Weekend drive · Dec 4–6, 2026
San Francisco holiday lights and craft fair road trip 2026
Opening night of Let's Glow SF lights up downtown buildings on Friday. On Saturday there's a Swedish Christmas fair at St. Mary's Cathedral by day and a mile-long light trail in Golden Gate Park after dark. On Sunday, head inland for a long-running craft fair in Carmichael, near Sacramento. December 4–6, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · Light festival
Let's Glow SF
Friday, December 4 · San Francisco, California · event dates: December 4–13, 2026
For ten nights starting December 4, animated projections cover downtown landmarks, including the Ferry Building, the Hobart Building and Salesforce Tower. The festival is free. Watch the Ferry Building show from Harry Bridges Plaza.
- Drive about 5–15 min across town (about 2 mi) to San Francisco.
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Saturday daytime · Holiday fair
SWEA Swedish Christmas Fair
Saturday, December 5 · San Francisco, California · event dates: December 5, 2026
A Swedish Christmas fair at St. Mary's Cathedral on Gough Street, 9 am to 3 pm, with handmade gifts, glögg, waffles and Swedish treats. Lucia concerts start at 10 am and noon. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
- Drive about 15 min (about 4 mi) to San Francisco.
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Saturday evening · Light trail
Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden
Saturday, December 5 · San Francisco, California · event dates: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
A one-mile trail of about a million lights, with art and sound, winds through the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Tickets are for 15-minute entry windows, and most nights sell out, so book ahead. Adult tickets start at $32.
- Drive about 1 h 45 min (about 95 mi) to Carmichael.
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Sunday on the way home · Craft fair
Holiday Show of Hands Craft Fair
Sunday, December 6 · Carmichael, California · event dates: December 4–6, 2026
In its 48th year, St. John the Evangelist School's fundraiser brings more than 150 crafters and artists to 5701 Locust Avenue, along with food and a silent auction. Sunday hours are 9 am to 3 pm.
Drive home to San Francisco, CA: about 1 h 45 min (about 95 mi). Gas prices near Carmichael
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Let's Glow SF | Light festival | Friday, December 4 (runs December 4–13, 2026) | Start |
| 2. SWEA Swedish Christmas Fair | Holiday fair | Saturday, December 5 (runs December 5, 2026) | about 5–15 min across town |
| 3. Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden | Light trail | Saturday, December 5 (runs November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027) | about 15 min |
| 4. Holiday Show of Hands Craft Fair | Craft fair | Sunday, December 6 (runs December 4–6, 2026) | about 1 h 45 min |
Event websites
- Let's Glow SF
- SWEA Swedish Christmas Fair
- Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Holiday Show of Hands Craft Fair
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
More: All weekend drives · California events