The Davies Symphony Hall can seat up to 2,743 people.

San Francisco
Festivals and Events in December

As the year is winding down, the place to be is San Francisco. Our top festivals and events during December are just a click away.

All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with sponsors before making travel plans.

The Guardsmen Tree Lot

Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason

Every year since 1947, The Guardsmen Tree Lot has sold Christmas trees in San Francisco to benefit at-risk youth in the Bay Area. Enjoy this family-friendly Christmas Wonderland at Fort Mason, including fun events all throughout the month of December. Bars for adults and bouncy houses for kids - The Tree Lot has something for everyone. The proceeds from this Christmas tradition have given tens of thousands of at-risk kids the opportunity to attend summer camps, after school programs and private schools.

Downtown First Thursdays

Second Street (between Market and Howard streets)

DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the month from 5 to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard steets) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.

Parol Lantern Festival and Parade

Yerba Buena Gardens

The Bay Area Filipino community gathers for the Parol Lantern Festival and Parade, the annual celebration of holiday spirit, hope, unity, and pride. It’s a family fun-filled evening of dancing lights, music, games, and prizes.

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

War Memorial Opera House

Every year, America’s oldest ballet company presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved family classic, The Nutcracker.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Film w/ SF Symphony Orchestra

Join the SF Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall for a magical movie experience and family-friendly holiday treat: How the Grinch Stole Christmas Directed by Ron Howard with music by James Horner, this 2000 adaptation brings Dr. Seuss’ children’s tale to life, with plenty of laughs for audiences of all ages. The hilarious Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, who plans to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville—will they manage to warm his icy heart? Enjoy this festive film on the big screen as the San Francisco Symphony performs the score live to picture.

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy

One of San Francisco’s longest-running comedy shows, Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, answers the age-old question: “What are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?” This year’s 30th Anniversary shows will take place in “The Kung Pao Room” at Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco, with Chinese food catering provided by Green Chow Down.

Elf - Film w/ SF Symphony Orchestra

The SF Symphony is decking Davies Symphony Hall with holiday spirit for a showing of the classic Christmas movie Elf, starring Will Ferrel. Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in full elf uniform, searching for his real father. Watch this movie as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture.