"Home Alone" at the SF Symhony

BARTable This Weekend: Dec. 19–21

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Catch a classic Christmas film with beautiful live music at Davies Symphony Hall. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay. 

The holiday season is in full swing, and the Bay Area is packed with musical performances, pop-up shops and family-friendly fun. From Broadway hits and ballet classics to college sports and ice skating, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the start of winter. We’ve rounded up a list of festive BARTable events to make the most of your weekend. Whether you're planning a night out or a midday adventure, enjoy a beautiful weekend in the Bay Area. Happy holidays!

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San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus “Holiday Spectacular”

See the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus “Holiday Spectacular” in the East Bay this weekend. Photo courtesy of Cal Performances. 

Dec. 19 | Downtown Berkeley
7 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion
 
This weekend, the Golden Bears face the Morgan State Bears. Cheer for the home team at Haas Pavilion, just 0.4 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
 
Dec. 20 | Downtown Berkeley
2 p.m. & 8 p.m. | 101 Zellerbach Hall
 
Celebrate the holiday season this weekend in the East Bay with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Their annual performance features dazzling music, humor, heart and festive fun. Catch the show at Zellerbach Hall, 0.6 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
 
Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair
Dec. 20-21 | Downtown Berkeley
11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Telegraph Ave. between Bancroft and Dwight
 
Holiday shoppers will enjoy festive cheer, great music, delicious food and unique handcrafted goods from some of Northern California’s finest artists. Join the holiday fun just 0.6 miles from Downtown Berkeley Station.
 
Dec. 21 | Downtown Berkeley
7 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion
 
The second home game of the weekend features the Golden Bears against Columbia. Head to Haas Pavilion to see Bay Area college basketball in action. The game is just 0.4 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
 
Through Dec. 28 | Montgomery St.
Times vary | 701 Mission St.
 
A holiday tradition returns to spread yuletide cheer across the Bay Area with a festive mix of beloved classics and fresh new works. Catch Michael Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet” at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
 
Through Dec. 28 | 19th St/Oakland
Noon-7 p.m. | 699 Bellevue Avenue
 
Children’s Fairyland has turned into a magical holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, festive music, multicultural holiday displays, puppet shows, crafts and more in Oakland. Bring the entire family for a cozy, imaginative holiday event, just 0.6 miles from 19th St/Oakland.
 
Through Dec. 21 | Powell St
Times vary | 650 Geary St.
 
African American Shakespeare Company’s “Cinderella” returns with a joyful, music-filled retelling of the classic fairytale. See the magical storytelling 0.5 miles from Powell St.
 
Through Dec. 30 | Montgomery St
Times vary | 678 Green St.
 
Club Fugazi puts a seasonal twist on its hit show, “Dear San Francisco.” Expect an acrobatic love letter to the city—holiday edition. Find the show in North Beach, just 0.9 miles from Montgomery St.
 
“Sunday in the Park with George” at the Ashby Stage
Through Jan. 3 | Ashby
Times vary | Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave.
 
Experience Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece about art, love and legacy in this intimate Bay Area production. Shotgun Players brings the musical’s vivid characters and haunting score to life just 0.1 miles from Ashby.
 
Through Jan. 4 | Embarcadero
Times vary | 211 Beale St. at Howard St.
 
Circus Bella debuts “Starlight Spectacular,” an immersive new show blending contemporary circus, dance and theatrical visuals into a magical winter experience. Catch world-class performers 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
 
Through Jan. 18 | Embarcadero
Times vary | Parking Lot A, 76 Mission St.
 
Cirque du Soleil transforms Oracle Park's Parking Lot A into a surreal, high-flying world of acrobatics, dance and jaw-dropping spectacle under the Big Top. With shows running through mid-January, it’s a festive outing for families, date nights or visiting friends. Take BART to Embarcadero, then walk 1.2 miles, or transfer to the Muni Metro N Line at Embarcadero.
 
Walnut Creek on Ice
Through Jan. 19 | Walnut Creek
Times vary | 1365 Civic Dr.
 
Walnut Creek on Ice is in full swing, giving skaters a festive place to hang this holiday season to skate and slide down Frosty's Summit. The rink offers public sessions, skate rentals and a festive atmosphere perfect for families or a fun night out. The rink is a quick 0.6 miles from Walnut Creek Station.
 
Through Jan. 19 | Powell St
Times vary | 333 Post St.
 
Gather your family and friends for this beloved holiday tradition! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St or 0.2 miles from Powell St in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
 
"Glow" at the Exploratorium
Through Jan. 25 | 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. Find 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.

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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!

Union Square's Winter Walk is fun for all ages. Photo courtesy of SFMTA.

Union Square's Winter Walk is fun for all ages. Photo courtesy of SFMTA. 

The final day of SFMade’s 1st Ever “Holiday Pop-Up Store”
Dec. 19-20 | Embarcadero
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2 Embarcadero Center

Catch the final day of SFMade’s first-ever Holiday Pop-Up Store, showcasing locally made gifts from San Francisco makers just in time for last-minute shopping. Shop small businesses 0.2 miles from Embarcadero.

Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire
Dec. 19-21 | Powell St
Noon-5 p.m. | 950 Mason St.

Shop and soak up city views at the Fairmont Holiday Rooftop Faire, a festive pop-up filled with local vendors, seasonal treats and holiday cheer. This elegant midday market is only 0.6 miles from Powell St.

Union Square’s “Winter Walk” Opening Day
Dec. 19-21 | Powell St
10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Stockton St. and Ellis St.

Winter Walk is happening all weekend long. Head to Stockton Street, a pedestrian-friendly holiday promenade filled with food trucks, festive décor, pop-up bars and live entertainment — just 0.1 miles from Powell St.

Union Square’s Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah
Through Dec. 22 | Powell St
Times vary | Geary St. and Powell St.

Visit the first giant public menorah in the United States. The celebration features a festival with music, community gatherings and nightly ceremonies honoring Jewish leaders and traditions. Check out the full schedule and enjoy the festivities, just 0.2 miles from Powell St.

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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!

Witness “The Nutcracker” at the Paramount Theatre this weekend in Oakland. Photo courtesy of the Paramount Theatre.

Witness “The Nutcracker” at the Paramount Theatre this weekend in Oakland. Photo courtesy of the Paramount Theatre. 

“Home Alone” Film with Live Orchestra by the SF Symphony
Dec. 19-20 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 201 Van Ness Ave.

Experience the holiday classic on the big screen as the SF Symphony performs scores live at Davies Symphony Hall. Enjoy Kevin McCallister’s shenanigans 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza. 

“The Nutcracker” at the Paramount Theatre
Dec. 20-21 | 19th St/Oakland
1 p.m. | 2025 Broadway

Oakland’s Paramount Theatre is hosting this beloved holiday ballet this weekend. Bring the entire family and enjoy the classic performance just steps from 19th St/Oakland.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Through Dec. 28 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1192 Market St.

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is dazzling audiences in San Francisco. The high-energy Broadway hit delivers lavish sets, bold choreography, and a stellar soundtrack, all within a few steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

What are you doing this weekend?

Tell us about your weekend activities! Show us on social media tag #SFBARTable and follow us  on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.

nicole findlay headshot
by Nicole Findlay
Nicole Findlay is a Bay Area native. As a freelance journalist, she covers travel destinations all around the world, but her favorite place to write about is home.

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