The holiday season in San Francisco is like the city itself: a mix of old and new, classic and quirky, and it never fails to dazzle. For locals and visitors alike, this time of year transforms the area between downtown and the financial district into a playground of lights, sounds, and delicious treats. You may not have the packed events of pre-2020 days, but there’s no shortage of festive reasons to look your best—and I’m here to make that easy.
Picture this: you’ve just had your hair perfectly blow-dried, and you feel like a holiday hero walking through the twinkling streets. Maybe you’re off to tea time across the street from me at the Palace Hotel, where you can channel old-school glamour under glittering chandeliers. Or perhaps you’re heading to see The Nutcracker, a classic that’s as much a part of San Francisco as fog in July.
There are so many fantastic holiday experiences waiting for you right here, and I’ve curated a list of 25 can’t-miss activities to inspire you! Whether you’re new to the city or have been here since the days when Market Street had more streetcars than Ubers, there’s something here for everyone—and let’s be real, every occasion is better with a fresh hairstyle. So, treat yourself to a bit of glam at the salon, then head out to embrace all the holiday magic San Francisco has to offer. After all, nothing says holiday spirit quite like looking fabulous while you sip your tea or hum along to the Sugar Plum Fairy!
1. Holiday Tea Service at The Palace Hotel
- What: The Palace Hotel’s Holiday Tea Service is a beloved San Francisco tradition and a fantastic way to enjoy a cozy yet sophisticated holiday outing. Hosted in the hotel’s iconic Garden Court, the atmosphere alone feels magical, with soaring glass ceilings, grand chandeliers, and festive holiday decor transforming the space into a winter wonderland.The tea service includes a selection of fine teas and an assortment of gourmet finger sandwiches, scones, and holiday-themed pastries, all prepared with a touch of holiday flair. Expect traditional treats like cranberry scones with clotted cream and sweets inspired by seasonal flavors like gingerbread and peppermint. And for a bit of extra indulgence, you can add a glass of champagne or sparkling cider to celebrate the season.
- When: Daily from November 22, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
- Cost: $95 per person.
- Tickets: Reservations can be made at Palace Hotel.
2. Ice Skating at Union Square
- What: Skating at Union Square is as much about the festive vibe as it is about the skating itself. Nearby stores light up with holiday displays, and the enormous Christmas tree at the center of the square adds a perfect holiday backdrop for selfies. After your skate, you can warm up with hot cocoa or explore the nearby shops for some holiday shopping. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and closer to the holidays, as it’s a popular attraction. So, grab your skates (or rent a pair there), get your holiday playlist ready, and make a memorable day of it! I did this last year with friends and it was SO MUCH FUN!!
- When: November 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025.
- Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for children (skate rentals included).
- Tickets: Buy tickets at the rink or visit Union Square Ice Rink.
3. San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour
- What: Many tours pass through residential neighborhoods known for their elaborate home displays, such as the charming Victorian houses in the Marina or Pacific Heights, which go all-out with extravagant decorations. Union Square, for example, glows with a massive Christmas tree and festive decor on Macy’s, while the Embarcadero’s buildings are outlined in white lights, illuminating the waterfront skyline in breathtaking style. These tours are usually about two hours long and come with fun holiday music, hot cocoa, or other festive treats, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.
- When: Select nights from November 29 to December 30, 2024.
- Cost: $55 per person.
- Tickets: More info and bookings at San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour.
4. Nutcracker Ballet
- What: San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition, performed at the stunning War Memorial Opera House in Civic Center. This production is known for its enchanting sets, lavish costumes, and breathtaking choreography. The ballet, which includes Tchaikovsky’s famous score, transports audiences to a magical world as they follow Clara’s journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, meeting iconic characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy along the way. The SF Ballet was the first American company to perform The Nutcracker in 1944, making this production especially historic. They incorporate local touches, like a skyline backdrop, which gives it a uniquely San Francisco twist.
- When: December 11-31, 2024.
- Cost: Prices start at $35.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets at San Francisco Ballet.
5. Golden Gate Bay Cruise
- Details: Golden Gate Bay Cruises often add a holiday touch during the festive season! While regular tours take you past famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, holiday cruises often feature seasonal decor, special music, and festive treats. Some cruises include hot beverages like cocoa or mulled wine to keep passengers warm, and select tours might have holiday themes, such as a “Santa Sightseeing Cruise.” Certain tours also feature twilight or evening departures, allowing passengers to enjoy the twinkling city lights, which add a special charm during the holiday season.
- Dates: Christmas Day (December 25).
- Cost: Prices vary; check for specifics.
- Purchase: GetYourGuideFree Tours by Foot.
6. Visit the Christmas Tree at Pier 39
- What: I know Pier 39 isn’t on most locals list of places to go but, don’t sleep on this iconic destination especially this time of year. Visiting Pier 39 during the holiday season is a festive experience, with the Christmas tree as the centerpiece, adorned in sparkling lights and nautical-themed decorations. The tree stands tall against the San Francisco Bay, creating a perfect photo opportunity with Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Around the pier, holiday carolers often perform, and the shops are decked out with seasonal decor, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. With holiday lights illuminating the pier and fun activities like the Aquarium of the Bay nearby, Pier 39 offers a magical holiday outing for all ages.
- When: November 15, 2024 – January 1, 2025.
- Cost: Free.
- More Info: Visit Pier 39 Holiday Events.
7. Illuminate SF Festival of Light
- What: The Illuminate SF Festival of Light is an enchanting celebration that brightens San Francisco during the holiday season, featuring a series of light art installations by local and international artists. Spanning late November to early January, this annual festival showcases more than 60 pieces spread across 17 neighborhoods, making it a city-wide gallery of illuminated art. Most of the installations are free and open to the public, inviting residents and visitors to explore on their own or through guided tours offered during the festival. Many installations light up daily, creating an atmosphere that blends the city’s iconic architecture with luminous works of art, perfect for evening strolls or festive outings.
- When: November 8, 2024 – January 1, 2025.
- Cost: Free.
- More Info: Learn more at Illuminate SF.
8. Holiday at the Exploratorium
- What: Holiday at the Exploratorium brings a festive twist to San Francisco’s hands-on science museum, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors of all ages. During the holiday season, the Exploratorium often adds special exhibits and events that embrace winter themes and holiday cheer. Seasonal installations and interactive exhibits blend art, science, and playful discovery—encouraging visitors to explore winter’s natural wonders, like light, shadow, and the physics of snow and ice. The museum also hosts holiday-themed after-hours events as part of their After Dark series, catering to adults with festive cocktails, music, and opportunities to explore exhibits with a more relaxed, evening ambiance.
- When: December 1-31, 2024.
- Cost: General admission is $39.95.
- Tickets: Buy tickets at Exploratorium.
9. Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- What: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco is an immersive holiday experience that transports visitors to Victorian London, bringing Charles Dickens’ world to life. Held annually at the Cow Palace, this event recreates the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling 19th-century English Christmas market. Cobblestone streets, decorated shops, and period-accurate characters welcome visitors as they wander through a setting filled with costumed actors portraying Dickensian figures like Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, and Mr. Fezziwig.
- When: November 23 – December 22, 2024 (weekends only).
- Cost: $35 for adults, $15 for children.
- Tickets: Purchase at Dickens Fair.
10. Zoo Lights at San Francisco Zoo
- What: Zoo Lights at the San Francisco Zoo transforms the zoo grounds into a holiday wonderland with dazzling light displays, holiday decor, and festive activities. Typically held in December, this evening event allows visitors to experience the zoo in a new way, as trees, walkways, and animal habitats are illuminated with thousands of LED lights. Special themed areas bring holiday cheer to life, such as a glowing Candy Cane Lane, illuminated animal figures, and an enchanting Holiday Forest with beautifully lit trees. While most of the animals are off-exhibit at night, some areas feature nocturnal species, giving guests a rare look at animals active after dark. Kids can enjoy activities like holiday crafts, photo ops with Santa Claus, and special treats like hot chocolate and holiday snacks.
- When: November 29 – December 30, 2024.
- Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for children.
- Tickets: Available at San Francisco Zoo.
11. Holiday Shopping at Ferry Building Marketplace
- What: Browse unique gifts and gourmet treats at the historic Ferry Building. On select weekends, the marketplace hosts special holiday events, including live music performances and DIY wreath-making workshops, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. After shopping, visitors can enjoy waterfront views while savoring seasonal food and drinks from the marketplace’s eateries, making it an ideal destination for both gift shopping and holiday cheer.
- When: November – December, check for holiday market dates.
- Cost: Free entry.
- More Info: Visit Ferry Building Marketplace.
12. Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert
- What: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) Concert is a dynamic holiday tradition that combines rock, classical music, and an unforgettable visual spectacle. Known for their elaborate production and high-energy performances, TSO tours nationally each holiday season, in addition to the music, the concert features dazzling visual effects, including laser light shows, animated LED screens, and synchronized pyrotechnics, transforming the stage into an immersive winter wonderland. TSO’s musicians, vocalists, and narrators are highly interactive, adding a personal touch to each performance, making the concert not just a show but an all-encompassing holiday experience.
- When: December 21, 2024.
- Cost: Prices start at $49.
- Tickets: Available at Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
13. Holiday Craft Fair at Fort Mason
- What: The Holiday Craft Fair at Fort Mason in San Francisco is a vibrant seasonal event where local artisans and makers showcase their handcrafted goods, perfect for holiday gifts. Set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop of Fort Mason, the fair features an impressive variety of items, including handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, artwork, candles, and specialty foods, all created by independent artists from around the Bay Area and beyond. Beyond shopping, the Holiday Craft Fair often includes seasonal festivities like live music, holiday-themed food and drink, and family-friendly activities such as craft-making workshops.
- When: December 7-8, 2024.
- Cost: $10 for entry.
- Tickets: Buy tickets at Fort Mason Center.
14. Ghirardelli Square Holiday Celebration
- What: Ghirardelli Square itself hosts an array of shops and eateries, making it a great place to shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy gourmet food, or indulge in decadent Ghirardelli chocolate sundaes and hot cocoa. The celebration also often features exclusive discounts, making it a prime destination for those looking to experience San Francisco’s festive charm while shopping for delicious treats and holiday gifts. The event is especially known for the lighting of the large holiday tree, a centerpiece of the celebration, accompanied by music and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances throughout the day, including carolers, live bands, and seasonal shows. this is an event you.
- When: December 7, 2024.
- Cost: Free.
- More Info: Visit Ghirardelli Square.
15. A Christmas Carol at ACT
- What: This annual production of A Christmas Carol is a must-see for theater lovers, offering a fresh take on the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly man who learns the true meaning of Christmas through visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. ACT’s rendition of A Christmas Carol is known for its high production values, innovative staging, and strong performances. Directed by a talented team, the show blends traditional storytelling with contemporary elements, creating an engaging experience for audiences of all ages. The production is often noted for its striking set designs, impressive costumes, and dynamic use of lighting and sound, making it visually stunning. In addition to the captivating performances, the show is complemented by a beautiful live orchestra that plays a range of classical Christmas music, adding to the festive atmosphere
- When: December 3-30, 2024.
- Cost: Prices start at $25.
- Tickets: More info at ACT.
16. San Francisco Symphony’s Holiday Concerts
- What: Attend a festive concert featuring holiday classics performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Many of the holiday concerts include interactive elements for younger audiences, such as sing-alongs or storytime, making it a fun and inclusive event for all ages. The San Francisco Symphony’s Holiday Concerts are a joyful tradition that blends timeless music with the magic of the season, perfect for anyone looking to celebrate the holidays in a grand way.
- When: Various dates in December 2024.
- Cost: Prices vary, starting around $30.
- Tickets: Purchase at San Francisco Symphony.
17. Holiday Happenings at the California Academy of Sciences
- What: During the Holiday Happenings, the Academy often hosts special live performances, including seasonal concerts and theatrical shows that add to the festive mood. The Tinker Lab often features hands-on craft activities where visitors, especially families, can create holiday-themed projects. Additionally, the museum’s Osher Rainforest is frequently filled with seasonal decorations, adding a tropical touch to the winter festivities.
- When: December 18-30, 2024.
- Cost: General admission is $39.95.
- Tickets: Buy at California Academy of Sciences.
18. The Great Santa Run (family friendly)
- What: The Great Santa Run is ideal for those looking to enjoy a family friendly playful holiday tradition, whether they are running, walking, or simply participating in the fun. It’s a great way for families to bond over a shared, festive activity, all while benefiting local causes and spreading some holiday cheer. In addition to the run itself, there are usually pre- and post-race activities such as live entertainment, games for kids, and photo ops with Santa. Many participants take the opportunity to raise money for various local charities, making the event a wonderful way to give back to the community during the holiday season.
- When: December 15, 2024.
- Cost: $45 for registration.
- More Info: Visit Great Santa Run.
OR the next day….
19. SantaCon (not family friendly)
- What: SantaCon is a popular, albeit more adult-oriented, holiday event that takes place annually in San Francisco and many other cities around the world. Typically held in mid-December, SantaCon is a massive pub crawl where participants dress up as Santa Claus (or other holiday-themed characters) and take to the streets in a sea of red suits, fake beards, and holiday cheer. The event is known for its festive, often rowdy atmosphere, as participants make their way through various bars, clubs, and other venues, enjoying drinks and holiday-themed activities along the way.
- Dates: December 14, 2024.
- Cost: Free to join; drinks on your own.
- Info: SantaCon
20. Holiday Lights at the San Francisco Botanical Garden
- What: The Holiday Lights event at the San Francisco Botanical Garden is a magical winter experience that transforms the garden into a dazzling display of lights and festive beauty. Typically held during the holiday season in December, the garden’s lush landscapes are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a stunning contrast against the winter evening sky. This event provides visitors with the chance to stroll through the garden’s various plant collections, which are illuminated in creative, colorful ways, showcasing the beauty of nature alongside festive cheer.
- When: December 1-31, 2024.
- Cost: $10 for adults.
- Tickets: More info at San Francisco Botanical Garden.
21. Visit Alcatraz Island for Holiday Events
- What:
- Visiting Alcatraz Island during the holiday season offers a unique and memorable way to experience both the history of the island and the festive spirit. While Alcatraz is most known for its history as a former federal prison, during the holidays, the island hosts special events that combine its rich history with seasonal cheer. The most popular event is the Holiday Tours offered by Alcatraz Cruises, which include unique programming and activities for visitors. The island is decorated with holiday-themed displays, including festive lights, wreaths, and seasonal decorations that add a warm, cheerful touch to the cold, storied surroundings. The combination of holiday decorations against the stark, historical backdrop creates a distinctive and picturesque atmosphere.
- When: Various dates in December 2024.
- Cost: $47 for adults.
- Tickets: Book at Alcatraz Cruises.
22. Candlelight Concerts at the Masonic
- What: The Candlelight Concerts often include a variety of musical genres, with holiday-themed performances such as classic Christmas carols, traditional hymns, and festive orchestral arrangements. From string quartets and piano solos to full chamber orchestras, the concerts are designed to highlight the beauty of classical music in a relaxed and personal setting. The intimate atmosphere of the Masonic Auditorium allows the audience to connect deeply with the music, making it a truly special experience.
- When: Various dates in December 2024.
- Cost: Starting at $25.
- Tickets: Available at Candlelight Concerts.
23. SFSPCA’s Holiday Pet Photos
- What: The SFSPCA’s Holiday Pet Photos is a heartwarming annual event where pet owners can bring their furry friends to pose for professional holiday-themed photos. Organized by the San Francisco SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), this festive event offers an opportunity for pet owners to create memorable holiday keepsakes with their pets, all while supporting a good cause.
- When: December 8-15, 2024.
- Cost: $25 per session.
- More Info: Visit SFSPCA.
24. Explore Holiday Markets in Civic Center Plaza
- What: The location itself, surrounded by the beautiful architecture of City Hall, makes for a stunning backdrop, especially when it is illuminated for the holidays. With its mix of shopping, food, and festive activities, the holiday market at Civic Center Plaza is an excellent way to experience the holiday season in San Francisco, combining tradition with the excitement of discovering new local treasures.
- When: December 6-24, 2024.
- Cost: Free entry.
- More Info: Visit Civic Center Holiday Market.
25. Gingerbread House at Fairmont Hotel
- Details: The Gingerbread House at the Fairmont is usually complemented by other holiday festivities, such as themed teas, holiday brunches, and special events in the hotel’s historic lobby. The house is often available for viewing throughout the holiday season, and many visitors make it a tradition to stop by while exploring the city’s other holiday events. It’s a family-friendly attraction that brings the enchantment of the holidays to life and adds an extra layer of joy to the festivities in San Francisco.
- Dates: Thanksgiving through New Year.
- Cost: Varies.
- Info: Fairmont San FranciscoFree Tours by Foot.
Thank you for sticking with me to the end of this holiday tour through San Francisco! With 25 festive activities lined up, I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into the season. And remember, whatever you choose to do, a touch of holiday style never hurts.
Here’s my advice: don’t let the hustle and bustle catch you with unprepared hair. Whether it’s an elegant tea, a performance, or just a stroll through the city’s winter wonderland, a professional blow-dry adds a little something extra to any experience. Let’s be honest—your style should be as memorable as the occasion. So, don’t hesitate to book a blowout, treat yourself to the works, and head out knowing you’re ready for anything (even impromptu holiday photos).
The holidays only come once a year, and San Francisco knows how to do them right. Let’s make sure you look right there with it—cheers to a fabulous, festive season!
To see more things to do in the city these days while you’re here for your hair appointment, check out this blog post from last year, 7 Things To Do in San Francisco Before or After your Hair Appointment.
