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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 holidays in San Francisco in style!
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
Skate under the holiday lights at this outdoor rink, surrounded by the bustling holiday decor of Union Square!
When: November through January
Where: Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco
Website: Union Square Ice Rink
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 Late Nov through Early January
Where: Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill
Website: Fairmont Gingerbread House
Enjoy a memorable breakfast with Santa and participate in “Dollie + Me” teas for a festive family outing.
When: Breakfast with Santa – Mutiple dates in December
Where: Westin St. Francis Hotel, Union Square
Website: Westin Holiday Events
Catch mesmerizing holiday-themed light projections on iconic Financial District buildings, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
When: Early December
Where: Financial District
Website: Let’s Glow SF
Experience the Nutcracker, a holiday classic performed by the world-renowned SF Ballet. A must-see for all ages!
When: Full Month of December
Where: War Memorial Opera House
Website: SF Ballet Nutcracker
A twist on the classic tale, this play-within-a-play brings humor and holiday cheer to the stage.
When: Nov – Dec
Where: A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theater
Website: A.C.T. Christmas Carol
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.
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
From light displays to the classic boat parade, enjoy holiday magic along the waterfront at Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
When: Late November through early January
Where: Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
Website: Pier 39 Holidays
Discover the magic of science with reindeer, snow flurries, and holiday-themed exhibits!
When: Nov – Jan
Where: California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park
Website: California Academy of Sciences
Explore over 30 glowing light installations throughout the city, including the magical “Entwined” in Golden Gate Park.
When: Nov – January
Where: Various locations around SF
Website: Illuminate SF
Celebrate the season in a Tuk Tuk! See 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 11 through 24, 2026 5 and 7 pm departures
Where: Starts at Umbrell Alley in Fisherman’s Wharf
Website: Lucky Tuk Tuk San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour
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
Watch boats decked out in twinkling lights parade along the waterfront—a sight that’s pure holiday magic!
When: Mid December
Where: Fisherman’s Wharf
Website: Holiday Boat Parade
Marvel at Macy’s SPCA windows, showcasing adorable animals in festive settings, all adoptable for the holidays.
When: Nov – Dec
Where: Macy’s Union Square
Website: SPCA Holiday Windows
Visit the iconic chocolate square for Santa sightings, tree lightings, and festive live music.
When: Late Nov – Dec
Where: Ghirardelli Square
Website: Ghirardelli Square
Celebrate Filipino holiday traditions with a beautiful lantern parade in Yerba Buena Gardens.
When: December
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens
Website: Parol Lantern Festival
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
Shop for Christmas trees while supporting a good cause at this historic tree lot in Fort Mason.
When: Dec 1-24
Where: Fort Mason Center
Website: Guardsmen Tree Lot
Laugh along at this unique comedy show on Christmas Eve, featuring Chinese food and Jewish comedians.
When: December
Where: Congregation Sherith Israel
Website: Kung Pao Comedy
Travel back in time to Victorian London at the Dickens Fair, with costumes, carolers, and traditional holiday treats.
When: Weekends Nov – Dec
Where: Cow Palace
Website: Dickens Fair
Explore festive decor and shops in Chinatown, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.
When: All season
Where: Chinatown
Website: Chinatown SF
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
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
Get your Santa suit on and join the biggest holiday bar crawl, spreading cheer all around the city!
When: December
Where: Throughout SF
Website: SantaCon SF
Ring in the New Year with a bang as fireworks light up the sky over the Bay!
When: Dec 31
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!
