There's something particularly cosmopolitan about Hayes Valley. The not quite completely gentrified neighborhood is a balance grit and glamour: opera-goers, panhandlers, hipsters, and families mix, forming that vibrant diversity of social strata that makes city life so unique. A crisp, evening stroll in December can call to mind New York during the holidays–but thankfully about 30 degrees warmer.

Head out this Friday from 6 to 9PM to get into the spirit of the season at the neighborhood's annual holiday block party. You'll find live music, a holiday show in the park (last year featured a band of merry carolers), and of course, lots of sales and in-store events at merchants throughout the area. For more information, click here.