BARTable This Weekend: November 22-24, 2019

Last Updated On Nov. 21, 2019

The Jack London Square Tree Lighting is Friday night. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.

Winter (or fall, depending on your tolerance for the cold) is in the air and with that comes a whole lot of holiday events. Ice skating, tree lighting ceremonies and even fireworks mean you can get your holidays started right. Let's go.

The Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony takes place this weekend. Photo courtesy of David Yu.

Asian Art Museum's "Holiday Artisan Market" by Civic Center/UN Plaza

Get all of your holiday shopping done early at the Holiday Artisan Market, a free event featuring one-of-a-kind handmade goods by local makers. Find jewelry, ceramics, books, specialty foods, ornaments, cards, fashion & accessories and gifts for children. The market is free and runs from 10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk two minutes to the Asian Art Museum.

Civic Center's "Winter Park" Ice Rink Opening by Civic Center/UN Plaza

The Winter Park at Civic Center, which made its debut last year outside of San Francisco’s City Hall, returns for its second year with an expanded track beginning this Friday and running through Sunday, January 5, 2020. The park will open with a special ceremony at 11am. Ice skating hours are from 12-9:15pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for kids. Bonus! Enter to win four tickets to the rink. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk five minutes to 355 McAllister St.

Jack London Square Tree Lighting Ceremony by 12th St/Oakland City Center

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Jack London Square. Festivities will begin at 5pm, with the lighting of the tree at 6:30pm. Experience the holiday magic along the waterfront. Enjoy festive holiday entertainment, a local artisan market, plus shopping and dining at Jack London merchants, restaurants and bars. Take BART to 12th/Oakland City Center and walk 14 minutes to 472 Water St.

Winter Fireworks, Carnival & Snoopy on Ice by Embarcadero

Four iconic buildings will light up with 17,000 holiday lights, along with fireworks bursting in the sky and a magical ice skating show. The Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center is a San Francisco tradition and the official start of the holiday season in the City. Festivities include a carnival with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painters, arts & crafts and cookie decorating. There will also be a special appearance by Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang. Capping off the night will be a magical firework display. The fun begins at 4pm and run until 7pm. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk two minutes to the Embarcadero Plaza at 1 Market St.

Salesforce Park Movie Nights: Spaceballs by Montgomery St

Enjoy the last free movie of the season in Salesforce Park under the stars on Friday at the park's amphitheater. This Friday's movie is 80s cult classic Spaceballs at 6pm. Pre-registration via Eventbrite is required for priority seating and anyone who has not pre-registered will be allowed in on a first-come, first-served basis five minutes before the movie starts. Get there early and stake out a good spot! The lawn opens at 4:30pm for those who have pre-registered. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk seven minutes to the park.

The Bay Area Record Fest (B.A.R.F.) showcases local talent along with food and drink specials. Photo courtesy of Bay Area Record Fest.

Smuin's "The Christmas Ballet" in Walnut Creek by Walnut Creek

Founder Michael Smuin set the bar high when it comes to nurturing his dancers’ creative talents. In a somewhat uncommon move, he invited his dancers to create original works for the Company. Smuin most notably mentored Amy Seiwert, who danced with the Company for nine years and is now Smuin’s resident choreographer. Seiwert will be presenting her original work set to Joni Mitchell’s soulful “River” in this season’s version of “The Christmas Ballet”. The show happens at 7:30pm. Buy tickets here. Take BART to Walnut Creek and walk 10-15 minutes to 1601 Civic Drive.

Bay Area Record Fest (B.A.R.F.) by West Oakland

The 2019 Bay Area Record Fest is a celebration of the unique music scene in the Bay Area. It features six live acts, 14 record labels, vinyl DJs, record shopping, food and drink specials, and arcade games. Entry is first-come, first-served. The event is free but make sure to RSVP before heading out. Take BART to West Oakland and walk six minutes to 7th West at 1255 7th St.

The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra (SFCO) pairs up with Oakland's Fairyland on Sunday. Photo courtesy of SF Chamber Orchestra.

Open Urban Training (OUT) in Dolores Park by 16th St Mission

Get your holiday bod in shape with a free bodyweight bootcamp in Dolores Park. Personal trainer Josh Muñoz is offering a workout class for groups of all fitness levels. Bring a towel and water and get ready to sweat. The class runs from 10am to 11am. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 14 minutes to Dolores St and 19th St.

SF Chamber Orchestra (SFCO) "Nutcracker Sweet" Family Concert by Downtown Berkeley

Back by popular demand, Oakland Fairyland’s beloved puppeteers team up with the SFCO for a delightful version of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Designed for young audiences, this production features the acrobatic antics of The Puppet Company’s miniature cast accompanied by the SFCO performing highlights from this beloved ballet. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and walk three minutes to Freight & Salvage at 2020 Addison St. The fun begins at 11am.

Let's taco 'bout it.

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