Discover 12 fantastic things to do this January 2025 in San Francisco, from light displays to concerts and art fairs. Start planning your adventure today!
Start 2025 with a bang by exploring the top events, exhibitions, and activities San Francisco has to offer this January. From holiday light displays to immersive art fairs, there’s something for everyone in the Bay Area. Here’s a curated list of 12 fantastic things to do this January 2025 in San Francisco.
1. Catch the last of the Bay Area’s best holiday light displays
Don’t miss the Bay Area’s magical light displays before they disappear for the season. Whether it’s dazzling garden lights or creative art exhibits, these displays are worth the visit.
Garden of D’Lights
Experience a stunning light show at this Walnut Creek garden, featuring lasers and special effects.
- 📅 Dates: Open through Jan. 11, 2025
- 📍 Location: 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Holidays at Filoli
Filoli’s estate transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland with festive lights illuminating the gardens.
- 📅 Dates: Open through Jan. 12, 2025
- 📍 Location: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
GLOW: Discover the Art of Light
Explore light-inspired art installations at the Exploratorium, a unique and interactive experience.
- 📅 Dates: Open through Jan. 26, 2025
- 📍 Location: Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo
Take a walk through a mile-long trail of glowing, hand-painted animal lanterns at Oakland Zoo.
📍 Location: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 9460505
📅 Dates: Open through Jan. 26, 2025
2. See Kathryn Hahn and Billy Murray at SF SketchFest
Kick off the year with some humor at SF SketchFest, featuring comedy legends like Kathryn Hahn and Bill Murray. From stand-up to improv, there’s no shortage of entertainment.
📅 Dates: Jan. 18 – Feb. 4, 2025
📍 Location: Various venues across San Franciscodule, including Kathryn Hahn and Bill Murray.
3. Start 2025 right with a Polar Plunge
Start the year with a splash! Join other daring San Franciscans in the annual Polar Plunge at Ocean Beach. Afterward, head to a local bar to warm up and celebrate.
📍 Location: Ocean Beach, San Francisco
📅 Date: Jan. 1, 2025
4. Escape to a magical winter wonderland
Extend the holiday cheer by visiting enchanting winter villages and ice skating rinks.
Merry Meritage at Napa
Enjoy fire pits, ice skating, and igloos at the Meritage Resort & Spa’s winter village.
- 📅 Dates: Open through Jan. 5, 2025
- 📍 Location: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558
Après Village at Palo Alto
The Four Seasons transforms into a holiday paradise with festive food, photo ops, and movies by the fire.
📍 Location: 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
📅 Dates: Open through Jan. 7, 2025
5. Candlelight Concerts
Immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of Candlelight Concerts, featuring classical renditions of hits by Adele and Hans Zimmer. Enjoy the glow of hundreds of candles while listening to live music.
📍 Location: St. Ignatius Church and other venues
📅 Dates: Throughout January 2025
6. Take stock of January free admission days at SF museums
Take advantage of free admission days at some of San Francisco’s top museums. Discover art, history, and culture without spending a dime.
Legion of Honor – First Tuesday of the month
SFMOMA – Free for Bay Area residents every first Thursday
de Young Museum – Free Saturdays for Bay Area residents
7. Check out these museum exhibitions before they close
Make time for must-see exhibitions that are wrapping up this month.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave
Explore the influence of Korean pop culture at the Asian Art Museum.
- 📅 Closes: Jan. 6, 2025
Art and War in the Renaissance
Witness historic tapestries at the de Young Museum.
- 📅 Closes: Jan. 12, 2025
Mary Cassatt at Work
Admire groundbreaking works by Mary Cassatt at the Legion of Honor.
- 📅 Closes: Jan. 26, 2025
8. Explore the FOG Design and Art Fair at Fort Mason
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the annual FOG Design + Art Fair at Fort Mason. This event showcases contemporary art, design, and exclusive talks.
📍 Location: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
📅 Dates: Jan. 23-26, 2025
9. Check out a unique picnic experience
Solve clues and discover gourmet treats on a self-guided picnic adventure by AmazingCo. It’s a great way to explore the city in a fun and interactive way.
📍 Locations: Mission District, Haight-Ashbury
📅 Available: Tuesdays through Sundays
10. Take a spin on these Bay Area ice skating rinks before they close
Hit the ice before the seasonal rinks close for the year. Union Square and other Bay Area locations offer festive skating experiences.
📍 Popular Rinks: Union Square, Napa, and Palo Alto
📅 Closing Dates: Vary by location
11. Visit the elephant seals around California
January marks the start of elephant seal breeding season along California’s coast. Watch these incredible creatures at Point Reyes or Año Nuevo State Park.
📍 Locations: Point Reyes, Año Nuevo, Piedras Blancas
📅 Best Viewing: January – March 2025
12. Catch the magnolia bloom at SF Botanical Garden
Don’t miss the spectacular magnolia bloom at San Francisco Botanical Garden. The vibrant pink and magenta blossoms are a stunning sight during late January.
📍 Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
📅 Bloom Season: Late January – March 2025
