Updated December 12, 2024
If you’re visiting San Francisco during the holiday season, you can’t miss the many markets that pop up around the Bay Area. San Francisco at Christmas is a sight to behold, with dazzling lights and festive decorations that truly capture the holiday spirit. To take in the best of these displays, consider a nighttime tour of San Francisco, where you’ll see iconic landmarks illuminated with stunning Christmas lights. During the day, hop on our convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour, which lets you visit all the Christmas markets in San Francisco along the route at your own pace. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you take in some festive cheer at these vibrant and unique markets.
Holiday French Market
December 14th from 4-8pm
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!
Holiday Artisan Market
November 15th and 16th, 10am – 6pm
The Asian Art Museum’s holiday market is a firm favorite among locals, expanding its already stunning gift shop selection to include some truly unique gift ideas. From signed cookbooks to hand-crafted jewelry, 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 event features books, ceramics, fashion, ornaments and specialty food products.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
November 23rd – December 22nd, 10am – 6pm
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.
Bg Craft Fest
November 23rd, 10am-5pm
Craft markets are a cornerstone 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, jewelry, 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!
German Holiday Market
December 14th, 11am-9pm
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!
Holiday Celebration on Ocean Avenue
December 21st from 3pm-6pm
Celebrate the holiday season on Ocean Avenue with a mini winter wonderland, wood-fired pizza, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa! Put on by the Ocean Avenue Association at Unity Plaza, this event is sure to get the community in the holiday spirit.
Swedish Christmas Fair
December 7th, 9am-3pm
Celebrate Scandinavian holiday traditions at this Swedish Christmas Fair held at the Swedish American Hall. Browse Swedish crafts, decor, and food, and enjoy performances by traditional choirs and folk dancers.
Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair
December 14-15, 21-24, 11am-6pm
Venture across the bay to Berkely to enjoy festive lights, great music, delicious food, and handcrafted creations from over 200 Northern California artisans at the Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair, offering everything from fine original art to affordable gifts.
Whichever holiday markets you visit in San Francisco, make sure you see everything the city offers 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!
