Top Things to Do in Bay Area in December
Key Highlights
- Experience the magic of the holiday season with festive events and attractions.
- Discover unique events like San Francisco SantaCon and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
- Be mesmerized by dazzling light displays, from Glowfari to Let’s Glow SF.
- Enjoy enchanting performances like the San Francisco Nutcracker and Deck the Hall.
- Explore charming holiday markets and indulge in seasonal treats.
The Bay Area becomes a winter wonderland in December. It welcomes the holiday season with joy. You can see famous places decorated with bright lights. There are many festive events and shows to enjoy. Everyone can find something special in the Bay Area this December. Whether you want fun outings for your family, a romantic night out, or cultural experiences, the Bay Area has it all.
Discover the Best Things to do in Bay Area In December
This December, the Bay Area has many fun events and sites to enjoy. You can ice skate at Union Square or see the beautiful holiday lights around the city. There are fun holiday markets, too. There is everything from fun shows to interesting museum displays. You will find something for everyone that creates great memories. Enjoy the season and check out the best activities in the Bay Area.
December is also a great time to discover the area’s rich culture. You can visit the exciting exhibits at SF museums or see a live show by the San Francisco Symphony. With so many things to do and see, December is the perfect time to make wonderful memories in the Bay Area.
San Francisco SantaCon 2024
📅December 14, 2024 📍The Blue Light
One very special event in San Francisco each December is SantaCon. Every year, thousands of people dress up in Santa Claus costumes and fill the streets, especially in Union Square. This huge gathering includes pub crawls, singing holiday songs, and lots of Santas bringing joy to the season.
SantaCon is a lively and fun celebration that shows the spirit of giving. People are asked to bring unwrapped toys to donate to local charities. This makes it not just a fun event, but also one with a great purpose.
Join the crowd of Santas on December 14th for an amazing time that highlights the unique side of San Francisco’s holiday fun.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
📅November 23, 2024 – December 22, 2024 📍The Historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
Journey back in time to Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. This is a loved tradition in the Bay Area. It takes place at the Cow Palace and brings visitors to an old-time world filled with holiday cheer.
Many performers wear costumes and act out characters from Charles Dickens. This gives the place a special, magical feeling. You can walk through lovely streets, enjoy live performances, and try delicious food and drinks.
Make sure you do not miss the chance to see Christmas Eve in Dickens’ London. There will be carolers, street vendors, and a joyful spirit of the holiday season.
Festival of Light
📅November 24, 2024 – January 21, 2025 📍Various Locations In San Francisco
Experience the wonder of Illuminate SF. This is San Francisco’s annual Festival of Light. The city gets bright with amazing displays that turn it into an open-air art gallery. You can walk through different neighborhoods to find delightful light art installations that light up the night.
A key feature is Let’s Glow SF. This event shows light projections that change famous landmarks into beautiful artworks. From the California Academy of Sciences to Golden Gate Park, the city will sparkle with festive joy.
Whether you want to stroll through lit gardens or enjoy big projections, the Festival of Light has magic for everyone.
San Francisco Nutcracker
📅December 6, 2024 – December 29, 2024 📍War Memorial Opera House
The holiday season in San Francisco is not complete without seeing the Nutcracker performed by the famous San Francisco Ballet. This classic show takes place at the beautiful War Memorial Opera House. It takes you to a magical place filled with wonder.
You will enjoy watching the dancers share the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s music. The stunning backdrops, bright costumes, and amazing dance moves make it a fun and festive time for the entire family.
Join in the holiday spirit and make special memories with this classic performance.
18th Annual Gingerbread House Tour & Competition
📅December 8, 2024 – December 31, 2024 📍Sausalito Chamber of Commerce
Get ready to be amazed by the creativity and skill at the 18th Annual Gingerbread House Tour & Competition. This joyful event shows off wonderful gingerbread houses. Each one reflects the holiday spirit.
It is happening at various locations in San Francisco. You will see amazing structures made from gingerbread, icing, and candy. There are fun cottages and big castles. Each piece is a form of art.
Join in the festive season and enjoy the art of gingerbread house making at this special Bay Area event.
Glowfari
📅December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 📍Oakland Zoo
Join a magical nighttime adventure at Glowfari. This is Oakland Zoo’s yearly holiday light show. It is a fun event for families. You will see amazing lanterns that light up the zoo, turning it into a beautiful wonderland.
Walk through the zoo and see lots of glowing animals. You will find everything, from big elephants to loud lions. The lovely lanterns make the night special and perfect for creating great memories.
Glowfari is more than just a light show. It is a chance to make lasting memories with your family and friends. Plus, it helps support the conservation efforts at Oakland Zoo.
Let’s Glow SF
📅December 6, 2024 – December 15, 2024 📍Market Street facing the Ferry
Experience the magic of Let’s Glow SF. This is the largest holiday light display in the country. It turns downtown San Francisco into a stunning open-air art gallery.
Get ready to be amazed. Bright light art installations light up famous buildings and landmarks. This includes City Hall and the Ferry Building. Every place shines with incredible projections.
Let’s Glow SF is free and you can explore it at your own pace. It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of light art while discovering the lively downtown of San Francisco.
Deck the Hall
📅December 6, 2024 – December 15, 2024 📍Davies Symphony Hall
Celebrate the holiday season in a big way with Deck the Hall, a fun event from the SF Symphony. This popular tradition turns the beautiful Davies Symphony Hall into a winter wonderland.
Enjoy the joy of live performances that include holiday favorites and sing-alongs. There are lovely tunes and big musical pieces. Deck the Hall has something special for music fans of any age.
Join in the holiday spirit with this happy celebration, where music, decorations, and cheer come together for a great experience.
SF’s annual Lighted Boat Parade
📅December 13, 2024 📍St. Francis Yacht Club
Experience the amazing Lighted Boat Parade in San Francisco. This is a beloved holiday event that lights up the San Francisco Bay. You will see boats dressed up with bright holiday lights.
Visit St. Francis Yacht Club’s waterfront areas to watch the parade as the boats move through the water. The lights sparkling on the bay make it feel very special.
The Lighted Boat Parade is a great event for families. It showcases the joy of the holiday season in a unique San Francisco style.
Exploratorium After Dark Thursdays
📅December 12, 2024 📍Exploratorium
For a unique and adult-only night, go to the Exploratorium on the first Thursday of the month. They have an event called After Dark Thursdays. This program is after regular hours and changes its theme every month. It mixes drinks, music, and special Museum experiences.
In December, you can dive into the world of light and sound. Explore hands-on exhibits and see live demonstrations. The Exploratorium After Dark is a fun and lively way to see the museum in a new light.
You can bring out your inner scientist or just enjoy a fun night with friends at this well-liked event.
Sausalito Winterfest 2024
📅December 14, 2024 – December 15, 2024 📍Sausalito Waterfront
Escape the busy city life and visit natural Sausalito for their annual Winterfest event. This fun celebration turns the beautiful waterfront town into a winter wonderland.
Join the joyful Parade of Lights. Here, lit-up boats glide across the water, creating a colorful reflection that dances on the surface. Enjoy live music, tasty food, and drinks while you take in the cheerful atmosphere.
Sausalito Winterfest is a lovely getaway full of holiday cheer and stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
Seas & Greetings: A Winter Maritime Celebration
📅December 14, 2024 📍Sausalito Waterfront
Celebrate the holiday season in a fun way at the Seas & Greetings event. This festive celebration takes place at the Sausalito Waterfront. You can see historic ships decorated for the holidays and find out about maritime traditions.
You will discover the interesting history of the San Francisco waterfront during this special time. There will be live music, special events, and activities for families that make maritime history exciting.
Seas & Greetings is on the beautiful San Francisco waterfront. It’s a great chance to enjoy the holidays and learn about the city’s maritime heritage.
Winter Wonders 2024
📅December 14, 2024 📍Herbst Theatre
Join us for HSArts’ Winter Wonders, showcasing the incredible talent of our middle and high school students, along with the HSArts Dance Conservatory.
Event Highlights:
- Ballet, Chinese dance, instrumental music, and vocal performances
- Exhibition of exceptional student drawings and paintings
Winter Wonderlandytown 2024: Holiday Market & Community Fun
📅December 14, 2024 📍800 Great Hwy
Dive into the holiday spirit at Winter Wonderlandytown! This fun celebration is in Union Square and has a lively holiday market along with exciting community events.
You can find special gifts, taste seasonal treats, and join in many festive activities. Some attractions include:
- A lovely holiday market with local vendors and artisans
- Ice skating at the Union Square ice rink
- Festive entertainment and live performances
Winter Wonderlandytown has something for everyone. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Oakland Creates 2024 Art, Comics, and Zine Fest
📅December 14, 2024 📍Oakstop
Support local artists and discover unique gifts at the Oakland Creates 2024 Art, Comics, and Zine Fest. This vibrant event showcases the diverse talents of Oakland’s creative community.
Browse through stalls filled with art prints, comics, zines, and handcrafted goods. Discover new artists, find unique gifts, and support the local arts scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best holiday markets in the Bay Area in December?
For special gifts and holiday fun, visit the holiday markets at Union Square or the Ferry Building. These markets have local sellers with handmade items, holiday decorations, and tasty seasonal snacks.
Can you recommend any unique Bay Area holiday traditions?
Enjoy the holiday spirit by taking a ride on a cable car decorated with bright Christmas lights. You can also watch a show of the San Francisco Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House.
Are there any outdoor activities suitable for families in the Bay Area in December?
Golden Gate Park has many fun things for families to do. You can go ice skating at Winter Wonders. You can also enjoy the beautiful holiday lights at the California Academy of Sciences.
How can visitors best experience the holiday lights in the Bay Area?
Some of the best places to see holiday lights are Union Square, Let’s Glow SF downtown, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can think about taking a guided tour or a hop-on, hop-off bus to make it easy to explore these areas.