Let's Glow SF is back to light up San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership.
It's the first weekend of December, and the Bay Area is officially in holiday mode. From ice skating rinks and tree lighting ceremonies to craft fairs and night markets—there's plenty of festive activities for all ages to enjoy. Sports fans can join fellow supporters at the FIFA World Cup 26 draw live at Thrive City, theatre-goers can catch performances on both sides of the Bay and San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum has free entry on Sunday. Whatever you decide to do, BART can get you there.
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options. BARTable partners with local organizations located near BART stations to shine a light on the incredible diversity of businesses, restaurants and happenings that are easily accessible by transit. Our partners provide special deals and prizes for our weekly giveaways, which you can find on our Contest and Deals page. Interested in becoming a BARTable partner? Learn more here.
Join in on the fun this weekend near BART at "A Wicked Dance-along Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of Dance Along Nutcracker.
Let’s Glow SF
Dec. 5 | Multiple
5:30 p.m. | Multiple
Downtown San Francisco lights up when Let’s Glow SF returns with large-scale projection art across multiple buildings in the Financial District. Visitors can wander between illuminated façades and enjoy this free outdoor experience created by local and international artists. All Installations are within walking distance of several stations. Tip: exit BART at Embarcadero to check out the Ferry Building and then head up Market St.
“Gloria” at Herbst Theatre
Dec. 5 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
7:30 p.m. | 401 Van Ness Ave.
Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with Valérie Sainte-Agathe and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale is a joyful way to celebrate the holidays. Enjoy the festive sounds of 18th-century Venice, just 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza Station.
Oakland’s “Rockridge Holidaze” Holiday Stroll & Celebration
Dec. 6 | Rockridge
4-6 p.m. | 5660 College Ave.
Rockridge welcomes the season with its annual stroll and celebration featuring extended shop hours, festive décor and activities for families. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying live entertainment. This fun holiday event takes place just steps from Rockridge.
College Basketball: University of California, Berkeley v. Pacific
Dec. 6 | Downtown Berkeley
2 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion
Watch the Golden Bears as they take on the Pacific Tigers this weekend in the East Bay. Don't miss the matchup at Haas Pavilion! The arena is just 0.4 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
"A Wicked Dance Along Nutcracker" at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Dec. 6-7 | Montgomery St
Times vary | 701 Mission St.
“A Wicked Dance Along Nutcracker” invites audiences to join in the fun with an interactive, sing-along twist on the classic holiday ballet. The show takes place just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
“STOMP” at Calvin Simmons Theatre
Dec. 6-7 | Lake Merritt
Times vary | 10 10th St.
"STOMP" returns to the Bay Area this weekend with high-energy percussion and movement. The eight-member cast transforms everyday objects—like brooms, cans, lighters and hubcaps—into rhythmic instruments in a fast-paced performance 0.3 miles from Lake Merritt.
Sundays at the Asian Art Museum
Dec. 7 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
11 a.m. | 200 Larkin St
The Asian Art Museum is offering free admission this Sunday. Stop by to see the Heiwa Taiko drum ensemble and the “baby rave” featuring DJ Chico Chi, which gives little art lovers a chance to bust a move on the dance floor. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to experience artwork from Asian cultures, just 0.1 miles away.
Through Dec. 7 | 16th St Mission
Times vary | 351 Shotwell St.
ODC/Dance brings back its cherished Bay Area holiday tradition with the 39th anniversary of "The Velveteen Rabbit." This year, expect world-class dancers, cool costumes, and, of course, the beloved narration inspired by Margery Williams’ classic story. Don’t miss this show, 0.3 miles from 16th St Mission.
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. 18 | Embarcadero
Times vary | 24 Willie Mays Plaza
Cirque du Soleil transforms Oracle Park's Parking Lot A into a surreal, high-flying world of acrobatics, dance and jaw-dropping spectacle. With shows running through mid-January, it’s a festive outing for families, date nights or visiting friends. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk 1.2 miles, or transfer at Embarcadero to the Muni Metro N Line.
Walnut Creek on Ice is back, giving skaters a festive place to hang this holiday season. 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
Times vary | 333 Post St.
Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! This weekend, join fellow '80s lovers for Flashback Fridays, presented by Classic Hits 103.7. 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.
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.
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!
Shop 'til you drop in San Francisco at SFMade Holiday Pop-Up: Shop Local Makers. Photo courtesy of SF Made.
Dec. 5 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
5-9 p.m. | Hayes St. and Laguna St.
This Friday, local shops and restaurants will stay open late for Hayes Valley’s annual holiday tradition. Expect sweet treats, live music, plenty of boutiques, art spaces and holiday décor just 0.7 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza Station.
Dec. 5-7 | Montgomery St
5-7 p.m. | 425 Mission St.
Celebrate the season from 70 feet above the city as Salesforce Park transforms into a festive winter gathering. This weekend, visitors can enjoy live music from the band Magic Nostalgia, holiday toddler time, an ugly sweater silent disco and much more! Check out Winterfest, 0.2 miles from Montgomery St.
Dec. 6 | West Oakland
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1260 7th Ave.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Explore the 56,000 square foot warehouse in West Oakland to find original work in glass, metal, wood, jewelry and more—plus demonstrations and hands-on art experiences. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at just 0.3 miles from West Oakland.
The family-friendly Millbrae Gateway Night Market features an enticing mix of street food, lively entertainment and local artisan vendors. Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors at Millbrae Station.
The 63rd annual festival showcase in Richmond is packed with handmade goods from Bay Area artists, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry and prints. Shop the marketplace, enjoy art demos and explore the galleries. The event takes place at the Richmond Art Center, just 0.5 miles from Richmond Station.
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!
Check out one of the city's most beautiful Christmas trees at the Palace Hotel. Photo courtesy of Marriott.
Dec. 5 | Montgomery St
6 p.m. | 2 New Montgomery St
The iconic Palace Hotel is celebrating its 150th anniversary and will kick off this holiday season in style with a tree lighting ceremony in the Garden Court. Kristi Yamaguchi will host the special event, which will also feature live jazz, treats, and gorgeous holiday décor, just steps from Montgomery St.
Dec. 6 | Embarcadero
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 2 Embarcadero Center
SFMade’s annual holiday market features locally produced gifts from San Francisco–based manufacturers and small businesses. Shoppers can meet the makers, browse unique goods and support local production. The pop-up takes place at Embarcadero Center, 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
Dec. 6 | MacArthur
11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 4803 Lawton Ave.
This community-focused book fair highlights children’s literature that centers equity, inclusion and social justice themes. Families can browse books, meet authors and participate in kid-friendly activities just 0.8 miles from MacArthur.
Dec. 5 | Powell St
9 a.m. | 1 Warriors Way
Who will the U.S. play in this summer's World Cup? Find out at the official FIFA World Cup 26 Final Draw live at Thrive City with fellow fans. The free watch party will feature big-screen viewing, fan activities and a festive atmosphere outside Chase Center. Take BART to Powell St and walk or hop on the Muni T to the Chase Center to join the party.
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