See mind-bending projection art splayed over eight downtown locations, including the Ferry Building and old stock exchange, with a special “neon block party” Friday on Front Street.
Artsy vendors, Off the Grid food trucks, live music, DJs, ornament workshops, and visits from holiday characters light up Fort Mason Center.
Boats illuminate the bay as attendees enjoy train rides, live music, and Santa himself at Marina Green.
Food stalls, cultural performances, DJs, and craft vendors take over Grant Avenue.
Don your awkward clothes, wrap your arms around a friend in prom pose, and capture some timeless memories between dances to local DJs at the Faight Collective.
This 90-minute circus spectacular features gravity-defying performances by all manner of elves and toy soldiers, set to holiday tunes, at the Golden Gate Theatre.
It’s a “safe space” party for erotic artistic exhibition — so don’t be weird. Free Jell-O shots for the first 50 Sagittarians!
Sip mulled wine in your ugliest sweater among art oddities as funk, soul, and R&B musicians jam at a motorcycle shop turned event space.
Wander through the open studios of 40 artists whose works range from jewelry and letterpress to fine art.
Carnival rides, kids’ activities, an arts and crafts fair, and toy giveaways line the Fillmore’s African American Art & Culture Complex.
Love it or hate it, the fratty santas are coming to take over Union Square and Polk Street, crowding bars and sidewalks with Christmas cheers and too many beers.
826 Valencia’s craft fair features hipster holiday gifts and all the pirate-themed kids’ stuff you can “arrrrrr” at.
Don eclectic formal wear and check out unsanctioned art in BART stations and trains, starting at Embarcadero before traveling south to installations at the Civic Center and Glen Park stations.
Self-described “cvnty” designer j.ehren hosts a runway show of fashions featuring upcycled materials at a community art gallery.
This comedy and performance art extravaganza includes aerialists, clowns, tap dancers, pianists, and interactive activities at the Little Boxes Theater.
A secret spot above a Chinese restaurant sports go-go dancers, vendors, and DJs on a gilded stage.
This one, featuring New York’s Holden Federico on a Funktion One sound system at a secret location, will go late.
Hear selections from Bach and holiday classics at First Baptist Church in Hayes Valley.
Munch on freshly fried donuts, catch performances on a glowing piano, and see the giant menorah lit to kick off Hanukkah.
Josh Constine can be reached at outgoers@sfstandard.com