San Francisco

Festivals and Events in December

Beach Break Film Festival

Just a short drive down Highway 1, the Beach Break Film Festival is a showcase for independent California filmmakers, featuring stories that promote hope, expand knowledge, and inspire change.

Downtown First Thursdays

DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the month from 5 to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard Street) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.

Elf - Film w/ SF Symphony Orchestra

The SF Symphony is decking Davies Symphony Hall with holiday spirit for a showing of the classic Christmas movie Elf, starring Will Ferrel. Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in full elf uniform, searching for his real father. Watch this movie as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture.

Holidays at Filoli

86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA

Celebrate the season with Holidays at Filoli, a festive experience at the Filoli Historic House and Gardens, just south of San Francisco. Explore the beautifully decorated historic house and stroll through the illuminated winter garden. By day, capture picture-perfect moments amid vibrant displays, and by night, enjoy the dazzling glow of lights and enchanting holiday installations. It’s the perfect way to create magical memories this December!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City

The Guardsmen Tree Lot

Every year since 1947, The Guardsmen Tree Lot has sold Christmas trees in San Francisco to benefit at-risk youth in the Bay Area. Enjoy this family-friendly Christmas Wonderland at Fort Mason, including fun events all throughout the month of December. Bars for adults and bouncy houses for kids - The Tree Lot has something for everyone. The proceeds from this Christmas tradition have given tens of thousands of at-risk kids the opportunity to attend summer camps, after school programs and private schools.

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy

818 Washington Street

One of San Francisco’s longest-running comedy shows, Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, answers the age-old question: “What are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?” This year’s 32nd Anniversary shows will take at the Imperial Room in San Francisco, and answers the question, "What are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?"

Parol Lantern Festival and Parade

The Bay Area Filipino community gathers for the Parol Lantern Festival and Parade, the annual celebration of holiday spirit, hope, unity, and pride. It’s a family fun-filled evening of dancing lights, music, games, and prizes.

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

Every year, America’s oldest ballet company presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved family classic, The Nutcracker.

Santa Con

Union Square

Get ready for a holly, jolly spectacle as SantaCon returns to San Francisco on December 14th! Don your festive Santa suit (or holiday attire) and join the fun as participants parade around Union Square before taking over other SF neighborhoods. Expect Santa sightings, pub crawls, and plenty of photo ops for a merry way to celebrate the season in SF!

Sunday's a Drag Holiday Party

Starlite Lounge

Step into a scene of holiday glitz and glamour at Starlite with the triumphant return of Sunday’s a Drag! This iconic performance is back at its original home, bringing its legendary energy and style to a new era of fans. Hosted by the renowned Donna Sachet, a trailblazer in San Francisco’s drag scene, the Sunday’s a Drag Holiday Party is an unforgettable afternoon featuring the city’s most cherished drag queens.

Winter Walk

Union Square 

Winter Walk returns to Union Square from December 13 – 22, located on Stockton Street from O’Farrell to Post! This 10-day event will turn two blocks into a pedestrian plaza with lush turf, diverse food truck offerings, enticing bars, and Instagram-worthy arctic-themed décor. Enjoy live performances and entertainment throughout this festive event!