A San Francisco Christmas – The 25 Best Things To Do (2026)

Are you planning a San Francisco Christmas this year?

A San Francisco Christmas is such a wonderful experience. I’ve lived here for almost 40 years, and since my birthday is Christmas Eve, I love celebrating in our beautiful city by the Bay! Everything is so festive and bustling. 

San Francisco becomes a winter wonderland (minus the snow of course) in December, transforming itself for us locals as well as visitors. Let me introduce you to the holiday cheer and the San Francisco traditions that keep the holiday bright!

This is a guide to help you make the most of your San Francisco Christmas holiday season. There is something for children of all ages to enjoy! Add these things to your San Fran itinerary.

Here are my top 25 picks to show you the best in the Bay for your San Francisco Christmas celebrations!

If you are short on time, let me tell you which are the
5 must sees of these 25:

• #1 & #2 Union Square Christmas Tree, Menorah, and skating rink.
• #3  The Fairmont Hotel Gingerbread House.
• #5  A Holiday Lights Tour of the city.
• #21 A Christmas Cable Car ride.
• #25 Filoli Gardens Holiday Lights.

#1 Visit Union Square – A San Francisco Christmas Tradition

Union Square
Location: Corners of Geary, Powell, Post & Stockton Streets

If you’re a first time visitor, or a local, Union Square does not disappoint at holiday time. You’ll find a giant christmas tree, a massive menorah, an ice skating rink, and all the high end department stores surrounding the square in all their glory.

Day or evening, pass through Union Square to enjoy the festivities. Look for caroling, cocoa, and take a lot of pics. It’s a friendly and warm atmosphere that makes you feel inspired by the holiday season. 

#2 Go Skating at Union Square

Union Square
Corners of Geary, Powell, Post & Stockton Streets

The Union Square Holiday Ice Rink is the seasonal skating rink right in the heart of Union Square next to the Christmas Tree and the Menorah.

The rink opens each year from November 1 – January 15. I recommend you get your tix online in advance. General admission is $20 and children under 8 are $15. These prices include skate rentals.

It’s a great activity for the whole family while you’re doing some shopping or just enjoying the season. Keep an eye open for special events and performances like the Drag Queens on Ice, or the Silent Disco Night, and Polar Bear Skate for those of you who want to skate half naked. 

#3 Fairmont Hotel Gingerbread House

Fairmont Hotel
Location: 950 Mason St.

The world famous Fairmont Hotel above Union Square is home to one of the best holiday traditions in all of San Francisco. I never tire of the sight of the life-size, two story, gingerbread house in the lobby at the Fairmont Hotel.

It takes teams of people and engineers to build each year with over 8000 gingerbread bricks, and over 450 hours of decorating the bricks. You can sit and dine inside the gingerbread house (up to 8 people for $$$$$), or you can just ogle at the sweets and chocolates, and then see the holiday train, and trees of champagne bottles. There’s also a 23 foot tree in the lobby and live holiday music throughout the season.

The Fairmont also offers a Christmas Buffet, and special cocktails at the Cirque Bar, the Tonga Bar, and the Lobby Champagne Bar. Be sure to take the family to the Fairmont, it’s a one stop spot! 

#4 Check out San Francisco’s best Menorahs & Christmas Trees

San Francisco has so many tree lighting events and spectacular Christmas trees and decorations, that its nearly impossible to mention them all. However, here are a few that you’ll want to check out:

🎄Golden Gate Park near 501 Stanyan Street Dec 5, 4PM – 8PM
Watch as the giant 135 year old Monterey Cypress tree on the east end of the park is lit up, as it has been since 1929! The SF Parks and Rec Department make a festive evening of it with live music, carnival rides, food trucks, and a whole celebration. The tree is named Uncle John’s Tree after John Maclaren, the original designer of Golden Gate Park.

🎄Union Square Macy’s Tree Nov 14 – Jan 1
Macy’s donates an 83 foot tall, giant tree to the city each year to be displayed in the middle of Union Square in front of the flagship store. 

🎄Ghirardelli Square Lights – Nov 29, 4:30PM – 8PM
All of Ghiradelli Square lights up with festivities including performances by the SF Boys Chorus and Santa giving out chocolates.

🕎 Bill Graham Menorah Lighting at Union Square – Dec 25 – Jan 2, 3:30PM
At 3:30 each day, the giant menorah in Union Square next to the tree will be lit on each night of Chanukah. And Dec 29 is Bill Graham Menorah Day! Live music, dreidels, crafts, and more! This menorah tradition started in 1975 and has inspired other public menorahs around the world.

🎄Pier 39 Tree Nov 26 – Jan 7, 5PM – 10PM
Pier 39 lights its tree throughout the season with 13,000 lights, 400 ornaments and 150 bows. The 60 foot tree show begins every night at every half hour from 5-10 pm throughout the season. The lights are synchronized to music to put on a display like you have never seen before! This year’s tree is harvested by Carlton Christmas Trees from Siskiyou County in Northern California.

🎄Grace Cathedral 1100 California Street – Dec 9 – Jan 2, 6:30PM – 8PM
Grace Cathedral hosts its annual Christmas tree event with the largest origami tree in the world. In partnership with the Rainbow World Fund, they make a tree of over 17,000 origami cranes, each with wishes for the future. You can send your wish to be inscribed on one of the cranes. The drag queen nuns, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, bless the tree each year at the opening celebration..

🎄Ritz Carlton 600 Stockton Street – Dec 4, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Beginning at 5:30 The hotel opens the season with its annual tree lighting event glittering in front of the hotel. Complete with Dickens style carolers, trumpets, and Santa Claus photo ops. Kids can participate in the Teddy Bear events to have cocoa and scones while watching a holiday show. They also host a Christmas day feast and a champagne toast on New Years.

🎄Castro Tree 501 Castro Street Bank of America Plaza – Dec 2, 6PM – 7PM
At Bank of America Plaza at 501 Castro Street, the tree lighting ceremony begins at 6PM and includes a moment with the mayor, performances by the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, and Santa!

🎄Embarcadero Building Lighting 2 Embarcadero Center – Nov 21, 5:30PM
Beginning at 5:30PM daily during the holidays at 2 Embarcadero Center, the buildings are lit with 17,000 lights illuminating the San Francisco skyline for the season. Join the full carnival celebration with games, face painting, Santa, and more.

🎄555 California Street 555 California Street – Dec 2, 5PM 
The 555 California skyscraper has an 80 foot tree lighting event with carolers, gingerbread cookies, and hot cocoa.

🎄Neiman Marcus at Union Square 150 Stockton Street, Nov 18
Neiman Marcus has a beautiful tree made of lights that climbs up to the top of their rotunda ceiling. Visit the lobby of the floor to get the full effect of this spectacular light show.

🎄Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel 999 California Street, Nov 22
The Mark Hopkins Hotel and The Top Of The Mark have a stunning lobby with a majestic tree. The famous Top Of The Mark restaurant offers many holiday activities throughout the season like a magical tea, and Christmas Eve and Day celebrations.

🎄Westin St. Francis 335 Powell Street
Unveils its annual Sugar Castle at Thanksgiving and keeps the display up through New Year’s Day. You can even “explore” the inside of the castle with a virtual tour.

#5 Take a Holiday Lights Tour

Drive through the city’s neighborhoods on a magical holiday lights tour.

Many tour operators offer guided excursions, showcasing the most dazzling and festive light displays. From elaborately decorated homes in Pacific Heights to the charming streets of Nob Hill, each neighborhood has its unique charm.

Book the HIGHLY Rated San Francisco Christmas Lights Tour

#6 Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the Dickens Fair

Dickens Fair
Location: Cow Palace on 2600 Geneva Avenue in Daly City

On weekends through Dec 17, at the Cow Palace from 10 AM – 6PM is the annual Dickens Fair. Picture a recreated London Town with all the decor, food, and activity of a Victorian era Christmas. Since 1970 this fair has been a holiday tradition and offers theater, caroling, food, activities, and more!

#7 San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

War Memorial Opera House
Location: 30 Van Ness Avenue

From Dec 5 – 28 the San Francisco Ballet Company’s production of the Nutcracker comes alive. Make ballet your thing and see this spectacular show!

It’s truly a special holiday tradition that we maintained in our house for many years. We dressed up, took the girls to the matinee on Christmas Eve and escaped into the magic of Tchaikovsky’s music, conducted by none other than Santa himself! Get your tix at the San Francisco Ballet website.

#8 A Holiday Market – SF Holiday Makers Market

San Francisco Ferry Building
Location: 1 Ferry Building
Dec 8, 11AM – 4PM

On Dec 8, between 11AM – 4PM, this one day only event at the Ferry Building is not just a market, but a unique opportunity to buy gifts from all locally sourced merchants from the SF Bay Area. Support local and have a great time doing it!

#9 San Francisco City Hall Lights

San Francisco City Hall
Location: 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco City Hall lights up every night of the week at sunset, honoring all the holidays and traditions. 220 LED lights do the job on the face of our city’s pride and joy, the San Francisco City Hall.

Look for the dome to be lit during the holidays. With the tree in front, and all the windows illuminating red and green, it’s a spectacular sight! Check here for the What Color Is City Hall Today Schedule.

#10 Watch the Bay Area Lighted Boat Parade

Sausalito Waterfront
Location: Gabrielson Park
Dec 14, 6PM – 7:15PM

On Dec 14 at 6PM at Sausalito’s waterfront at Gabrielson Park is a lighted boat parade and fireworks display! How fun is that?

Head to Sausalito, just over the Golden Gate Bridge, to see the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks. The boats are decorated with lights and sail on the waterfront with the city in the background. Worth the trip over the bridge! And check out all the things to do in Sausalito while you’re there!

Book the Five Star Christmas Walking Tour in San Francisco Here!

#11 Be Santa for a day at Santa Con

Union Square
Dec 14 12PM

On Dec 14 at noon, meet thousands of Santas at Union Square! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the SF Fire Department Toy Program. It’s a great opportunity to give a little and have a blast while doing it!

Santa Con is the wacky tradition when everyone dresses up as Santa, just for the fun of it! This is a free, open to families, and fun for everyone event. Dress up or don’t, but definitely go! It’s a total hoot!

 #12 Visit the SF MoMa for Special Holiday Events

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Location: 151 Third Street

Dec 8 is a Free Family Day and a local artists’ Makers Market! Bring the whole family and enjoy special exhibits and activities for all.

#13 Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Location: San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

Experience holiday charm at the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore the shops, savor seafood delights, and enjoy the festive decorations along the waterfront. If you go, be sure to get some chowder in a sourdough bread bowl to keep you in the festive spirit.

The wharf is always a good time, but prepare for crowds during the holidays as lots of tourists visit San Francisco this time of year!

#14 Enjoy the San Francisco Symphony

Davies Symphony Hall
Location: 201 Van Ness Ave.
Dec 1 – Dec 21

From Dec 1 – Dec 21 the SF Symphony has a full schedule of holiday concerts. The performances include family friendly shows, live accompaniment to movies, chorus, and a whole array of special guests. Check out the info at the SF Symphony website.

#15 Make a Wreath at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden
Location: Stybring Arboretum in Golden Gate Park
Dec 14 10AM -12PM

The  Botanical Garden offers special wreath making workshops for the public on Dec 14. Its super popular, so register early via the SF Botanical Garden website.

The Gardens of Golden Gate Park include the SF Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers. They are all within walking distance to each other and you can purchase a pass to visit all three if you like.

At the Botanical Garden you’ll find a 55 acre garden with over 8000 plants from around the world. It’s a great way to be out in the foggy winter air and enjoy these beautiful gardens.

#16 Be Wild at the San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo
Location: Sloat Blvd. & Upper Great Highway

The SF Zoo offers a $1.00 discount on admission during December weekends if you wear an “ugly” holiday sweater. Go out and get one if you don’t already own a few?

With kids out of school and tourists visiting town, be prepared for crowds. Bundle up in your sweater, and head out to the famous zoo by the Pacific Ocean.

#17 Holiday Celebrating at The Academy of Sciences

Academy of Sciences
Location: Golden Gate Park
Nov 22 – Jan 5

Beginning in November, The Academy of Sciences is offering a bunch of fun holiday activities!

Dec 5, 6PM – 10PM – Santa Claude’s Workshop for adults only with a holiday market of handmade goods by independent vendors.

Nov 22 – Jan 5 – Welcome Winter events include baby reindeer, camels, and yaks. And look for music, dancing, cookie decorating, and falling snow! Check the museum website here for deets.

#18 Celebrate Chanukah at the Contemporary Jewish Museum

The Contemporary Jewish Museum
Location: 736 Mission Street

Sadly, The Contemporary Jewish Museum will be closing for one year beginning on Dec 16, 2024. So please go and support this historic and precious gem of San Francisco before it closes! Admission will be free for all visitors until the temporary closing.

And while you are in the neighborhood, look for the SF Mission Murals!

#19 Don’t Be a Scrooge – See the ACT Christmas Carol

ACT Toni Rembe Theater
Location: 415 Geary Street
Dec 1 – Dec 24

From Dec 1 – 24 see the best known Charles Dickens’ Christmas tale. The American Conservatory Theater (ACT) is San Francisco’s renowned theater company. A treasure of San Francisco, ACT has performed A Christmas Carol for decades. Get tix here.

#20 See the Lights at Let’s Glow

Let’s Glow
Location: Downtown San Francisco
Dec 6 – Dec 15 5:30PM – 10PM

From Dec 1 – 10 the country’s largest digital holiday projection event will be displayed all over San Francisco. The kickoff starts at 5 PM on Dec 6 with cocoa, s’mores, and even gluten free cupcakes!

What’s a digital holiday projection?  Well, high tech projectors and lasers will project large scale art concepts onto 5 iconic buildings. And its FREE! Look for the art each of the 10 evenings on:

• The Ferry Building at 1 Ferry Building
• Top of Salesforce Tower at 415 Mission Street
• Pacific Coast Stock Exchange at 301 Pine Street
• One Bush Plaza at 1 Bush Street
• 101 California Street – 101 California Street
• Annie Alley – 665 Market Street
• The Crossing at East Cut – 250 Main Street
• PGE Substation – 425 Folsom Street

#21 Take an Iconic Holiday Cable Car Ride

Powell-Hyde Line
Location: Hyde & Beach Street

We all know riding the cable cars is an absolute must when visiting SF, but take a ride on a cable car during the holidays and you are in for a special treat!

Since 1910, the historic cars have been decorated for the holiday season. You’ll even hear some holiday music as you ride through the streets and careen down the hills! It’s worth the wait in line for the ride.

I always recommend taking the Powell-Hyde Line that starts on Hyde and Beach Streets at the Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square and riding all the way to Market St. Or do the reverse starting at the Powell Street turnaround off Market St.

#22 Have an Irish Coffee at the Famous Buena Vista Cafe

Buena Vista Cafe
Location: 2765 Hyde Street

The world famous Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe is a perfect holiday treat. The Buena Vista is San Francisco’s treasured bistro since 1916. It’s cozy and crowded and festive at the holidays. Make this one of your traditions. Can I recommend you have their french fries too?

#23 Visit Christmas Tree Lane in the East Bay

Christmas Tree Lane
Location: Thompson St., Alameda

The Bay Area’s most popular Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda, across the Bay from SF. Its a long standing tradition that the homes on Thompson St. decorate their homes, light up the street, and even deliver letters to Santa throughout the season. Enjoy the small town event, but be prepared for crowds.

#24 Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo
Location: 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland

On weekend evenings Nov – Jan, the renowned Oakland Zoo lights up with larger than life animal lanterns and train rides through the jungle exhibits. Even Santa visits the zoo for this wild holiday time 5PM – 9PM weekend nights.

#25 Visit the Holiday Lights at the Spectacular Filoli Gardens

Filoli Gardens
Location: 86 Cañada Road, Woodside

Visiting Filoli at the holiday time is one of my most favorite holiday activities. The entire estate is lit up in a magical way, the house is decorated with so many Christmas trees, I can’t even count them, and you can sit by fire pits sipping hot cocoa or hot apple cider.

Filoli Gardens are located on the ancestral lands of the Ohlone tribe in Woodside, just 30 minutes south of San Francisco.

The Filoli estate is on 654 acres with a mansion that was originally a private home. Since 1975, the residence and the gardens have been open to the public as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Filoli has a 54,000 square-foot Georgian revival-style mansion, 16 acres of English gardens, a 6.8-acre Orchard, and acres and acres of Natural Lands.

Where is the best place to stay in San Francisco at Christmas?

San Francisco, the precious city by the Bay with its Victorian homes, exciting skyline, and great winter weather is a perfect place to spend the holidays. There are a myriad of hotel choices, of course, but here are  my top picks for the safest boutique hotels in the city.

Best Bargain Boutique Hotel In San Francisco
The Hotel Triton

342 Grant Avenue
In the heart of Union Square and close to Chinatown is this cool hotel with local art, unique rooms and a great vibe. The hotel is known for great service, being in an awesome location, and having the best French restaurant in town, Cafe De La Presse.

Best Mid Range Boutique Hotel in San Francisco
1 Hotel San Francisco (formerly Hotel Vitale)

8 Mission Street
The 1 Hotel San Francisco is in a great location, across from the Ferry Building with views of the city skyline and the Bay. This hotel is known for its beautiful style with local natural materials.

Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in San Francisco
Hotel Drisco

2901 Pacific Avenue
This luxury boutique hotel is at the top of San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood. It’s a turn of the century, Edwardian style hotel  known for beautiful decor, great service, complimentary breakfasts and generous wine time.

Best Comfy Boutique Hotel in San Francisco
Hotel Zeppelin

545 Post Street
Check out this great bargain in the beautiful Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. The Zeppelin is the city’s hotel with a bold style. Known for being a comfy, funky, and affordable spot in a great location.

What is the weather like in San Francisco at Christmas?

While December is the height of the winter season in San Francisco, and known as the coldest time of year, it’s still really mild compared to most places in winter. 

The average temperature in San Francisco during the month of December is 66 degrees fahrenheit. Expect some rain, but nothing you can’t manage without a jacket, a layer underneath, and an umbrella.

And no, it does not snow in San Francisco, in case you were wondering! Well, at least not since 1976!

Now you’re ready to have the best San Francisco Christmas!

In a nutshell…

San Francisco truly comes alive during the Christmas season.  The city offers the perfect blend of tradition, culture, and festive activities.

Whether you’re ice skating in Union Square, loving the city’s holiday lights, or soaking up Victorian charm, the Bay Area is perfect for an unforgettable holiday season.

So, bundle up, grab your family, and get ready to make have a ball and leave your heart in San Francisco!

xx,
Carrie