10+ Things to Do in San Francisco in Winter 2019 - December & January Activities & More

Although San Francisco doesn’t get a ton of tourist traffic in the winter, it’s actually a really nice time to visit. There are shorter lines, fun special exhibits, and tons of winter activities for the whole family. If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco in Winter 2019-2020, check out our list of some of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Save on Winter Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go San Francisco pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available San Francisco passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Winter events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco pass.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Where: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom When: Select dates, November 29, 2019 - January 5, 2020 Known as the biggest holiday celebration around, the series of events, activities, and festivities that make up Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's “Holiday in the Park” series are truly magical. From an amazing synchronized light show to Toy Land, to a giant snow hill, there’s holiday fun to be had everywhere. NEW for 2018: check out two, all-new areas this year, Winter Wonderlane and Merry Marketplace for a festive lineup of holiday favorite shows like Six Flags Dazzle, the park's synchronized light show. Getting in: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass and holiday events and activities are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.

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

Where: California Academy of Sciences When: Open daily through January 5, 2020 It's a winter wonderland, right in San Francisco. This holiday event is one for the curious types. Learn all about the science behind your favorite holiday traditions, with fascinating information about subjects like how reindeer adapt to extreme cold, and how snowflakes form. See a variety of other holiday-themed performances, check out the Snowman Theater, a snowman-shaped dome theater presenting a short film about the geometry of snowflakes, learn about how plants and animals adapt to extreme environments like the Arctic and Antarctic, zip around the ice on the Holiday Ice Rink, and more. Getting in: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass and holiday events are included with admission, unless noted otherwise.

Christmas Trees of San Francisco

Where: Various Locations When: December 2019 There are so many famous and beautiful trees that populate the city of San Francisco that you can’t really get away with seeing only one. The most iconic trees across the city are located in Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, on Pier 39, and at the Presidio. Each of these locations also hosts a number of other great attractions, so you’ll have plenty to do besides taking in the holiday greenery. A good way to explore all of these areas is with a hop-on hop-off San Francisco bus tour. Getting in: Viewing of San Francisco's Christmas Tree displays is free.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The 2018 Great Dickens Christmas Fair from Dickens Christmas Fair on Vimeo. Where: Cow Place Exhibition Halls When: Weekends November 23-December 22, 2019 Set in Victorian London, this fabulous recreation of the world of Charles Dickens is another must-see attraction. Victorian costumes are encouraged, but not required. It’s the perfect fantasy of Christmastime, from the ornate holiday décor of the period to the amazingly festive atmosphere of the entire affair. Roam through characters from literature and history as you enjoy the amazing smells of traditional Christmas food and beverages. Above all, you'll enjoy period-appropriate shopping, dining, and entertainment. What’s not to love? Getting in: Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a separately ticketed event and not included on the Go San Francisco pass.

Lighted Boat Parade

Where: Fisherman’s Wharf When: December 13, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. If you love boats, then you won’t want to miss out on the oldest and largest holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. It’s a fantastic parade of more than 60 colorfully illuminated boats that sail along the coastline near Fisherman’s Wharf and it's been a fun and festive tradition since 1994. For the best views, head to Pier 39, the Marina Green, Crissy Field, or Aquatic Park. Getting in: Admission to the Lighted Boat Parade is free.

San Francisco Sea Lions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKKLEomOpmY&feature=youtu.be Where: Pier 39 When: January 2020 This event is something to see – even for the locals. Each January, droves of sea lions take over the K-Dock at Pier 39 and camp out for a while to the delight and amazement of the entire city. Come bundled up with a camera in tow prepared to see something truly amazing! Getting in: Viewing the Sea Lions is free

San Francisco Film Noir Festival

Where: Castro Theatre When: January 24–February 2, 2020 Who doesn’t love a good film festival, especially if you’re a big fan of classic theater and traditional genres? This year’s festival theme is “Noir City XMAS," which is a perfect seasonal complement. You'll get see two rare darker holiday-themed films, which are part of the lead-up to the big reveal for the full festival. Getting in: The San Francisco Film Noir Festival is a separately ticketed event and not included on the Go San Francisco pass.

San Francisco Restaurant Week

Where: Various locations When: January 22-30, 2020 Foodies will love this fantastic big-city event. It’s ten days filled with food, drink, and fun across the urban metro area. Try out new restaurants you’ve been dying to get to, or return to old favorites. If you’re a visitor in town, it’s a great chance to sample the local cuisine without spending too much money – especially at high-end places. Remember to make reservations in advance (available online), or you might miss out! Getting in: Restaurant week is not included on the Go San Francisco pass and reservations may be required, check online for more information.

SF Sketchfest

Where: Various locations When: January 9-26, 2019 The area’s biggest and best comedy festival, SF Sketchfest is actually well known in comic circles across the country for their innovation and creativity. This year’s star line-up includes new shows and tons of comics, both established and up-and-coming. There are also a number of workshops, presentations, kids events like storytelling sessions, podcasts, improv shows, and tons more. Shows are held throughout the city, so consult the schedule for details. Getting in: the SF Sketchfest is a separately ticketed event and not included on the Go San Francisco pass. Tickets may be purchased in advance online, over the phone, or at the box office.

Children’s Creativity Museum

The Children's Creativity Museum is known for its state-of-the-art, hands-on exhibits that explore art and technology. The museum's mission is to inspire kids to think creatively and act as global citizens through fun, interactive exhibits such as the animator’s studio, music production lab, digital workshop, studio z, and more. Getting in: Children's Creativity Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in San Francisco in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go San Francisco pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Francisco pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.