The last weeks of December 2023 are almost upon us. And for many who don’t observe the Christmas holiday, or aren’t traveling to see family, it can feel like things get a little … slow in the Bay Area during this time.
But don’t worry – in truth, the region has plenty happening in these last couple of weeks before the new calendar year hits. And it’s not just productions of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol.
So keep reading for our roundup of events, screenings, markets and more – a mix of both classically holiday-themed events and unique pop-ups that go beyond the festive cliches – to explore in the last days of 2023.
Stroll a holiday market
- The Bill Graham Menorah Lighting at Union Square on Thursday, Dec. 14.
- Anti-Capitalist Holiday Market in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15.
- The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17.
- Creativity Explored holiday pop-up at the San Francisco Ferry Building on Saturday, Dec. 16.
- Harajuku Holiday in San Francisco on Saturday, Dec. 16.
- Holiday Market at Dokkaebier Taproom in Oakland on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
- Holiday Candlelight Tour at the Winchester Mystery House on Saturday, Dec. 16, Saturday Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 30.
- Annual Menagerie Holiday Oddities & Curiosities Market also at the Winchester Mystery House on Saturday, Dec. 16.
- Head West Holiday Market at George Spirits in Alameda on Sunday, Dec. 17.
- Gothmas PopUp Market at Ghost Town Brewing in West Oakland on Sunday, Dec. 17. (Get a skull!)
- Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair in Berkeley on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17; Saturday, Dec. 23 and Sunday, Dec. 24.

Take advantage of a free museum day
- Free entry to the San Francisco Botanical Garden for a holiday market on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17.
- San Francisco Botanical Garden is open and free on Monday, Dec. 25.
- San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design is free on Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday, Dec. 27.
Read more about other free museum days around the Bay Area.
Catch a special screening
In addition to offering the chance to catch the newest release (I personally am excited for Poor Things and The Boy and the Heron), Alamo Drafthouse Theater in San Francisco’s Mission District is hosting several brunch and movie parties. (Be sure to get your tickets in advance, as screenings may sell out.)
- An Elf party, centering the movie starring Will Ferrell, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: both showing on Saturday, Dec.16.
- It’s a Wonderful Life brunch on Sunday, Dec. 24.
- Carol brunch on Monday, Dec. 25.
Also in the Mission District, the Roxie Theater is playing Oscar-winning film There Will Be Blood on 35mm on December 25.