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Make a star-shaped Filipino lantern at one of two free SFMOMA workshops. The activity connects the parol’s holiday symbolism with welcome and Filipino community life in San Francisco’s South of Market.
All times are local to the venue · America/Los Angeles
A parol in an open window once signaled to travelers that they could find welcome and shelter, according to SFMOMA’s account of the Filipino lantern. SOMA Pilipinas brings that tradition into a hands-on workshop at the museum, where participants can make a star-shaped parol of their own.
SFMOMA describes the parol as a prominent symbol of the holiday season in the Philippines, associated with hope, peace, joy and light. Its account also points to an older practice: a lantern in an open window let travelers know they might find shelter inside.
That association gives the parol a meaning beyond seasonal decoration. For Filipinos in San Francisco, SFMOMA says, it represents shared heritage and a ritual that brings people together in the South of Market.
Further reading: Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗
The workshop is presented by SOMA Pilipinas, which San Francisco and California recognize as a cultural hub for Filipino community, arts, culture and activism. Its stated work includes resisting the displacement of Filipino residents and cultural institutions, promoting Filipino visibility through cultural events and public art, and pursuing racial equity alongside other communities.
That local context helps explain why making a parol here is also a community activity: SFMOMA connects the lantern to a shared Filipino heritage and a South of Market ritual.
Further reading: Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗
Participants will build their own star-shaped parol, and materials are provided. The workshop is designed for all ages. SFMOMA does not specify a construction method, so the announced activity is making the lantern rather than learning a particular technique.
SFMOMA says participants can carry their lantern in SOMA Pilipinas’ 24th Annual Parol Lantern Festival on December 12, 2026. The workshop listing does not give the festival’s location or say whether separate participation steps are required; an RSVP for a museum workshop should not be treated as festival registration.
Further reading: Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗
The November 8 and December 6 listings are separate opportunities to take part in the same workshop, not a multi-session course. Choose the Sunday that fits your plans.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1–4 p.m.
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1–4 p.m. Each date is a separate session of the workshop.
SFMOMA says the workshop is free and open to the public, museum admission is not required, and an RSVP is encouraged.
SFMOMA’s general visitor guidelines say everyone entering the museum needs a ticket, including visitors eligible for free admission. The workshop listing does not explain whether its RSVP serves as that ticket or whether another step is needed. Check the event’s RSVP instructions before going.
Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗ · Guidelines for Visiting SFMOMA ↗
Children 13 and younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times at SFMOMA.
Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗ · Guidelines for Visiting SFMOMA ↗
The workshop is at SFMOMA, 151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103.
The workshop is in Helen and Charles Schwab Hall on Floor 2 at SFMOMA, 151 Third St. The museum’s visitor guide places the main visitor entrance at 151 Third Street, a few blocks from Montgomery Street BART and other public transportation. Use the directions link to plan from your starting point.
SFMOMA’s arrival information says the Joyce and Larry Stupski Entrance on Minna Street is used for after-hours or education events. This daytime workshop listing does not specify an event entrance, so check the event instructions or museum signage when you arrive.
Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗ · SFMOMA · Visitor's Guide ↗ · Getting Here · SFMOMA ↗
SFMOMA’s garage is at 147 Minna Street and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Published rates are $4 per 30 minutes, $26 for up to 10 hours and $35 for up to 24 hours. Members receive a 25% discount and nonmembers a 10% discount, with validation at the Haas Jr. Atrium on Floor 1. Discounts apply only to the first 3.5 hours; after that, the rate is $26 for up to 12 hours. The garage has nine accessible spaces.
SFMOMA says its entrance and floors are accessible to visitors using wheeled devices or with mobility difficulties. The Third Street entrance has electric push-button doors, an accessible drop-off nearby, and elevators serving Floor 2. Manual wheelchairs, portable gallery stools and adjustable canes are available free at the Floor 1 coat check, first come, with an ID card. The event listing does not describe workshop-specific accommodations.
Accessibility at SFMOMA ↗ · Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗
Choose Sunday, November 8, or Sunday, December 6, 2026. Both sessions run from 1 to 4 p.m.
It is free, and museum admission is not required; SFMOMA encourages an RSVP. The event listing does not explain whether RSVP meets the museum’s general ticket requirement, so check its RSVP instructions.
Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗ · Guidelines for Visiting SFMOMA ↗
Yes. SFMOMA says materials will be provided to make a star-shaped parol.
The workshop is designed for all ages. SFMOMA requires children 13 and younger to be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas · SFMOMA ↗ · Guidelines for Visiting SFMOMA ↗
SFMOMA says participants can carry their lantern in SOMA Pilipinas’ 24th Annual Parol Lantern Festival on December 12, 2026. The workshop listing does not provide the festival location or participation details.
151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103
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Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-11-01 against the linked sources.