Holiday Activities

This holiday season is the second in a row that’s a little different than all the rest, due to the pandemic. Check out our round up of local activities out and about.


Holiday Ice Rink In Union Square (outdoors)

Open 10am-11pm daily through January 17, 2022

  • General admission is $19 and includes skate rental (Figure and hockey skate sizes range from toddler’s size 8 to adult’s size 15. You may also bring your own ice skates). 

  • 60 minute sessions start every 90 minutes. 

  • Tickets are sold online only to minimize contact between workers and attendees.

  • Extras: locker rental: $5 skater helper: $6 (figure and hockey skate sizes range from toddler’s size 8 to adult’s size 15. You may also bring your own ice skates.)

https://unionsquareicerink.com

Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center (indoors)

  • Open daily (check website for specific hours)

  • Advanced online tickets for holiday weeks must be purchased a day in advance or purchase same day in-person at the rink

  • General admission (aged 6-54): $14, toddlers (5 and under): $8 (including skate rental, if needed. If child has own skates, no discount is provided), seniors (age 55+): $12

  • Skate rental: $5 (exception: toddler admission includes skate rental, if needed)

  • Extras: locker rental: $1 (must bring a dollar bill to purchase a token. Lockers are single use)  

  • As per the City and County of San Francisco, proof of vaccination is required for entry (please bring your vaccination card or digital proof), and facemasks are now required to be worn at all times in indoor public spaces, including our ice skating and bowling center. A religious or medical waiver will be accepted when accompanied by a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your visit.

  • Enjoy the Holiday Showcase Extravaganza Saturday 12/18! Shows are at 5:30 & 8p. Tickets are available online for purchase under Ice Skating> Holiday Showcase!

  • https://www.skatebowl.com/pages/iceskating.publicskating


Go for a spin around the city

https://www.skystarwheel.com/

  • Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse, 1 Bowl Drive

  • Open daily: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Reservations are required for the VIP experience. Reservations are not required for general admission tickets. General admission tickets may be used any day or time. 

  • A paper ticket is not required. We can scan a paper ticket or a PDF version on your mobile device.

  • Groupon is offering a great deal on the SkyStar for 2 or 4 people, with Ghirardelli Chocolates. $32 for SkyStar Wheel Admission for 2 or 4 with Ghirardelli Chocolates ($47.50 Value)


  • SF’s First Ever Full Moon “Howl” Festival

    • Free event

    • Saturday, December 18th from 4:30 – 7:30 pm

    • The Alterverse at the Golden Gate Bandshell

    • The full moon will be visible starting around 4:30pm and we will howl throughout the night. Revelers will also see Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” scrolled in lasered letters across the full facade of the de Young Museum.

    • Bring your friends, bring your dancing shoes, and definitely bring your lungs!

    • Activities include:

    • – Music by the legendary psychedelic rock band Moonalice

    • – Masters and Mistresses of Howling, including The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Liam Mayclem, Lester Chambers, and more

    • – Allen Ginsberg’s epic poem “Howl” scrolling in lasered letters across the full facade of the de Young Museum

    • https://www.facebook.com/events/623795485501375?ref=newsfeed 


New Year’s Eve & Noon Year’s Eve


  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display

    • Free event

    • Friday, December 31, 11:59pm

    • Gorgeous display over the waterfront between the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge. It's one of the most attended celebrations in the Bay Area with about 200,000 awed spectators annually.

    • The show usually kicks off at 11:59 pm on December 31. The 15-minute pyrotechnic show will be synced to music from the speakers along the Embarcadero between Mission St. and Folsom St.

    • Best viewpoints start gathering people at about 7 pm and you might be lucky to get a good spot even if you arrive one hour in advance. 

    • One of the best spots to watch fireworks over San Francisco is the waterfront area south of the Ferry Building near Pier 14. 

    • You can also catch great views from the western side of Treasure Island and from Yerba Buena Island. 

    • Another great option is to hop aboard a cruise for dinner with some dancing and drinking before the show starts, but these sell out quickly so book in advance. 

    • If you want to opt for a prix fixe dinner menu while waiting for the New Year's fireworks, you can book a table at one of the rooftop restaurants.