NEMA San Francisco is positioned at the intersection of SOMA, Civic Center, Hayes Valley, and The Mission neighborhoods—each offering a unique appeal and distinct character. December in the neighborhood and beyond is packed with a variety of live entertainment. Here are a few of the can’t-miss events that are up next this month near NEMA.
Join us for our exclusive events at NEMA San Francisco including NEMA Under the Stars featuring a movie screening in the Energy Solarium. Don’t miss out—check the NEMA app for details and secure your spot.
December 1, A Merry-Achi Christmas. Led by the incomparable José Hernández, Mariachi Sol de México® returns to Davies Symphony Hall for their annual musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions.
December 1-23, Holiday Fanfare Concert Series. The Civic Center Community Benefit District’s festive Holiday Fanfare pop-up concerts featuring brass quartets and quintets from the SF Conservatory of Music returns.
December 4, Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting 2024. Add this fun, free, family-friendly event to your holiday calendar.
December 5, Downtown First Thursdays. Get ready for more live music, an interactive fashion show, food, drag, giant glowing sea creatures, DJs, and free all-ages activities to fill up the night.
December 6-7, Handel's Messiah. George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was an instant classic soon after its 1742 premiere and has been a holiday tradition around the world ever since. Stephen Stubbs leads the SF Symphony and Chorus in this perennial favorite.
December 6-15, Let’s Glow SF! Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. This free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of four iconic SF buildings from 5:30-10 PM nightly.
December 6-29, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer — San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the War Memorial Opera House stage this December.
December 7-29, Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. Discover an elegant midday respite at our Kelly Wearstler-designed gathering space for afternoon tea. Savor the time-honored tradition with dynamic teas, sweet treats, and classic delicacies–complete with champagne.
December 8, Holiday Appetizers. Ready to up your appetizer game this holiday season? Join Saluhall for a fun and flavorful 3.5-hour workshop where you'll learn to make crowd-pleasing bites that'll have your guests reaching for seconds.
December 14, SantaCon. Either put on your jolly red suit to join in, or head towards downtown to take in the unique sight. The event starts with a gathering in Union Square.
December 17-18, Holidays with Boyz II Men and the SF Symphony. Experience the incredible harmonies & soulful sound of this Grammy Award–winning trio as they take the stage with the SF Symphony.
December 20, Signature Swirls: Experience Our Bestselling Cardamom Swirl Class. In this Saluhall session at Cookery Skola you’ll gain valuable insights, inside tips, and tricks to ensure your cardamom swirls turn out picture-perfect every time.
Thru December 22, Great Dickens Christmas Faire. Over 4 acres of the historic Cow Palace exhibition halls are magically transformed into the winding lanes and bustling play houses of Victorian London. Immerse yourself in a world of theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops.
December 24-25, Christmas Dim Sum at Villon. Embrace the season and come together for special Christmas Eve & Day brunches in the Villon dining room. Enjoy a Chef’s interpretation of Dim Sum featuring Bao Buns and Peking Squab.
December 24-25, Christmas at Charmaine’s. Slow down and come together for Christmas at Charmaine’s with sweeping city views from the rooftop and indulge in festive bites from a la carte menu.
December 25-January 2, Union Square Menorah Lighting. 3:30 pm Gathering & Live Music + 5:00 pm 1st Lighting Ceremony. A local miracle happened in San Francisco in 1975 when community leaders joined together to create the first big public menorah and celebration of Chanukah outside of Israel.
December 29, 39th Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony. Ring in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. Celebrate with your museum community for an experience the San Francisco Chronicle calls “a great way to end a year and start a new year.”
December 31, Dirty Dozen Brass Band NYE at SFJAZZ. “A national treasure steeped in both the past and the present” (The New York Times), the Dirty Dozen Brass Band celebrates nearly 50 years as the New Orleans institution responsible for the resurgence of the brass band tradition to ring in the new year.
December 31, New Year’s Eve at Charmaine’s. Ring in the New Year from the stunning Charmaine’s rooftop—enjoy a late night at SF Proper featuring an evening of light bites, an open cocktail bar, and a complimentary midnight toast.
Thru January 5, Hamilton at Orpheum Theater. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.
Thru January 6, Asian Art Museum’s Hallyu! The Korean Wave. From K-pop to beauty products to Academy Award winning Parasite and Netflix hit Squid Games, the new exhibit at the Asian Art Museum allows visitors to, “discover how South Korea reinvented itself as a 21st-century pop culture phenomenon.”
Thru January 11, Cacophony: Solo Presentation from Carrie Ann Plank at Jonathan Carver Moore. Cacophony by Carrie Ann Plank utilizes concepts from acoustics and the intricate mathematics of harmonics to translate the dynamics of sound and vibration into intricate visual layers.
Thru January 20, Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink presented by Kaiser Permanente is back for its 17th magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
Thru January 31, Illuminate SF Festival of Light. The annual display includes dozens of dramatic, eco-friendly light art installations accessible by public transit and admission-free.
Pre-Theater Dinner. Before heading to the theater, stop off at Charmaine’s to experience an evening for the senses. Enjoy a refreshed dinner menu, craft cocktails and sweeping views of the city. Available on Show Nights Only.
Free Museum Days. Did you know that many of the city's top museums offer free admission days at least once a month? It's the perfect opportunity to explore iconic exhibits and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene. From the de Young Museum to the Asian Art Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to explore art, history, and science in the NEMA San Francisco neighborhood and beyond.
Late Night Specials at Rise Over Run. Enjoy drink specials and light snacks: 9 to 10pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 10 to 11pm Thursday to Saturday.
Thurs-Sun, Sky Rink at SVN West. This summer take a roll around the Sky Rink at SVN West featuring DJs, food and fun. This temporary seasonal rink is open on Saturdays and Sundays before 4pm; and 21+ Thursdays and Fridays, and Saturdays and Sundays after 4pm.
Mon-Thurs | Charmaine’s 7@7 Happy Hour. Meet on the rooftop for an exclusive Sundown Happy Hour featuring 7 unique sips, 7 tempting bites and the golden sky at 7pm.
Civic Center Soundtrack Concert Series, Tuesdays & Fridays, noon-3pm; Thursdays 2-5pm. The free concert series by Illuminate, takes place at Fulton Plaza, between San Francisco Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. The full lineup can be found here.
Heart of the City Farmers Market. Sundays and Wednesdays. A well-loved Farmers Market happening in Civic Center since 1981.
Learn and Play Chess at UN Plaza. Sundays, 11am-1pm Learn and play chess at UN Plaza!
Image Credit San Francisco Ballet on Facebook
Discover San Francisco Luxury Apartments @ NEMA
NEMA’s four apartment building towers and three landscaped terraces offer an amazing array of views overlooking San Francisco’s urban landscape and natural setting. Landmarks in the surrounding skyline include the iconic skyscrapers of the San Francisco Financial District, the dome of City Hall, Golden Gate Bridge, Russian Hill, Bernal Heights, Twin Peaks, and San Francisco Bay. Get social with us and follow our story on Facebook and Instagram. Use #liveNEMA to share with our team.