A San Francisco Christmas – The 25 Best Things To Do 

Are you wondering if San Francisco at Christmas is a good time to visit?

San Francisco at Christmas is such a fun time of year to hang out in the city. I’ve lived here for almost 30 years and since my birthday is Christmas Eve, I love to celebrate in our beautiful city by the Bay when everything is so festive. San Francisco is especially gorgeous when it’s all lit up 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!

#1 Visit Union Square

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

If you are 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
950 Mason St.

The world famous 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 choo-choo train, and trees of champagne bottles.

There is also a 23 foot tree in the lobby and live holiday music throughout the season.

They also offer 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 Dec 7– 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. Find the tree by 501 Stanyan St.

~ Union Square Macy’s Tree Nov 9 – 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 store. 

~ Ghirardelli Square Lights – Nov 24 – Beginning at 4:30 All of Ghiradelli Square lights up with festivities including performances by the SF Boys Chorus and Santa giving out chocolates. Nov 24

~ Bill Graham Menorah Lighting Dec 7 – 15 – At 3:30 each day, the giant menorah in Union Square next to the tree will be lit on each night of Chanukah.

~ Pier 39 Tree Nov 21 – Jan 7 – 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!

~ Grace Cathedral Dec 4 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 Nov 30 – 600 Stockton 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 Nov 27 – 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 Nov 18 Beginning at 4PM 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 St. Nov 25  The 555 California skyscraper has an 80 foot tree lighting event with carolers, gingerbread cookies, and hot cocoa.

~ Neiman Marcus at Union Square has a beautiful tree made of lights that climbs up to the top of their rotunda ceiling. 

~ Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel has 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 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.

#6 Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the
Dickens Fair

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
30 Van Ness Aveunue

From Dec 13 – 30 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 – The Civic Center Plaza Makers Village

City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

On Dec 6 between 4PM – 7PM in front of City Hall is not just a tree lighting ceremony but toy giveaways, tap dancing Christmas trees, music, handmade gifts, and holiday characters.

Worth it just to see the famous tappers!! They happen to be a troupe from right here in Alameda! 

There will be long lines at popular times, so get your tickets in advance and plan on grabbing a pretzel or hot chocolate while you wait to get in!

#9 San Francisco City Hall Lights

City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

Starting on Dec 6 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!

#10 Watch the Bay Area Lighted Boat Parade

Sausalito Waterfront
Gabrielson Park

On Dec 9 at 5:15 at Sausalito’s waterfront at Gabrielson Park is a boat parade.

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!

#11 Be Santa for a day at Santa Con

On Dec 9 at noon, meet thousands of Santas at Union Square!

Santa Con is the wacky tradition when everyone dresses up as Santa, just for the fun of it!

Its also an opportunity for giving. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the San Francisco Firefighters fund.

Dress up or don’t, but definitely go! It’s a total hoot!

 12. Be an Artist

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 Third St.

On Dec 16 at 1PM SF MoMa is hosting a family create-a-gift day and is showing the holiday film Fay’s Twelve Days of Christmas by William Wegman ( you know, the amazing artist with his Weimaraner dogs). A great way to see the museum and have some hands on fun.

#13 Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Experience the holiday charm at the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore the shops, savor seafood delights, and enjoy the festive decorations along the waterfront.

The wharf is always a good time, but prepare for crowds! If you go, be sure to get some chowder in a sourdough bread bowl to keep you in the festive spirit.

#14 Enjoy the San Francisco Symphony

Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Ave.

From Nov 30 – Dec 23 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
Stybring Arboretum in Golden Gate Park

The  Botanical Garden offers special wreath making workshops for the public on Dec 9. 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
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. How fun is that?

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. The Academy of Sciences

 Nightlife at the  Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park

On Dec 7 from 6PM – 10 PM, The Academy of Sciences hosts the San Francisco Bazaar with a holiday market of handmade goods by independent vendors.

Did you know that they offer weekly “Nightlife” actvities?

Shop, enjoy live music, and explore the museum.

#18 Celebrate Chanukah at the
Jewish Contemporary Museum

 The Jewish Contemporary Museum
736 Mission St.

The Jewish Contemporary Museum hosts a few Chanukah events this year.

On Dec 6 try an an Art Bash project. Pick up your kit to create a special Chanukah art project. You’ll make a ritual box for the holiday to put special wished and things inside as a new tradition.

The museum also hosts a first night candle lighting event on Dec. 6, and a Chanukah Shabbat celebration on Dec. 9.

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
415 Geary St

From Dec 6 – 24 see the best known 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. 

#20 See the Lights at Let’s Glow

 Let’s Glow
Downtown San Francisco

From Dec 1 – 10 the country’s largest digital holiday projection event will be displayed all over San Francisco. The kickoff starts at 6 PM on Dec 1 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

~ The Hobart Building at 582 Market Street

~ Landing at Leidesdorff (formerly Station J) at 565 Commercial Street

~ Pacific Coast Stock Exchange at 301 Pine Street

~ One Bush Street at 1 Bush Street

21. Take an Iconic Holiday Cable Car Ride

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
2765 Hyde St.

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

 Christmas Tree Lane
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

 Christmas Tree Lane
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
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.

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!