Well we’re there, another year about ready to bite the dust — I hope it’s been a good one for everyone. I’ve pulled together some early-in-the-week, last-minute options (some events are ending this week); next week we’ll return to our regular schedule
Tuesday, Dec. 30
The Botanical Garden’s immersive light-and-music experience, Lightscape, is in its final few days. Stroll through a mile-long trail of over one million twinkling lighted sculptures, water features, and more. 5 to 8:15 p.m. through Jan. 4. Tickets from $20.
It’s the final night of City Hall Winter Lights, so if you haven’t seen the show with a synchronized musical soundtrack that you can stream on your phone, tonight’s the night with 10-minute shows every 30 minutes, 5:30 to midnight. Free admission.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Today is your final chance to find your forever pet at S.F. SPCA’s Holiday Windows at Macy’s. In its 39th year, the holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without adorable, adoptable fur babies displayed with whimsical backgrounds all looking for their forever home with you. Even if your family is complete, they’re guaranteed to make you smile. Noon to 6 p.m. Free viewing.
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy Soji Sai Afrobeats from The Rock and Roll Playhouse, cultural performances, craft stations, and more to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Winter Wonderland and Noon New Year’s Eve at Thrive City. The countdown drop is at 11:59 a.m. Free admission; RSVP here.
Ring in the new year by watching the annual fireworks over the bay. The best viewing will be south of the Ferry Building. Midnight near Pier 14 (the Embarcadero between Mission and Folsom streets), free admission.
Or, ring in the New Year the Irish way — when it’s midnight in Ireland. Family friendly and a free Champagne toast at the Irish Times. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 1
New Year’s Day seems like a good day to do some ice skating at the Union Square Ice Rink. Enjoy one-hour sessions beginning every 90 minutes. For the adventurous, the Polar Bear Skate is from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; general skating 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 19. Tickets from $17.
Friday, Jan. 2
Lots goes on at North Beach First Fridays, where you’ll find events like art and poetry readings, and lots of music. Tonight will feature those and more, along with lots of dining options North Beach is famous for. Free event admission.
Saturday, Jan. 3
The Last Supper Party Performance Series, inspired by Fe Bongolan’s painting, presents diverse artists and writers who, through spoken word and music, address social justice and equity issues. Free admission (donations welcome). 7 to 9 p.m. at Chile Lindo. RSVP here.
Sunday, Jan. 4
Enjoy Free First Sunday at the Asian Art Museum, which includes a dozen exhibitions in the main galleries. The three special exhibitions ($5) are Rave into the Future: Art in Motion, New Japanese Clay, and Jitish Kallat: Covering Letter (Terranum Nucius). Tickets here.
Notable next week
Monday, Jan. 5
If your guests are still lingering, take them for a morning stroll at the Japanese Tea Garden for some peace and tranquility to set your day on the right path. 9 to 10 a.m. Free admission.
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Just in case you decided to extend your holiday this week, you can benefit from some free First Tuesdays: The Fine Arts Museums, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Cartoon Art Museum (“pay what you wish”).
Wednesday, Jan. 7
And to round out our free admission opportunities, today it’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Currently on display is Bay Area Then, work by 21 artists who forged a new creative legacy for the Bay Area in the 1990s and Makibaka: A Living Legacy, celebrating the culture and contributions of the Filipino community. A mask-making workshop is also available. Free.
Enjoy and be safe out there (and nice).