Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Week in San Francisco
As Thanksgiving approaches, San Francisco truly comes alive, offering a diverse array of events to kick off the holiday season. Whether you’re planning a festive getaway or just curious about what’s happening in another vibrant city, The City by the Bay is packed with unique experiences to fill your week with fun and cheer.
Monday: Kick Off the Week with Culture & Music
Start your San Francisco Thanksgiving week with a blend of fashion and local tunes. The Balboa Theater presents a screening of ‘MARTIN MARGIELA: IN HIS OWN WORDS’ at 7:30 p.m., a 90-minute documentary featuring interviews with the Belgian fashion designer. Tickets are $15 for general admission, with discounts for seniors and children. For a more relaxed evening, head to the Mission-district’s Kilowatt Bar for their monthly OPEN MIC NIGHT hosted by Austin Waz. This free jam session, starting at 7 p.m., welcomes all musical forms, with amplifiers provided. It’s a 21+ event, located at 3160 16th Street.
Tuesday: Historical Flavors & Cinematic Scores
Tuesday offers a taste of history and high culture. Profs and Pints takes over Bartlett Hall with ‘A HISTORY OF FOOD AS HOLIDAY ART,’ where Carolyn Tillie, founder of Bay Area Food Historians, will delve into the historical art of food decoration. Tickets are $14.77 with fees for this event at 242 O’Farrell St., from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Later, immerse yourself in a unique cinematic experience as the San Francisco Symphony presents ‘CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON,’ playing Tan Dan’s Oscar-winning score live to the film at Davies Symphony Hall. Conductor Sarah Hicks leads the orchestra in this program starting at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $99 to $229. If bluegrass is more your style, the Hotel Utah Saloon hosts a free OPEN BLUEGRASS JAM from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at 500 4th St., inviting both performers and listeners. For local history buffs, the San Francisco History Association holds its monthly SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY NIGHT at Congregation Sherith Israel (2266 California St.) at 7 p.m., discussing The City’s famous animals and mascots.
Wednesday: Bruce Lee & Pre-Thanksgiving Party
Before the main feast, explore San Francisco’s heritage. The Chinese Historical Society of America celebrates Bruce Lee’s 85th birthday with a FREE ADMISSION DAY from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can explore “The Underground: We Love Bruce Lee” exhibition at 965 Clay St., featuring artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive art. In the evening, get into the holiday spirit early at Barbarossa Lounge’s ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING PARTY in North Beach. This celebration, featuring a live DJ, drinks, and music, runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. the following day at 714 Montgomery St.
Thursday: Karaoke & Tango
Thanksgiving Day in San Francisco isn’t just about turkey! For those over 21, The Knockout bar hosts ‘THE ANNUAL TURKEYOKE KRAZY FOR KARAOKE HOLIDAY JAMBOREE.’ This free event starts at 8 p.m. at 3223 Mission Street, inviting attendees to sing their favorite tunes on stage. For a different rhythm, the Verdi Club offers ‘MILONGA MALEVAJE,’ a weekly tango dance event with DJs, from 8 p.m. to midnight at 2424 Mariposa St. Admission is $20.
Friday: Holiday Lights & Family Films
Embrace the official start of the holiday season! Ghirardelli Square illuminates with ‘SANTA LIGHTS THE SQUARE,’ featuring an appearance by Santa Claus, a performance by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, and the lighting of their annual display. Expect hot chocolate and giveaways from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For family entertainment, the 4 Star Theater screens Disney’s 2013 musical ‘FROZEN’ at 5 p.m. at 2200 Clement St. General admission is $15, with discounts for seniors and children. Extend your holiday shopping at the Fairmont San Francisco’s ‘WINTER ROOFTOP FAIRE,’ transforming its rooftop garden into an open-air market with over 30 vendors, live music, and twinkling lights. The market runs noon to 5 p.m. each day, located at 950 Mason St.
Weekend Wonders: Tours, Theater & Tree Lightings
The weekend brings a wealth of activities. On Saturday, delve into local history with the San Francisco Historical Society’s ‘VALLEY OF THE QUEENS’ HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR. Starting at 2 p.m. from the Tenderloin Museum (398 Eddy St.), this 90-minute tour, costing $35, explores LGBTQ leaders and movements from the 1960s to 1990s. For theater lovers, the Presidio Theatre hosts ‘PANTO IN THE PRESIDIO’ PREVIEWS on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. This year’s production puts a twist on “Peter Pan” with live music, audience participation, and elaborate costumes. Tickets range from $16 to $33 at 99 Moraga Ave. Also on Saturday and Sunday, the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park hosts the SAN FRANCISCO CRYSTAL FAIR. Northern California vendors will sell jewelry, candles, and other goods, alongside interactive workshops and psychic readings. Admission is $14 (children 12 and under free), running Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday culminates the week with a major holiday event: the THRIVE CITY LIGHTING CEREMONY. The public plaza around Chase Center kicks off the holiday season with the annual lighting of its 90-foot tree. Performances by Louis Cato and August Lee Stevens, appearances by the Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet and a Warriors legend, snow, and photos with Santa Claus are all part of the festivities from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Concurrently, the International Art Museum of America hosts its HOLIDAY ART FAIR from noon to 5 p.m. at 1025 Market St., featuring over 30 local artists and vendors, festive food, drinks, holiday photos, and live music with no entry cost.
Thanksgiving Week SF Events Snapshot
| Category | Notable Events | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Culture | ‘Martin Margiela’ screening, SF Symphony ‘Crouching Tiger’, Chinese Historical Society (Bruce Lee) | $0 – $229 |
| Music & Nightlife | Open Mic Night, Open Bluegrass Jam, Barbarossa Pre-Thanksgiving Party, Karaoke Holiday Jamboree, Milonga Malevaje | $0 – $20 |
| Holiday Festivities | ‘Santa Lights the Square’, ‘Winter Rooftop Faire’, Thrive City Lighting Ceremony, IAMA Holiday Art Fair | $0 – $14 |
| History & Tours | ‘History of Food as Holiday Art’ lecture, SF History Night, ‘Valley of the Queens’ Walking Tour | $14.77 – $35 |
Frequently Asked Questions About SF Thanksgiving Week
- What are the main holiday kick-off events?
The Thrive City Lighting Ceremony and ‘Santa Lights the Square’ at Ghirardelli Square are major annual events commencing the holiday season with tree lightings, performances, and festive activities. - Are there free events available?
Yes, several events are free, including Open Mic Night at Kilowatt Bar, Open Bluegrass Jam at Hotel Utah Saloon, Free Admission Day at the Chinese Historical Society, the Turkeyoke Karaoke Jamboree, and the International Art Museum of America’s Holiday Art Fair. - Are there events suitable for families?
Absolutely! Disney’s ‘Frozen’ screening at the 4 Star Theater, ‘Panto in the Presidio’ previews, ‘Santa Lights the Square’, and the Thrive City Lighting Ceremony are all great options for families. - How can I find tickets or RSVP for events?
Most events mention online ticketing or RSVP links in the original article. It’s always best to check the specific event’s website for the most current information and to secure your spot.
With such a packed schedule, San Francisco offers an unforgettable way to celebrate Thanksgiving week and dive headfirst into the holiday spirit. Plan your itinerary to experience the best of what The City has to offer!
San Francisco Thanksgiving Week Guide
