Things to Do in San Francisco in the Winter: 30 Fun Cool Weather Activities

Winter in San Francisco is packed full of fun things to do, including holiday festivals, cultural events, tree-lighting ceremonies, concerts, sports, and free activities. The days are shorter and the nights are longer, but the city is alive with activities and absolutely beautiful.

While the rest of the country tends to head indoors, we love spending time outdoors enjoying our cool, mostly comfortable winter days. When it rains, we find plenty to do indoors to keep warm.

I love this time of year in SF, but it's good to expect the weather to change from one day to the next. 

November kicks off the holiday season with tree lightings and events. This is usually when Union Square turns on its big Christmas tree, the Great Dickens Fair opens at the Cow Palace, and the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park is draped in lights for its biggest event of the year, Lightscape.

Thanksgiving Day and the weekend are also a fun time. Much of San Francisco is open on the holiday, and the weekend is full of fun activities and events.

In December, you will find holiday concerts, plenty of theater performances, and candlelight tributes at local churches. Pier 39 lights their dancing Christmas tree in early December, the Let's Glow Projection Festival is lighting up historic downtown buildings, and the shops are busy with both locals and travelers.

The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve is busy. The year ends with a big fireworks display along the Embarcadero.

January and February are noticeably quieter, but still feature big events including the Martin Luther King Jr. Marade and Festival, SF Sketchfest, and the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival. There is also a lot to do on Valentine's Day. Don't miss the Magnolias in the Botanical Gardens this time of year.

March is the official end of winter, with some great St. Patrick's events and activities. 

Throughout the winter, there are lots of other fun activities as well. The Golden State Warriors play about a dozen games per month at the Chase Center. There are Broadway shows on stage at the Orpheum Theater, and big-name comedy acts all around town.

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Planning a visit this winter to San Francisco?

If you plan to visit this time of year, here are a few things I recommend booking ahead:

• Muir Woods & Sausalito - The redwoods love rain. They are lush and a bit mystical this time of year. A tour is a great way to get there to avoid the driving and parking hassles.
• Wine Country Day Trip - Napa and Sonoma are quieter in the winter, and it's when I love to visit. Sip, sample, and sit by the fire while someone else does the driving.
• Aura at Grace Cathedral - Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of this engaging light projection show in one of our most beautiful churches. Tickets sell out fast, and it's one you don't want to miss!

1. Christmas Lights & Tree Lighting Ceremonies

One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco in the winter is attend the various tree lighting ceremonies and admire the twinkling decorations all around town.

This is the time of year when SF really comes alive with beautiful lights and holiday spirit, some public spaces bringing in Christmas trees that are several stories tall, and others displaying life-size gingerbread houses.

Top spots to see our lovely trees include Union Square, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square.

You'll also find numerous decorations throughout the city, including lights on City Hall, downtown buildings, bridges, and in residential neighborhoods.

>> Tips to find some of the best displays around town

>> Schedule of tree lighting ceremonies and other holiday events in SF

2. More Winter Light Experiences

In addition to our typical holiday lights, we also have several winter light projection events both indoors and out.

During these festivals, artists create projection art that tells a story while highlighting the beauty of some of our most historic buildings. 

These are some of my favorites every year:

• Let's Glow Projection Festival - A 10-day event that lights up downtown San Francisco in early December. It includes several buildings such as the Ferry Building, the Hobart Building, and usually five or six others. This outdoor event is free. Visit the official site for details.
• Aura at Grace Cathedral - Soak in the beauty of Grace Cathedral during this indoor light projection experience. It runs throughout the holidays, several times a day. Find tickets.
• Lightscape - This show highlights the beauty of the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. It's not only lights, but many are set to music, and it's an experience you'll never forget. It runs from November 20 to January 3. 
• Conservatory of Flowers - Another free projection show is at the Conservatory of Flowers. This one runs year-round, but is extra special in the winter since it gets dark early. It starts 30 minutes after sunset and runs for about 10 minutes. It's a great one to catch if you are in the area. 

3. Ice Skating

Each winter, San Francisco brings a little holiday magic right to the heart of Union Square, where you can strap on your skates and enjoy a wonderful time on ice, surrounded by a towering Christmas tree and decorated buildings.

This rink opens on November 4, 2026, and stays open until the first week in January, making for the perfect refreshing break from a long winter day of shopping or sightseeing. Book your spot. 

There is also a second rink in Thrive City near the Chase Center that is open for a few days every December. Details for this one will be available soon.

4. Holiday Lights Tours

One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco in the winter is to head out on a holiday lights tour.

You will find several fun options that take you to the hot spots around town.

My favorite places to stop include City Hall, as it's decked out in red and green, and Pier 39 with its large annual Christmas tree at the entrance.

My favorite is the holiday lights tour on a shiny red fire engine. It has seating for 12 and offers unobstructed views all around town.

Don't worry, they also bring along some blankets to keep you warm during the journey.

Find tickets for this tour here.

5. Alcatraz

While the ferry ride over to the island may be chilly, most of the tour of the prison is actually indoors. Plus, no matter what season you visit San Francisco, touring Alcatraz is a must.

This fascinating ex-federal prison, which once housed the worst of the worst criminals in the middle of the bay, is one of SF's most popular attractions, so tickets go quickly.

Tours to Alcatraz run seven days a week, and in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday. To board the ferry, head to Pier 33 on the Embarcadero near Fisherman's Wharf.

Dress in warm clothes for the 20-minute boat ride, then enjoy your audio tour and walk around the grounds on the island.

>> See what it's like to visit during the day

>> Get tips for the night tour to Alcatraz

6. Whale Watching Tour

The coast of San Francisco offers fun, exhilarating whale-watching experiences all year long.

During the winter months from December to May, you have the chance to see gray, sperm, and killer whales migrating in these waters.

You might also spot dolphins, leatherback turtles, and sea lions.

The whale watching tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf on weekday mornings and afternoons.

On your 2.5-hour tour, you'll cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and out to the Pacific Ocean, where you may venture up to 8 miles out looking for whales.

Check booking details and availability on Viator.

7. Painted Ladies Tour

Want to see what it's like inside one of our famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square? This is your chance!

The owner of the blue Painted Lady offers tours most days of the week.

You get to step inside and hear stories about this historic gem. He'll take you around to several rooms within, and it's such a fun experience.

It lasts for about two hours.

Book in advance to make sure you don't miss out! 

8. Performing Arts

When it's cold out, it's an especially nice treat to spend the evening enjoying our performing arts. In San Francisco, you'll find several performances a month at different venues.

Broadway musicals like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Finding Neverland are very popular, but you can also watch other stage plays and alternative dramatic productions. 

SF Opera offers performances in November and December.

The SF Ballet takes the stage in December for their annual Nutcracker performances. Their regular season starts in January and runs through the rest of the winter season and into spring.

In addition, our SF Symphony offers performances throughout the winter.

These are the top shows this year:

• Marriage of Figaro, SF Opera at the War Memorial Opera House, select dates from November 3 - 29
• The Outsiders at the Orpheum Theatre, December 9 - 27
• SF Ballet's The Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House, December 4 - 27
• Elf the Musical at the Orpheum Theatre, December 15 - 20
• Buena Vista Social Club at the Orpheum Theatre, February 2 - 21

>> Find additional upcoming performances by month

9. Concerts and Live Music

Another one of the best things to do in San Francisco in the winter is to enjoy a concert.

SF attracts not only the biggest names in every music genre, but also a wealth of local talent, emerging bands, and jazz ensembles.

San Francisco boasts a vibrant live music scene, featuring large concert halls like the Chase Center, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Warfield, and the Fillmore, as well as intimate venues like Bimbo's 365 Club and Cafe du Nord.

Here are just a few of the big shows this winter. I'll keep adding more as new shows are announced.

• 11/10: Teddy Swims at the Chase Center
• 11/17: Straight No Chaser at the Palace of Fine Arts
• 11/28: Journey at the Chase Center
• 11/30: A John Waters Christmas at The Great American Music Hall
• 12/2: The Neighbourhood at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

10. Candlelight Concerts

Step inside one of San Francisco's beautiful churches or historic buildings for an intimate candlelight concert this winter. Top picks include tributes to Queen, Fleetwood Mac and Adele.

Music is performed by a string quartet.

Before you book your ticket, you can even check out their tentative lineup.

Each show lasts about 60 minutes, and seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

>> Check out all of the upcoming candlelight concerts in SF this winter

11. Comedy Shows

There's nothing like a good laugh to warm you up and get you out of the winter blues.

In San Francisco, there are comedy and improv shows nearly every night of the week, and you often have the chance to see some big names in stand-up.

January is also when one of the biggest comedy festivals takes the stage at venues all around SF: Sketchfest.

Here are some top performances scheduled already for this winter in SF. 

• Anthony Jeselnik at The Masonic, 11/20 & 11/21
• Ryan Hamilton at the Palace of Fine Arts, 11/27
• Matteo Lane at The Masonic, 12/11 & 12/12
• Ali Wong at The Masonic, 12/18 - 12/23
• Jeff Arcuri at The Masonic, 1/22 - 1/24
• SF Sketchfest, venues all around SF, 1/14 - 1/31
• Denny Love at the Palace of Fine Arts, 2/6

More will be announced soon!

12. Special Holiday Activities

Some of the best things to do in San Francisco in the winter occur during the holidays.

Every year, you will find plenty of fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day and all weekend long. Find out more here.

If you plan to visit during Christmas, you will find quite a few special holiday shows on Christmas Eve.

SantaCon, a 21+ costumed bar crawl, is also popular this time of year.

You will also get the chance to visit many of our free attractions on Christmas Day. Get my tips on what to see and do here at Christmas time.

13. New Year's Eve Fireworks Display

One of the most anticipated things to do in San Francisco in the winter is spending a night out on New Year's Eve watching the annual fireworks display.

Bundle up and head toward the bay to see them light up the sky, or check out my list of best restaurants with fireworks to watch the show as you enjoy a special meal.

The annual fireworks show launches over the water near the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge, and it's definitely worth making your way early to the waterfront along the Embarcadero to get a seat, taking a cruise on the bay to see them up close, or watching from one of my recommended restaurants.

You can also view them from Treasure Island.

>> More about watching this year's NYE fireworks display

>> More fun things to do on NYE in SF

14. The Great Dickens Fair

Every holiday season since 1970, you'll find this fascinating period Christmas party abuzz with colorful characters from literature and history, inviting you to enjoy the quaint cobblestone lanes of Victorian London. 

During this fun tradition, let yourself be led by the flickering candlelight, the variety of unique handmade gifts, and the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts and other holiday delights.

There is so much to explore from 10 am to 6 pm over the five weekends from November 21 - December 20.

It's also open on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

You'll find this annual winter event at the Cow Palace in Daly City.

>> Find out more here on their official site

15. Santa Visits

Santa is coming to San Francisco and will make several stops during his stay. You will find him at Ghirardelli Square and the San Francisco Zoo.

He will also make an appearance at the Ritz-Carlton during its tree-lighting ceremony and at the Fairmont Hotel during the unveiling of this year's gingerbread tree.

Use the link below to find a list of his planned stops this year.

Dates: November & December

Learn More: Find a List of Santa's Stops

16. California Academy of Sciences

A great way to escape the winter weather and spend the day indoors is by marveling at the wide range of cool exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences.

SF's most visited museum contains a planetarium, an aquarium, a four-story living rainforest, and a natural history museum, all in one. Plus, you get to admire a huge skeleton of a T-Rex.

The Cal Academy of Sciences is located on the eastern side of San Francisco's beautiful Golden Gate Park, right across from the de Young Fine Arts Museum.

You can take the N-Judah or the 5-Fulton Muni bus to get here or stop by on your Hop-On/Hop-Off tour.

>> Find skip-the-line tickets for your visit

17. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a fantastic science museum for adults and kids of all ages, as all of its exhibits are interactive.

Explore five large galleries, each based on a different topic: sound and vision, the structure of living things, weather, mechanics, and human behavior.

You'll have so much fun as you learn firsthand how things work.

The Exploratorium is located on Piers 15 and 17, about a half mile north of the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero. The museum is spacious and well-designed, and a great indoor stop from the winter weather.

>> Pick up your tickets before your trip

18. City Bus Tours

If you want a convenient way to see all the major attractions and learn more about San Francisco, consider a city bus tour.

You have several options that vary in price and duration, but they all allow you to skip figuring out how to get from one place to another.

This is especially popular on cool weather days, when people prefer not to walk or wait outside for long.

Almost all the bus tour options hit the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf along their route, and some include up to 19 stops.

You can choose from a variety of tours, including self-paced options that allow you to hop on and off at your preferred sights, a tour that includes a visit to Alcatraz, an evening tour, and more.

>> Visit Viator for a list of the best city bus tours and to find tickets today

19. Walking Tours

Though you may have to bundle up a bit more, San Francisco's winter weather is often still sunny and crisp, and perfect for taking a walking tour in the city.

There are wonderful free tours offered by SF City Guides every day of the year, and there are also paid tours that offer an intimate look at neighborhoods like the Castro, North Beach, and Chinatown.

Some of the most popular walking tours show you around the Japanese Tea Garden, Fisherman's Wharf, areas with Art Deco or Victorian architecture, and the city's legendary murals.

Tour routes cover almost every part of SF, and the meeting place is usually the closest landmark.

>> Read more about the best walking tours around SF

More Great Walking Tours

20. Shopping

Whether you are holiday gift hunting, picking out souvenirs, or just like to browse, San Francisco has lots of great shopping options for you.

There are a few large malls with brand-name stores, areas like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square with shops and dining, and strips of upscale neighborhoods lined with boutiques.

Many people enjoy the excitement of downtown and shopping at the big stores in Union Square.

For something a little more relaxed and personalized, try Union and Chestnut Streets in the Marina, or head to the Ferry Building for gourmet treats.

And don't forget that the best bargains on trinkets of all sorts are in Chinatown!

>> My list of the top places to go shopping in SF

21. Dungeness Crab Season

Winter is also Dungeness Crab Season. It usually opens in early November and lasts throughout the winter season.

But, you don't have to head out to catch your own, several restaurants around the city feature fresh Dungeness Crab in their seasonal dishes. 

Where can you find it? Here are a few of my favorites:

• Crustacean at 195 Pine Street
• Tadich Grill at 240 California Street
• Scoma's at 1965 Al Scoma Way
• Swan Oyster Depot at 1517 Polk Street
• Woodhouse Fish Company at 1914 Fillmore Street
• Waterbar Restaurant at 399 Embarcadero

22. Wine Tasting & Wine Country

Nearby Napa Valley and Sonoma County produce some of the best wines in the world, and winter is a great time to visit.

It's quieter, and I find that I get a more personalized experience this time of year.

You can head up on your own, or leave the driving to someone else by taking a guided tour. This is a great one to check out.

Sample Napa's famous Cabernet Sauvignon or opt for a Chardonnay from Sonoma County. 

With hundreds of options to choose from, you won't have any problems finding a new favorite.

Want to dig in even deeper? Grab a ticket to the annual Chronicle Wine Tasting event in February. Experts rate some of the finest wines nearby and around the world. You then get to sample them! Pick up your tickets today.

23. Winter Sporting Events

Three of San Francisco's professional sports teams are in action every winter in San Francisco.

The 49ers are at the tail end of their season in November and December, with hopes for postseason play in January.

Both the Golden State Warriors and the San Jose Sharks are just getting started. Both have about half a dozen home games each month.

The San Francisco Giants also have their annual Fan Fest at Oracle Park and kick off their season at the end of March.

I've created a full schedule for all of our sports teams and their top events. Check it out to find out when they play this winter.

24. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade & Festival

The annual MLK Jr. Marade and Festival is held on the Monday holiday. This multi-day event includes speeches from community leaders, a health & wellness festival, and a music festival.

The most significant draw is the annual march, which starts just around 4th and King.

It then makes a ceremonial walk across the Lefty O'Doul Bridge near Oracle Park. From there, it continues up 3rd Street to Yerba Buena for a day-long celebration and festival. 

Date: TBD

Learn More: Find this Year's Details

25. Film Festivals

San Francisco is home to nearly 50 film festivals a year, each featuring a different theme, genre, or culture.

The annual winter festivals include the American Indian Film Fest, the Transgender Film Fest, Noir City, the SF Indie Fest, and more.

You'll find these film festivals all over SF, with screenings at the Roxie Theater in the Mission, the Castro Theater in the Castro, and other venues.

26. Chinese New Year

In January and February, San Francisco celebrates the Chinese New Year with almost a month of events, the biggest of which is the parade that brings colorful dragons, lion dancers, drums, and lanterns through the downtown streets.

In addition to the large parade, the Chinese community hosts a flower market fair, basketball jamboree, Miss Chinatown pageant, street fair, and a 5K-10K run to celebrate the new Lunar New Year.

All events are held in Chinatown, north of Union Square and south of North Beach.

>> More about this large annual parade in downtown SF

27. Pacific Orchid Exposition

See more than 150,000 orchids from around the world under one roof this February. The Pacific Orchid Exposition is one of the largest of its kind.

For three days, you get the chance to see these gorgeous flowers, learn how to tend to them during their workshops, and buy varieties you can't find anywhere else.

Date: TBD

Learn More: Visit the February Calendar for Details

28. Valentine's Day

Spoil your sweetie with a trip to San Francisco for Valentine's Day.

You will find special dinner cruises on the bay, theater performances, and other romantic activities.

Each year, there is something new to experience. Find my full guide here.

29. Magnolias at the Botanical Gardens

January through March is another special time to visit the Botanical Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

It's when one of the largest collections of magnolias in the world is in bloom. 

They usually start blooming around mid-January, with peak bloom sometime in mid-February through early March. The last of them bloom in mid-March.

Arrive between 7:30 am and 9 am daily to visit for free.

30. St. Patrick's Day

San Francisco is also a fun place to be for St. Patrick's Day. Every year, the city has a large parade that rolls through town.

It runs along Market Street and finishes at the Civic Center Plaza, where you will find a fun festival. 

You can also head to the Irish Bank to celebrate or listen to live music on Front Street in the Financial District.

Use my full guide for everything there is to do in San Francisco on St. Patrick's Day.

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