It’s a week of lights and lightings, music and dancing, and all kinds of holiday delights. Here are some events to consider to enjoy the season.
Thursday, Dec. 4
The festivities start early in Golden Gate Park for the Holiday Tree Lighting, an annual tradition since 1929. (The lighting countdown begins at 6 p.m.) Enjoy live entertainment, food for purchase, rides and games, cookie decorating, and more. 4–8 p.m. Free admission.
Friday, Dec. 5
The Helpers Artisan Boutique is a marketplace for neurodiverse artists and provides a retail revenue for the artists, collaboration, and builds inclusivity through community events. Their booth outside the boutique at the Union Street Festival is always a highlight for me. Don’t miss their pop-up boutique for all your holiday gift shopping — including yourself. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ferry Building (Suite 21 across from Bay Crossings), weekends through December. Free admission.
Regardless of how you feel about Salesforce Tower on our skyline, the rooftop park (and the light installation on the top floors) can’t be beat. Tonight’s sixth iteration of Winterfest features live music, dancing, and park lighting. Special activities are scheduled throughout the weekend; check the link above for hours and schedule. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission.
The fifth year of Let’s Glow S.F., the nation’s largest, free holiday projection arts festival, promises the grandest yet. Sites across the city will be illuminated with large-scale animated projection art featuring work by 19 artists from around the world. Tonight is the countdown (6 to 7 p.m. at Harry Bridges Plaza), where you can enjoy a special performance by the Glide Ensemble, before city officials flip the switch at 7 p.m. Beginning Saturday, show hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 14. Free admission.
It’s time for the Guardsmen’s annual Crab Feed and dancing among the freshly cut trees at their indoor tree lot. All proceeds (including tips to your drink servers) benefit at-risk youth. 6 p.m. at Fort Mason. Tickets from $55.
Handel’s Messiah was an immediate hit when it premiered in 1742 and has been a worldwide seasonal favorite since. The San Francisco Symphony performs the classic at Davies Symphony Hall, which is always a delight, and even more so decked out in holiday lights. 7:30 p.m. through Saturday. Tickets from $30.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets is a special 50-minute performance for the youngins’. It’s fun, well performed with professional dancers, accompanied by a live chamber orchestra, and a must-see. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., weekends through Dec. 21. Tickets from $24.
Sunday, Dec. 7
It’s Classical Sundays at the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, presented by Classical California KDFC. The soothing sounds of classical music would seem to pair well with gracefully gliding (for some) on the ice. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., 60-minute sessions. Adult admission $22 (includes skates).
Notable next week
Monday, Dec. 8
World Tree of Hope is the largest origami-decorated holiday tree in the world, standing over 20 feet tall and decorated with over 20 origami cranes and stars, which have been hand folded and inscribed with messages with wishes for the future of the world. The tree is a symbol of global unity, promoting peace, love, and humanitarianism. Enjoy the tree lighting with M.C. Donna Sachet, lots of music from the San Francisco Boys Chorus, Tammy Lynne Hall, Conspiracy of Beards, and other musicians; and appearances by foreign dignitaries. 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Grace Cathedral. Free admission, RSVP here.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
No holiday season is complete without a Nutcracker performance, and Helgi Tomasson’s version performed by the San Francisco Ballet is a time-honored classic. “Value performances,” offering reduced ticket prices are available through Dec. 17 (visit links for details). Through Dec. 28. Full-price tickets from $200.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
See the film The Holiday with live accompaniment by the San Francisco Symphony. The New York Times thinks the film is “equal parts charm and cringe,” but it’s also feel-good, and we need that now, especially because Claude just died at Cal Academy. Tickets from $125.
Enjoy your week, be kind, be safe, and be merry.