Eat lots of crab all for a good cause

Friday, December 13
Fort Mason
Spend the evening drinking and dancing at The Guardsmen Christmas Tree Lot and help raise money to improve the lives of at-risk youth in the Bay Area. The party starts with cocktails, followed by a crab and pasta dinner, and then an afterparty amongst the Christmas trees.
Cost: $30 (for just the after party) to $1,500 (VIP table for 10)

Watch a lighted boat parade on the Bay

Friday, December 13
Along the waterfront and Pier 39
We’re about halfway into December, which means you’ve probably seen your fill of twinkling lights on Christmas trees, but what you likely haven’t seen is boats masquerading as Christmas trees, all dressed up with holiday decorations and lights. You can change that by heading to the waterfront for the 2019 Lighted Boat Parade which starts at 6pm at Pier 39.
Cost: Free

Go on a flashlight tour of the Winchester Mystery House

Friday, December 13
San Jose
This is the second — and final — Friday the 13th of 2019. Spend it exploring the lonely hallways and dark passages of the haunted mansion that is known for its 13 bathrooms, 13 fireplaces, and 13 steps in each flight of stairs. During your after-dark tour, you’ll also hear stories about the home’s haunted history and see all of the Christmas decorations.
Cost: $49

Stuff your face with discounted Ghirardelli chocolate

Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15
San Leandro
Okay, you’ll have to go all the way to San Leandro if you want to act like a kid in a candy store at Ghirardelli Chocolate’s warehouse sale, but if you’re into things like chocolate, gift baskets, and majorly marked down prices, then it’s probably worth it. There will also be carolers, photo ops, and a color station for kids.
Cost: How much do you love chocolate?

Stock up on majorly discounted books and presents

Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15
SoMa
Everything in Chronicle Book’s main store on 2nd Street will be 80% off this weekend, so now is the time to buy everything from cookbooks to children’s books, plus journals, stationery, and more. Each purchase also gets you 20% off at Tony’s Slice House (right next door), which is some of the best pizza in town, so be sure to arrive hungry.
Cost: How much room is there on your bookshelves?

Watch as the Mouse King is stabbed by a life-sized nutcracker

Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15
Civic Center
San Francisco Ballet is celebrating the 75th anniversary of America’s first Nutcracker with performances at the War Memorial Opera House through December 29th. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, this ballet remains a Christmas tradition worth seeing again, and this year is no exception.
Cost: $25 to $495

Go to one of the funniest Christmas shows of the year

Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15
Mission
The Golden Girls Live! The Christmas Episodes is a San Francisco holiday tradition unlike any other. Four of the city’s most hilarious drag performers play the parts of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia as they reenact Christmas episodes of The Golden Girls, all to thank you for being a friend.
Cost: $30 to $60

Go to an “Upside Down Tea Party”

Saturday, December 14
SoMa
On December 14th, tea at the Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels San Francisco is all about putting a smile on the faces of grown-ups. There are traditional bites, like finger sandwiches and macarons, as well as a pot of tea, but you can also get boozy tea time-appropriate cocktails because ‘tis the season today drink, like, every day.
Cost: $40 includes food and a pot of tea

Put on an ugly holiday sweater and drink your way around Polk Street

Saturday, December 14
Lower Nob Hill and Russian Hill
Now that you’ve finally recovered from SantaCon, it’s time to get back out there and drink some more. Put on your best (worst?) ugly sweater for this bar crawl that will get you discounts on drinks at Mayes, McTeague’s, Lush Lounge, El Lopo, Playland, and more.
Cost: $12 for ticket

Participate in an “Unsilent Night”

Saturday, December 14
Mission
Go caroling (SF style) at this “participatory sound artwork” exhibit where everyone in the audience plays one of four tracks on anything that amplifies music (boombox, portable speaker, etc.)  and walks through the Mission as the music fills the air.
Cost: Free

Feast on as many crab legs as you can handle

Sunday, December 15
SoMa
You can be as shellfish as you want at SoMaStrEAT Food Park’s Holiday Crab Feed. That’s because it’s all-you-can-eat, which means you get to grub down on Dungeness crab legs, garlic noodles, salad, and iced tea until you can eat no more. And then go back for more. This will sell out, so grab your tickets now.
Cost: $68 to $75

Drink wine and shop for wine-related presents

Sunday, December 15
Alameda
Rock Wall Wine Co. is throwing an Urban Paradise: Holiday Edition party where you can taste your way through 30+ wines, including 10 new releases that will be paired with gourmet bites, pick up some gifts for the wine lovers in your life, and listen to live music from Ukulenny.
Cost: $45