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San Francisco Events in November 2025
Written by: Jill Loeffler • Published: February 26, 2016 • Updated: January 8, 2025
Enjoy the best San Francisco events in November 2025. This month, you will find dozens of fun activities from free walking tours to holiday lights celebrations.
Other highlights this month include festivals, SF 49ers games, and Thanksgiving Day and Weekend activities.
You can also enjoy a night out at the theater, opera, or symphony. Read on for my top recommendations for November in SF.
In addition, you will find special ice skating rinks in the city this time of the year.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Thanksgiving Day and Weekend Activities
Date(s): Thanksgiving Day is November 27; Weekend is November 28 - 30
You will find dozens of fun events this Thanksgiving in San Francisco. Use my planning guide to find the best places for a traditional or not-so-traditional holiday meal.
You will also find many other fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day from riding a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge to cruising around the SF Bay on boat. Many of our top attractions are open also including the California Academy of Sciences, the Palace of Fine Arts, Botanical Gardens and others.
The holiday weekend is also full of fun activities and most attractions, tours and activities offer a regular schedule all weekend long.
>> Find out what to do on Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
Holiday Tree Lighting & Other Holiday Events
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
This November make sure to check out one of the tree lighting ceremonies and/or holiday celebrations in San Francisco and beyond. The tree lighting ceremonies typically begin the weekend before Thanksgiving.
You will also find several large celebrations the weekend of Thanksgiving. There are also lighting ceremonies throughout November and December.
See the entire schedule of events this year.
Ice Skating Rinks
Though it doesn't snow in San Francisco, the city has ways of bringing wintry fun right to the heart of downtown. People of all ages love the holiday ice rinks all around SF and the Bay Area.
These 60 to 90-minute sessions are refreshing and a great break from all the hustle and bustle of this part of town.
One of the most popular rinks is in the center of the action in Union Square. There is usually at least one other rink in SF every year.
In addition, you will find several great options around the SF Bay in San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Walnut Creek.
Find a list of the 12 top rinks in the SF Bay Area.
Great Dickens Fair
This is one of the performances at the Great Dickens Fair which is at the Cow Palace every holiday season.Dates: Five weekends from 11/22 - 12/21 + Friday, 11/28
Celebrate the holiday season at this unique festival. The Great Dickens Fair is a recreation of Victorian London and includes costumed characters, lively entertainment, and food and drink.
It's a great place to also pick up some interesting holiday gifts for those on your list. The event is held at the Cow Palace and runs from 10 am to 6 pm.
You can either pick up tickets from their website in advance or buy them at the door when you arrive.
Visit their site for more event details.
Santa Claus in SF
Santa Claus is coming to town! He will be making his way all around San Francisco in both November and December.
Some of his most popular stops are at the at Macy's on Union Square and Stonestown Galleria. You can also see him at tree lightning ceremonies around town.
Don't miss your chance to let Santa know if you've been naughty or nice!
Uncover a list of places Santa plans to stop this year.
Golden State Warriors Basketball
Dates: TBD for 2025
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
Some of the best San Francisco events in November also include games at the Chase Center.
The Warriors play just TBD games at home this month.
To make it easy, I've added links to tickets for each game below.
- Games TBD, Schedule will be released in Summer 2025
All games are played in the Chase Center in San Francisco.
It's an easy train ride from Union Square or bus ride from other locations throughout the city. Your ticket to the game doubles as a free ride on public transportation to the game.
Head over to cheer on (or against!) the Warriors.
>> Read more about attending a Golden State Warriors game
49ers Football
Dates: TBD, Schedule will be released in Spring 2025
Location: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
Tickets: Ticketmaster | TicketNetwork
Head south to Levi's Stadium to watch the San Francisco 49ers play their regular season games in Santa Clara.
The stadium is about an hour south of SF and is easy to get to by both public transit and by car.
This month, the 49ers will be taking on TBD.
>> Click here for the full schedule and links to tickets
San Jose Sharks Hockey
Dates: TBD, Schedule will be released in Summer 2025
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
The San Jose Sharks hockey games are another one of the more popular SF Bay Area events in November. This month they take the ice at home for several home games.
Here is where you can find tickets to each game.
- TBD
>> Full schedule and more details to attend a game in San Jose
Broadway Shows & Theater Productions
You will find two popular Broadway shows on stage this month - Kimberly Akimbo and Hamilton.
SF Broadway Show for November
This year's 2025 - 2026 Broadway schedule is set to be announced in the spring 2025. I'll update this section with the upcoming shows once they are finalized.
>> Find additional theater performances this month in SF
San Francisco Events in November: Concerts
Dates: Nightly in SF
Every night of the week, you will find a variety of great concerts all around San Francisco.
Top performances are at venues such as the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the Nob Hill Masonic Center, and the Fillmore. Additional top venues include the the Independent and the Great American Music Hall.
Below are just a few of the top shows with where to buy tickets for each show.
- 11/23: Damiano David at The Masonic
Make sure to visit the November concert page for a full list of performances this month.
>> Full November concert calendar
Museums: Free Days & Exhibits for November
Free Museum Admission Days in November
This is your chance to visit some of SF's top museums for free! Toward the beginning of the month museums such as the Asian Art Museum, the de Young, and the Conservatory of Flowers invite you to visit their exhibits for free.
On free days, they open their permanent collection to all visitors.
You can spend just an hour cruising around or all day long. Some of their temporary exhibits do require a paid ticket even on free days.
Discover the schedule of San Francisco free museum days for November.
Museum Exhibits
Take advantage of SF's world-class museums, each offering unique exhibits throughout the year. These are a few of the top exhibits scheduled for display this month.
- Legion of Honor: Printing Color: Chiaroscuro to Screenprint
- de Young Fine Arts Museum: Contemporary Painting in Papua New Guinea: Mathias Kauage and His Family
- Museum of Modern Art: Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine), find tickets for the SF MoMa
This is just a small sample of the exhibits this month.
Visit my up-to-date calendar for a full view of everything on display in November.
Tickets to Top SF Museums
SF Comedy Shows
Dates: Several
San Francisco has a fantastic comedy scene. You can enjoy live performances of improv or stand-up nearly every night of the week.
This month, you can catch both international and local comedians on stage at SF's biggest comedy clubs.
Our comedy shows are some of the best San Francisco events in November.
- TBD for 2025
>> See the full calendar of upcoming shows
Additional Festivals in SF in November
Fan Expo at Moscone Center West
Dates: 11/28 - 11/30
Location: Moscone Center West
Tickets: Find tickets for all three days
This year's FanExpo is over the Thanksgiving Weekend at the Moscone Center West in downtown San Francisco.
The expo is the perfect event for those that love comics, sci-fi, horror, anime or cosplay with a chance to meet your favorite characters.
Just some of the celebrities at this year's event include:
- TBD for 2025
Visit the official site for a full list of appearances schedule for this year.
Eat Drink SF
Dates: TBD
This year's event is a 10-day foodies dream. It will include prix-fixe menus at restaurants all around San Francisco.
There are also specific dining events as well as neighborhood nights.
Visit their site to learn more.
San Francisco International Tea Festival
Date: 11/1 & 11/2
This year's International Tea Festival is scheduled for November at the Ferry Building. At this event, you will get the chance to sample and/or buy a variety of teas from around the world.
You will also receive your own teacup to sample during the event.
>> Visit their site for ticketing details
SF Coffee Festival
Dates: 11/8 & 11/9
This is the perfect festival for those that are in love with coffee! Sample unique flavors from a large variety of exhibitors.
You can also listen to live music as you savor your coffee samples. The event is at the Fort Mason Center and runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm both days.
Renegade Craft Fair
Dates: TBD
This year's holiday Renegade Craft Fair is on November 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center. More than 300 artists will be on hand showing and selling their handmade goods.
The event is free to enter and lasts from 11 am to 6 pm both days.
Find out more about this November's event.
SF International Hip Hop Dancefest
Dates: TBD
This year marks the 27th annual SF International Hip Hop Dancefest, the first festival of its kind to honor the artistry of hip hop in a non-competitive environment.
The festival features performances by professional dance companies from all over the world.
This all-ages event takes place at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater over the course of three days.
Check out the festival website for details.
Transgender Film Festival
Dates: TBD
Each day of this annual film festival offers a different program that includes four to seven films selected from independent filmmakers internationally.
These works of art showcase and raise awareness about the transgender community.
>> Find additional film festivals each year in SF
Additional San Francisco Events in November
Golden Gate Half Marathon
Date: 11/2
The Golden Gate Half Marathon is an annual event that takes runners over the Golden Gate Bridge during the race. Your run starts near Fisherman's Wharf at the Municipal Pier.
You will then run along the waterfront, up and over the Golden Gate Bridge, and return back to San Francisco. The race ends in the beautiful Presidio.
Click here to visit their site and to register today
San Francisco International Auto Show
Dates: TBD
This is the 64th year for the San Francisco Chronicle International Auto Show. It will once again be held at the Moscone Center in SF's SOMA District. For five straight days, check out the latest vehicles on display throughout the showroom.
See up and coming models from Chevy, Ford and BMW. You will also get the chance to see unique cars all weekend long.
It's a fun way to spend some time this Thanksgiving Day Weekend and one of the most highly anticipated San Francisco events in November.
Visit their site for the full schedule of events and ticketing info
SF Symphony
Date: Several performances all month long
Spend an evening at the elegant Davies Symphony Hall, steps away from City Hall, for a performance of the world renowned San Francisco Symphony.
Here are some top shows this month with ticketing details.
- TBD
See the complete schedule of performances.
SF Opera
Date: TBD for 2025 (Info below is for 2024)
This November, you will find two performances by the SF Opera. The first is Tristan and Isolde with two performances this month.
The second is Carmen with seven performances this month.
All shows are at the War Memorial Opera House in the Civic Center District.
Visit the SF Opera page for more information.
Day of the Dead
Date: 11/2
SF's Mission District has been celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) since the 1970s. Every year, the community sets up a festival of altars in Potrero Del Sol Park from Noon - 11 pm with performances starting at 5 pm.
If you want to see what this Latin American tradition is all about, head over to check out the art and alters. If you want to honor a deceased loved one yourself, feel free to bring flowers, mementos, and candles.
Read more about the SF celebration.
SF Bay Cruises
Some of the top San Francisco events in November are our daily cruises. You can head out on the SF Bay for an hour or two and enjoy the amazing views all around you.
Many of these cruises leave from Fisherman's Wharf and return to the same place they started. Almost all of them cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, along the San Francisco shoreline, and make their way near or around Alcatraz Island.
Some of the cruises also offer dinner, dancing or a few drinks along with your ticket. The sunset or evening cruises are also popular.
Here are my top picks for this month.
Sunset Sailing Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
Tickets: Find tickets for all dates in November
This 90-minute sunset tour is a fun way to relax and unwind during your stay in November.
This month, it runs several days each week. It leaves at 5 pm through November 5. This cruise then leaves at 3:30 pm for the rest of the month.
Also included with your ticket, you will get a ticket for one complimentary beverage. Additional beverages and light snacks are available for sale on board.
Find availability for the Sunset Sailing Cruise.
60-Minute Bay Cruise
Tickets: Find tickets for all dates in November
The most popular cruise all year long is the 60-minute Bay Cruise. This one provides you with a great highlight of the bay. It takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.
It starts and ends in Fisherman's Wharf.
It leaves several times every day of the year.
Additional Fun Cruise for November
Bus & City Tours
Our bus and city tours are also very popular San Francisco events in November. You will find a variety of options that take you all around town to learn more about our top attractions.
The Hop On Hop Off buses are great for those visiting for the first time. In one or two days, you will get a great lay of the land and be able to easily get from one attraction to the next.
Our city tours are also popular. In just a few hours, you will drive past and learn all about places such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and others. Many of them offer photo stops along the way.
Here are a few more details and some of my recommendations.
Big Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off
Tickets: Find tickets for all dates in November
Big Bus Tours is one of my top picks for hop on hop off bus tours. They offer 1- and 2-day tickets which will give you plenty of time to get around SF.
They include more than 20 stops and the entire round trip tour is just over 2 hours.
Find out more about their options.
SF Movie Sights Tour
Tickets: Find tickets for all tours in November
If you love movies, you are going to really enjoy this fun movie tour around San Francisco.
You will drive past and learn more about spots around town that were featured in movies and shows such as Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Diaries, Full House, and Interview with the Vampire.
More SF Bay Area Events in November
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
Dates: TBD
The Big Sur Food & Wine Festival is known is without question one of the premier festivals in Northern California. If you are looking for great views, food, wine, and music, this is definitely the place for you.
Not only are there 3 days of wine and food, but there are also special tours, trips and the always amazing, "Wine and Swine at the Henry Miller Library" where you will have a special celebrity chef dinner, with over 20 different wine makers and bands all night long.
Visit their site for more details.
More events in the Monterey Bay Area this month.
Calistoga Food & Wine Festival
Date: TBD
The Calistoga Food & Wine Festival is another one of the fun and delicious SF Bay Area events in November.
The Grand Tasting on Saturday will feature live music, samplings from 30 Calistoga wineries, and small bites and live cooking stations from top chefs of the area's best restaurants.
Additional Things to Do in SF in November
More Things to Do in SF in November
In addition to all of our fun San Francisco events in November, you will also find a variety of other fun things to do. These include cruises, tours, and free activities.
You can also head out on a day trip, visit one of our top museums, and shop at some in some of our most popular districts.
Find 50+ fun things to do this month
What to Wear in November
Do you need some advice on what to wear in November? To make sure you are prepared for these San Francisco events in November, you will want to bring along a jacket and some great walking shoes.
What else should you bring?
Check out my insider's guide on what to expect from the weather and some tips on what to pack for your stay.
Tips on what to pack and wear in SF.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
