BARTable This Weekend: Dec. 13-15
Celebrate the holiday season at Union Square's Winter Walk. Photo courtesy of Do the Bay.
The holidays are here, and the Bay Area is busy with plenty of festive activities near BART. From dazzling performances, like Smuin's “The Christmas Ballet,” to
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Enjoy acrobatic performances and live music at Circus Bella’s Kaleidoscope. Photo courtesy of Circus Bella.
Dec. 13–15 | Downtown Berkeley
7 p.m. | 2020 Addison St.
This inaugural three-day event honors harmonica legend DeFord Bailey and features curated concerts, workshops and free community events led by Grammy winner Dom Flemons and Freight & Salvage Artistic Director Peter Williams. Don’t miss highlights like Miko Marks’ genre-defying country sound and Corey Harris & Cedric Watson’s soulful blues and Creole rhythms. Enjoy the music at The Freight 0.1 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
Dec. 14–15 | 19th St/Oakland
4 p.m. | 2619 Broadway, Oakland
Get into the holiday spirit with the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus. Their "Make the Yuletide Gay!" concert is 90 minutes and includes holiday classics and playful twists. Sing along with your favorite carols and enjoy a festive night of music and holiday cheer. Grab your tickets now and have fun at the show 0.5 miles from 19th St/Oakland at the First Presbyterian Church in Oakland.
Through Dec. 22 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.
Don’t miss this world-premiere play inspired by the "Modern Love" article from The New York Times. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it? Tell your partner something you like about them and more in this exploration of online dating, friendship and its different approaches. This play by Shotgun Players at Ashby Stage is a must-see, and it’s only 0.1 miles from Ashby.
Through Dec. 24 | Montgomery St
Times Vary | 700 Howard St.
Celebrate this holiday season with Smuin Contemporary Ballet's “The Christmas Ballet.” The mesmerizing mix of classical and contemporary dance is a beloved tradition for many. Fresh choreography and festive surprises are added to this big-hearted production each year. Don’t miss this joyful show, perfect for all ages, and only 0.4 miles from Montgomery St.
Through Dec. 24 | Powell St
Times Vary | 415 Geary St.
Head to the American Conservatory Theater this weekend for a funny adaptation of this Charles Dickens classic. The story follows a small theater group from the first rehearsal to opening night as they prepare for their director’s new version of "A Christmas Carol." From Obie-winning playwright Craig Lucas, Tony Award winner and A.C.T. Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon with costume design by Tony Award winner David Zinn, "A Whynot Christmas Carol" is full of festive joy. Catch the show 0.3 miles from Powell St.
"Hamilton" at the Orpheum Theatre
Through Jan. 5 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 1192 Market St.
"Hamilton" is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow's acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, "Hamilton" has profoundly impacted culture, politics and education. See this revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition and the dawn of a new nation 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Through Jan. 5 | Embarcadero
Times Vary | 250 Main St.
Step right up for an unforgettable evening at Circus Bella’s "Kaleidoscope." The holiday spectacular and one-ring circus is a fantastic showcase of acrobatics, juggling and live music that is sure to produce plenty of fun and laughter inside its 350-seat circus tent. The show is 90 minutes long with one 15-minute intermission. Celebrate circus and community this holiday season 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
Walnut Creek on Ice
Through Jan. 12 | Walnut Creek
Times vary | 1365 Civic Dr.
Glide on over to Walnut Creek on Ice where the 19th season of the beloved family fun rink is in full swing in the heart of downtown's Civic Park. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities and new this year, Frosty’s Summit! Hop on an inner tube and zoom down the 90-foot snow slide. Then, take a spin on the Bay Area’s largest covered ice rink! Skate off at Walnut Creek and glide 0.7 miles to the rink.
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Through Jan. 20 | Powell St or Montgomery St
10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Union Square
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in SF's Union Square is back for another magical season of outdoor skating and festivities in the heart of San Francisco. Hour-long sessions start every 90 minutes, so plan ahead. No skates? No problem! The ticket price includes skate rental. Hit the ice 0.4 miles away from Powell St and Montgomery St stations.
"Glow" at the Exploratorium
Through Jan. 26 | Embarcadero
10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St.
Learn about science and light at this winter wonderland exhibit at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Here, you can see dazzling artwork, play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, paint the walls with digital light and shadow, walk inside hypnotic 3D illusions and more. Find delightful surprises around every corner 0.6 miles from Embarcadero.
You needn’t pay a dime – or even a pretty penny! – to enjoy the breadth of the Bay Area’s offerings. Below you’ll find a roundup of free local events, including festivals, markets, museum admission-free days and more!
Join your fellow Santa lovers in San Francisco this weekend. Photo courtesy of SantaCon.
Winter Walk in Union Square
Dec. 13–22 | Powell St
Times vary | 200 Stockton St.
This fun pedestrian plaza near BART is the ultimate winter wonderland activity in San Francisco. Here, you can shop local vendors, dine at food trucks, listen to live music and even see Santa. The arctic-themed décor is perfect for photo ops and fun for the entire family. Take BART to Powell St to stroll the Winter Walk 0.3 miles away at Stockton St.
SantaCon
Dec. 14 | Powell St
Noon | 333 Post St.
SantaCon is an annual global tradition in which Santa enthusiasts don red costumes and parade through over 70 cities around the world. This weekend, the event heads to San Francisco! So, throw on your favorite Santa gear and join the crowd 0.3 miles from Powell St at Union Square. If possible, bring a new, unwrapped toy to contribute to the San Francisco Fire Department Toy Program.
Dec. 14–15 | 16th St Mission
Noon–5 p.m. | 1890 Bryant St.
Still looking for the perfect holiday gifts? You can’t go wrong with jewelry, ceramics and gorgeous art. Head to San Francisco to peruse the work of over 40 artists spread across three floors at 1890 Bryant. Enjoy festive refreshments and unique, handmade gifts 0.7 miles from 16th St Mission.
Dec. 13 | Union City
7:30 p.m. | 10 Union Sq.
The East Bay Bike Party is a monthly ride for all ages and skill levels. Each event has a different theme, and luckily, this December, participants get to celebrate the holiday season by adorning anything green, red or white. This cycling social gathering promotes safe riding while exploring East Bay neighborhoods. Join the party at Union City Station.
Free Museum Days
Dates Vary | Stations vary
Times Vary | Locations Vary
This weekend near BART, two fabulous museums are offering free admission.
- MoAD is free on the second Saturday of every month. Take BART to Montgomery St to immerse yourself in culture and art 0.2 miles away at 685 Mission St.
- Contemporary Jewish Museum
Through Dec. 15 | Various
5:30–10 p.m. | Throughout downtown San Francisco
Get ready for the country’s largest holiday projection event! "Let’s Glow SF" returns to downtown San Francisco this weekend for the 2024 holiday season. This free outdoor holiday event uses high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of eight iconic SF buildings. Be mesmerized at these BARTable locations:
- Ferry Building (1 Ferry Building)
- Salesforce Tower (415 Mission St.)
- 101 California St
- Annie Alley (665 Market St.)
- The Crossing at East Cut (250 Main St.)
- One Bush Plaza (1 Bush St)
- Pacific Coast Stock Exchange (301 Pine St)
- PG&E Substation (425 Folsom St.)
New events have just arrived in the Bay Area! New shows, one-time events, unique workshops, annual events or anything that's just popped up on our radar. Learn more about what qualifies as "BARTable" or use hashtag #sfbartable for the chance to be featured!
Enjoy the classic production of San Francisco Ballet’s “The Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of San Francisco Ballet.
"Joy to the Town"
Dec. 13 & 15 | 19th St./Oakland
Times vary | Broadway & Grand
This fun 3-day event kicks off on Friday with a restaurant and bar holiday hop through local eateries and watering holes. On Saturday and Sunday, families can shop at pop-up markets, take a spin on the holiday-themed roller-skating rink and visit Santa. The festival highlights Oakland's vibrant community, offering a unique blend of activities for all ages to enjoy. The inaugural "Joy to the Town" is 0.2 miles from 19th St/Oakland.
“Cirque Dreams Holidaze”
Dec. 13-15 | Powell St
Times vary | 1 Taylor St.
Marvel at this family-friendly holiday show combining Broadway-style performances with stunning circus acts. Featuring aerialists, acrobats and dancers, "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" brings classic holiday characters and festive music to life with dazzling performances and fun twists on traditional songs at BroadwaySF's Golden Gate Theatre just 0.3 miles from Powell St.
"Twas the Night Before Fairy Winterland" Holiday Night Market
Dec. 13 | 19th St/Oakland
6–10 p.m. | 699 Bellevue Ave.
Children's Fairyland’s "Fairy Winterland" runs from Dec. 14-30, but this Friday, they host a special 21+ event. “Twas, the Night Before Fairy Winterland” is an adult-only evening full of live music and an open-air marketplace. Dance, shop and enjoy adult beverages and delicious food, like halal bites and mai garlic noodles, only 0.6 miles from 19th St/Oakland.
Nido's BackYard Bazaar
Dec. 14 | Lake Merritt
11 a.m.–4 p.m. | 104 Oak St.
Over 30 vendors will offer unique art, crafts, vintage finds and delicious food at Nido's BackYard Bazaar. This fun happening will showcase a variety of goods, from candles to quilts and chocoflanes, dulce de leche flan and moist buttermilk chocolate cake, making it the perfect opportunity to support Oakland creators. Enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere and shop local for holiday gifts 0.4 miles from Lake Merritt.
San Francisco Ballet’s “The Nutcracker"
Through Dec. 29 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 301 Van Ness Ave.
Experience the magic of the holidays with San Francisco Ballet’s "The Nutcracker," a beloved tradition that brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and breathtaking choreography to life. This stunning production has dazzling costumes, enchanting sets and a heartwarming story. This world-class performance is a must-see event at the iconic War Memorial Opera House, perfect for families, couples or anyone seeking holiday cheer. Catch this classic performance 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Looking for more BARTable things to do? Grab some trinkets for stocking stuffers. Stay warm at these indoor attractions and museums. Or plan a HoliDATE night with someone special. Don't forget to use BART's Trip Planner to plan your outing!
What are you doing this weekend?
Tell us about your weekend activities! Show us on social media at @SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Instagram and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.
by Nicole Findlay
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