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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Get ready for an adventure-filled holiday season in Chinatown! Our guide features all the top festive events. For those who know Chinatown's every corner and those just beginning to explore, our guide reveals hidden holiday gems.

Popular events this season include the enchanting San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker, where magical performances capture the spirit of the holidays. Another highlight is SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration, known for its stunning light displays and festive atmosphere. And the Knott’s Merry Farm is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a delightful mix of holiday charm and thrilling rides. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Chinatown Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Iconic 83-foot tall tree with 43,000 lights and 700 ornaments.

Description:

The Union Square Christmas Tree, a 83-foot tall tree decorated with 43,000 twinkling lights and 700 ornaments, stands in the heart of Union Square Park. This iconic tree is a symbol of the holiday season in San Francisco, attracting both locals and visitors with its grandeur and festive atmosphere.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Synchronized light and sound show on a massive Christmas tree.

Description:

A 60-foot tall, 13,000-pound White Fir Christmas tree at Pier 39 is adorned with over 15,000 energy-efficient LED lights and 500 ornaments. The tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors synchronized to holiday music every half hour from 5-10 PM.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Pier 39 Christmas Tree

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What to Expect:

Dynamic LED lighting showcasing architectural details.

Description:

San Francisco City Hall is illuminated by over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures every evening at sunset. The soft white glow showcases the play of light and shadow on the full façade and dome. Frequently, special lighting schemes celebrate events, seasons, and holidays.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: City Hall Holiday Lighting

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What to Expect:

Twinkling lights and diverse holiday activities.

Description:

Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California, features twinkling lights, festive music, and activities like ornament making and candle dipping. Santa Claus visits, and there are puppet shows and holiday crafts.

Where: Oakland | More Info: Fairy Winterland

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What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday light display with unique house themes.

Description:

Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda, CA, features a century-old tradition where residents transform their homes into dazzling light spectacles, creating a mesmerizing corridor of holiday cheer with intricate decorations and elaborate themes.

Where: Alameda | More Info: Christmas Tree Lane

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Chinatown Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Large-scale holiday craft fair with diverse vendors.

Description:

The San Jose SFMade Holiday Fair is a premier event featuring over 355 makers, artists, designers, and creative small businesses showcasing handmade goods and seasonal items. This event offers a diverse array of products, including food producers and workshop guides, all under one roof.

Where: San Jose | More Info: San Jose SFMade Holiday Fair

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Chinatown Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker is a classic holiday ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score, elaborate sets, and costumes. It tells the story of Clara's journey on Christmas Eve, including her encounters with the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince. The production includes a variety of colorful dances and historical settings, making it a delightful experience for all ages.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Parody Christmas episodes with drag legends.

Description:

The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes is a drag send-up and heartfelt tribute to the beloved TV show, featuring four drag legends in two parody Christmas episodes. Directed by Drollinger, the show includes Coco Peru as Dorothy, Matthew Martin as Blanche, D’Arcy Drollinger as Rose, and Holotta Tymes as Sophia. The cast also features Manuel Caneri, Michael Phillis, and Tom Shaw on piano.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes

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What to Expect:

Unique blend of opera, pop, and comedy.

Description:

Katya: A Holiday Spectacular is a subversive and titillating holiday event featuring Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, blending opera, pop, and booze-drenched comedy. The show includes classic holiday fare, madcap medleys, and full-disco Klezmer lunacy.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Katya: A Christmas Spectacular

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What to Expect:

Features a mix of classical and contemporary holiday music with a renowned symphony orchestra.

Description:

The San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts offer an array of festive music performed by world-class musicians. Audiences can enjoy traditional holiday classics along with contemporary pieces that capture the spirit of the season. The stunning venue adds to the uplifting atmosphere, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts

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Chinatown Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Interactive AR experience within a life-sized sugary castle.

Description:

The Sugar Castle at Westin St. Francis is a 12-foot-tall, hand-crafted French Chateau-inspired castle featuring 20 circular towers and 30 rooms. It includes a charming village and offers an augmented reality experience. The castle is a yearly tradition since 2005, created by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Houdré.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Sugar Castle at Westin St. Francis

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What to Expect:

Edible holiday display with real gingerbread and See’s Candies.

Description:

The life-sized Gingerbread House at Fairmont San Francisco is a stunning edible structure made with hundreds of bricks of real gingerbread and pounds of See’s Candies, creating a delightful holiday display.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Gingerbread House at Fairmont

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What to Expect:

Guided city tours in storytelling cars with GPS navigation.

Description:

GoCar Tours offers self-guided, GPS-enabled sightseeing adventures in various cities, allowing tourists to explore local landmarks and hidden gems at their own pace.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: GoCar Tours

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Chinatown Holiday News

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