Christmas in San Francisco – Guide to Holiday Season in the Bay

San Francisco transforms into a foggy yet still sparkling wonderland each December, mixing classic holiday traditions with that signature Bay Area flair. With twinkling lights adorning Victorian buildings, festive pop-ups, ice skating rinks, and cozy spots to sip hot cocoa, Christmas in San Francisco is nothing short of magical.

Whether you’re visiting for a holiday getaway or you’re a local looking for new seasonal traditions, this guide will help you make the most of the holiday season in the City by the Bay.

Christmas in My Home City

The San Francisco Bay Area will always be home for me, the place where I grew up surrounded by its iconic bridges, rolling hills, and vibrant neighborhoods. No matter where life takes me, I find myself drawn back to the Bay, especially during the holiday season. There’s something magical about the twinkling lights at Union Square, the festive ice skating rinks, and riding the cable cars through the cool coastal air. I love revisiting my favorite childhood spots, from cozy cafes to scenic waterfront views, and experiencing the city’s holiday charm that feels both nostalgic and new each year.

Union Square: San Francisco’s Holiday Epicenter

No Christmas trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Union Square. It’s the city’s most iconic holiday destination, with a towering Christmas tree, glowing menorah, and endless holiday cheer.

• The Macy’s Great Tree: The massive Christmas tree, donated by Macy’s, is decorated with over 30,000 twinkling LED lights and ornaments. It’s a must-see, especially after dark.
• Holiday Ice Rink: The Union Square Ice Rink offers a quintessential holiday activity — ice skating beneath the city skyline. Rent skates, hold hands, and enjoy the festive music in the crisp air.
• Window Shopping: Stroll by the Macy’s holiday window displays, often featuring adoptable kittens and puppies in partnership with the SF SPCA.
• Holiday Shopping: From Neiman Marcus to the Westfield Centre, Union Square is the place for holiday shopping — whether you’re buying high-end gifts or browsing local boutiques.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 Holiday Fun

Head down to the waterfront for more holiday magic. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 offer family-friendly events, festive decorations, and sweeping views of the bay.

• Pier 39 Tree Lighting: Pier 39’s Christmas tree is one of the most beautiful in the city, lit up with vibrant LED displays set to music.
• Seaside Carolers and Live Music: Throughout December, enjoy live performances from local musicians and carolers spreading cheer along the pier.
• Aquarium of the Bay’s “Holiday Lights”: The aquarium decorates its tanks and hallways with festive lights, and some marine creatures even get holiday-themed enrichment treats.

Christmas Lights and Decorations Around the City

There are countless neighborhoods and landmarks that go all out with lights and decorations during the holiday season. Here are some local favorites:

Embarcadero Center

Each year, four office towers of the Embarcadero Center are outlined with 17,000 lights, creating a dazzling downtown skyline. It’s also home to another outdoor ice rink with views of the Bay Bridge.

Ghirardelli Square

This historic chocolate factory-turned-shopping complex gets decked out with a massive tree and holiday lights. While you’re there, warm up with a hot fudge sundae or peppermint hot cocoa.

Tom and Jerry’s Christmas House in the Castro

This private home at 3650 21st Street near Dolores Park is locally famous for its over-the-top decorations — think animatronics, giant toy soldiers, thousands of lights, and a life-size Santa.

Union Street Fantasy of Lights (Cow Hollow)

The charming boutiques and cafés of Union Street in Cow Hollow get into the spirit with Victorian-style lighting, holiday characters, and festive windows.

Ride the Holiday Cable Car

San Francisco’s historic cable cars get a festive makeover in December. Decked out with garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights, these holiday cable cars make your ride through the hills feel like a scene from a Christmas movie.

Tip: Hop on the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason lines for the most scenic holiday views.

Attend a Holiday Show or Performance

San Francisco is rich in holiday performing arts, offering everything from ballet to musicals to drag shows. Book tickets early — many performances sell out fast.

• San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker: A beloved tradition since 1944, this is one of the most elegant ways to celebrate the season. It’s great for families, date nights, or solo holiday outings.
• SF Symphony Holiday Concerts: Enjoy classics like Handel’s Messiah or the Holiday Brass series.
• Beach Blanket Babylon Holiday Shows: If you’re looking for something a bit more offbeat, this local satire cabaret has special holiday performances. *Update – Beach Blanket Babylon has now permanently closed.
• Drag Queens on Ice: Held at the Union Square Ice Rink, this high-energy, hilarious event is one of the most unique San Francisco holiday traditions.

Holiday Markets and Seasonal Shopping

Support local artists and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts at San Francisco’s holiday markets and craft fairs.

• Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Held at the Cow Palace, this immersive Victorian Christmas village features carolers, street performers, tea parlors, and over 100 shops. It feels like stepping into a Charles Dickens novel.
• Renegade Craft Fair: This indie maker market at Fort Mason showcases local artisans selling everything from jewelry to home goods to holiday treats.
• Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Holiday Edition: Get gourmet holiday gifts like local honey, fresh wreaths, artisan cheese, and small-batch jams.

Cozy Spots for Hot Chocolate and Holiday Treats

Warm up with something sweet and festive at these local favorites:

• Dandelion Chocolate (Mission District): Their European-style drinking chocolate is rich, thick, and perfect on a chilly day.
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (Ghirardelli Square): Try their peppermint bark hot cocoa or a seasonal sundae.
• Tartine Bakery (Guerrero Street): Famous for buttery pastries and holiday specials like gingerbread and stollen.
• Miette (Ferry Building): A charming, pastel-pink candy shop with gourmet holiday sweets.

Take a Holiday Cruise on the Bay

For something unique, consider a holiday-themed cruise on San Francisco Bay. Several companies offer cruises with dinner, dancing, caroling, and views of the glittering city skyline.

• Hornblower Holiday Cruises: Choose from brunch, dinner, or cocktail cruises — all decked out for the season.
• Blue & Gold Fleet: Look for their special “Holiday Lights” bay tours for spectacular nighttime views of the city.

Santa Con in San Francisco

SantaCon in San Francisco is the original Santa-themed pub crawl, first organized by the Cacophony Society in 1994 as a tongue-in-cheek protest against holiday consumerism. Each year on the second Saturday in December, thousands of revelers don Santa suits (or other festive costumes) and converge on Union Square at noon to participate in a free, grassroots event complete with a toy drive benefiting the San Francisco Fire Department Toy Program.

From there, the crowd spreads out to local bars and streets—especially around Polk Street and City Hall—enjoying drink specials, festive tunes, and a playful, low‑key sense of street‑theater. Although loosely organized and unsanctioned, organizers emphasize goodwill, respect, and avoiding the “naughty” behaviors that have plagued other cities’ versions of SantaCon.

Celebrate Christmas Day in the City

Even on Christmas Day, San Francisco offers plenty of things to do:

• Golden Gate Park: Go for a holiday walk through the gardens or visit the Japanese Tea Garden, which is often open even on holidays.
• Crissy Field: Enjoy a peaceful Christmas morning stroll by the water with iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Chinatown: Many restaurants stay open on Christmas Day, and it’s a great time to explore this vibrant neighborhood with fewer crowds.

Holiday Tips for Visitors

Dress in Layers

San Francisco weather in December is chilly, damp, and often windy — especially near the water. Bring a warm coat, scarf, and umbrella.

Book Ahead

Hotels, restaurants, and ticketed events fill up fast during the holiday season. Plan early.

Take Public Transportation or Car Ride Share

Parking is limited and expensive downtown. The MUNI, cable cars, and BART are your friends. There’s always plenty of Uber and Lyft rides available too.

Bring Your Camera

From the decorated Palace Hotel lobby to citywide light displays, there are festive photo ops everywhere.

Where to Stay for a Festive Holiday Experience

Here are some great places to stay that go the extra mile for holiday cheer:

• Fairmont San Francisco: Famous for its life-size gingerbread house, towering lobby tree, and elegant decorations.
• The Westin St. Francis: Right on Union Square, this hotel is at the heart of the action and beautifully decorated.
• Hotel Nikko: Offers a cozy, upscale holiday experience with easy access to shopping and dining.

Final Thoughts

Christmas in San Francisco is a beautiful blend of tradition, creativity, and West Coast charm. From the sparkling skyline to festive waterfront attractions, holiday magic is found in every neighborhood. Whether you’re watching a ballet, sipping cocoa, or skating under the stars, you’ll leave with memories that shine just as bright as the city’s lights.

So bundle up, grab your holiday shopping list, and get ready to experience the Bay Area like never before — because there’s truly nothing like Christmas in San Francisco.