November is when San Francisco shifts from fall to the holidays. The month opens with the Día de los Muertos procession in the Mission, the Union Square ice rink opens a few days later, and by the last week Lightscape is glowing in Golden Gate Park and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair is running just south of the city. Rain usually returns this month, but there are still plenty of clear, mild days.
In this guide
This page is part of our San Francisco events calendar.
November 2026 at a glance
- Nov 2 Día de los Muertos procession, Mission, around 7pm
- Nov 3 Free First Tuesday at the de Young and Legion of Honor
- Nov 4 Union Square ice rink opens
- Nov 19 Alcatraz expected to reopen after dock repairs
- Nov 20 Lightscape opens at the SF Botanical Garden
- From Nov 21 Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Cow Palace
- Weather Average high 64°F, low 51°F, about 2.6 inches of rain
Día de los Muertos, November 2
The Día de los Muertos procession honors loved ones who have died. It gathers around 7pm near 22nd and Bryant streets in the Mission on Monday, November 2. People carry candles and photos, many wear calavera face paint, and community altars go up in the neighborhood. The procession is free. Muni and BART to 24th Street are easier than driving.
Union Square ice rink, from November 4
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink returns to Union Square on Wednesday, November 4, and stays through January 18, 2027. Admission with skate rental is $22, or $17 for children 8 and under. Details are on the rink’s website.
Alcatraz reopens, November 19
Alcatraz has been closed since October 26 for dock repairs, and the National Park Service expects it to reopen on November 19. Tickets sell out quickly after a closure, so book with Alcatraz City Cruises as early as you can. See the Alcatraz tour guide.
Lightscape, from November 20
Lightscape fills the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park with a lit trail from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Entry is timed, adult tickets start at $32 and children 4 and under go free. Buy through Gardens of Golden Gate Park. Popular nights sell out.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair, from November 21
The Dickens Fair turns the Cow Palace in Daly City, just south of San Francisco, into Victorian London, with costumed performers, music, pubs and holiday shopping. It is open 10am to 6pm on November 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, then on weekends through December 20. Buy tickets on the Dickens Fair website.
Thanksgiving, November 26
Many museums and attractions close or change hours on Thanksgiving Day. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year around Union Square. Holiday lights and the big Union Square tree usually arrive in late November. See our Christmas lights guide for what is confirmed.
Every week in November
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm.
- Free Saturdays at the de Young and Legion of Honor for Bay Area residents.
- Free First Sunday at the Asian Art Museum on November 1.
Official resources: Alcatraz Island, National Park Service, Gardens of Golden Gate Park, Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit San Francisco?
Yes, if you pack for rain. Crowds are smaller than in summer, and the holiday season starts in the second half of the month.
When is Día de los Muertos in San Francisco in 2026?
The main procession in the Mission is on Monday, November 2, starting around 7pm near 22nd and Bryant streets.
Is Alcatraz open in November 2026?
It is closed until November 18 for dock repairs and is expected to reopen on November 19.
Photo credits
Featured image: DestinationFearFan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.