The holiday season in San Francisco is a magical time, with iconic locations transforming into winter wonderlands and streets aglow with festive lights. From Union Square’s grand Christmas tree to cozy holiday teas at luxurious hotels, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, get ready to experience the best of holiday traditions, family-friendly events, and unique activities across the city. Here’s your guide to celebrating the 2024 holidays in San Francisco in style!

1. Union Square Festivities

Union Square is the city’s heart of holiday festivities! Wander through towering holiday trees, light displays, and the SPCA’s Holiday Windows featuring adorable adoptable pets. Don’t miss the Winter Walk pedestrian zone, perfect for shopping and holiday eats.
When: Veterans Day Weekend – New Year’s Eve; Menorah Lighting during Chanukah (Nov 28 – Dec 6)
Where: Union Square, San Francisco
Website: Union Square Events

2. Union Square Ice Skating Rink

Skate under the holiday lights at this outdoor rink, surrounded by the bustling holiday decor of Union Square!
When: Nov 6, 2024 – Jan 20, 2025
Where: Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco
Cost: $20 adults; $15 kids (8 & under)
Website: Union Square Ice Rink

3. Fairmont’s Gingerbread House

The Fairmont Hotel’s life-sized gingerbread house is a magical holiday stop! Walk through the intricate, edible structure for some festive photos.
When: Opens Nov 23, 2024 – Early Jan
Where: Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill
Website: Fairmont Gingerbread House

4. Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis

Enjoy a memorable breakfast with Santa and participate in “Dollie + Me” teas for a festive family outing.
When: Breakfast with Santa – Dec 7; Dollie + Me Teas – Dec 14-15
Where: Westin St. Francis Hotel, Union Square
Website: Westin Holiday Events

5. Let’s Glow SF

Catch mesmerizing holiday-themed light projections on iconic Financial District buildings, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
When: Dec 6-15, 2024, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Financial District
Website: Let’s Glow SF

6. San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

Experience the Nutcracker, a holiday classic performed by the world-renowned SF Ballet. A must-see for all ages!
When: Dec 6-29, 2024
Where: War Memorial Opera House
Website: SF Ballet Nutcracker

7. A Whynot Christmas Carol at A.C.T.

A twist on the classic tale, this play-within-a-play brings humor and holiday cheer to the stage.
When: Nov 26 – Dec 24, 2024
Where: A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theater
Website: A.C.T. Christmas Carol

8. High Tea for the Holidays

Enjoy afternoon tea at San Francisco’s finest hotels, with themes like “Teddy Bear Tea” and “Dollie + Me.” Perfect for a fancy holiday outing!
When: Varies by hotel, late Nov – Dec
Where: Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Westin St. Francis
Website: See each hotel for details.

9. Ferry Building Merry Transformations

Every December, the Ferry Building offers family-friendly crafts, music, and festive decorations.
When: Every weekend in December
Where: Ferry Building
Website: Ferry Building Events

10. Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf Holiday Lights

From light displays to the classic boat parade, enjoy holiday magic along the waterfront at Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
When: Nov 26, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
Where: Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
Website: Pier 39 Holidays

11. ‘Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences

Discover the magic of science with reindeer, snow flurries, and holiday-themed exhibits!
When: Nov 23, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
Where: California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park
Website: California Academy of Sciences

12. Illuminate SF Festival of Light

Explore over 30 glowing light installations throughout the city, including the magical “Entwined” in Golden Gate Park.
When: Nov 25, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025
Where: Various locations around SF
Website: Illuminate SF

13. Holiday Lights and Sites Lucky Tuk Tuk Tour 

Celebrate the season in a Tuk Tuk! Se San Francisco at its seasonal best!
Feast your eyes on the festive lights and drink in some holiday cheer on board decorated vehicles! Getting in the holiday spirit comes naturally as you view the beautifully adorned Christmas trees, skating rinks, twinkling bridge lights, and illuminated houses and streets throughout the city. Even the cable cars are festooned with lights!

The 1.5-hour Holiday Lights outings include yummy hot cocoa, candy canes, fuzzy Santa hats, and plenty of sing-along holiday karaoke tunes on board. Maximum of 6 guests per private tour. 

When: December 13 through 24, 2024 5 and 7 pm departures 
Where: Starts at Umbrell Alley in Fisherman’s Wharf

Website: Lucky Tuk Tuk San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour

14. Holiday Concerts at SF Symphony

Catch holiday concerts featuring classics like Handel’s Messiah and fun shows like “Elf in Concert.”
When: Various dates in Dec
Where: Davies Symphony Hall
Website: SF Symphony

15. Holiday Boat Parade

Watch boats decked out in twinkling lights parade along the waterfront—a sight that’s pure holiday magic!
When: Dec 13, 2024
Where: Fisherman’s Wharf
Website: Holiday Boat Parade

16. Macy’s Holiday Windows

Marvel at Macy’s SPCA windows, showcasing adorable animals in festive settings, all adoptable for the holidays.
When: Nov 22 – Dec 31, 2024
Where: Macy’s Union Square
Website: SPCA Holiday Windows

17. Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events

Visit the iconic chocolate square for Santa sightings, tree lightings, and festive live music.
When: Late Nov – Dec
Where: Ghirardelli Square
Website: Ghirardelli Square

18. Parol Lantern Festival and Parade

Celebrate Filipino holiday traditions with a beautiful lantern parade in Yerba Buena Gardens.
When: Dec 14, 2024
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens
Website: Parol Lantern Festival

19. Holiday Market at the Ferry Building

Find unique, locally crafted gifts at the Ferry Building’s seasonal holiday market.
When: Every weekend in Dec
Where: Ferry Building
Website: Ferry Building Holiday Market

20. Guardsmen Tree Lot at Fort Mason

Shop for Christmas trees while supporting a good cause at this historic tree lot in Fort Mason.
When: Dec 1-24, 2024
Where: Fort Mason Center
Website: Guardsmen Tree Lot

21. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy

Laugh along at this unique comedy show on Christmas Eve, featuring Chinese food and Jewish comedians.
When: Dec 24, 2024
Where: Congregation Sherith Israel
Website: Kung Pao Comedy

22. Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Travel back in time to Victorian London at the Dickens Fair, with costumes, carolers, and traditional holiday treats.
When: Weekends Nov 23 – Dec 22, 2024
Where: Cow Palace
Website: Dickens Fair

23. Holiday Shopping Strolls in Chinatown

Explore festive decor and shops in Chinatown, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.
When: All season
Where: Chinatown
Website: Chinatown SF

24. Tree Lighting at City Hall

Watch City Hall come alive in festive colors with a holiday tree lighting ceremony.
When: Early Dec
Where: San Francisco City Hall
Website: City Hall

25. Elf on the Big Screen with Live SF Symphony

Enjoy a live symphony performance of the holiday movie “Elf” at Davies Symphony Hall.
When: Dec 19-20, 2024
Where: Davies Symphony Hall
Website: Elf with SF Symphony

26. Golden Gate Park Carousel

Ride the historic carousel decked out in holiday lights, with free rides on special holiday weekends.
When: Nov – Dec weekends
Where: Golden Gate Park
Website: Golden Gate Park

27. SantaCon

Get your Santa suit on and join the biggest holiday bar crawl, spreading cheer all around the city!
When: Dec 14, 2024
Where: Throughout SF
Website: SantaCon SF

28. New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Embarcadero

Ring in the New Year with a bang as fireworks light up the sky over the Bay!
When: Dec 31, 2024
Where: Embarcadero
Website: NYE Fireworks SF

San Francisco’s holiday season offers endless opportunities to celebrate, make memories, and feel the magic of the city. From glittering lights to joyous performances, these events capture the warmth and wonder of the season. Whether you’re skating in Union Square, watching holiday shows, or shopping for unique gifts, you’ll find plenty of ways to embrace the spirit of Christmas. We hope this guide helps you plan unforgettable holiday outings—may your season be filled with joy and cheer!