Holiday Magic in SF: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Fun

The holidays are in full swing, and there's no better place to soak up the festive spirit than San Francisco. From twinkling lights to delicious seasonal treats, the City by the Bay knows how to celebrate in style! Whether you're here for a long weekend or just popping in for the holidays, Stanford Court Hotel is the perfect home base to explore all the seasonal magic nearby. So, grab your coat, your appetite, and your holiday spirit—let's dive into the best of what San Francisco has to offer this holiday season!

 

1. Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

Just a short stroll from the Stanford Court, Union Square is decked out in all things festive. The iconic ice rink is the place to be for a little holiday fun on skates, with the city’s towering Christmas tree standing tall right in the center. Even if you’re not skating, grab a hot cocoa and enjoy the twinkling lights, all while shopping at nearby boutiques and flagship stores. Trust us—there’s no better place for a little holiday shopping spree.

 

2. Let's Glow SF

Get ready to be dazzled by Let’s Glow SF, the country's largest holiday projection event, returning to downtown San Francisco from December 6 to 15, 2024. This free outdoor festival features large-scale animated light installations by 13 artists from around the world, projected onto seven iconic buildings, including the Ferry Building and the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange. Each night, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, the cityscape transforms into a luminous canvas of holiday cheer. And don't miss out on the Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party on December 13, an all-ages celebration on Front Street featuring LED glow performers, glow face painters, a live DJ and more!

 

3. San Francisco's Christmas Tree Displays

San Francisco knows how to light up the holiday spirit with dazzling Christmas trees across the city. Must-sees include:

• The Grace Cathedral World Tree of Hope - Lighting Dec. 9: The Rainbow World Fund World Tree of Hope is a gift to the SF Bay Area and the world from the LGBTQ+ community. A breathtaking sight, this tree is adorned with origami cranes and stars, each representing a wish for hope and peace. Wishes are sent in from around the world by mail and online and then printed and folded by volunteers to be added to the tree. Want to send in your own wish? Learn more here.
• The Fairmont Christmas Tree & Gingerbread House - Open Nov. 23: Take a short walk across the street to the Fairmont Hotel, where their holiday decor is quite a spectaple. They have one of the most beautiful Christmas trees on the block and one of the most celebrated holiday installations in the city: a two-story gingerbread house made of thousands of gingerbread cookie bricks and gallons of royal icing. 
• Pier 39 Christmas Tree - Lighting Nov. 26: Perched right at the entrance to PIER 39, this tree stands 62 feet tall and emits a georgous glow with Bay views as its backdrop. Enjoy a 5 minute light show every half hour! In fact, the holiday displays are well lit up across the pier, includng: 670 piece gingerbread Fisherman's Wharf display on 145 Jefferson St, ornament selfie spots along the wharf, Coca Cola winter wonderland hallway, Santa Clause Saturday's, a brand new Jingle Bar and a Red, White and Grinched brunch cruise with Red and White Fleet Cruises! 

 

4. Union Square Winter Walk - Friday Dec. 13 - Sunday Dec. 22

This pedestrian-friendly holiday event takes over a few blocks in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Sip mulled wine, explore pop-up vendors, and enjoy street performances, all while surrounded by glittering holiday decorations. The Winter Walk is a perfect stop while exploring the Let’s Glow SF displays nearby.

 

5. The Ferry Building Marketplace

Foodies, this one’s for you! The Ferry Building Marketplace is a year-round gem, but during the holidays, it turns into a foodie’s dream. Think artisanal treats, festive baked goods, and a bustling holiday market filled with local vendors. Don’t miss out on the seasonal offerings like pumpkin spice everything, spiced ciders, and the best holiday chocolates. Plus, you can pop over to the nearby Embarcadero for some gorgeous holiday lights and views of the Bay Bridge.

 

6. SantaCon - Saturday Dec. 14

Ready for a Santa takeover? SantaCon is the city’s most cheerful (and slightly chaotic) pub crawl, where everyone dresses as Santa or Mrs. Claus. It's a jolly way to meet new friends and explore the city’s bar scene, with plenty of holiday cheer. Plus it's for a great cause!

To attend this FREE event, be sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the San Francisco Fire Department Toy Program at 12 noon in Union Square. 

 

7. Christmas Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Holiday-themed pop-up bars are the ultimate way to cozy up with seasonal cocktails. Some of the city’s best include:

• Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven in Union Square - Nov. 29 - Dec. 31: This sparkling holiday pop-up bar is a commonly known city favorite, offering up delicious seasonal cocktails, festive photo ops and plenty of holiday cheer. 
• Thriller Social Club in SoMa - specific dates TBA: This popular arcade bar is bringing back Grinchville to their second floor. Grab a glass of brigh green Christmas eggnog and enjoy their arcade for hours of entertainment!
• Sippin' Santa at Kona Street Market in Yerba Buena - Nov. 8: Sippin' Santa puts a tropicle twist on the classic Christmas pop-up! Enjoy lots of run, fun glassward and fantastic holiday decor that lasts nearly two months!
• Noche Buena at Cavaña in Mission Bay - Dec. 1 - Dec. 30: One of SF's favorite new rooftop bars is putting a holiday twist on their food and drink menu through the end of the year. With drinks named "Sweet Baby Jesus", "Chingon Bells" and "Feliz Navi Daddy" - this spicy twist is one you won't want to miss. 

8. Holiday Shows at the Orpheum Theatre

What’s a holiday season without a little theater magic? The Orpheum Theatre, just a short ride from Stanford Court, is home to some of the best Broadway shows in town, with a wonderful festive lineup, including: A Christmas Carol and Hamilton. It's the perfect way to add a little culture to your holiday adventure!

 

9. Holiday Performances at the San Francisco Ballet - Nov. 21 - Jan. 26

For those who appreciate the arts, the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker performance is a beloved tradition, enjoyed by audiences all over the world. Head to the War Memorial Opera House, only a short ride away, and settle in for a magical evening full of dance, music, and stunning visuals. It’s the ultimate way to get into the holiday spirit.

 

10. Holiday Menu at The Mixing Room | Nob Hill

After all the holiday hustle and bustle, treat yourself to a delicious meal at The Mixing Room, right in the Stanford Court Hotel. This local favorite will be serving up seasonal dishes that’ll have you feeling like you’re at a cozy holiday dinner party. From seasonal cocktails to heartwarming entrees, it’s the perfect place to refuel either after or even before a day of festivities.

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San Francisco in the holiday season? It’s a vibe. Whether you're scouting Christmas trees, sipping cocktails at a pop-up bar, or attending any of the city's seasonal events, there's no shortage of holiday cheer around every corner. And with Stanford Court as your home base, you’ll be perfectly situated to experience all the best of San Francisco’s holiday magic. See you out here soon - and happy holidays!🎄