Magical Merriment
 |
|
|
December is in full swing, and with it, the Bay Area's 2023 crop of winter wonders and festive events are celebrating everything from Christmas to Hanukkah.
Whether searching for a place to deliver a wish list to Santa, or in the mood for a nostalgic taste of Victorian London, we've got you covered with a dozen fun-filled options in the holiday spirit. Here goes…
There's nothing like the nautical nighttime magic of a lighted boat parade. Here in the Bay Area, we have not one, but two that are getting ready to kick off the holiday season.
 |
|
|
• Sausalito hosts its 36th Annual Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks, along the waterfront near Gabrielson Park, from 6-7pm on December 9. Afterwards, attend the Captain's After Party from 7:30-10:30pm at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito. 5pm reserved seating options. $25-125. winterfestsausalito.com
• Another spectacular you won't want to miss is San Francisco's 2023 Lighted Boat Parade, setting sail from Pier 39 across the Bay to the historic St. Francis Yacht Club. Featuring two-dozen illuminated sailing vessels, decked out in their holiday best. Pier 39, Beach St. and The Embarcadero, San Francisco. Suggested viewing areas include Pier 39, Aquatic Park, Crissy Field, and Marina Green. 6-9pm, Dec. 15.
• Glofari is a "wildly illuminating" outdoor lantern festival hosted by the Oakland Zoo, with hundreds of three-dimensional, larger-than-life animal lanterns on display. Each tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, capped off by a train ride through the exotic island of Madagascar. Through Jan. 28, 2024. Visit Santa Dec.1-23 from 6-9pm. $22-26. oaklandzoo.org
• A bit of time travel to Victorian London awaits at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party. Here in the glow of a lamp-lit city, you'll find period-costumed performers, dance parties, an ice-skating rink, pubs, and music halls, English delicacies and libations. Weekends through Dec. 17. $18-45, under 5 free. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. dickensfair.com
 |
|
|
• Hanukkah in Union Square has been lighting it up since 1975. The first giant public menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of menorahs around the world. 5pm nightly menorah lighting. Hanukkah parade on Dec. 14, or ride along aboard the Mitzvah Cable Car. Through Dec. 14. chabadsf.org
