BARTable Holiday Shopping Guide

Last Updated On Dec. 13, 2023

This year’s shopping season is in full swing, thanks in part to the plethora of small makers and artists that work and reside in the Bay Area. If you’re looking to do double duty and support these artists while also checking items off your shopping list, consider the many holiday shopping opportunities listed below. They wouldn’t make the cut if they weren’t BARTable, so consider making a stop at one of the weekday events before your commute home. Better yet, make it a transit-friendly weekend outing and throw in a little holiday hot chocolate cheer.

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Berkeley HolidaysLots of shopping opportunities this holiday season in Berkeley. Images courtesy Visit Berkeley.

Berkeley Holidays Gift Guide

Visit Berkeley has the rundown on all the holiday shopping events in Berkeley from now through the end of the year, including the popular 40th Annual Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair, happening over three weekends in December. Before you head out to do your shopping, consider purchasing a Berkeley Bucks e-gift card which keeps cash in the Berkeley community. Once you've purchased your "bucks," use this guide for all of the city's shopping districts.

The CrucibleShop and enjoy the holiday decor at the Ferry Building. Image courtesy of the Ferry Building.

Ferry Building

Offering a wonderful collection of primarily local, independently owned shops, the Ferry Building has stood as an iconic landmark and gateway to San Francisco located on the Embarcadero for more than a century. It's a great spot to make a day of it for shopping, eating and experiencing San Francisco history at its finest. Check the calendar for pop-up holiday events too! From Embarcadero, travel 0.4 miles to 1 Ferry Building.

rockridgeFind your perfect gifts in the Rockridge Business District. Images courtesy of RBD.

Rockridge

Many of Oakland’s best locally owned and run restaurants, coffee shops, specialty markets, and wine bars are found along College Ave in the Rockridge Business District. Home stores abound, amazing furnishings and décor are found at every turn. There's no shortage of options for fashionistas—the district caters to all with the latest and vintage styles. All spiffed up for the holidays, make this a stop to check everyone off your list! Take BART to Rockridge, and the discoveries begin just down the stairs from the station.

vibrantShop a Vacant to Vibrant pop-up this holiday season. Image courtesy of Vacant to Vibrant.

Vacant to Vibrant

A program of the SF New Deal, Vacant to Vibrant is transforming downtown San Francisco vacancies into vibrant communities shaped by local participation with innovative, creative, vibrant and multifacted pop-ups. With the holidays upon us, it's a perfect time to support these individual businesses and maybe find that "special" something you've been looking for - check out their gift guide. Find the pop-up map here and then BART to San Francisco and exit at Embarcadero or Montgomery St.

BART New Boi BrioBrio compatible Fleet of the Future wooden trains are available on Rail Goods. Image courtesy of SFBART.

Rail Goods

This list would not be complete without including the Rail Goods online store launched by BART and Capitol Corridor. There you will find branded socks, flip flops, t-shirts and a new BART train face puzzle. Everyone loves BART swag!

Let's get social. 

Where are you shopping for the holidays? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay. 

 

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