San Francisco transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a plethora of enchanting experiences for both locals and visitors. You can immerse yourself in Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, where costumed performers and traditional games bring the past to life.
Alternatively, glide across the Union Square Ice Skating Rink, surrounded by skyscrapers and twinkling lights, or marvel at the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker, a timeless classic that captivates audiences with its stunning choreography and elaborate sets.
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The Top Christmas Events in San Francisco
- San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
- Union Square Ice Skating Rink
- Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting
- Golden Gate Park Holiday Tree Lighting
- Illuminate SF Festival of Light
- Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink
- Fairmont Gingerbread House
- Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony
- A Christmas Carol at ACT
- Holiday Lights Tour
San Francisco Holiday Light Displays
Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony at historic chocolate factory turned shopping complex
Description:
Ghirardelli Square, once home to the famous chocolate factory, now hosts a dazzling tree lighting ceremony. The event illuminates the historic brick buildings with a warm glow, highlighting the square's transformation from industrial space to beloved landmark. Visitors can sample Ghirardelli's famous hot chocolate while watching the towering tree come to life with thousands of twinkling lights. The square's history dates back to 1893, when it was built as a chocolate factory by Domenico Ghirardelli. Today, the tree lighting ceremony blends this rich heritage with modern holiday cheer, creating a uniquely San Franciscan celebration.
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Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting
Golden Gate Park Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Tree lighting in one of America's largest urban parks
Description:
Golden Gate Park's holiday tree lighting transforms this vast urban oasis into a winter spectacle. The event takes place near the Conservatory of Flowers, a Victorian-era greenhouse that provides a stunning backdrop. Park-goers can join in caroling as the massive tree bursts into light, illuminating the surrounding gardens. The park, conceived in the 1860s and larger than New York's Central Park, offers a unique blend of nature and holiday spirit. You'll discover hidden sculptures and historic landmarks throughout the grounds, each taking on a new character in the glow of the holiday lights.
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Golden Gate Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Illuminate SF Festival of Light
What to Expect:
City-wide light art festival featuring both permanent and temporary installations
Description:
The Illuminate SF Festival of Light transforms San Francisco into an open-air gallery of luminous art. This innovative event showcases over 40 light art installations scattered throughout the city's diverse neighborhoods. Artists harness the power of light to create thought-provoking pieces that interact with San Francisco's unique architecture and landscape. You can embark on self-guided tours to discover these radiant works, from the Bay Bridge's undulating LEDs to intimate neighborhood displays. The festival highlights San Francisco's long-standing commitment to public art, dating back to the city's first public sculpture in 1894.
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Illuminate SF Festival of Light
Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Tree lighting with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge
Description:
PIER 39's tree lighting ceremony offers a uniquely San Franciscan holiday experience, with the illuminated tree framed by views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. The event kicks off with live music and entertainment, building excitement for the moment when the 60-foot tree springs to life with thousands of lights. You can explore the pier's two levels of dining, entertainment, and shopping options while enjoying the festive atmosphere. PIER 39, originally constructed for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, has become a beloved tourist destination. The barking of the pier's famous sea lions adds a distinctive soundtrack to this waterfront celebration.
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Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of San Francisco's most spectacular holiday light displays
Description:
Embark on a journey through San Francisco's most dazzling holiday light displays with this guided tour. The excursion winds through diverse neighborhoods, from the elegant mansions of Pacific Heights to the quirky charm of Noe Valley. Each area showcases its unique character through creative light installations and decorations. You'll learn about the history and architecture of these distinct districts as you admire their holiday transformations. The tour includes a stop at the famously crooked Lombard Street, where holiday lights accentuate its hairpin turns. This mobile feast of lights offers a new perspective on San Francisco's varied landscapes and communities.
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Tom & Jerry’s Christmas Display
What to Expect:
Elaborate private home display with animatronics and thousands of lights
Description:
Tom and Jerry's Christmas Display transforms a private Noe Valley home into a spectacular holiday attraction. This labor of love, created by two local residents, features intricate animatronic scenes, thousands of twinkling lights, and whimsical decorations covering every inch of the property. Visitors can activate various displays with the push of a button, bringing the scenes to life. The display has been a neighborhood tradition for over three decades, growing more elaborate each year. It stands as a testament to San Francisco's spirit of individuality and creativity, drawing crowds from across the city to this otherwise quiet residential street.
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Tom & Jerry’s Christmas Display
San Francisco Holiday Shows and Entertainment
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
What to Expect:
America's oldest professional ballet company performs this holiday classic
Description:
The San Francisco Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to life with breathtaking precision and grace. As America's oldest professional ballet company, founded in 1933, they infuse the performance with decades of tradition and expertise. The production features elaborate sets that transport you to a world of sugarplum fairies and toy soldiers. During intermission, you can explore the War Memorial Opera House's stunning architecture, a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. The dancers' fluid movements captivate audiences of all ages, creating lasting memories of this timeless holiday tale.
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San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at ACT
What to Expect:
Lavish production of Dickens' classic at a historic theater
Description:
The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) brings Dickens' timeless tale to life in a lavish production that has become a San Francisco tradition. The performance takes place in the historic Geary Theater, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that opened in 1910. Elaborate Victorian-era costumes and sets transport the audience to 19th-century London, while innovative staging techniques add a contemporary flair. You can arrive early to admire the theater's ornate interior and learn about its storied past. The production honors Dickens' original text while incorporating music and dance, creating a multi-sensory experience that captures the spirit of redemption and generosity at the heart of the story.
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San Francisco Other Holiday Activities
Union Square Ice Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in the heart of San Francisco's shopping district
Description:
Glide across the ice beneath towering skyscrapers at Union Square's outdoor rink. This urban oasis of winter fun contrasts beautifully with the surrounding palm trees and bustling city life. The rink's central location allows skaters to take in views of the iconic Union Square Christmas tree and nearby department store holiday displays. You can perfect your figure eights or simply enjoy a leisurely lap around the rink. Union Square has been a focal point of San Francisco since 1850, evolving from a sand dune to the city's premier shopping and entertainment district. The crisp winter air invigorates skaters as they create new holiday traditions.
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Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Ice skating with views of the San Francisco Bay and Ferry Building
Description:
The Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink offers a unique skating experience with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the historic Ferry Building. Skaters glide across the ice surrounded by the center's illuminated office towers, creating a striking contrast between modern architecture and holiday tradition. You can take a spin on the ice, then warm up with a stroll along the Embarcadero, exploring its array of shops and eateries. The rink sits near the site of the original San Francisco shoreline, before the city's expansion through landfill in the 19th century. The gentle lapping of the bay provides a soothing soundtrack to your skating adventure.
Website:
Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink
Fairmont Gingerbread House
What to Expect:
Two-story, life-sized gingerbread house in a historic luxury hotel
Description:
The Fairmont Hotel's two-story, life-sized gingerbread house stands as a testament to culinary artistry and holiday spirit. This edible architectural marvel, constructed with thousands of gingerbread bricks and gallons of royal icing, dominates the hotel's grand lobby. Visitors can walk through the house, marveling at the intricate details and sweet aroma that permeates the air. The Fairmont, built in 1907, played a crucial role in San Francisco's recovery after the great earthquake, hosting important post-disaster meetings. Today, its gingerbread house continues to bring joy and wonder to guests, blending luxury hospitality with whimsical holiday tradition.
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Nearby Events
Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Daly City)
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian London experience with period-accurate costumes and activities
Description:
Step back in time to Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. This immersive event recreates the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens' world with meticulous attention to detail. Costumed performers bring literary characters to life as they roam the streets of this pop-up 19th-century city. You can participate in traditional parlor games or watch a lively music hall show. The fair pays homage to Dickens' impact on modern Christmas traditions, including his popularization of the phrase "Merry Christmas" through his novella "A Christmas Carol." Artisans demonstrate forgotten crafts, offering a glimpse into the industrial revolution era.