29th Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9:30–11 a.m. Samsung Hall, Asian Art Museum (200 Larkin St.) Strike the 16th-century bronze bell to leave behind any negative experiences, wrong deeds, and il... Read More

Child's Play, Holiday Happenings

Elf: The Broadway Musical

Fri–Sun, Dec. 12–14 Daily, Dec. 16–24 & 26–28 SHN Curran Theatre (445 Geary St.) Follow the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into SantaR... Read More

Holiday Happenings, Performances

Annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah

Saturday, Dec. 20, 4–6:30 p.m. Calvary Presbyterian Church (2515 Fillmore St.) Come sing your Handel halleluiahs with the S.F. Academy Orchestra, soloists and choirs. Bring your ... Read More

Holiday Happenings

6th Annual Streets of S.F. New Year’s Eve Party

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Party in the new year with a premium hosted bar at this event that boasts the best bartender-to-guest ratio of any N... Read More

Holiday Happenings

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. S.F. Belle (Pier 3) Ring in the new year with three levels of dancing, a huge roof deck to see the fireworks, open cocktail bars throughout the yacht, an... Read More

Holiday Happenings

BATS: New Year’s Eve Special

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Bayfront Theatre, Fort Mason Center BATS’ all-star cast presents a magical evening of scenes and stories sure to capture your heart and imagination... Read More

Holiday Happenings, Nightlife

Sea of Dreams New Year’s Eve 2015: FrequenSea

Tues–Wed, Dec. 30–31 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (99 Grove St.) If you’re in the mood for a hardcore party for music lovers and art enthusiasts, head to Grove Street (in... Read More

Holiday Happenings

Smuin Ballet: Uncorked

Thu–Sun, Dec. 18–27 (excluding Dec. 22 & 25) Yerba Buena Center for the Arts This nontraditional Christmas program features traditional ballet as well as dance set to an ec... Read More

Holiday Happenings

Lighted Boat Parade

Friday, Dec. 12, 6–9 p.m. Pier 39 to Crissy Field & return The oldest and largest lighted boat holiday parade returns and features more than 60 boats festooned with lights an... Read More

Holiday Happenings

SFMade Holiday Gift Fair

Sat–Sun, Dec. 13–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Fleet Room, Fort Mason Center Discover locally made gift items including jewelry, gourmet gifts, coffee, chocolate, wine, home items, bags... Read More

Holiday Happenings

9th Annual Christmas in S.F. with Russ Lorenson & Friends

Thursday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. Feinstein’s at The Nikko This annual jingle-jazzy holiday show features special guests Carly Ozard and the 16-piece Kelly Park Big Band. $25–$... Read More

Holiday Happenings

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: Soulful Christmas

Thu–Sun, Dec. 4–18 Tue–Wed, Dec. 23–24 Southside Theater, Bldg. D, Fort Mason Center Featuring local gospel artist Yvonne Cobbs conducting this legendary gospel choir, this... Read More

Holiday Happenings

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Daily thru Jan 20, 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Union Square Ring in the holiday season at this outdoor rink with sessions starting every 90 minutes after 30-minute breaks. Skate rental $6... Read More

Holiday Happenings

Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Daily thru Jan 4, 10 a.m. Justin Herman Plaza Enjoy nine weeks of ice-skating fun during the holiday season at the largest outdoor rink in the city. Skate rental $4, admission $10,... Read More

Holiday Happenings

28th Annual Macy’s Holiday Windows

Daily thru Jan 4 (except Dec 25) Macy’s Union Square The SF/SPCA’s magical Holiday Windows adoption outreach program returns to find homes for kittens, cats, puppies, a... Read More

Holiday Happenings