Wintertime in the Bay Area offers a ton of activities to help you kickstart 2024! How about tackling a fitness goal and participating in San Francisco’s Hot Chocolate Run on Jan. 7? Or transporting yourself into another world with a candlelight concert, art walk, or nature hike? The surf is up, the King Tides are back, and our gorgeous coastal waters provide fresh catch all winter long, offering plenty of occasions to gather and celebrate with others.
Wishing you a joyful start to the New Year with these popular upcoming events!
Candlelight Concerts | Multiple Bay Area Locations | Throughout January
Enjoy sublime music surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight in a stunning atmosphere – this is “Candlelight.” Live musicians perform by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues in the Bay Area all year long, offering a multi-sensory musical experience in awe-inspiring locations. This January, you can experience the music of Hans Zimmer, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and more. For tickets and info, click here.
Sharks Nights | San Jose | Throughout January
Come and root for your hometown San Jose Sharks team at the SAP Center! Check out some of the can’t-miss games with special giveaways—like “Celebrating Women in Sports” on Jan. 6, “Summer in January” on Jan. 20, and “Pride Night” on Jan. 27! Follow the Sharks and get tickets here.
First Friday Art Tour | Santa Cruz | January 5
On the first Friday of every month, Santa Cruz’s galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. Enjoy unique exhibits, live music, and food trucks to fuel your evening of exploration. Click here to learn more.
Hot Chocolate Run | San Francisco | January 7
Billed “America’s Sweetest Run,” the Hot Chocolate 5K, 10K, and 15K Run starts and ends in beautiful San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The stunning route through the park and along Ocean Beach rewards you with a great feeling of accomplishment AND a chocolate-lover’s fantasy post-race party! Sign up now! Click here to register.
SF 49ers vs. LA Rams | Santa Clara | January 7
Cheer on the Bay Area’s 49ers in this showdown against the Los Angeles Rams! Kick-off at Levi’s Stadium takes place at 1:25PM. For more information, podcasts, and tickets, follow the Niners here.
King Tides Project | California Coast | January 11-12
Help observe and photograph the highest tides of winter as the King Tides return to the shores of California. King Tides create a dramatic coastline, with not only the highest tides, but also the lowest—when you can see even more creatures in tidepools along the shoreline. Find out what time the King Tides will be near you at coastal.ca.gov and upload your photos to help document our changing coastline. Or, join others on a guided tour at the Palo Alto Baylands or Elkhorn Slough to learn more about how this natural phenomenon occurs.
FREE Entrance Day | National Parks Nationwide | January 15
In honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Parks will waive entrance fees for everyone! Find serenity, beauty, and adventure in one of our local Bay Area national parks, or join others in this day of service all across America by volunteering to support these national treasures. Visit findyourpark.com to learn more.
Restaurant Week | Napa Valley | January 19 – 28
Calling all foodies! Celebrate the incredible gastronomy of Napa Valley for 10 full days in January. World-class restaurants open their doors to exclusive deals on inventive epicurean meals and experiences for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Browse the menu specials from participating restaurants here and go exploring!
Sing and Swing | Saratoga | January 28
Under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center has brought the art form of jazz from the heart of New York City to over 446 cities in more than 40 countries. Click here to spend an unforgettable evening at beautiful Montalvo on Jan. 28 and listen to the trailblazing talent of Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III, a dynamic duo with prodigious trumpet and vocal charm, as they perform jazz classics in this production by Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents.
Crab Feeds | Bay Area | January – March
Crab feed season is here! These popular, all-you-can-eat events are in full swing now through March, with many offering live music, dancing, and auctions for charity. These annual traditions often sell out, so purchase your tickets now! Find one near you at patch.com.
