San Francisco doesn’t “do” the holidays like your Hallmark card suggests. Forget the chestnuts roasting on an open fire — in SF it’s more like Santas shotgunning beers in Union Square and Victorian carolers gossiping about Dickensian scandal. Here’s your guide to flipping the holidays upside down in SF — no ugly sweater required (but hey, it helps).
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
When: Weekends, November 18–December 17, 2024
Where: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City
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Step into the streets of Victorian London, complete with carolers, bawdy music halls, and shops brimming with handmade treasures. Characters in full period costume will chat with you as you enjoy themed food and drink, from hearty meat pies to steaming cups of cider. It’s a cheeky blend of classic holiday charm and playful theatrics that offers something for both families and the mischievously inclined.
Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony
When: November 28, 2024
Where: Alcatraz Island
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This annual Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony honors Native American resilience and heritage. Join participants on Alcatraz Island at dawn for a moving, reflective ceremony that challenges the traditional Thanksgiving narrative. It’s a solemn, powerful alternative to holiday excess and a chance to reconnect with history and community.
Turkey Trot
When: Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
More details for SF. There are also Bay Area Turkey Trots.
Start your Thanksgiving with a fun and festive run through Golden Gate Park. Costumes are encouraged, and runners often dress as turkeys, pilgrims, or holiday food for extra laughs. Burn calories, enjoy the community vibe, and justify that second helping of pumpkin pie later.
Santa Skivvies Run
When: December 8, 2024, 9:00 AM
Where: Castro District, San Francisco
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Strip down to your festive underwear and join hundreds in this cheeky charity run through the Castro. It’s a fun, body-positive event that supports the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, with participants often decked out in creative holiday-themed lingerie. Expect a lively crowd, music, and a lot of good-natured laughs as runners race to spread awareness and joy. It’s one of the most lighthearted and visually festive ways to give back during the holidays.
Drag Queens on Ice
When: December 5, 2024, 7:00 PM–9:30 PM
Where: Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco
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Get ready for a holiday spectacle as local drag performers dazzle on the ice. Expect over-the-top costumes, jaw-dropping routines, and plenty of glitter under the Union Square holiday lights. It’s a fabulous and fearless twist on holiday cheer, guaranteed to leave you laughing and clapping for more. Read our review of last year’s Drag on Ice.
Let’s Glow SF
When: December 6–15, 2024
Where: Various downtown San Francisco buildings
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San Francisco’s iconic architecture becomes a canvas for massive holiday-themed light projections. Stroll through downtown and watch as art and animation light up the night in spectacular fashion. This event is perfect for an evening walk with friends or family, soaking in the beauty of winter without the chill. Read our review of last year’s Let’s Glow SF.
SantaCon
When: December 14, 2024
Where: Various bars across San Francisco
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Nobody loathes SantaCon more than our former contributors. And yeah, if you’re not into drunken frat party vibes not unlike Bay to Breakers, then SantaCon probably isn’t for you. But why be a hater when you could instead get barfy on strong eggnog and go home with a stranger?
Throw on a Santa suit and join thousands of merrymakers for a day of bar hopping, public pranks, and plenty of liquid holiday cheer. Expect irreverent costumes, questionable Santas, and an ever-growing trail of candy canes and chaos. With its roots in SF, SantaCon is the ultimate anti-holiday tradition for the unapologetically festive. Read our review of last year’s SantaCon.
The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes
When: December 5–22, 2024 (various times)
Where: The Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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Experience the classic TV show’s holiday episodes performed live on stage by an all-drag cast. This hilarious tribute combines nostalgia with outrageous performances, offering a fresh perspective on your favorite Golden Girls moments. The drag performances are both affectionate and over-the-top, turning this into a unique holiday tradition. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show, this production will leave you laughing and humming along to its theme song.
Holiday Gaiety with the San Francisco Symphony
When: December 13, 2024, 7:30 PM
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco
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Join conductor Edwin Outwater and drag performer Peaches Christ for a night of festive music and irreverent humor. This one-of-a-kind concert blends classical pieces with campy holiday fun, offering something for every musical taste. The performances range from holiday classics to unexpected twists, ensuring surprises around every corner. It’s a glamorous, hilarious, and memorable evening that captures the quirky spirit of San Francisco.
Kung Pao Kosher Comedy
When: December 24–26, 2024 (various times)
Where: Imperial Palace Restaurant, 818 Washington St., San Francisco 94108
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Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy paired with a Chinese banquet, a San Francisco tradition since 1993. This event flips Christmas traditions on their head, offering Jewish humor and delicious Chinese food in an iconic Chinatown venue. The comedians bring wit and charm to the stage, making it a delightful evening for anyone looking to laugh through the holiday season. Whether you’re a first-timer or a loyal attendee, this fusion of food and comedy never fails to entertain.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars
When: Mid-November to December 31, 2024
Sip on kitschy cocktails in outrageously decorated spaces. These pop-up bars bring over-the-top holiday themes to life with fake snow, colorful lights, and cheeky drink names like “Bad Santa.” Perfect for a cozy and humorous night out, they add a playful spin to the holiday season.
Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven
When: Opens November 29, 2024
Where: Pacific Cocktail Haven, 550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108
More details on Instagram
Miracle at PCH offers sparkling holiday decor and an extensive menu of festive cocktails — returning now for its 9th year. Fan favorites like warm rum, eggnog variations, and mulled wine pair perfectly with the over-the-top holiday atmosphere. In addition to SF, other Bay Area Miracle pop-ups can be found in Livermore, Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. Read our review of this one at Pacific Cocktail Haven last year.
The Jingle Bar
When: November 26, 2024 — January 5, 2025
Where: Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant, Pier 39, 204 Concourse, San Francisco, CA 94133
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Step into the holiday extravaganza that is The Jingle Bar, where every surface is adorned with tinsel and baubles. Enjoy playful seasonal cocktails and nonstop holiday tunes in this Instagram-worthy, over-the-top holiday bar. It’s the perfect festive escape for anyone seeking a blast of seasonal cheer.
Also, skip the crowded malls and explore markets showcasing handmade goods and quirky gifts. Events like the Renegade Craft Fair offer unique finds and support local artisans, providing a shopping experience that feels personal and inspired. Here are some alternative holiday markets, including:
NightLife: Santa Claude’s Workshop
When: December 5, 2024 (6:00 PM)
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
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The California Academy of Sciences’ holiday NightLife event will feature a fully-stocked gift marketplace perfect for finding unique presents. Alongside shopping, enjoy live DJs, outdoor bars, and the magical ambiance of the Academy’s 40,000 animal residents.
Yesterdays Collective North Beach Vintage Market
When: December 6, 2024 (4:00–10:00 PM)
Where: 524 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
More details on their Instagram
Shop vintage goods at this wonderful North Beach market featuring 25 carefully curated vendors. The market lasts late into the evening, so you can stop by after work and make it part of a fun night out.
Creativity Explored Holiday Art Shop
When: December 6–14
Where: Creativity Explored, 3245 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
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This market features original drawings, paintings, ceramics, and more by neurodiverse and disabled Bay Area artists. Artists earn income directly from each sale, making this a meaningful and unique shopping experience.
Queer Art Fair Holiday Art-A-Thon and Local Art Market
When: December 14, 2024
Where: Stonestown — 501 Buckingham Way, San Francisco, CA 94132
More details on Instagram
San Francisco’s Queer Art Fair is back with a festive holiday market highlighting local LGBTQ+ creators. The event is free, but you can pay $5 to paint an ornament and take home a custom decoration.
UICC Holiday Boutique & Artisan Craft Fair
When: December 7, 2024
Where: United Irish Cultural Center, 1700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116
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The United Irish Cultural Center’s 2024 Christmas boutique features local vendors selling chocolates, baked goods, jewelry, candles, soap, and Irish food and candy. This cozy market is perfect for finding handcrafted holiday gifts while enjoying a touch of Irish hospitality.
Pop-Ups on the Plaza: Black Holiday Market
When: December 7, 2024 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Where: Ferry Plaza at the Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
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Support Black-owned businesses specializing in artisan preserves, baked goods, skincare, apparel, and more at this bustling market. Show up hungry to sample some of the delicious treats while you shop for unique gifts.
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