If you’re planning on visiting San Francisco during the holiday season, you can’t miss the many markets that pop up around both the city and the Bay Area. Seeing San Francisco at Christmas time is a real treat, as the city really goes for the gold when it comes to lights and decorations. A great way to see as much of this as possible is to take a night time tour of San Francisco, which includes all of the main sights, but lit up with stunning Christmas lights. During the day you can choose to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which allows you to visit any and all of the holiday markets you see along the way. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you take in some festive cheer at these vibrant and unique markets.
Holiday French Market
The amazing thing about San Francisco’s holiday markets is the variety of different cultures and nationalities they encompass. At the Holiday French Market at Alliance Française de Berkeley, on Woolsey Street, you can find an impressive selection of gifts from French favourites Rue Prince and Minichic, as well as many others. Enjoy French food and mulled wine while you browse, and enjoy live French music in the evening. It’s the perfect day out for the whole family and even features a holiday craft table for kids!
December 1st from 4pm
Holiday Artisan Market
The Asian Art Museum’s holiday market is a firm favourite among locals, expanding its already stunning gift shop selection to include some truly unique gift ideas. From signed cookbooks to hand crafted jewellery, this market offers a selection of couture items inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. The ideal option for a particularly special and stylish gift, the on-day event features books, ceramics, fashion, ornaments and speciality food products.
November 29th from 10am
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
The incredibly popular Great Dickens Christmas Fair has been running for over 30 years, and with its traditional English food, music and gifts, is a truly immersive experience. The ideal way to spend a family day out, it features activities for children, pubs for adults and plenty of gift ideas for everyone. Designed in the style of a 19th century English town, it brings the holiday spirit to life.
December 1st – 17th from 10am
Bg Craft Fest
Craft markets are a corner-stone of San Francisco’s holiday experience, with more pop-up shops than you can count and a staggering number of events. The Bg Craft Fest at the Bedford Gallery features one of the most impressive selections of items from local artists and designers, including soaps, candles, jewellery, ceramics and artwork. The market also holds hands-on craft workshops for visitors, but tickets tend to go quickly so be sure to book well in advance!
December 2nd – 3rd from 10am
Holiday Book Arts & Crafts Fair
This book-themed craft fair at the San Francisco Centre for the Book is a unique place to visit for those looking for something a little different. All of the crafts and gifts at this market are inspired by or made from books, which makes them ideal gifts for book lovers. From hand-bound journals and book crafts to zines, prints and cards, this is the perfect place to retreat from the holiday crowds and marvel at some truly inspirational crafts.
December 2nd from 10am
German Holiday Market
No festive season is complete without a visit to a German holiday market, and at the Mountain View City Hall Plaza you’ll find enough mulled wine and gingerbread to transport you over to Europe. With a stunning selection of German crafts, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice between German toys, ornaments and clothing. Just make sure you bring your lederhosen for the evening entertainment!
December 9th from 10am
Women X Made
The Women’s Building on 18th Street hosts a holiday market each year that features crafts and gifts from women owned and operated businesses in the local area. From clothing and jewellery to art and home goods, you’ll find an impressive selection of gift ideas here, as well as being able to promote and support women-led enterprises. An ideal place to buy more ethical Christmas gifts.
December 9th from 12pm
Ocean Avenue Craft Fair
This traditional holiday craft fair takes place on Ocean Avenue and is organised by the non-profit OMI Cultural Participation Project. The fair features a stunning selection of hand-crafted gifts from local artists, with all profits going to the artists. It’s a great way to shop with an easy conscience and know your giving back to this wonderfully vibrant city.
December 10th from 12pm
Whichever holiday markets you decide to visit in San Francisco, make sure you see everything the city has to offer on a San Francisco tour. For more information about any of our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team. Happy Holidays from everyone at Gray Line!