Happy Friday, San Francisco! Below are some of our favorite things to do in San Francisco this weekend. We’re constantly on the lookout for SF weekend plans, so you’ll always have something to do on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, check out our list of fun things to do this December in SF.
1. SantaCon
SantaCon is an iconic San Francisco tradition, when people wear they’re most festive Santa outfits and descend on bars across the city. This year, SantaCon is on Saturday, December 13 starting at noon in Union Square. The bar crawl is free, and you do not need tickets to attend.
2. Let’s Glow SF
Let’s Glow is a massive holiday light show right in Downtown San Francisco. The show uses many of SF’s famous landmarks as its canvas, creating beautiful holiday projections. Let’s Glow SF opened last weekend and will only run through the end of this weekend. The show is free and family-friendly, and on Friday night, you can also check out an opening celebration at the Ferry Building.
3. Lightscape in the SF Botanical Garden
A massive, interactive light show has transformed the San Francisco Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. The installation, called Lightscape, opened last weekend and features a mile-long trail decorated with beautiful lights. The installation is family-friendly and will include festive treats and drinks to enjoy while you explore the gardens.
📍 Location: SF Botanical Garden
4. 200 Channels: Merry Mischief
200 Channels is presenting a special holiday cabaret show this December. This isn’t your average holiday show, it features aerial performers and mischievous elves located in a stylish speakeasy. The neo-burlesque show will debut on Thursday, December 4, and run through December 20. We recommend getting your tickets now.
📍 Location: 200 Channels at 111 6th St, San Francisco
5. Fairmont Gingerbread House
The iconic Fairmont gingerbread house will open for the holiday season this weekend, on Saturday, November 22. The massive display is made from real gingerbread, frosting, and thousands of pounds of candy each year. The house is on display in the Fairmont’s lobby, along with their 23-foot-tall tree.
📍 Location: Fairmont San Francisco
6.Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi
Club Fugazi’s Dear San Francisco show is a popular ode to the city, featuring performances by world-class modern circus artists. You can expect hoop diving, juggling, and breathtaking acrobatics. The show also comes with the option to order food and drinks, making it perfect for a night out in San Francisco.
Tickets: Dear San Francisco tickets
7. Shop at a holiday market
There are plenty of exciting holiday markets in San Francisco this time of year, perfect for holiday shopping or just getting a gift for yourself. From massive craft fairs to smaller, local markets, you can find some unique items, including ceramics, jewelry, art, and more. Check out the full schedule here.
8. Macy’s Holiday Windows
Macy’s adorable holiday tradition is back starting this weekend. The retailer will once again host adoptable puppies and kittens in their holiday window displays, for San Franciscans to hopefully adopt this winter. You can check it out at the Union Square location starting on Friday, November 21.
📍 Location: 170 O’Farrell St
9. Ice Skating at Union Square
Union Square has been transformed with a pop-up ice rink, and now is the perfect time to go for a spin. The ice rink is currently open, and you can skate for 60 minutes between 10 am and 11 pm each day.
📍 Location: Union Square
10. Après Village
Every winter, the Four Seasons in Palo Alto hosts a charming winter village, complete with luxury mini chalets and a prix-fixe menu. You can also check out a food truck for a more casual meal at the winter village. The Après Village opens this weekend and runs through the new year.
📍 Location: Four Seasons Palo Alto
11. Art of Manga at the de Young
The de Young in Golden Gate Park recently opened an exciting new exhibition focusing on manga. The exhibit includes over 600 drawings from some of the most iconic manga artists. Plus, there is a room dedicated to reading Manga, complete with all the books included in the exhibition.
📍 Location: de Young Museum
12. Check out a shopping street
San Francisco has plenty of neighborhoods with great shops, from small, local boutiques to larger brands. There are plenty of places to explore if you need to do some shopping, including Haight Street with numerous vintage stores, or Fillmore, packed with boutiques and restaurants.
13. Check out a new bar in North Beach
Long Weekend bar is unique for several reasons. The recently opened bar is located in a historic bank, with many of the original elements, like the safety deposit vault, included. The bar is also themed by destination, changing every 9 months. The first destination is Havana, with Cuban drinks, artwork, music, and more.
Location: 270 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
14. Check out a stylish new restaurant
If you want to treat yourself this weekend, the Transamerica Pyramid’s new restaurant and lounge, ama, is the perfect spot. The newest venture from Chef Brad Kilgore features Italian and Japanese cuisine at the beautiful restaurant.
Location: Transamerica Pyramid Center