
Tickets: free

Celebrate the holiday season with your Mission Bay neighbors at the Mission Bay Christmas Market! Jingle and mingle with a cozy, family-friendly evening filled with festive cheer, holiday activities, and joyous fun! Bring your loved ones – kids, pets, friends – and enjoy a holiday-inspired night in our beautiful community. Don your Christmas apparel and get into the holiday spirit!

Holiday Craft Making

When: December 10, 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Ferry Building Marketplace
Tickets: Free

Bring out your inner artist at the Holiday Craft Station hosted at the Ferry Building Marketplace. This family-friendly event invites participants of all ages to create festive crafts while surrounded by the beautiful waterfront views of the Bay. Whether you’re making holiday ornaments, cards, or unique decorations, this workshop is a fun way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. After crafting, explore the Ferry Building’s artisan shops and enjoy seasonal treats from local vendors.

Holiday Open House & Wine Tasting

When: December 11, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Ferry Building Marketplace
Tickets: free

Stroll around the marketplace while tasting Napa wines and enjoying the music of the Awesome Orchestra Jazz Band. Have your photo taken at our holiday portrait studio, sip warm drinks, create holiday crafts, and soak up the festive vibes!

Holiday Faire at Mill Valley Lumber Yard

Holiday Faire Mill Valley

When: December 12
Where: Mill Valley Lumber Yard
Tickets: free

Take a short trip to Mill Valley for this delightful holiday fair. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and a variety of crafts from local vendors. Set against the charming Mill Valley Lumber Yard backdrop, this event is a relaxing way to shop for gifts and soak up the holiday spirit.

Winter Walk in Union Square

Winter-Walk-Matterhorn

When: December 13 – 22
Where: Union Square
Tickets: free

Winter Walk returns to Union Square from December 13 – 22, located on Stockton Street from O’Farrell to Post! This 10-day event will turn two blocks into a pedestrian plaza with lush turf, diverse food truck offerings, enticing bars, and Instagram-worthy arctic-themed décor. Enjoy live performances and entertainment throughout this festive event!

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade

When: December 14, 6 PM
Where: Sausalito waterfront
More details

The Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade is the perfect holiday event to share with friends! Get on the water or gather along the Sausalito waterfront. A fireworks show will follow the parade. Seated spots are also available.

German Holiday Market

When: December 14
Where: Mountain View City Hall Plaza
Tickets: free

The German Holiday Market recreates the festive 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. Taste traditional German sausages and pretzels and warm up with a mug of Glühwein (warm mulled wine), the hallmark of these winter markets. The German Holiday Market offers plenty of activities for the entire family, including live performances and arts and crafts.

Dogpatch Winter Market

Dogpatch Holiday Market

When: December 16
Where: Dogpatch
Tickets: free

Support local artisans at the Dogpatch Winter Market, where you’ll find handmade goods, seasonal crafts, and gourmet snacks. This cozy market is a hidden gem for discovering unique holiday gifts while enjoying the creative energy of the Dogpatch neighborhood. The market often includes live music, making it a festive outing for the whole family.