The GrowSF Report: Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas
What You Need To Know
Happy holidays! We’re taking a much-needed vacation (and we hope you will, too) so there’s no news roundup this week.
Instead, we’ve got one action item for registered Democrats and a list of holiday celebrations. Enjoy some time with friends and family, and we’ll see you in January!
Register to vote in ADEM elections if you’re a Democrat
If you’re a registered Democrat, be sure to register to vote in the ADEM election.
This is not the same as registering to vote in San Francisco — this is a totally separate process that you must do if you want to vote in ADEM elections. Registration ends on December 31, so don’t delay!
This election chooses delegates to the California Democratic Party. They set the Party’s policy goals and platform. It’s a very obscure election that is often won by literally dozens of votes. This high-impact, low-turnout election determines who gets the state Democratic Party endorsement.
If you want to learn more, read GrowSF’s how-to for the 2021 ADEM election.
Celebrate the holidays in San Francisco
There’s a lot to love about our city. Here’s what makes it great:
See the lights around San Francisco
Checkout the SF Chronicle Datebook roundup of the best holiday lights in the Bay Area including these favorites in San Francisco:
Thrive City Winter Wonderland - Catch this gargantuan 90-foot (fake) tree next to the Chase Center. Lit up every night until January 5th.
“Entwined” in Golden Gate Park - 5-10pm every day until March 12, 2023
Civic Center Plaza Christmas Tree - Check out the 50-foot Douglass Fir lit up every evening. Unlike Thrive City, this is a real tree!
Glow: Discover the Art of Light at the Exploratorium - Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from noon-5 pm. Ends January 29, 2023.
Take a walking tour of 12 light installations around downtown - Through New Year’s Day
See the Christmas tree and menorah at Union Square while you ice skate - Through January 16, 2023. Book tickets here ($20).
For the kiddos
Enjoy a life-sized gingerbread house
The Fairmont hotel is back again with their life-sized gingerbread house. Bring the little ones and don’t get caught taking a bite out of the gingerbricks.
Or start a new Christmas tradition with the Fairmont’s Holiday Tea. Make your tea parties real!
See the Fire Station Lights
Do your kids love fire trucks and Christmas lights? (Or maybe you’re hoping to get a glimpse of a firefighter? 😉) Check out the Fire Station Lights at some fire stations across the city. SF Chronicle’s Datebook has a list and a map of where to find them.
Catch a screening of Frozen at the Walt Disney Family Museum
Showtimes on Saturday, December 24th and Saturday, December 31st from 1pm to 3pm. Buy tickets here! ($10)
For the adults
Grab a holiday themed drink
Grab a Santa’s Gin Fizz, Nutcracker, or a Blue Christmas from Red Window in North Beach. Virginia Miller, a world-renowned food critic, says the Santa’s Gin Fizz is for the “Ramos Gin Fizz-obsessed […] Bartender Emma Mahoney nailed this one. It’s essentially a classic gin fizz but with praline syrup and pecans. No, it’s not a sweet, cloying bomb like some lovely pralines can be. Its subtle, nutty, only whispers of sweet, letting that soft, seltzer-lazed citrus creaminess shine.”
Head over to Tinseltown at Trademark Bar for a Christmas-themed pop-up. “Tinseltown is all about celebrating Christmas so you can expect Santa, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and lots of winter warmer drinks, including a fabulous Christmas cocktail menu!”
Don’t forget to book tickets ($22) before you go!
For a booze-free drink, grab a Hot Chocolate from San Francisco’s own Dandelion Chocolate on Valencia Street. And pick up the Hot Chocolate Mix Trio for an easy and delicious gift!
See a show
The Nutcracker (nearly sold out!)
When: December 23, 24, 26, and 27 at 11am and 4pm
Where: War Memorial Opera House on Van Ness
A Merry-achi Christmas (nearly sold out!)
When: Friday, December 23 at 7pm
Where: Davies Symphony Hall on Van Ness
Led by the incomparable José Hernández, Mariachi Sol de Mexico® returns to Davies Symphony Hall for a festive musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Experience a multicultural celebration as the ensemble sings and plays holiday favorites from both Mexico and America in a vibrant performance you won’t want to miss.
Buy tickets before they’re all gone!
More celebrations
See a Lion Dance in Chinatown
When: Saturday December 24th and December 31st at 3pm
Where: The Wok Shop, 718 Grant Ave
Hundreds of firecrackers will be set off at 3 pm in front of The Wok Shop, at 718 Grant Ave, San Francisco, along with a lively lion dance. And yes, they’ll be hosting this event even on the Christmas Eve, December 24 and New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022.
Plus, stay until after dark when Chinatown lights up for the holidays. For the first time ever, over 200 businesses in Chinatown are decorated with festive holiday lights.
Via SF Fun Cheap
Celebrate Kwanzaa with The Village Project
Join The Village Project to celebrate Kwanzaa. Stop by one of 16 free events across 9 different neighborhoods and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
The Village Project and our community partners will present our 17th annual Kwanzaa celebrations at various venues throughout San Francisco and Oakland
This year’s entertainment line-up includes a myriad of rhythm & blues and jazz performers, featuring Tia Carroll, Lady Bianca, Michael Skinner& Band, Terrie Odabi, and the John Coltrane Church Band, just to name a few. There will also be spoken word artists and drumming, all followed by a feast of savory delights. Vendors, along with art, drumming and dance workshops will be available for both adults and children.
Plan your New Years Eve party!
SF Bucket List has a great roundup of the New Years Eve parties, including:
Mother of all New Years party
Crawl ‘til the ball falls bar crawl
The Great Gatsby party @ blind pig
The SF Chronicle Datebook has a great roundup too!
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