Things We're Excited About This Winter in San Francisco
Check out what's new this winter season in San Francisco.
There are plenty of events, exhibits and festivals in San Francisco that are worthy of a save-the-date on your calendar. While it’s tough to narrow down the list, make sure to save a spot for these can’t-miss winter happenings.
Must-See Exhibitions
Glow: Discover the Art of Light at the Exploratorium
Get excited about the science of light this winter! Check out Exploratorium galleries for luminous artworks big and small, like LED games, light sculptures, and a city made from found objects. This exhibit is on display from November 20, 2025 to January 25, 2026.
Rave into the Future: Art in Motion at The Asian Art Museum
Rave into the Future offers a space of joyful connection and community through a blend of music- and dance-inspired video, sculpture, photography, and room-sized immersive installations by women and queer artists from the West Asian diaspora. The exhibit is on display through January 26, 2026.
Illuminate SF
The days may be shorter, but the city is an especially bright place to be from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, when the Illuminate SF Festival of Light shines across several neighborhoods. More than 60 installations by both local and international artists come to life at dusk each night, making for an illuminating adventure.
Winter Performances
Dance-Along Nutcracker
The annual production of the Dance-Along Nutcracker takes place on December 6 and 7, 2025 at the Yerba Buena Gardens Center for the Arts. Join the San Francisco Pride Band for this spectacular performance and be prepared to shake your own rump when the “Dance Along” signs lights up. You’ll enjoy music from The Nutcracker ballet, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, and The Wiz, for this year's Wicked Theme.
The Golden Girls Live at Curran Theatre
Returning for its 20th year of holiday hilarity, The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes celebrates its own “golden” anniversary in true Miami style, December 4-21, 2025. Take four drag legends, cast them in two parody holiday episodes of the iconic sitcom The Golden Girls, and you get what the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the true meaning of Christmas.”
Funny Business
SF Sketchfest
Sketch, improv, stand-up and alternative comedy are all on the docket for SF Sketchfest, January 15 to February 1, 2026. The renowned festival features a diverse mix of local favorites, up-and-comers and national headliners. Performers from hit shows like Saturday Night Live, Arrested Development and Veep have all appeared in years past. Tributes and panel discussions round out the schedule, offering a rare opportunity to see so many comedic talents in one place.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
SF Beer Week
The 13th Annual SF Beer Week hits San Francisco from February 20 to March 1, 2026, with hundreds of beer-focused events across the city and beyond. Founded to highlight America's home of craft beer, SF Beer Week has become an annual tradition for the Bay Area's extensive network of brewers and enthusiasts. If you’re not lucky enough to be here for SF Beer Week, don’t despair. These breweries are worth a stop at all year long.
The Great Outdoors
The weather cools down a bit in the Bay Area at this time of year, but the year-round mild climate means you can still get outside and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
In fact, this can be a particularly lovely season to go for a hike or bike ride, with the fog lifting to show off clear views and rain turning the hillsides green. It’s the perfect time to experience Golden Gate Park, and its miles of lush lawns, gardens and lakes. Rent a bike to weave your way through the tree-lined roads and take in the many spectacular vistas.
In the Presidio, you can stroll along the Promenade Trail, a leisurely loop featuring lots of historical points of interest and Golden Gate Bridge photo ops.
Just 15 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, Mt. Tamalpais' summit rises almost straight up from sea level and offers 360-degree views of the Bay Area. The park has numerous parking areas, trailheads, scenic overlooks and two drive-in picnic areas.
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