Updated November 26th, 2024
Christmas in San Francisco is a magical experience, blending festive traditions, cultural celebrations, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a local embracing the city’s holiday charm or a visitor seeking unique seasonal experiences, San Francisco offers something special for everyone.
From twinkling lights illuminating iconic landmarks to cozy holiday markets and world-class dining, the city invites you to immerse yourself in its festive spirit. With many residents traveling to spend the holidays with family, the city feels more peaceful, offering a rare chance to explore its wonders without the usual crowds.
We understand that Christmas Eve is a special time for families and travelers alike, and we want to ensure that you have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of San Francisco even on these festive days. That’s why we’re excited to share that Gray Line of San Francisco remains open on Christmas Eve, ready to be a part of your holiday adventure.
Discover the best ways to celebrate Christmas in the City by the Bay, from dazzling light displays and cultural events to ice skating and exciting festivals. San Francisco truly shines during the holiday season, and we’re excited to guide you through this enchanting time in our vibrant city.
Holiday Events in San Francisco
Celebrate the Holidays All Month with These Special Events
December in San Francisco is a month filled with festive charm and community spirit. Whether you call the city home or are just passing through, there’s an abundance of special events and activities to capture the holiday magic. Here are some highlights of the top events and experiences you can savor throughout this joyous month:
A popular outdoor ice rink located in the heart of San Francisco
- When: November 6-January 20
- Where: Union Square
- Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for children
The San Francisco Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, holiday-themed animal encounters, and a variety of activities for children.
- When: through December 31
- Where: San Francisco Zoo – 2900 Sloat Boulevard
- Tickets: $29 for adults, $20 for children ages 2-11, free for children under 2 (discounts available for SF residents)
A Victorian-era street fair with over 200 booths selling everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional British fare.
- When: November 23-December 22
- Where: Historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
- Tickets: $45 for adults, $25 for children 5-12, under 5 is free (buy online, tickets will not be sold on-site).
Glide across the ice rink at Yerba Buena Gardens, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the holiday season.
- When: November 18-January 15
- Where: Yerba Buena Gardens – 750 Mission Street
- Tickets: General Admission $15
Immerse yourself in a magical world of lights and colors at the Conservatory of Flowers’ annual holiday lights display.
- When: November 25-December 31; 30 minutes after sunset running on a loop until midnight
- Where: Conservatory of Flowers – 100 John F. Kennedy Golden Gate Park Drive
- Tickets: the light show is free to watch from outside the conservatory!
Holiday magic comes to life with our annual life-sized Gingerbread House on display from Thanksgiving through the New Year. With hundreds of bricks of real gingerbread baked by our pastry team and pounds of See’s Candies, our Gingerbread House display brings out the kid in everyone.
- When: Through December 31
- Where: The Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason Street
- Tickets: Free
Make your season merrier with the San Francisco Symphony! While you’re here, head to the lobby bar to celebrate the season with festive winter cocktails and limited-time sparkling wine throughout December. Programming includes holiday films with live orchestra, Handel’s Messiah, holiday music and more.
- When: November 30-December 21
- Where: Davies Symphony Hall – 201 Van Ness Avenue
- Tickets: Start at $4
Enjoy their 60 foot live Christmas Tree that “comes to life” and performs nightly every half hour from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM through January 7. Synchronized to Holiday music with specialty lights and ornaments, it transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors for everyone to enjoy throughout the Holiday season!
- When: November 26 – January 5
- Where: Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf
- Tickets: Free
Experience the timeless holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation, as he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. A heartwarming production filled with festive spirit and the joy of redemption.
- When: November 26 – December 24
- Where: American Conservatory Theater (ACT) – 415 Geary Street
- Tickets: Start at $29
A festive pub crawl where participants dress up as Santa Claus and drink their way through San Francisco’s bars.
- When: December 14th
- Where: Various bars throughout the city
- Tickets: Free
A classic Christmas ballet that tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll as a gift on Christmas Eve. The nutcracker comes to life and takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Sweets.
- When: December 6-29
- Where: War Memorial Opera House – 301 Van Ness Avenue
- Tickets: $30 to $300+
This holiday season Cirque Bar at The Fairmont San Francisco will transform into a cozy hot spot at night. Enjoy festive cocktails, light bights, Champagne, and caviar.
- When: starting November 28 4:00 – 10:00 PM
- Where: Cirque at the Fairmont San Francisco
- Tickets: Free
Delight in the heartwarming story of a stuffed rabbit’s journey to become real in this enchanting theatrical adaptation of “The Velveteen Rabbit.”
- When: November 30 – December 8th
- Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts – 700 Howard Street
- Tickets: $30 to $125
A dazzling light display that transforms San Francisco into a winter wonderland.
- When: December 6 – 15; 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Where: Various locations throughout the city
- Tickets: Free
Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! Join us for a smooth synthetic ice skating experience in the heart of Mission Bay. Get dressed in your best holiday attire and snap a holiday-themed photo while enjoying holiday treats and activities for the whole family. Don’t worry if you don’t have skates! Complimentary rentals will be available. RSVP while supplies last.
- When: Select dates through December 31
- Where: Chase Center
- Tickets: Free
Enjoy a dazzling fireworks display over San Francisco Bay as we ring in the new year!
- When: December 31 starting at 11:59 PM (arrive early for the best view!)
- Where: Various locations around the bay
- Tickets: Free
Gray Line Grand City Tour
Explore San Francisco decked out for the season from the comfort of our Gray Line buses! Enjoy this 4-hour tour narrated by a local expert and see the city’s iconic sights!
- When: Open year-round
- Where: Meets at Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf
- Tickets: starting at $69
San Francisco Attractions Open on Christmas Eve
Amidst the twinkling lights and festive ambiance of San Francisco during the holiday season, the joyous spirit extends beyond the dining table to encompass an array of attractions welcoming visitors on Christmas Eve and Day. While some establishments may observe a seasonal hush, numerous iconic landmarks in the city stay aglow with activity, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to revel in the magic of the season. From enchanting light displays to special holiday performances, San Francisco transforms into a festive playground, ensuring that the celebrations on Christmas Eve and Day resonate far beyond the dining experience. Here are some of the must-visit attractions that embrace the merriment of the holidays, creating lasting memories for families and friends alike.
- Golden Gate Park: One of San Francisco’s most iconic attractions. You can explore the park’s gardens, museums, and beautiful landscapes.
- Golden Gate Park is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Christmas Eve and from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Christmas Day.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: The bustling waterfront area of Fisherman’s Wharf is open on both days. You can enjoy seafood dining, visit Pier 39, and explore the attractions along the waterfront.
- Fisherman’s Wharf is open 24 hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; restaurants and shops in the area have different hours.
- Aquarium of the Bay: Dive into the wonders of the underwater world this Christmas Eve at Aquarium of the Bay. Open for guests, it’s a festive opportunity to celebrate the magic of marine life and create cherished holiday memories surrounded by captivating sea creatures.
- The Aquarium of the Bay is open from 10 AM to 3:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 2:00 PM) on Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas Day.
- San Francisco Zoo: The San Francisco Zoo welcomes visitors on Christmas Eve, offering an opportunity to see a variety of animals and enjoy family-friendly activities.
- The San Francisco Zoo from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with last entry at 3:30 PM for general admission and 4:00 PM for members. Open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Chinatown: San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown remains open on Christmas Eve. You can explore the unique shops, dine on delicious Chinese cuisine, and experience the cultural richness of the area.
- The neighborhood is open 24 hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; individual businesses have their own set hours.
- Cable Car Rides: San Francisco’s iconic cable cars operate on Christmas Eve. Take a ride on a holiday-themed Cable Car to experience the city’s historic transportation and enjoy scenic views.
- Cable car rides are available from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Christmas Eve and from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Christmas Day.
- Lands End: Lands End, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge, is accessible on both days and is a fantastic spot for a scenic hike.
- Lands End is accessible 24 hours a day on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; parking lots may be closed before sunrise and after sunset.
- Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz Island offers special Christmas Eve tours, allowing you to explore the historic prison and enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Tours are available on Christmas Eve, but Alcatraz is closed on Christmas Day.
- San Francisco Botanical Garden: Enjoy the serene beauty of the San Francisco Botanical Garden, which is usually open until early evening on Christmas Eve.
- The gardens are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission on Christmas day is free!
- California Academy of Sciences: The California Academy of Sciences is known for its interactive exhibits and living rainforest.
- The California Academy of Sciences is open Christmas Eve from 9:30 AM to 5 PM (or 11 AM to 5 PM if Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday) and Christmas Day from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Japanese Tea Garden: Located in Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is typically open during the day on Christmas Eve, allowing visitors to enjoy its tranquility and beauty.
- The Japanese Tea Garden is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission on Christmas day is free!
Best Places for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner in San Francisco
Christmas Dinner in San Francisco offers a wonderful opportunity to savor a special holiday meal with family and friends. While many restaurants are closed, several fine dining establishments and hotels go the extra mile to provide memorable Christmas feasts. Here are some of the best places to enjoy Christmas Eve and Day dinner in the city (consider making a reservation ahead of time by visiting their website!):
- Fog Harbor Fish House: Savor the freshest seafood at Pier 39’s iconic Fog Harbor Fish House. Their special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu will tantalize your taste buds with an array of seafood delicacies. Open from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- La Mar Cebicheria: Celeb chef Victoriano Lopez serves Peruvian seafood in a large, partially outdoor space on the pier. Embark on a Peruvian culinary adventure with La Mar Cebicheria’s special Christmas Eve menu. Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Ula Restaurant and Tapas Bar: Dine on lamb chops or scallops as you sip on your martini with your family and friends on Christmas Eve. Ula is offering a four-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $95(++) per person. Service starts at 12:00 PM with the last seating at 10:00 PM.
- Villon: ‘Tis the season for sharing a meal with your closest few. Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Villon with seasonal dishes paired with festive cocktails and curated wine pairings. $145 per person, $65 for children 12 & under, and a $60 optional wine pairing. Available both days from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Embrace the holiday season and join them for their time-honored tradition of Nutcracker Tea in Villon’s lounge and dining room. Savor herbal tea, festive sweets, and seasonal bites. Fridays & Saturdays through December 30, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sundays 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Amber India: Balancing traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary atmosphere. A Bay Area legacy for nearly 25 years, their menu is prepared fresh daily from ingredients selected with an eye towards sustainability and a focus on local purveyors. A curated collection of contemporary Indian art sets the stage for an experience rooted in tradition and delivered with a fresh approach. An inspired selection of wine, beer, and craft cocktails is specifically designed to complement the menu. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Mastro’s Steakhouse: Experience an unforgettable holiday season at Mastro’s, including their famous USDA Prime Steaks, delectable Seafood, and award-winning wine & cocktails. Open Christmas Eve from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Christmas Day from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- John’s Grill: Widely known for its carefully curated menu of salads, steak, seafood, pasta, and sandwiches, all at reasonable prices. The restaurant features both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. Open both days for Lunch from 11:45 AM to 3:30 PM, and dinner from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Whether you choose to attend a concert, dine in style, or simply take a leisurely walk to soak in the city’s festive atmosphere, Christmas in San Francisco is sure to be a memorable and heartwarming experience. Enjoy the magic of the season with your loved ones!
