This story is brought to you by Poppy the AV, an all-electric self-driving Cruise vehicle, who knows the ins and outs of the City.
Phew, we did it. We survived Thanksgiving and now it's full steam ahead to the main event(s) of the holiday season. So, happy Hanukkah and happy it's-finally-socially-acceptable-to-start-decorating-for-Christmas.
This week, the city has everything from tree and menorah lightings to Christmas bars and a Hanukkah craft night. Plus, you can have some old fashioned fun at WhiskyFest, find yourself in awe at a Lego art spectacle, decompress with yoga in the Botanical Gardens, and much more.
Have a good one.
'Tis the season for getting tipsy off of 'nog. Head to Deck the Halls pop-up bar where the elves have been hard at work decorating the interior to look like something out of your North Pole dreams (or nightmares). Speciality drinks include Yellow Snow (a tequila and lemon slushie), a Snow Globe (vodka, bubble rose water, aperitif wine, citrus), a Krampus shot (stout, egg, sherry, rum, and fire), and more. Plus, if you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the SF Firefighters Toy Program you'll get a free sparkling or hot cider (and good karma); open daily through Christmas Day, hours vary. // Deck the Halls, 546 Broadway (North Beach), deckthehallsbar.com.
Ring in the season with the official lighting of the Castro holiday tree. Enjoy performances from the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and more surprises; Monday at 6pm. // 501 Castro St. (Castro); details at facebook.com
Leggo look at some Lego art! More than one million Lego bricks have been transformed into unbelievably cool sculptures by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. The collection includes original art as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world's most famous art masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and Da Vinci's Mona Lisa; 10am to 5pm, through January 30, 2022. // Museum of Ice Cream, 1 Grant Ave. (Union Square); tickets at artofthebrickexhibit.com
Explore Golden Gate Park in a new light. From sundown to 10pm every night, Winter Lights 2021 will transform GGP into a twinkly winter wonderland with performances hidden around each corner. The SkyStar ferris wheel will have discounted tickets available this Thursday to celebrate; Wednesday through February 1, 2022. // McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan St. (McLaren Lodge); details at sfrecpark.org
Support the Bay Area creative community by shopping the Small Press Book Bazaar at SFMOMA. This special pop-up sale features several small local presses offering everything from books and zines to posters, T-shirts, mix tapes, and more. Stick around from 4pm to 8pm and enjoy all seven floors of the museum for free; 1pm to 8pm Thursday. // SFMOMA, 151 3rd St. (SoMa), sfmoma.org
Find your zen with an outdoor yoga sesh in the SF Botanical Gardens.The 45-minute vinyasa style class will be held in the Celebration Garden surrounded by fall blooms; Thursday at noon. // SF Botanical Gardens, 1199 9th Ave. (Golden Gate Park); tickets at sfbg.org
Celebrate the season while raising funds for local homeless youth. Children of Shelters' 20th annual Jingle & Mingle fundraising event returns with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing for a well-deserved cause; Thursday at 6:30pm. // Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse, 300 Finley Rd. (Presidio); tickets at childrenofshelters.org
Wear your Christmas sweater to The Vault Garden's second annual Winter Wonderland, which promises an unparalleled view of the tree at 555 California; opens at noon, Tuesdays through Saturdays. // The Vault Garden, 555 California St. (FiDi), thevault555.com
Thank you to our partners at The Vault Garden.
Oakland's chicest boutique will welcome Fe Noel for a first-ever trunk show for the Black-owned label. Shop the Caribbean-influenced wears at McMullen—named one of the top boutiques in the country by Vogue; Wednesday, 6pm to 8:30pm. // McMullen, 2257 Broadway Ave. (Oakland); details at instagram.com
Wander over to North Beach for the First Friday Art Walk. While each month is different, you can expect live readings, music, performances, and plenty of galleries to explore in the historic neighborhood. Don't forget to grab a late-night cannoli and espresso before you head home; Friday, 5pm to 9pm. // Various venues (North Beach); details at facebook.com
Meet whisky distillers and master blenders at WhiskyFest. Taste your way through a selection of single malt and blended Scotch, and craft-distilled whiskies from around the world; Friday at 6:30pm. // Marriott Marquis, 780 Mission St. (SoMa); tickets at whiskyadvocate.com
Try not to cringe as strangers recount their personal stories about one night stands gone wrong, awkward hookups, and other embarrassing sexcapades; Friday, 7pm to 10pm. // Make-out Room, 3225 22nd St. (Mission); tickets at eventbrite.com
Take brunch to new heights with an acroyoga experience. Work up an appetite with partner-based acrobatics then refuel with complimentary bagels; Saturday, 10:30am to 12:30pm. // The Center SF, 548 Fillmore St. (Lower Haight); tickets at eventbrite.com
San Francisco Youth Ballet presents its 20th anniversary performance of The Nutcracker. For one weekend only, the esteemed young company will perform the classic tale of Clara and her magical adventures; 2pm and 6pm, Saturday and Sunday. // Great Star Theater, 636 Jackson St. (Chinatown); tickets at greatstartheater.org
Enjoy a holiday tea and pastry experience, Japanese-style. This collaboration between rare tea purveyor Tekuno, sake bar/shop Millay, and Grand Opening—a pastry pop-up from Mister Jiu's Melissa Chou—is serving up an expertly curated three-course tasting of sips and bites; Saturday at 10am. // Millay, 1199 Irving St. (Inner Sunset); tickets at exploretock.com
Giants fans can experience Oracle Park like never before with Spartan Race. Challenge yourself to a 5K and 20 obstacles throughout the park including rope climbing in the outfield, burpees in the dugout, and more; 7am to 3:30pm Saturday. // Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza (SoMa); tickets at race.spartan.com
Send off 2020 with a proper do-over with the legendary L.A. DJ dance party The Do-Over, which is bringing its magical tropical get-down to The Midway; Saturday, 8pm to 2am. // The Midway, 900 Marin St. (Bayview); RSVP at thedoover.net
Find your spirit with Holidays at the Garden. For two days only, Marin Art & Garden Center is will be a one-stop shop for a holiday fix. Pre-order wreaths and garlands for pick-up, shop for curated treasures and partake in tea with Crown & Crumpet; 10am to 6pm, Saturday Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. // Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. (Ross), maringarden.org
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns with a twist. New this year, Drive Thru Dickens' London will offer a taste of the favorite holiday tradition, from the comfort of your car. You'll still be able to enjoy British fare, shopping, and stages of Victorian-era live music, dance, and comedy; Saturday and Sunday through December 19. // Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave. (Daly City); tickets at dickensfair.com
Light up your home for Hanukkah with The Contemporary Jewish Museum's ArtBash Live! Pick up a free kit filled with art supplies to celebrate Hanukkah with guided creative projects at home; Sunday, 10–11am (pre-order for kit pickup 2pm to 5pm Thursday). // Online via Zoom; details at thecjm.org
Get all fa-la-la at the Shipyard Holiday Party and Art Show. Sixty artists will host open studios for a fun and convenient way to shop for the art lovers in your life; Sunday from 11am to 5pm. // Hunters Point Shipyard, 451 Galvez Ave. (Hunters Point); details at eventbrite.com
Bring the whole family for JCCSF's Glowing Hanukkah Party. Make crafts, enjoy a LED piano concert and menorah lighting, play games, and eat tasty treats from the merchants at Ghirardelli Square. Plus, light up the night in your favorite glittery and glow-in-the-dark garb; Sunday, 3pm to 6pm. // Ghirardelli Square, 2 New Montgomery St. (Fisherman's Wharf); free to attend, details at ghirardellisq.com
Thank you to our partners at Ghirardelli Square.
Poppy & The City | Cruise | SHORTyoutu.be
Meet Poppy, Cruise's all-electric self-driving spokesvehicle. Five years of nonstop driving in San Francisco has made her a local's local. Like you, Poppy has been exploring every corner and celebrating all the city has to offer. From her very first drive to delivering thousands of meals during the pandemic, Poppy's journey is a love letter to San Francisco, one neighborhood at a time. Be sure to also follow her adventures and unique city knowledge on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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