Dec. 1
“Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries”
THROUGH JAN. 12. This de Young Museum exhibit features historical knights’ armor, arms and 500-year-old tapestries from the Capodimonte museum in Naples, Italy. The seven 28-feet-long, 14-feet-high tapestries tell a dramatic story of a 16th century battle that lasted a little over two hours in what is now Italy. 9:30am-5:15pm Tue.-Sun. $11-20, 17 and under FREE.
Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
SF SPCA Holiday Windows
THROUGH DEC. 31. SF SPCA Holiday Windows have returned to Macy’s Union Square with live window displays showcasing adorable puppies and kittens that are available for adoption. While it’s open, the SF SPCA will have an adoption information station on the main floor at Macy’s. Closed Dec. 25. 12-6pm. FREE.
Macy’s Union Square, 170 O’Farrell St., San Francisco
sfspca.org/holiday-windows-2024
Holiday Lights
THROUGH DEC. 24. Enjoy a ¾-mile drive-through extravaganza of holiday lights and displays. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with bonus nights on Mon., Dec. 23 and Tue., Dec. 24. Times and ticket prices to be announced.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
Festival of Lights Parade
This annual parade includes lit up floats, bands and other performances in Los Altos. Parade starts at 6pm. FREE.
Downtown Los Altos, parade starts at First and State streets
Dec. 5
“Drag On Ice”
This evening of glitz, glam and unmatched on-ice exuberance features drag personalities of the Bay Area delivering holiday performances. 6:30-8pm. FREE to watch, $37.39 to skate with drag queens.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, 333 Post St., San Francisco
Dec. 6
Let’s Glow SF
THROUGH DEC. 15. The country’s largest holiday projection art festival returns to San Francisco with artworks and an animated show projected onto buildings. High tech projectors and lasers will show pieces of animated art across the façade of seven San Francisco buildings. The countdown to Glow is tonight from 5-7pm at the foot of Market Street facing the Ferry Building. Otherwise, it’s 5:30-10pm nightly on buildings throughout downtown. FREE.
Downtown San Francisco
downtownsf.org/things-to-do/lets-glow-sf
“Shrek The Musical”
THROUGH DEC. 8 (SAN FRANCISCO), DEC. 17-22 (SAN JOSE). Enjoy this tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a journey with a wisecracking donkey and feisty princess. Tickets start at $36.50.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
broadwaysanjose.com/shows/shrek
Baby Animals at Cal Academy
THROUGH JAN. 5. Meet some of the cutest baby animals from across the world this winter. As you take in their adorable antics, learn all about their winter survival adaptations and unique characteristics of their species as they play and frolic the days away. Baby reindeer debuted on Nov. 22. Camels will be on view starting today and yaks beginning Dec. 20.
Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco
Winter Festival Holiday Tea
THROUGH SAT. Gather with friends and family for a holiday tea at the Gamble Garden main house. There will be traditional teatime treats, including delicate tea sandwiches, fresh scones and a selection of aromatic teas. 11:30am-12:30pm and 2-3pm. $70-85.
Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverly St., Palo Alto
gamblegarden.org/events/category/tea
Winter Wonderland
THROUGH DEC. 15. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, snow, activities for kids and music at Marin Art and Garden Center’s Winter Wonderland. 1-8pm. $30 per person for skate rentals and 45 minutes of skating.
Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Marin
maringarden.org/winterwonderland
“The Secret Garden”
THROUGH SAT. This Peninsula Youth Theatre Stories on Stage production is a modernized, yet faithful adaptation of the classic story about an orphan who moves in with her mysterious uncle where she spends time exploring the old gardens with a hidden world. 9:30am and 11am Fri. and 11:30am and 1:30 Sat. $20 Sat., $7 for school time performances on Fri. (groups of more than 10).
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
http://tickets.mvcpa.com/default.asp
Dec. 7.
Fantasy of Lights
TODAY AND DEC. 8 (WALK THROUGH) AND DEC. 10-JAN. 5 (DRIVE THROUGH). Walk or drive through more than 50 themed animated displays including Santa shooting hoops, a volcano and dinosaurs and playful penguins as well as a 90-foot glowing tree. Admission with prepaid tickets only. Closed Dec. 25, 31 and Jan. 1. 4-9pm (walk through); 6-10pm (drive through). $17 adults, $8 ages 4-12, 3 and under FREE (walk through). $30 regular vehicle, $50 large vehicle, $100 oversized vehicle (drive through).
Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos parks.
sccgov.org/fantasy-lights-2024
Lighted Yacht Parade
Watch beautifully lit boats as they make a loop on the estuary between Alameda and Oakland, with viewing spots along the route.
5:30pm. FREE.
Fortman Marina to Jack London Square, Alameda and Oakland
Santa Arrives by Helicopter
Kick off the season when Santa arrives by helicopter at 10:30am, with carols by the West Bay Community Band and a chance to share wishes with Santa until 12pm. 9:30am-12pm. Admission is $22 adults, $14 ages 4-17 and seniors, 3 and under FREE.
Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
hiller.org/event/santa-arrives-by-helicopter
Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
This parade highlights Santa Cruz County schools, youth organizations and local nonprofits. 10am-12pm. FREE.
Starts at Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at Pacific Avenue and Water Street, Santa Cruz
downtownsantacruz.com/do/holiday-parade-2
Holiday LEGO Show
THROUGH JAN. 11, EVERY SAT. AND SUN. The Bay Area LEGO Users Group, the Bay Area L-Gauge Train Club and the Museum of American Heritage will host this annual show featuring LEGO designs inspired by “Once Upon a Time.” 11am-3:30pm. $4.
Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto
baylug.org/baylug_event/baylug-annual-holiday-show-2024/
Santa in Aptos
See Santa and enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, carols, music, children’s activities and more at this Aptos Chamber of Commerce event. 1-4pm. FREE.
Aptos Village Green, 161 Aptos Village Way, Aptos
Mission Valley Chorus Jingle Bell Tea
Enjoy live A cappella performances by Mission Valley Chorus and guest quartets, opportunity drawings, sing-alongs, a zoo animal and traditional tea with sweet and savory delights. 11:30am-1:30pm and 3-5pm. $35.
Saratoga Community Center, 19655, Allendale Ave., Saratoga
Dec. 8
Teddy Bear Tea
This fundraiser will include English tea delicacies, beverages, holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa, a short ballet performance and a teddy bear for every child to take home. The event raises money for the St. Vincent’s School for the Boys. Go to the website to make reservations. 11am-1pm. $100.
St. Vincent’s School Auditorium, One St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael
Dec. 12
Oakland City Center Tree Lighting
Enjoy a performance by Oakland Youth Chorus at the city’s annual tree lighting. 5:30-6:30pm. FREE.
Oakland City Center, 1221 Broadway, Oakland
oigc.org/cal/oakland-city-center-tree-lighting
Silent Skate at the Union Square Ice Rink
Enjoy a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party. Lace up your skates, don a cool pair of headphones and skate the night away with WiLD 94.9’s DJ Patrix, Star 101.3’s Magic Matt, and Bay Area DJ Von, spinning your favorite tunes. 7pm and 8:30pm sessions. $15-20.
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, 333 Post St., San Francisco
Children’s Book Author Event
Children’s book author and artist Jan Brett will do a drawing demonstration, talk and sign books for her new release “Alice in a Winter Wonderland.” To join the signing line, you must purchase a copy of the book which will be available at the event. Reservations required; space is limited. 5pm. FREE.
All Saints Episcopal Church, 555 Waverly St., Palo Alto
form.jotform.com/242675607571160
Dec. 13
Winter Walk
THROUGH DEC. 22. This two-block pedestrian street fair features roaming entertainers, live performances, visits from Santa, food and drink, set amid arctic-themed décor. 12-7pm Mon.-Wed. 10am-9pm Thu.-Sun.
Union Square, Geary and Powell streets, San Francisco
visitunionsquaresf.com/winter-walk
Dec. 14
Winterfest Sausalito
THROUGH SUN. See beautifully decorated boats and festive fireworks today from 6-7:15pm on the Sausalito waterfront. The Jingle Bell 5K Run, which is a benefit for Dipsea Kids, is Sunday starting at 8:30am on Humboldt Avenue and a brunch will be held at Spinnaker Restaurant at 9am. The lighted boat parade and fireworks are FREE.
Sausalito Waterfront, Gabrielson Park, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Fairy Winterland
THROUGH DEC. 30. Select days. This nearly two-decade-old celebration of multicultural winter traditions moves to the daytime this year with puppet shows, storytelling, live holiday performances and visits from Black Santa and the Snow Queen. Plus, there will be candle making, letters to Santa, complimentary hot chocolate and much more. A special book celebration with local author Joanna Ho reading from her new book, “A City Full of Santas,” will take place on Dec. 21 at 11:30am. $19, $17 ages 1-17.
Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland
fairyland.org/events-and-performances/winterland
Lighted Boat Festival
View boats decorated with lights and enjoy live performances by local bands, a drone show, kids’ crafts and food trucks. 4-8pm. FREE.
Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier, El Granada
visithalfmoonbay.org/events/lighted-boat-festival
Chabad of Novato Chanukah Party
The event includes a buffet dinner and menorah lighting, festive music, latkes and donuts, grand dreidel game and crafts. 6pm. FREE.
Chabad of Novato, 695 De Long Ave., Novato
Reindeer Games
THROUGH DEC. 15, 21-22. People’s Circus Theatre provides a unique blend of world-class circus performances, live music and delightful storytelling. For ages 3 and up. 11am today and Dec. 21-22, 2pm Dec. 15, 21-22. Tickets start at $25.
Children’s Creativity Museum Theater at Yerba Buena Gardens, 221 Fourth St., San Francisco
peoplescircustheatre.org/reindeer-games
Dec. 15
“Menorahs and Miracles”
Celebrate Hanukkah at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose with “Menorahs and Miracles,” an annual event presented with JCC Los Gatos. Make celebratory candles, watch a storytime in Hebrew, Russian and English, and enjoy songs performed by Yavneh Day School students. Go on a miracle scavenger hunt and savor a traditional Hanukkah treat. Included with admission of $18, under 1 FREE.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
cdm.org/celebrate/menorahs-miracles
Dec. 19
“MEAN GIRLS”
THROUGH DEC. 22. Direct from Broadway, this hilarious hit musical is about a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. 7:30pm Thu.-Sat., 1pm Fri.-Sun., 6:30pm Sun. Tickets start at $56.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
broadwaysf.com/events/mean-girls
Dec. 24
“BEETLEJUICE”
THROUGH DEC. 29. Based on Tim Burton’s film, this musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 7:30pm Tue., Thu., Fri., Sat.; 1pm Thu., Sat., Sun.; 6:30pm Sun. Tickets start at $56.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
broadwaysf.com/events/beetlejuice
Dec. 29
Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony
Celebrate the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell at this annual event. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, it will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Visitors will have an opportunity to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds, or ill luck from the year. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.10am doors open, 10:30am-12pm member bell-ringing, 12:30pm touch tour of the bell for blind and visually impaired community, 1-2:30pm public bell-ringing. Museum admission is $20 adults, $17 65 and up, $14 ages 13-17 and college students with ID, 12 and under FREE.
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco
Dec. 31
Noon Year’s Eve at Hiller Aviation Museum
Kick off the New Year at this family-friendly event featuring music, activities, face painting and three giant balloon drops at 12pm. There will also be an obstacle course and jump house (weather permitting).10am-1pm. $22 adults, $14 ages 4-17 and seniors, 3 and under FREE.
Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve
Start the new year off right at this kid-friendly affair including a celebratory ball drop at 12pm, a DJ and dancing, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 9am-2pm. $15-20.
Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose Noon Year’s Eve
Welcome the arrival of 2025 with ball drops at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Families can also make party hats for the celebration. $18, $16 seniors, infants and members FREE.
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
Gilroy Gardens New Year’s Eve Celebration
Gilroy Gardens will ring in 2025 with a dance party featuring a DJ, specialty appetizers and cocktails, a photo booth, countdown to midnight and fireworks over Coyote Lake. 4pm-12am. $45.
Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy