A meaningful gathering on Alcatraz Island commemorates the 1969 occupation by Native activists and honors Indigenous resilience, culture, and community on Thanksgiving.
Source: Alexa Treviño for SF StandardDate and timeThursday, Nov. 27, 6 to 8 a.m.
Make room for Thanksgiving dinner with a morning run/walk through Golden Gate Park. Registration is closed, but spectators are welcome. Find more Turkey Trot locations around the Bay here (opens in new tab).
Source: Courtesy Oakland Turkey TrotDate and timeThursday, Nov. 27, 8 a.m.
After dinner, trade your beets for beats as a roster of DJs get this dance party bumping.
Date and timeThursday, Nov. 27, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Santa Claus is paying a visit to Ghirardelli Square. Grab a hot chocolate, catch a performance by the SF Boys Chorus, and watch the Ghirardelli sign light up the square.
Date and timeFriday, Nov. 28, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Get ready to groove, as electronic producer and beatboxer Flamingosis brings his funky, disco-inspired sounds to NoPa.
Date and timeFriday, Nov. 28, 9 p.m.
The day after Thanksgiving officially marks the start of Christmas. (Look, we don’t make the rules.) Get first pick of the tree crop from an organization that’s been benefitting at-risk youth in the Bay Area since 1947.
Source: Juliana Yamada for The StandardDate and timeOpens Friday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Date and timeOpens Friday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.
The high priestess of hard techno takes over the Palace of Fine Arts for two nights of high-BPM tracks that will shake off any food coma.
Date and timeFriday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 p.m.
In need of a good laugh after talking politics over Thanksgiving dinner? Catch one of the “SNL” veteran’s shows.
Date and timeFriday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
If you’ve ever wanted to hear Charli XCX’s “Speed Drive” performed by an orchestra, look no farther: Watch a screening of “Barbie” while the SF Symphony brings the soundtrack to life.
Source: Stefan CohenDate and timeFriday, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 29, 2 p.m.
Nerd out with three days of cosplay, gaming, photo ops, and meetups. Celebrity guests include Rainn Wilson, Christina Ricci, and Christopher Lloyd.
Source: Michaela Vatcheva for The StandardDate and timeFriday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Nov. 30
’Tis the season for holiday markets. At this one, the Fairmont rooftop transforms into an open-air bazaar inspired by European holiday villages.
Date and timeFriday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Nov. 30, 12 to 5 p.m.
Entertain the family (and yourself) over the long weekend with a 45-minute, 360-degree show of light, music, and projections that highlight the history and architecture of Grace Cathedral.
Date and timeSaturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, 9 p.m.
Now in its fifth year, this San Franciscan twist on holiday pantomimes has become a staple. Catch the previews before the show opens Dec. 6.
Date and timeSaturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 p.m.
Mariachi Sol de México returns to the symphony for a musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions.
Date and timeSunday, Nov. 30, 2 p.m.
Thrive City is ringing in the holiday season with live music, sweet treats, and appearances by a Warriors legend, Valkyries mascot Violet, and more.
Date and timeSunday, Nov. 30, 4 to 6 p.m.
Source: Carolyn Fong for The StandardSold-out events
Tickets may not be available, but these great events are happening too. Congrats to all who are going, and happy ticket hunting!
Sarah McLachlan (opens in new tab): Nov. 28 at The MasonicA John Waters Christmas (opens in new tab): Nov. 29 at Great American Music Hall