Festive holiday events near BART
San Francisco will be shining a little brighter this holiday season. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay.
The Bay Area is full of festivities this holiday season. From light installations and live performances to markets and family-friendly celebrations, there is so much to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight date or planning a full day of family fun, you’ll find it near BART. Here are the best BARTable holiday events to explore around the Bay this December. Happy holidays!
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Bay Area holiday events near BART
Don't miss Let's Glow SF this holiday season in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership.
Let’s Glow SF | Embarcadero
Downtown San Francisco lights up again this year when Let’s Glow SF returns from December 5–14. This free outdoor holiday event features large-scale projection art across eight buildings in the Financial District, all created by local and international artists. Grab a hot cocoa and walk between installations. Start your adventure by taking BART to Embarcadero. Then, head toward the Ferry Building to begin the route. You can find all locations, including tips for best viewing, here.
Enjoy top-class entertainment in San Francisco's North Beach. Photo courtesy of Club Fugazi.
Dear San Francisco: Home for the Holidays at Club Fugazi | Montgomery St
This holiday season, check out Club Fugazi’s seasonal twist on its hit production Dear San Francisco. Performed in an intimate North Beach theater, the show blends acrobatics, storytelling and live performance inspired by defining moments in the city’s history. The fun holiday edition features festive music and special segments added just for the season. Take BART to Montgomery St and find the entertainment 1 mile away in the heart of North Beach.
Head downtown to experience San Francisco's Winter Walk and Union Square Holiday Ice Rink. Photo courtesy of Secret San Francisco.
Winter Walk & Union Square Holiday Ice Rink | Powell St
Union Square’s Winter Walk is back again this holiday season from December 13–22. The pedestrian plaza features food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment and winter-themed décor along Stockton Street. Nearby, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is open daily through January 20, with 90-minute skate sessions and special-themed events throughout December. Both attractions are an easy 0.3-mile walk from Powell St.
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus' holiday performance is sure to entertain. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
Holiday Concerts | Powell St
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brings seasonal favorites to their Holiday Spectacular at the Golden Gate Theatre. There are only three performances (December 12–13), but each features bold choreography and festive fun. Later in the month, "RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute" arrives for a one-night performance on December 23, also at the Golden Gate Theatre. RAIN brings Beatles classics, stunning visuals and a little flair. Find these shows and more just 0.3 miles from Powell St.
See the ballet, The Nutcracker, in San Francisco this holiday season. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Ballet.
Dance & Holiday Performances | Multiple
The San Francisco Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" returns to the War Memorial Opera House from December 5–28, bringing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life. At YBCA, ODC/Dance’s "The Velveteen Rabbit" runs from November 29 to December 7, a family-friendly adaptation of the classic tale. On December 17, "Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet" takes the stage at the Golden Gate Theatre for one night only. "A Christmas Carol" is also running at the American Conservatory Theater through December 24. All are accessible via Civic Center/UN Plaza, Powell St, or Montgomery St stations, depending on the venue.
Head to the East Bay to join the BART SweaterFest in Rockridge. Photo courtesy of BART.
BART SweaterFest | Rockridge
Show off your favorite BART holiday gear at SweaterFest, returning to Rockridge Station on December 13 from 1–3 p.m. There’ll be some new activities this year, including rides on the BARTmobile through a whimsical winter wonderland. You can also expect a Railgoods pop-up shop, live music, photo opportunities, transit-themed crafts and a raffle! Festivities take place right outside Rockridge Station, and BART merchandise is available in person or online at railgoods.com.
Build something magical this December at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Milpitas
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area will be celebrating the holiday season this year with Holiday Bricktacular from December 4-24. Families are sure to create memories at this fun Bay Area holiday event featuring holiday-themed builds, photo stations and hands-on LEGO activities for kids. The LEGO Discovery Center is located at 870 Great Mall Drive, just 0.5 miles away from Milpitas Station.
Pick up something special at a holiday market. Photo courtesy of Fairmont San Francisco.
Holiday Markets | Multiple
The historic Fairmont atop San Francisco’s Nob Hill is hosting a holiday market this year (Nov. 28–30 & Dec. 19–21) featuring artisan vendors and holiday décor. The Fairmont is 0.6 miles from Powell St. The Chinatown Holiday Market (Nov. 28–30) highlights local makers and handcrafted gifts across neighborhood storefronts. Shop here, just 0.6 miles from Montgomery St. And for a grown-ups-only night, Twas the Night Before Fairy Winterland returns to Children’s Fairyland on December 13, offering live music, food vendors, drinks, and an outdoor marketplace. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland, and find Fairyland 0.6 miles away at 699 Bellevue Ave.
Enjoy, and also check out more BARTable holiday markets this holiday season.
Don't skip the Grand Chanukah Celebration on Lake Merritt. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Grand Chanukah Celebration on the Lake | Lake Merritt
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Grand Menorah Lighting on December 14 at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater. This 20th annual community event marks the first night of the holiday with a 15-foot menorah, live music, crafts and traditional treats like latkes and sufganiyot. Take BART to Lake Merritt, and find this free holiday event 0.3 miles away.
Bring friends and family to the annual Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair. Photo courtesy of Visit Berkeley.
41st Annual Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair | Downtown Berkeley
This long-running Berkeley tradition returns December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 with more than 200 artisans, live music and festive street décor along Telegraph Avenue. Shoppers can browse handmade goods and enjoy a lively atmosphere with friends and family. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to shop, eat and celebrate the season about 0.6 miles away on Telegraph Ave. between Bancroft Way and Dwight Way.
Head to Thrive City for festive fun! Photo courtesy of Chase Center.
Thrive City Winter Wonderland | Powell St
Thrive City at Chase Center transforms for the holidays with nightly “snow,” festive decorations and themed events throughout December. Visitors can enjoy free ice skating on select days, a Hanukkah celebration and a family-friendly Kwanzaa and “Noon Year’s Eve” gathering. Take BART to Powell St and walk or hop on the Muni T to the Chase Center to join the holiday party.
There are a lot of holiday happenings in Hayward this year. Photo courtesy of the City of Hayward.
Holiday Festivities at Hayward City Hall | Hayward
Downtown Hayward is ready for a festive season with cultural celebrations through the end of the year. Light Up the Season (Dec. 6) brings lights, performances and a tree lighting to City Hall Plaza. That same evening, the 13th Annual SantaCon Hayward raises funds for the Hayward Animal Shelter. Later in the month, the 3rd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration (Dec. 28) returns to City Hall with music, speakers and community activities. The best part? City Hall is only 0.1 miles from Hayward Station.
What's your favorite Bay Area holiday event?
