6 Ways to Enjoy Winter Break in San Francisco

1. Take a Hike
Walk the trail that runs 17 miles from Candlestick Point to Lands End. “The San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs through hidden trails, public parks, shopping corridors, tiled stairways, and community gardens,” says the website. “You can walk it, run it, or bike it. You can do the whole thing in one day or just try a section.”

2. See the Light
“Entwined,” the illuminated art installation created by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken, returns to Golden Gate Park for its third year. It’s a 10-minute walk from campus.

3. Clean the Streets
Every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Manny’s cafe in the Mission District, people gather to pick up trash for an hour. It’s so popular you need a reservation. The disco music, free hot chocolate, and two-for-one empanadas might have something to do with it.

4. See a Show
Catch A Christmas Carol at American Conservatory Theater, Handel’s Messiah at Davies Symphony Hall,  The Lion King at the Orpheum, Mamma Mia! at the Golden Gate, A Drag Queen Christmas at the Curran, San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker at War Memorial Opera House, a Harry Potter parody at the Palace of Fine Arts, or the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular at the Castro Theatre.

5. Dance in the New Year
Fresh Start is an EDM/house music festival and block party with performances by Louis The Child, Tchami & Malaa, Kaskade, Blu DeTiger, Justin Martin, and many more throughout the weekend. At The Midway music and art venue.

6. Watch the Fireworks
See the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the bay just north of the Bay Bridge. The show starts at midnight, but arrive early to claim a spot in Rincon Park.

Looking for more things to do? Here are a few more.