San Francisco is a great place to visit any time of the year, but the City by the Bay shines a little brighter in December. From ice skating in Union Square to life-sized gingerbread houses, holiday lights at Fisherman’s Wharf, and the nation’s largest holiday light projection event, there’s so much to do in San Francisco this holiday season.
things to do in san francisco for christmas
I grew up an hour away from San Francisco, and visiting the city at Christmas was always a highlight of the season. Even after living in San Francisco for the past 12 years, I still haven’t lost that spell. While my favorite activity has always been strolling in and out of beautifully decorated San Francisco hotels, there are endless festival options in the city. Here’s a list of fun things to do in San Francisco on Christmas. who knows? Something you might love and become a favorite San Francisco holiday tradition for years to come.
1. Go ice skating in Union Square
Union Square’s popular ice skating rink is back for all-time fun this holiday season. Take to the ice surrounded by festive lights, fun holiday music, and Union Square’s 83-foot Christmas tree and 80-foot menorah. A fun activity for beginners and novices alike, this rink is open until January 15, 2024. General admission is $20, including skate rental.
2. Watch A Christmas Carol at the Toni Lembe Theater
Charles Dickens’ timeless stories make the perfect holiday tradition. Relive the true Christmas spirit in a beautiful and historic setting. The costumes are gorgeous, the music is upbeat, and the cast is gorgeous. A Christmas Carol will run at the Tonilembe Theater from December 6, 2023 until December 24, 2023.
3. Visit the Fairmont San Francisco
A visit to the Fairmont is one of the most festive things to do in San Francisco at Christmas. Located atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco features a life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby, a beautifully decorated floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree, and the opening of the Moët Lobby Champagne Bar on November 24th. Guests can enjoy drinks while enjoying champagne. Festive mood at Fairmont. Fairmont San Francisco also offers holiday options such as holiday tea and Santa’s sweets. Santa’s second home, his two rooms are available for reservation and feature whimsical winter decor.
4. See the Christmas tree at Palace Hotel
When I see the annual trees in Garden Court, I can’t help but be amazed. Additionally, “Lunch with Santa” is available, and the mailbox in the lobby with direct access to the North Pole is one of San Francisco’s best-kept secrets. Whether or not visitors choose to stay at the Palace Hotel, it’s well worth exploring the grounds. Cocktails and the famous Green Goddess salad at Pied Piper Bay & Lounge is a relaxing escape from holiday shoppers and downtown San Francisco.
5. Marvel at the Westin St. Francis
This classic San Francisco hotel features a 12-foot-tall French chateau that rotates and is made from sugar by the hotel’s pastry chef. This annual masterpiece is worth seeing. The centrally located Westin St. Francis features elegant décor and is located across from the Union Square ice skating rink. It’s also a great place for travelers looking for holiday shopping.
6. Witness the Nutcracker
Toy Soldiers, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mouse King! For an iconic San Francisco Christmas experience, check out San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker. A winter wonderland with beautiful dancers accompanied by the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Balcony seats start at $25.
7. Participate in Santacon
Looking for something unique, fun, and festive to do in San Francisco this Christmas? SantaCon is December 9th this year. Dress up as the hilarious Kris Kringle and meet other Santas in Union Square at noon. This event is free to attend, but only for those 21 and older. Get started on giving season by bringing a toy to the San Francisco Fire Department Toy Program.
8.Let’s Glow SF 2023
Let’s Glow is the largest holiday projection event in the United States. The free 10-day event, starting December 1, 2023, will feature large-scale artwork projected onto five of his iconic buildings across the Financial District from 5pm to 10pm. Salesforce Tower also features Let’s Glow sci-fi artwork on LED panels atop the building, which can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Free hot chocolate and Let’s Glow goodies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
9. Light up San Francisco
Featuring more than 60 installations by more than 40 artists in San Francisco’s 17 neighborhoods, Illuminate San Francisco allows visitors to explore the city after hours and celebrate the holiday season in light. The installation will be on display throughout the season until the end of January. There’s plenty of time to see it all! Popular highlights include Lantern Stories on Grant Street, Winter Lights in Golden Gate Park, and Point Cloud at SoMa.
10. Great Dickens Fair
A one-of-a-kind adventure at the Cow Palace, The Great Dickens Fair (until 17 December 2023) takes visitors back in time to lamp-lit Victorian London. Expect the smell of roasting chestnuts, the sounds of lively music, and characters from Charles Dickens’ famous imagination. The Great Dickens Fair is also a great place to pick up handmade holiday gifts. Ticket prices range from $45 (adults) to $25 (ages 5-12).
11. Drink a Christmas Cocktail or Merry Mocktail
Looking for a celebratory drink? There are many places I want to go this year. For example, Skomas on the waterfront offers stunning sea views and delicious sustainable seafood. You can also make the perfect vintage eggnog with a blend of rum, cognac, sherry, crème anglaise, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Sold by glass or bottle.
Alternatively, Cavagna serves Jingle Juice (a spicy papaya and coconut Mai Tai featuring Venezuelan and Caribbean rum) in a Hawaiian Santa mug. Vault Garden’s Winter Wonderland also offers a great mix of cocktails and mocktails. Favorites include Let’s Get Jolly (vodka, spiced cranberries, pomegranate, rosemary, winter sorbet snowball) and Hot and Buttered (banana, roasted walnut butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla *optional add rum or whiskey) ) And so on. KAIYō offers little extras like Christmas fires, heat lamps, and blankets so guests can get in the festive spirit while sipping Peruvian cacao topped with homemade orange flan marshmallows in Christmas mugs. Masu.
12. The Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
One of the ultimate kids activities in San Francisco, even your little ones will love this fun holiday event. The hotel ballroom is transformed into a winter wonderland with elves and plenty of eye candy. Enjoy holiday shows, teddy bears, and a tea party. They also have hot chocolate, sweets, scones, and savory sandwiches.
13. Watch a San Francisco Symphony Orchestra movie
Davis Symphony Hall has complete holiday schedule. Many events take place in December, but the ultimate crowd-pleaser is a selection of Christmas movies accompanied by beautiful live music.Movies include Love Actually, Home Alone, A Charlie Brown Christmas, more. Additionally, the lobby bar is decorated with holiday decorations and serves festive cocktails.
14. Stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf
Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco any time of the year, but it’s during the holidays that this tourist attraction really shines. With its Christmas trees and festive lights, it’s a fun place to wander around in the winter. Additionally, visitors can participate in Santa’s Cable His Car Ride Photo Op, Santa’s Segway Tour, Holiday Lights Tour by Decorated Outdoor Jeep, and more. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a winter wonderland experience at nearby Ghirardelli Square, complete with outdoor Christmas movies, Santa, and a fun festive atmosphere.
15. Nutcracker Tea at Proper Hotel
The Proper Hotel’s Nutcracker Tea offers a traditional tea service that includes cookies, scones, bite-sized sandwiches, and a special Nutcracker gift. Kids (and adults!) will love the Hot Chocolate His Cart, which allows guests to make their own hot chocolate tableside. Friday through Sunday, he is currently available until December 30th, and the trial fee is $65 per person ($35 for children 12 and under). Additionally, starting Dec. 2 and running through Dec. 22, he’ll give kids a free glass of sparkling wine or hot chocolate when they bring a new, unwrapped toy to the San Francisco Fire Department.
