San Francisco in festive mode
The holiday season is really well underway in San Francisco. The city shines with decorations and pulsates with activities and experiences. No matter where you go in San Francisco, you will find something to celebrate this season. There are numerous ways to experience the festivities as a family with many well-known cultural references that make UK visitors feel at home in San Francisco. Experience a Charles Dickens Christmas, the wizardry of Harry Potter, and even the loner of modern art Banksy.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Until January 17, 2022
What does “the holidays” mean more than ice skating under the sun – or the stars – in Union Square? Since 2008, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink on Union Square has been delighting children and adults with its Christmas ice park, in which everyone can skate on the iconic square, surrounded by festive lights and Macy’s huge Christmas tree. It includes the highly anticipated Drag Queens on Ice, Flashback Fridays, and Polar Bear Skate. Admission is $ 19 and includes ice skate rentals.
San Francisco fire department tours
See the sights and sounds of an old Mack fire engine in the open air with San Francisco Fire Engine Tours. Guests can celebrate the season with Christmas songs and fun facts as they explore downtown San Francisco, the Embarcadero, and Union Square.
Happy holidays at PIER 39
Until January 9, 2022
PIER 39 brings the Christmas cheer to San Francisco’s Waterfron.! Enjoy the musical moments of the PIER tree every night, which come to life on its Christmas tree every half hour, until January 9, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Synchronized with Christmas music, the tree turns into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors.
A Christmas story on Broadway SF
Until December 26th, 2021
This reinterpretation of the old Charles Dickens classic recently won five Tony Awards. The production at the Golden Gate Theater features dazzling productions, moving stories and 12 of your favorite Christmas carols.
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Vacation Program
December 24, 2021
Enjoy upbeat music and a cheering production of “Home for the Holidays” by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. The show is celebrating happiness and mischief in its 32nd year. The choir also performs “Holigays Are Here … Again,” with special guests, SFGMC’s own – Homophonics and The Lollipop Guild.
Christmas concerts by the San Francisco Symphony
The acclaimed San Francisco Symphony has something for everyone this season. From traditional performances of Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Brass to a performance of Home Alone with complete symphony accompaniment and a New Year’s Eve concert with stage and screen star Darren Criss.
The Great Dickens Christmas Market
December 12, 18 and 19, 2021
Though you have to cancel the usual Victorian London in the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, this year you can experience Red Barn Productions’ Great Dickens Christmas Fair in your car, at home and under your tree this holiday season. On three weekends, starting from Saturday, December 4th through Sunday, December 19th, fans of this popular holiday tradition will have three options to experience the Dickensian delicacies of the fair.
The art of Banksy
Until January 3, 2022
The Art of Banksy – the largest traveling exhibition of authentic Banksy artwork from private collectors around the world – takes place at the famous Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Ticket prices start at $ 39.99 ($ 29.99 for children 16 and under).
The art of the brick
This captivating exhibition features fascinating works of art by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. The critically acclaimed collection includes more than 70 works of art made entirely from one of the world’s most iconic toys – the LEGO® brick. Ticket prices start at $ 29.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
From January 2022
It might not open until January, but we can’t contain our anticipation for the return of Harry Potter and the haunted kid in San Francisco’s Curran. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, an original story conceived by playwright Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and JK Rowling himself, is the first and only official Harry Potter story presented live on stage.
20th anniversary of SF Sketchfest, the San Francisco Comedy Festival
January 7-23, 2022
The SF Sketchfest celebrates its 20th anniversary and once again brings an outstanding program and entertainers to the Bay Area. The multi-day festival, the longest running comedy festival in the US, takes place in venues across the city and features great comedy stars and the best emerging comedy acts from around the world for non-stop entertainment including sketch, stand-up , Music, improvisation, films, tributes, alternative comedy, live podcasts and panel discussions.
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