Welcome to January in the Bay Area—where winter nights glow, music fills iconic venues, and unforgettable experiences await. Whether you’re cheering on hometown teams, savoring and exploring world-class wine country cuisine, or enjoying candlelit concerts, this month offers a multitude of ways to begin the new year.
Wishing you all a wonderful and bright, new beginning to 2026 as you explore the events below!
Restaurant Month | Napa Valley | Jan. 1 – 31
Celebrate Napa’s agricultural bounty, talented chefs and world-class cuisine, from Michelin-rated meals to farm-to-table perfection. All month long, find exclusive deals and special prix fixe menus at all five towns in Napa Valley’s stunning wine country. Click here and go exploring!
49ers vs. Seahawks | Santa Clara | Jan. 3
Cheer on the Bay Area’s own 49ers and join in celebrating the Faithful at Week 18’s rivalry matchup against the Seattle Seahawks as the teams vie for the NFC West title. Kick-off is set for 5:00PM with national broadcasts on ABC and ESPN. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and to wear black to match the team’s new “Rivalries” uniform, worn for the first time this season. For tickets and info, go here.
Candlelight | San Jose | Jan. 4, 15, 21, 23, & 24
Discover a magical live music performance under the gentle glow of candlelight at two iconic venues in San Jose this January: the Corinthian Grand Ballroom and Hammer Theatre Center. Choose from the music of Hans Zimmer, 90s Unplugged, Queen vs. Abba, Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons, and others for an unforgettable multi-sensory experience. For tickets, locations, and more info, click here.
Chris Botti | San Francisco | Jan. 5-11
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world’s top-selling jazz instrumentalist and GRAMMY-winning trumpeter, Chris Botti, at SFJAZZ Center. Having honed his craft performing and recording with stars like Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Sting, Botti is a masterly musician equally at home in the realms of jazz and pop. Tickets are going fast; book now.
Sharks Hockey | San Jose | Jan. 6, 10, 11 & 23
Wear your Teal pride and come celebrate our hometown San Jose Sharks in their 35th anniversary season on the ice at the SAP Center. Enjoy special fan experiences this month, like First Responders Night on Jan. 10 and Sharks x 49ers Bay Area Unite on Jan. 23, with special arena giveaways and entertainment. Get tickets here.
Skechers Hot Chocolate Run | San Francisco | Jan. 11
Tackle a 15K, 10K or 5K run through beautiful Golden Gate Park and cross the finish line into a chocolate lover’s fantasy at the Skechers Hot Chocolate Run. “America’s Sweetest Run” routes through the park past San Francisco Botanical Gardens, Murphy Windmill, and Ocean Beach to reward you with incredible views AND a great feeling of accomplishment. Click here to register.
Petty Party – Celebrating The Music Of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | Campbell | Jan. 24
Enjoy a powerful performance by Petty Party, LA’s premier tribute celebrating the timeless music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Relive the magic of songs like “American Girl”, “Free Fallin’,” “Refugee,” and more, live at 7:00PM at Heritage Theater. Purchase tickets here.
Hopelessly Romantic | San Jose | Jan. 24 & 25
Surround yourself in symphonic brilliance with Symphony San Jose as they take you on a soul-stirring journey of sweeping melodies from the Romantic greats of Schubert, Sibelius, and Schumann, performed at iconic California Theatre. Get tickets here.
Glowfari | Oakland | Now—Jan. 25
See the Oakland Zoo fully illuminated and experience hundreds of larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo, all telling the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife and the importance of every species on the planet. This wildly popular family-friendly event often sells out, so pre-purchase tickets in advance (and dress warm)! Open to all ages, from 4:30PM – 9:30PM. Go here.
Burrell School Vineyard’s Wine & Crab Feed | Los Gatos | Jan. 31 & Feb. 1
It’s crab season! Enjoy a family-style meal inside the Old Historic Burrell Schoolhouse nestled in the beautiful Los Gatos Mountains. Indulge in fresh local crab, clam chowder, fresh sourdough, and their popular crab-themed cupcakes, with pours of estate-grown wine. Get tickets now!
