6 Ways to Spend Christmas in San Francisco
October 22, 2025There’s nothing quite like Christmas in San Francisco. The city by the bay transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, where cable cars don Santa hats, Victorian homes sparkle with lights, and the scent of fresh pine and hot chocolate fills the air. Whether you’re a local looking for festive fun or a visitor spending the holidays in the city, San Francisco delivers a magical mix of classic traditions and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Here are six ways to make your San Francisco Christmas truly unforgettable.
1. Ice Skate and See the Giant Christmas Tree at Union Square
If there’s one place that defines Christmas in San Francisco, it’s Union Square. Every winter, the plaza transforms into a scene straight out of a snow globe with a towering, 80-foot Christmas tree glittering in front of Macy’s and a lively ice-skating rink that draws families, friends, and visitors from around the world.
Here are some reasons it’s a must-do during the holiday season:
- Union Square Ice Rink: Open daily through early January. Bring your own skates or rent a pair and glide beneath the city skyline.
- Holiday Windows: Don’t miss Macy’s festive window displays featuring adoptable kittens and puppies in partnership with the SF SPCA.
- Nearby Treats: Stop by the Westin St. Francis to see the famous sugar castle or grab a decadent hot chocolate at Ghirardelli on Powell Street.
✨ Pro Tip: Visit at dusk when the lights come alive, and hop on the Powell Street cable car for a classic holiday ride through the city.
2. Experience “Christmas by the Bay” at Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
For seaside holiday cheer, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, where the waterfront glows with thousands of twinkling lights and festive décor. It’s one of the most scenic Christmas events in San Francisco, blending the magic of the holidays with iconic Bay views. Some things you won’t want to miss here:
- Pier 39 Tree Lighting Shows: Nightly through December, complete with music and digital light displays that dance in sync.
- Lighted Boat Parade: Watch as dozens of boats decked out in holiday lights glide across the bay — a San Francisco tradition since 1994.
- Holiday Shopping: Browse local boutiques for unique gifts or grab fresh crab rolls and clam chowder in a sourdough bowl for a cozy winter meal.
🌊 Pro Tip: Stroll along the waterfront just before sunset to catch the lights shimmering off the Bay Bridge.
3. Rent a Bike and Explore San Francisco’s Prettiest Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights
Sure, you can see the city’s lights from a car, but there’s nothing like cruising through glowing streets on two wheels. San Francisco’s mild December weather makes it the perfect city to explore by bike during the holidays.
Renting from a local bike shop near Fisherman’s Wharf (like Bay City Bike) or Golden Gate Park (like Parkwide) gives you the freedom to wander through the most beautifully decorated areas at your own pace. A nice bonus? Both of the bike tour operators we suggested offer 20% off when you book online!
Here are a few can’t-miss spots for Christmas lights in San Francisco:
- Pacific Heights: Elegant Victorians draped in garland and sparkling with warm lights. The homes along Broadway and Fillmore make for a particularly dazzling ride.
- Nob Hill & Huntington Park: Stop by the Fairmont Hotel to see its life-size gingerbread house (made with over 8,000 bricks of gingerbread!) and the glow of Grace Cathedral next door.
- Marina District: Cruise down Chestnut Street and along the Palace of Fine Arts lagoon for magical reflections of holiday lights on the water.
- Golden Gate Park: Check out “Entwined,” a mesmerizing light installation at Peacock Meadow, and the illuminated Conservatory of Flowers nearby.
🚲 Pro Tip: Dress in layers, bring a thermos of cocoa, and plan your route to end near the waterfront for breathtaking night views.
4. Step Inside San Francisco’s Grandest Holiday Displays
Two hotels turn into storybook spectacles every December, and both are must-sees during your San Francisco Christmas adventures.
- The Fairmont Hotel (Nob Hill): Walk through a real-life gingerbread house that’s over 20 feet tall, complete with frosting, candy décor, and an aroma that fills the lobby. The holiday tea service here is an elegant way to take a break from sightseeing.
- Westin St. Francis (Union Square): Admire the Sugar Castle — a 12-foot-tall confection made entirely of edible materials — and take in the glittering views of the Union Square Christmas tree right outside.
🎁 Pro Tip: These two hotels are just a cable car ride apart — a perfect afternoon itinerary for anyone who loves a touch of holiday luxury.
5. Enjoy a Classic San Francisco Holiday Show
No Christmas in San Francisco is complete without a night of live entertainment. The city’s performing arts scene goes all out for the holidays, offering something for every mood, from heartwarming to hilarious.
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- San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker: A timeless holiday tradition — and the first American production of this classic.
- San Francisco Symphony: Holiday Pops concerts and sing-alongs fill Davies Symphony Hall with festive cheer.
- A Drag Queen Christmas at The Castro Theatre: Equal parts glamour, comedy, and holiday sparkle — a true San Francisco twist on seasonal fun.
- Grace Cathedral’s Candlelight Choir Concerts: For a peaceful, moving experience, attend one of these ethereal performances under the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings.
- A Christmas Carol by ACT: Held every year, this is a must-do to get in the holiday spirit!
🎭 Pro Tip: Book your tickets early; many shows sell out weeks in advance.
6. Explore The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Held over five weekends in San Francisco, Dickens Christmas Fair is a beautiful tradition to add to your bucket list. The Cow Palace exhibition halls transform into Victorian London at Christmastime, complete with shopping, feasts, and even a train for the little ones.
✨ Pro Tip: Stop at Ghirardelli Square afterward for a holiday treat. The peppermint bark hot fudge sundae is a local favorite.
FAQs About Christmas in San Francisco
Q: What is San Francisco like at Christmas?
A: Expect cool but comfortable weather (mid-50s) and plenty of festive energy. From waterfront lights to cozy hotel lobbies, the city shines bright throughout December.
Q: Where can I see the best Christmas lights in San Francisco?
A: Union Square, Pier 39, Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Golden Gate Park, and the Fairmont Hotel are among the most popular spots.
Q: Are attractions open on Christmas Day?
A: Many restaurants, parks, and waterfront areas, like Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Park, remain open. Always check event hours before visiting.
Q: Can you explore San Francisco by bike during the holidays?
A: Absolutely! The weather is ideal for cycling, and exploring by bike is one of the most scenic (and fun) ways to enjoy the city’s Christmas lights and events.
Celebrate the Holidays, San Francisco Style
From the glimmer of the Bay Lights to the festive buzz of Union Square, Christmas in San Francisco is equal parts cozy, quirky, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re skating downtown, catching a show, or exploring twinkling neighborhoods, there’s no better way to experience the city’s magic this winter.
Plan your route, bundle up, and make this holiday season one to remember — San Francisco style.