The holiday season is usually a magical time of year in the Bay Area. But in a year full of unprecedented twists and turns, things are looking a little different this December.
Skating rinks are closed, there are no SPCA pets to adore and adopt on show as they play or nap in the downtown Macy’s windows and live performances of San Francisco Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker have been canceled. Even the iconic Bay Area Dungeness crab commercial season was delayed through December 23, because of safety concerns due to the humpback whale sightings along the coast. (The recreational crabbing season opened in early November.)
Although some traditional seasonal favorites have been shut down, as LWHS students and community members gear up to take a few much-needed weeks off for Winter Break, there are still plenty of classic Bay Area Winter Break activities that meet health and safety regulations. Here are the Paper Tiger’s recommendations.
Photo by Gabe Castro-Root
Illuminate SF Festival of Lights
More than 40 artists’ amazing winter holiday outdoor light installations are up for the holiday season, featured in more than 17 neighborhoods. Photos throughout this article feature the various installations throughout the city. This festival is an excellent way to experience San Francisco in a new way by exploring some new light art! As the festival website says, “join the fun that’s glowing on in San Francisco.” Through January 23.
Photo by Gabe Castro-Root
To celebrate Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary, San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken has installed a light show in Peacock Meadow. Check out the Paper Tiger’s coverage of the installation here. Located at 240 John F Kennedy Dr., the lights will turn off at 9:45 to comply with San Francisco’s 10 p.m. curfew. Through February.
Eucalyptus Street, San Carlos, “Christmas Tree Lane”
Some of the Bay Area’s best residential holiday lights bedeck a two-block stretch in San Carlos. Although some of Eucalyptus Street’s classic activities — such as delivering letters to Santa’s mailbox or being able to slide down a hill of fake snow — will not be available, the houses will still be lit up as you drive through the neighborhood.
Mill Valley Winterfest Holiday Hunt
Support Mill Valley’s small businesses by participating in the Winterfest Holiday Scavenger Hunt! More than 30 small businesses have placed silver stars in their storefronts. Holiday Hunters who snap pictures of themselves in front of eight of those stars will be entered in a raffle to win a gift card to use at one of the businesses.
Photo by Gabe Castro-Root
American Conservatory Theater’s A Christmas Carol: On Air
San Francisco’s critically acclaimed American Conservatory Theater (ACT) is putting on a virtual production of A Christmas Carol! Buy a ticket for your family and watch from the comfort of your own home — and at the same time support a local theater and actors. Tickets and further information are available at the link above.
Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall presents Cal Performances at Home: a series of performances that will live stream until the hall can welcome audience members back in person. This winter, for three performances only, get tickets for an online broadcast of Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol. Live streams on December 17 at 5 p.m., 18 at 7 p.m. and 19 at 1 p.m.
Photo by Gabe Castro-Root
[At] Home for the Holidays with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Each Christmas Eve, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performs a concert full of holiday favorites at the Castro Theater. This year, the performance will be virtual, but concert-goers can still expect to be wowed. Performance on December 24 at 5 p.m.
The Glorious Natural World of the Bay Area
From foggy beaches to mountain trails, get outside and explore the stunning nature all around the Bay Area. Check out the Paper Tiger’s recommendations in the 21 Places section.
