San Francisco is a magical place during the holidays. With glowing buildings, lighted trees, and wonderous displays of art, theres something for everyone to enjoy.
Ice Skating in Union Square
Date: Nov 2 – Jan 16
Location: Union Square
Everyone gets to enjoy the rink this year at Union Square. Prices in 2022 are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under for a 60 minute session, with skate rental included.
Frozen on Broadway
Date: Nov 18 – Dec 30
Location: Orpheum Theater on Market Street
That’s right, Frozen on Broadway. The touring cast of Broadway’s Frozen is local for the holidays. Live action musicals require children to be at least 5 years old.
Grace Cathedral Sound Bath
Date: Nov 21
Location: Grace Cathedral
Clear your chakras at Grace Cathedral with a sound bath. Surrender yourself with a one-of-a-kind whole-body experience: A Sound Bath in the ambiance of a magnificent sacred space. (
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Holidays at Pier 39
Date: Nov 22 – Jan 8
Location: Pier 39
Head to Pier 39 for a nightly Tree Lighting Musical Moments where the Christmas tree will come to life every half hour from 5pm – 10pm. Synchronized to Holiday music, the tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments. These dazzling Tree Lighting Musical Moments will take center stage all season long. (
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Turkey Trot
Date: Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24)
Location: Throughout Bay Area
Earn your Thanksgiving meal with a Turkey Trot. While the trot through the Golden Gate Park is fully “stuffed” there are many available. (
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Union Square Tree Lighting
Date: Nov 25
Location: Union Square
Union Square is the heart of holiday cheer. Start the season right with Macy’s Great Tree Lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Check out the tree before the lighting NOW!
Tea Time
Date: Nov 26 – Dec 23 (Click link for details)
Location: Various locations
The tradition of tea time is a staple in many San Francisco families. Hotels offering tea time include:
Holiday Tea at the Fairmont Around the corner from the hotel’s grand 2-story gingerbread house is the hotel’s restaurant, Laurel Court. Holiday tea is offered Thursday through Sunday after Thanksgiving and daily in the two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s.
Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz Carlton Bring a toy or wrapped gift to donate to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Some proceeds from tea time will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network and Make a Wish Foundation.
A Christmas Carol
Date: Nov 30 – Dec 24
Location: Toni Rembe Theater
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a rendition of Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Tale. Discounted tickets for children 17 and under are available here for affordable family fun! (
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Let Glow SF
Date: Dec 2 – Dec 11
Location: Financial District
America’s largest holiday projection mapping festival returns to downtown San Francisco this December, celebrating the season with 10 nights of light, animation, and music crafted by artists from the Bay Area and across the globe. (
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San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
Date: Dec 8 – Dec 27
Location: 455 Franklin St, SF
Enjoy the San Francisco Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker. A local tradition since 1944.
Union Square Menorah Lighting
Date: Dec 18 – Dec 25
Location: Union Square
Celebrate Chanukah in Union Square with the Menorah Lighting. Join the community on Dec 18th for Bill Graham Menorah Day for a day full of fun. (
Schedule Here)
SantaCon
Date: Dec 18 – Dec 25
Location: Starts in Union Square
Spread good cheer at SantaCon in San Francisco this year. Dress up as Santa or enjoy the thousands of other people dressed as Santa. This year there will be a Toy Drive for the SFFD.
This is a free event, just follow the walking routes and sing along with everyone else. Must be 21+ to participate. (
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