It goes without saying that the holidays are going to be different this year. Gone are the days of squeezing into a large crowd to watch a Christmas tree lighting, bustling shoppers bumping into each other at Westfield San Francisco Centre, and ice skating in Union Square. But they are far from canceled.
As someone who lives for this time of year, I am determined to enjoy this holiday season in the Bay Area in whatever form it may take. I’ve scoured the Internet for ideas on how to enjoy the last month of 2020 (hallelujah) to the fullest while remaining safe, and I’m happy to report that the possibilities, while not quite endless, are plentiful.
Grab your festive face mask and enjoy these holiday happenings in the Bay Area, pandemic style.
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1. A forest of LED lights at Golden Gate Park
Have you ever wondered what Golden Gate Park would look like decked out in lights? With Entwined, an art installation by Bay Area artist Charles Gadekin, you can find out. In honor of Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary, Entwined will illuminate Peacock Meadow with 2,000 LED lights and turn it into an “enchanted forest.” Complete with neon-lit paths and a grove of illuminated canopies, the installation will open to the public starting December 10.
Installation open December 10–February 28, 2021.
2. Macy’s Great Tree and holiday windows in Union Square
While Macy’s canceled its annual tree lighting event this year and opted for a private ceremony instead, basking in the lights of the 83-foot-tall Great Tree is still very much on from at least six feet away from others. The famous artificial tree will light up Union Square with more than 33,000 energy-efficient LED lights through January 2. The tree, complete with 1,100 ornaments (my condolences to whoever had to hang those), will be accompanied by Macy’s holiday window displays.
In partnership with the San Francisco SPCA, the windows will play pre-recorded videos of rescue animals from the shelter on digital screens. If you’re one of the many people looking to cure Covid-19 holiday loneliness with a new furry friend, you can fill out an application to visit with one of the featured dogs or cats in person.
Lasts through January 2, 2021; click for more info.
3. ’Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences
Yes, reindeer are real, and yes, they’ll be at the California Academy of Sciences this year. The academy’s annual tradition, ’Tis the Season for Science, returns for a socially distanced outdoor celebration. Under twice-hourly snow flurries, you can learn about the reindeer and what allows them to thrive in the frigid Arctic and migrate each year.
Peppermint and Cookie, the resident reindeer, will be partaking in this annual holiday event that will be entirely outdoors for maximum Covid-19 safety. In addition to Peppermint and Cookie, there will be actual cookies and lessons on reindeer and their habitats.
Open November 20, 2020–January 3, 2021; click for ticket information.
4. Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda
I didn’t move to Alameda solely because of Christmas Tree Lane, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t factor into the decision. Each year, the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue in Alameda takes a break from being an ordinary residential street and transforms into a holiday lights extravaganza known as Christmas Tree Lane.
The 55 or so houses take holiday decorating to the next level, with twinkle lights perfectly hung on every available surface. Most houses also take their skills to the front yard and install an array of life-size holiday characters. There’s even a decorated mailbox for dropping off your letters to Santa.
Grab a hot chocolate (maybe mix in some Baileys), and take your time wandering down this magical holiday wonderland.
Lights usually go up around Thanksgiving.
5. Holiday movies at the drive-in at Fort Mason
Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture has been offering occasional drive-in movies for a few months through the pop-up “Fort Mason Flix,” and now, they’re serving up a classic holiday movie lineup. The outdoor theater will be showing favorites like The Polar Express, The Grinch, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Snag your Grinch themed pajamas, a hot cocoa, and pull up your car to the waterfront theater to get you in the holiday spirit.
Tickets are $49 per vehicle; click for more information on showing times.
6. Virtual performance of The Nutcracker by the San Francisco Ballet
Like most of our lives this year, the San Francisco Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker is going virtual. Streaming in HD, Nutcracker Online will be an interactive experience featuring not only the classical ballet performance but also a virtual tour of the War Memorial Opera House and choreography lessons straight from the show.
It may not be quite the same as seeing the ballet in person, but I guarantee the dancers at San Francisco Ballet are talented enough to bring the magic to your screen. Get dressed up, make some hot cocoa, and gather round.
Show runs November 27–December 31; tickets are $49.
7. Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland
Don’t let the name confuse you — children aren’t the only ones who will enjoy this holiday wonderland. Fairyland will be decked out in thousands of twinkly lights and holiday displays, and each evening at 6:45 p.m., Black Santa will lead a socially distanced parade, handing out treats to all the kids.
While Covid-19 means no sitting on Santa’s lap this year, there will be a dropbox to send him your letters along with some complimentary hot cocoa.
Open evenings December 18–30; tickets are $13 for the general public and $6 for Children’s Fairyland members.
8. (At) Home for the Holidays with SF Gay Men’s Chorus
If there’s anyone who can bring the magic of the stage onto your screen, it’s the world’s longest-running gay chorus: the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
This year, their annual winter holiday program is called (At) Home for the Holidays and will stream all the festive upbeat fun on December 24. The program includes songs to commemorate a wide array of cultures and will bring extra joy to your ears and your screens.
Program at 5 p.m. December 24; tickets start at $25.
