Now through 12/31 Tuesday
Animals: SF SPCA Festival Windows SPCA’s adoptable puppies and kittens are ready to find their forever homes as they romp and play in the windows. Animal-assisted therapy ambassadors will be making surprise visits to snuggle with passersby. 12 to 6 p.m. Free. Macy’s Union Square, 170 O’Farrell Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/4eHuhwS
12/4 Wednesday
Wellness: Decrease Stress and Increase Engagement
Join Dr. Stephanie Rafanelli for a workshop offering concrete curricular and pedagogical ideas for middle or high school classrooms. As the holiday break approaches, educators and learners can benefit from research-supported ideas to decrease stress and anxiety. The concepts are associated with increased engagement, learning, a sense of belonging, and a host of other positive educational outcomes. Participants will learn activities and ideas before collaborating with other educators to develop direct applications for their own classroom and gather ideas about using SCRAP resources to support their new activities. SCRAP’s Free Teacher Workshops qualify as Proposition G hours! 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free. SCRAP 2150 Newcomb Avenue. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/4e2bcbbv
12/5 Thursday
Design: Michael Doret Book Talk and Signing
Join legendary lettering artist Michael Doret for a humorous journey through his new book Growing Up in Alphabet City, in conversation with Associate Curator Stephen Coles. Get a peek into the secrets of drawing letters by hand. Book signing to follow. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free. Letterform Archive, 2325 Third Street. For more information and to RSVP: https://bit.ly/4fxlpLC
12/6 Friday
Film: Flow
A journey through realms natural and mystical, Flow follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, lemur, bird, and dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, the companions must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet. Roxie Theater, 3125 16th Street. For more information: https://roxie.com/film/flow/
12/7 Saturday
Wellness: Rainbow Community Day of Buddhist Meditation Practice
All who self-identify as LGBTQIA+ & Gender Non-conforming are invited to a day of silent meditation in community to support connecting with the natural purity of hearts and minds with presence and kindness. There’ll be Dharma instruction, guided meditations, mindful walking practice, and time for questions and sharing. The retreat will be co-led by Anushka Fernandopulle and John Martin, who teach at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggested donation $40 to $100; no one turned away for lack of funds. San Francisco Buddhist Center, 37 Bartlett Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/3UVVZyM
12/7 Saturday and 12/8 Sunday
Retail: Make Good Market at Heath Ceramics
Check off your holiday list while supporting small makers, local manufacturing, and independent craft. Featuring more than 40 special guests and vendors hosted by the Tile Factory, as well as demonstrations by The Aesthetic Union using its hand-cranked presses. Plus, workshops on journaling, the creative process, drawing and more. A fleet of food trucks will be on hand to keep your bellies full. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. RSVP encouraged. Heath Ceramics, 2900 18th Street. To reserve a spot, and for more information: https://bit.ly/3YYsnCa
12/8 Sunday
Art: Shipyard Art Show
More than 50 artists in Building 101 of the Hunters Point Shipyard open their studio doors for holiday shopping. Enjoy treats as you discover unique and handmade treasures. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, 451 Galvez Avenue. For more information: https://bit.ly/48Zf4WY
12/8 Sunday
Retail: On the [Bernal] Hill
Fifth annual holiday art and gift fair. Meet neighbors, find and sell unique gifts. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cortland Avenue. For more information: http://bit.ly/4fNUef2
12/11 Wednesday
Art: Free Art Workshop
Create your own mini-Parol using materials such as paper plates, colored cellophane, tissue paper, and yarn. This workshop is inspired by the Parol Lantern Festival, a quintessential Filipinx symbol of hope, blessings, and luck during the holiday season. 2 to 4 p.m. Free with registration. Grand Lobby, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/3ZcM6iS
12/12 Thursday
Music: SF Symphony’s The Muppet Christmas Carol
Michael Caine stars as penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Watch this holiday classic film on the big screen as the Symphony performs the score live. Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $80. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue. For more information: https://bit.ly/3YTzdZG
12/14 Saturday
Art: Ornament Painting
Ukrainian painter Marina Malyarenko will guide you in creating custom painted holiday ornaments with Petrykivka style techniques using traditional tools. Come away with two hand painted ornaments; all materials provided. Rich in Ukrainian symbolism, Petrykivka style utilizes distinct brushing techniques in its many floral and natural images and motifs. Attendees receive a 10 percent discount on any purchases made the day of the class. 12 to 3 p.m. $103.22. ARCH Art Supplies, 1490 17th Street. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/4vwvf9nv
12/14 Saturday
Community: Gun Buyback
No questions asked. Handguns = $100. Assault Weapons = $200. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. United Playaz, 1083 Howard Street. For more information: Rudy Corpuz 415.573.6219
12/15 Sunday
Ceramics: Introduction to Clay Workshop
A step-by-step hands-on clay workshop led by RedBrick Ceramic Studio artists. Finished ceramic art can be picked up four to five days after the workshop. 1 to 3 p.m. $28.52. Redbrick Ceramic Studio, 2111 Mission Street, Third floor. For more information: https://bit.ly/4eDgh7e
12/31 Tuesday
New Year’s Eve: Dinner Dance Party with The Klipptones
Featuring a luxurious prime rib dinner, selection of tantalizing appetizers, and delectable desserts, crafted by Chef Sean Gawel. Dance the night away to the lively tunes of The Klipptones, a local 50’s/60’s rock n’ roll/ funk/ R&B band whose lead singer and founder, Josh Klipp, lives in Potrero Hill. 7 p.m. From $120. Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa Street. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/559y7r2t