San Francisco in November is pure magic: autumn colors, festive lights, cultural traditions, and the first sparkle of the holiday season. From Día de los Muertos in the Mission to twinkling tree lightings and cozy holiday markets, the city turns into a playground of events for families, friends, and visitors alike. Here’s your guide to the most exciting things happening in November 2025.

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Honor Tradition at Día de los Muertos

San Francisco celebrates the Day of the Dead with parades, altars, and music in the Mission. The Festival of Altars in Potrero del Sol Park and the annual procession bring the streets alive with vibrant colors and heartfelt tributes.

Lace Up for Ice Skating Season

From Union Square to the East Bay, seasonal ice rinks open in early November. The Union Square Ice Rink opens Nov. 5, transforming the heart of the city into a winter wonderland.

Music, Dance, and Glow

Cultural performances take center stage this month:

  • San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival at the Palace of Fine Arts.
  • The Jazz Room for soulful New Orleans rhythms.
  • Candlelight Concerts filling historic spaces with intimate glow.

Thanksgiving Week Fun

November ends with a festive bang: the Turkey Trot in Golden Gate Park, holiday tree lightings at Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, and the Embarcadero, and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace. Pair it with Black Friday markets and you’ve got the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.

Holiday Lights and Seasonal Magic

  • Exploratorium’s GLOW (Nov. 20 – Jan. 25) transforms science into art.
  • Garden of D’Lights in Walnut Creek opens Nov. 21.
  • The Fairmont’s gingerbread house opens Nov. 22—22 feet of edible holiday joy.
  • And don’t miss the Leonid Meteor Shower mid-month, proving that even the skies join the celebration.

Quick-Glance Guide: November 2025 Events in SF

Date Event Location Why It’s Special
Nov. 1–2 Día de los Muertos Procession & Festival of Altars Mission District A colorful, cultural celebration
Nov. 5 Union Square Ice Rink Opening Union Square Skate under the skyline
Nov. 8–9 SF Coffee Festival Fort Mason Tastings, live music, latte art
Nov. 15 Bhangra & Beats Night Market Downtown SF Dance, food, and cultural fusion
Nov. 17–18 Leonid Meteor Shower Bay Area skies Celestial spectacle
Nov. 20–Jan. 25 GLOW at the Exploratorium Pier 15 Interactive light art
Nov. 21 Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty Brava Theater Ballet with glowing LED costumes
Nov. 22 Fairmont Gingerbread House Opens Nob Hill Life-sized holiday gingerbread wonder
Nov. 22–Dec. 21 Dickens Christmas Fair Cow Palace Step into Victorian London
Nov. 27 Turkey Trot Golden Gate Park Fun run before Thanksgiving dinner

November’s Charm in San Francisco

This month is the city at its best: traditions, light displays, music, and festive energy. Whether you’re skating downtown, wandering through glowing gardens, or sipping coffee at a local festival, San Francisco in November 2025 is unforgettable. Bundle up, step out, and make it a month to remember.

Fall foliage is best enjoyed at a slower pace—and with a comfortable home waiting at each stop. HomeExchange makes it easy to stay in charming towns along the railway, with warm living rooms and kitchens to enjoy seasonal meals after a scenic day on the rails.

With so many November events in San Francisco, having a comfortable base is essential. HomeExchange lets you stay in the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with a kitchen for pre-festival meals, a living room to relax after long days, and the feeling of truly belonging in San Francisco.

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