Don't skip SantaCon this weekend in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership.
Looking for cheerful ways to spend the weekend in the Bay Area? Check out winter wonderlands, holiday performances, free festivals, ice skating rinks and neighborhood gatherings. Bundle up, hop on BART and step into the season. Here is our weekend roundup of BARTable happenings.
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.
Don't miss "The Nutcracker Bird" this weekend in the East Bay. Photo courtesy of Berkeley Ballet.
Dec. 12 | 19th St/Oakland
6-10 p.m. | 699 Bellevue Avenue
Children’s Fairyland isn’t just for kids. Their adults-only night market, held under Fairy Winterland’s sparkling lights, features live music, artisan vendors, food trucks and seasonal drinks. Join the grown-ups’ holiday party with a whimsical twist, 0.6 miles from 19th St/Oakland.
Dec. 12-13 | Powell St
Times vary | 1 Taylor St.
Celebrate the holiday season this weekend with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Their beloved annual performance blends dazzling musical numbers with humor, heart and festive cheer. Plus, Golden Gate Theatre is only 0.2 miles from Powell St.
Dec. 13 | Downtown Berkeley
2 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion
This weekend, the Golden Bears face the Demons at Haas Pavilion. Cheer for the Bay Area, just 0.4 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
Dec. 13-14 | Lake Merritt
Times vary | 1547 Lakeside Dr.
Berkeley Ballet’s reimagined "Nutcracker" begins with Mother Nature inviting the audience into an enchanting world where Clara and Charlie embark on a magical journey guided by the Nutcracker Bird and Snowy Owl. Witness the entire production, including Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, 0.5 miles from
Lake Merritt. Bonus:
Get 15% off tickets to “The Nutcracker Bird” before hopping on BART.
Dec. 13-14 | 19th St/Oakland
Noon-7 p.m. | 699 Bellevue Avenue
Children’s Fairyland turns 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.
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.
Circa 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 | 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, then walk 1.2 miles, or transfer to the Muni Metro N Line at Embarcadero.
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 St
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!
Join thousands of Santas this year at San Francisco's lively Santacon. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay.
Santacon returns to San Francisco this weekend for a citywide celebration as thousands of costumed Santas take to the streets for a day of festive fun. Santa lovers can join the party at Union Square, 0.2 miles from Powell St.
Winter Walk transforms Stockton Street into a pedestrian-friendly holiday promenade filled with food trucks, festive décor, pop-up bars and live entertainment. Opening Day brings extended hours and special programming, making it the perfect time to pop by, just 0.1 miles from Powell St.
The annual Parol Lantern Festival celebrates Filipino culture with handcrafted parols, live performances, traditional food and a community parade. Find color and culture at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
Browse unique, locally made artwork and holiday gifts at this open-air bazaar, featuring makers, festive activities and tons of creativity. Families can also meet the adorable “Abominable Snowman,” making it a charming seasonal outing just 0.6 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza 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 "Golden Girls Live" for a fun and festive night out in the city. Photo courtesy of BroadwaySF.
Disney’s “Frozen” in Concert
Dec. 13 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
2 p.m. | 201 Van Ness Ave.
Experience Disney’s "Frozen" like never before—as the film is projected on the big screen accompanied live by the San Francisco Symphony performing its Academy Award–winning score. It’s a magical, family-friendly event 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Mission Dolores Basilica Choir Candlelight Christmas Concert
Dec. 14 | 16th St Mission
5-7 p.m. | 310 Dolores St.
Experience the holiday season as the Mission Dolores Basilica Choir performs beloved Christmas works in a beautiful candlelit setting. The historic basilica’s acoustics and atmosphere make this annual concert a peaceful, unique tradition, just 0.4 miles from 16th St Mission.
Oakland Coffee Holiday Market
Dec. 14 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza
Shop local at Oakland Coffee’s annual Holiday Market, featuring artisan vendors, handcrafted goods and freshly brewed holiday blends. Don’t miss this festive stop near 12th St/Oakland City Center.
"The Golden Girls Live, The Christmas Episodes"
Through Dec. 21 | Powell St
Times vary | 445 Geary St.
The iconic quartet returns to the stage in this hilarious show featuring holiday episodes of "The Golden Girls." Expect sharp comedy and nostalgic fun just 0.3 miles from Powell St.
What are you doing this weekend?
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