The Holiday Season in San Francisco

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in San Francisco! There are so many great holiday activities within the city each Christmas season and we thought we’d share some of our favorites.

Union Square Holiday Festivities
San Francisco’s Union Square is a shopping mecca and December is a magical time in the area. Take selfies in front of the Union Square Christmas Tree, go ice skating, visit Santa at Macy’s, visit the SPCA’s Holiday Window featuring adorable puppies and kittens (also at Macy’s), or shop ‘til you drop at any of the hundreds of shops, boutiques, and department stores in the area.

Visit the “Merry” Building (aka the Ferry Building during the Holiday Season)
Dozens of shops and restaurants do it up big for the holidays and don’t miss the merchant-created gingerbread houses displayed in the Marketplace including an amazing Ferry Building replica. There are also pop-up shops and kids crafting activities.

Pier 39 HapPIER Holidays Celebration and Tree
Enjoy a nightly tree lighting show synched to holiday music every half hour from 5p-10p throughout the season.

Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo
OK, this one’s not here in the city, but the 20-mile drive is well worth it!

Holidays Shows
The Nutcracker - The San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker runs from December 8-27, 2022.
A Christmas Carol – The American Conservatory Theater production will run through Christmas Eve at the Toni Rembe Theater.
Disney’s Frozen – The Musical runs through the end of the year at the Orpheum Theatre.

It’s always a great time to visit San Francisco, but never more so than during the holidays. We hope to see you soon!