Litquake – Where Words Party Hard
Before diving into the holidays, let’s give a nod to Litquake, San Francisco’s month-long literary festival that wraps up in early November. Picture hundreds of readings, discussions, film screenings, and themed events popping up all over the Bay Area — like literary fireworks that refuse to stay in one place. With more than 100 events and 600 authors, Litquake draws about 21,000 book-loving souls every year, making it the world’s largest free pop-up literary festival. I managed to attend one event at City Lights Books, the legendary bookstore founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, where writers debated the role of art, writing, and ideas in our age — deep thoughts fueled, naturally, by espresso.
Aura, Grace Cathedral
On to the Holidays in San Francisco
November is when the City officially switches from spooky to sparkly. Personally, I consider Halloween the gateway drug to the holidays — a joyous sprint (or stumble) from candy to champagne, straight through Boxing Day.
I love heading into San Francisco for the season’s festivities. At the top of my list: the breathtaking Aura light and sound experience at Grace Cathedral, live jazz at The Jazz Room, ice skating (because nothing says “holiday spirit” like clinging to the rail), and the Winter Walk at Union Square — best enjoyed with cocoa, cocktails, or both. Afterward, I recommend sliding into the Starlite Room at The Beacon Grand for fabulous cocktails and people-watching, or making the rounds at the Top of the Mark and The Fairmont, both decked out in full holiday glamour.
No San Francisco December is complete without the Great Dickens Fair (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 + Friday, Nov. 28). It’s a glorious mashup of shopping, singing, dancing, and—let’s be honest—more drinking.
And for the culture vultures among us, November brings free museum days at the Asian Art Museum, the de Young, and the Conservatory of Flowers. Add in Smuin Ballet’s “The Christmas Ballet”, and you’ve got a perfect mix of class and cheer.
November in San Francisco is truly a magical blend of late-fall coziness and early holiday sparkle — the ideal time to get out, dress up, and soak in the season’s bounty (preferably with something festive in hand).
