Skaters take to the ice at one of San Francisco's seasonal rinks.

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 giant glowing moon. These exhibits include U.S. premieres. November 21, 2024 – January 26, 2025.

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'Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences

This holiday season, the California Academy of Sciences presents ‘Tis the Season for Science, running from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy baby reindeer, camels, and yaks, along with music, dance, and magic performances from various troupes. The museum will feature falling snow, public programs on animal adaptations to the cold, and festive science experiments. On Thursday evening, December 5, the Academy will host a holiday marketplace for those aged 21 and over.

Hallyu! — The Korean Wave at The Asian Art Museum

Experience the engrossing “Korean wave” in this exhibition showcasing over 200 artifacts from contemporary couture and fandom memorabilia to films and K-dramas. Discover how South Korea became a global pop culture phenomenon through collected artifacts from Squid Game, Parasite, K-pop groups, and much more. Through January 6, 2025.

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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 7 and 8 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. Help uncover the culprit and recover the golden nutcracker during this year's Mission: Nutcracker theme.

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Hamilton at Orpheum Theatre

Hamilton is returning to BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre from November 27, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton's rise and the founding of a nation, featuring a unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. Hamilton has won numerous accolades, including 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy®, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and more.

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Funny Business
SF Sketchfest

Sketch, improv, stand-up and alternative comedy are all on the docket for SF Sketchfest, January 16 to February 2, 2025. 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.

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Eat, Drink and Be Merry
SF Beer Week

The 12th Annual SF Beer Week hits San Francisco from February 21 to March 2, 2025, 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.