Christmas in San Francisco 2024 - Local's Guide 

Things to do in San Francisco for Christmas!

Christmas is a beautiful time to be in San Francisco!

The shops are decked out, the Christmas lights are sparkling, and holiday favorites like the Nutcracker ballet, Dickens' Christmas Carol and Handel's Messiah are playing.

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Dickens' Christmas Carol

Dickens' beloved story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim has been performed every year in San Francisco by the American Conservatory Theater, at the Geary Theater, 415 Geary Street. (Recently renamed the Toni Rembe Theater after a large donation). But this year they are doing something different.

This year, the classic story has a different twist. The play is about a theater company staging the Dickens tale, with behind the scenes looks at their mishaps on the way to producing the traditional Christmas Carol.

Performance dates: Nov 26-Dec 24, 2024. See a Whynot Christmas Carol for more info and tickets.

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Handel's Messiah

In most years, you can enjoy this beloved work in the SF Symphony's grand Davies Hall, in the gorgeous Herbst Theater, or in Grace Cathedral.

San Francisco Symphony - Messiah

See the Messiah performed by the SF Symphony and 100-member Symphony Chorus in Davies Hall. Always a great show.

The SF Symphony is doing the Messiah this year on Fri, Dec 6, and Sat, Dec 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm.

See Messiah for tickets.

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Grace Cathedral - Messiah

One long-standing San Francisco tradition is the performance of Handel's Messiah in the beautiful Grace Cathedral, on Nob Hill.

Also performed on period instruments, and sung by the American Bach Choir, this has been a very popular event for past 20 years.

Book early for this one.

The Grace Cathedral Messiah is back for 2024. 

Performances on Dec 13, 2024. 1100 California Street, on Nob Hill.

See Messiah tickets. 

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Sing-Along Messiah

The Golden Gate Symphony usually does a Sing it Yourself! Messiah each year, at Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Ave. 

The Sing-along Messiah is back for 2024.

Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2 pm.

See Golden Gate Symphony Messiah for info.

The San Francisco City Chorus also is doing a Messiah sing-along on Dec 7, 2024, at 2-4 pm.

Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore Street.

See Chorus Messiah more info. 

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More Christmas Events with the Symphony

Christmas Movies with the SF Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony often does a Christmas classic.  You can watch the movie while the symphony orchestra plays the music. 

For 2024 holiday season, the Symphony is doing two films, Elf, and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Check SF Symphony Movie for more info and tickets.

The SF Symphony does a special family-oriented Christmas concert called Deck the Halls with familiar holiday songs and some singing along.

Dec 8, 2024,  at 11 am and 3 pm.

See Deck the Halls for program and tickets.

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Christmas Activities in San Francisco

Christmas time is San Francisco has all sorts of visual treats for visitors.

The major shops and hotels have their Christmas decorations out, and it's fun to check them out.

Here are some more ideas for things to do in San Francisco for Christmas.

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Kittens & Puppies in Macy's Windows

One of San Francisco's most loved Christmas activities is going downtown to see the adorable puppies and kittens available for adoption, in the windows of Macy's Union Square store.

The SPCA brings a selection of kittens and puppies needing homes to the downtown Macy's every holiday season, a 30-year tradition. 

The cuties will be there starting November 22 through December 31, 2024. Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6 pm.

Check visiting hours and watch them on the webcam at Macy's holiday windows.

Even if you're not looking for a pet, it's still a heart-warming thing to see; how much cuter can it get?

Pretty irresistible! I used to take my son down there when he was little; he loved it, and so did I. We still love to go down there and see them.

Prior years' kittens and puppies...

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Dickens Christmas Fair

The Dickens Fair is back for 2024! 

The 2024 Dickens Christmas Fair is returning to San Francisco at the Cow Palace for five weekends, Nov 23 - Dec 22, 2024. 10 am - 6 pm.

Get in the Christmas spirit, sample the roasted chestnuts and ale, and pick up some gifts. Wander through the lamp-lit streets of Victorian London in this extremely popular recreation of another time and place.

The entire Cow Palace arena is converted into street after street of vintage shops and pubs, with costumed actors selling food and Christmas items. A San Francisco tradition since 1970.

It's lots of fun: plays, music, pantomimes, Punch and Judy, Christmas carols, and more.

(Discounted tickets available if purchased before October 15, 2024.)

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Ice Skating in Union Square

An ice skating rink is set up in Union Square over the holiday season every year.

The rink is  open from November 6, 2024 through January 20, 2025.

2024 hours and rates: Open 10 am to 11:00 pm daily. Closes 9:30 pm on New Year's Eve.

Admission and skate rental included: $20. Kids under 9: $15.  Lockers available for rent.

For more info, see Union Square ice rink.  

More ice rinks in San Francisco: 

• Yerba Buena Gardens (open for 2024). Open year round, indoor rink at Yerba Buena Gardens. Holiday decorations. Adults $14.  See ice skating for info.
  
• The Dickens Fair had an ice rink last year, along with all the other festivities. See Dickens Fair activities for current info.

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Huge Christmas Trees in the City

Several locations in San Francisco have massive Christmas trees set up outside to enjoy.

Union Square Christmas Tree

Every year, Macy's contributes the enormous Christmas tree in Union Square. 

In the past, the lighting ceremony has included performances by the San Francisco Boys Choir and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and Santa and Snoopy have made a visit.

The tree generally stays lit up through January 1, 2024.

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Pier 39 Christmas Tree

Pier 39 puts up a 60-foot Christmas tree at the entrance to the pier every year.

They do a tree-lighting show on the hour from 5 to 10 pm, every night during the season through the first week of January. Synchronized Christmas music and lights.

2024 Pier 39 holiday celebrations: Nov 19, 2024 through Jan 5, 2025.

More info on things to do at Pier 39.

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Ghirardelli Square Christmas Tree & More

Ghirardelli Square has a big tree every year as well.  Music and crafts, also.

Enjoy some hot cocoa and other goodies during the festivities! Santa will be there, too.

They usually do outdoor screenings of some Christmas movies each year. See what's happening at the square: Ghirardelli Square holiday activities.

More on things to do at Ghirardelli Square.

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The Presidio Tree

Lighting the big tree on the Main Post of the Presidio is typically the first week of December. This year it's Friday, Dec 6, 2024.

Sing Christmas carols and enjoy the refreshments, then do a walk in the forest with lanterns at 6 pm.

Check events calendar for Presidio ceremony.

Civic Center Plaza Tree

Another big Christmas tree, downtown near Civic Center. Musical performances, plus an appearance by Santa. He gets around! Across from SF City Hall, all lit up: a beautiful sight.

Tree lighting for 2024: Wednesday, Dec 4, 4-7 pm. See Civic Center Tree Lighting.

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More Pretty Christmas Trees

The Fairmont Hotel's lobby is gorgeous any time of year, but especially so during the Christmas season. 

In addition to a beautiful tree, the Fairmont sets up a life-size, gingerbread house each year, that you can walk through (but not nibble on). 

It's really made of gingerbread, candy and icing, but it's not edible.

You can watch the toy train running along the track. A delight for kids.

The gingerbread house is back for 2024. You can even book a private meal inside the house! This year's house will be up from Nov 23, 2024, through the New Year.

Another yummy tradition: book a Holiday Tea at the Fairmont, or enjoy a Christmas buffet.

See Fairmont holiday bookings for info and reservations.

Getting there: the Fairmont Hotel is on Nob Hill, walking distance from Union Square: go up Powell Street, then left on California (up a very steep hill).

Or take the cable car that runs up Powell Street, and get off at California Street.

If you're in Union Square over the holidays, be sure to check out the beautiful tree in the entrance of Neiman Marcus. Last year and this year, they installed a tree made of lights. Pretty, but not the same, imo. Let's hope they have a real one for 2025.

Their entry way is already gorgeous, with its Art Deco, stained glass ceiling.

Tip: they have really nice bathrooms, too. Downstairs in the men's department.

The Palace Hotel also has a beautiful tree every year. At 2 New Montgomery Street, downtown.

And the Ritz Carlton Hotel will have a pretty, 40-foot tree. 600 Stockton Street.

The Westfield Shopping Centre (downtown SF, 865 Market Street)  has had a huge, upside-down, hanging tree the past two years, we'll see if it's happening again this year. The Centre is having difficulties at the moment, so probably not.

Apparently, it's started an international trend, which some like and some don't. Decide for yourself ;-) 

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Tell Santa What You Want

Santa is waiting to hear what you want for Christmas, at a number of locations around San Francisco.

You can visit Santa at Holiday Lane, on the 6th floor of the Union Square Macy's store, starting Nov 29, 2024.

It's by reservation only. To book, see Santa. 

Santa's SF appearances for 2024

• Macy's Union Square (see above). 
• Stonestown Galleria. Available for photos with kids. I used to take my son to see Santa here;)  Starting Nov 27, 2024. At the mall, 3251 20th Ave. Book a meeting and check hours. They are doing Santa with a pet photos, too, this year! Walk-ups available as well. Santa is available 11-7 most days; check the schedule.
• Ghirardelli Square. Santa visits Nov 29, 2024, 4:30-8 pm, with a 4:30-5:30 pm sing-a-long by the SF Boys Choir. Another visit, Dec 12, 4-8 pm (free hot chocolate and Cathedral School for Boys performing), and more visits Dec 19 and 21, 2024. Get photos with Santa. Walk-ins, no reservations. See Santa's visits and other holiday events.
• Cruise the bay with Santa! Santa's even appearing on a brunch cruise on three weekends in December. Sail the bay, enjoy a holiday buffet, and get photos with Santa. See Santa brunch cruise for info and tickets.

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Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz

For a special treat, take the kids for a holiday season tea party at the Ritz-Carlton.

They put on a holiday show for the kids, while they drink their hot chocolate and eat teddy-bear-shaped cookies. Book early for this one. They even get a teddy bear to take home!

See Teddy Bear Tea for info and booking.  Nov 30-Dec 23, 2024. $192 per guest.

Staying in the city? Book a room the Ritz.

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Dolly & Me Holiday Tea

Yes, it's a holiday afternoon tea for young children and their dolls! Doll crafting and tea for the kids, adults get tea or champagne. At the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square.

December 14 & 15, 2024. 1 pm. See Afternoon Tea for more info and booking.

Book a room at the Westin St. Francis.

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Christmas Brunch at the Palace Hotel

A lovely Christmas tradition is having Christmas brunch at the elegant Garden Court of the Palace Hotel. This sells out fast, so book way ahead. 

They have Holiday Lunches, Holiday Teas, Holiday Brunches, Holiday Dinners, and even Santa Claus Teas to choose from. See Palace holiday dining for more info and reservations.

The Palace Hotel is at 2 New Montgomery Street, just off Market, downtown.

For booking a room, see Palace Hotel.

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What's Open Christmas Day?

The following are open on Christmas Day:

• California Academy of Sciences
• Botanical Gardens
• San Francisco Zoo
• Pier 39 (some shops and restaurants)
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Muir Woods

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Tours on Christmas Day

Here are some of the more popular tours available on Christmas Day:

• Bay Cruise. Take a 60 minute ferry ride around the bay, past Alcatraz and out under the Golden Gate Bridge. 7 Christmas Day sailings from Pier 39 between 10:15 and 4:30. Save $2 if booked online. For more info and booking, see Bay Cruise.
• Self-guided Bike Tours. Rent bikes and ride around the city, or even better, over the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Sausalito. More info and booking, see Bike Tour.
• Go Car Tours. Do-it-yourself tour of the city in the GPS guided cars. Drive the little yellow cars all over SF, and hear interesting info as you pass the attractions. Book Go Car Tour. Or read an account of our Go Car experience on the tour (our tips, and some don't do's!).
• Hop On Hop Off Tours. Choose 1 or 2-day tickets, and take the guided tour on the double decker buses around the city or over to Sausalito. See HOHO bus tour for details and booking. Runs on Christmas.

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In addition to the big outdoor trees mentioned above, there are some very pretty Christmas lights and displays to be seen around town.

San Francisco Christmas Lights

• Union Street. Decorated and lit up between Van Ness and Steiner St.
• Tom & Jerry's house. Sad development for the house at 3650 21st Street. For many years, the owners, Tom and Jerry, had  created an amazing holiday spectacle by decorating their house to the nines and handing out candy as Santa. Around 30,000 people every year used to go by to admire the decorations. When Tom died in 2020, Jerry continued the tradition, but Jerry passed away on November 15, 2023. This year the house will not be decorated.
• SF Zoo. Santa and his reindeer aren't coming to the zoo this year, but the elves are hiding everywhere. Try to spot the all elves hiding all around the zoo.  See SF Zoo for more info.
• City Hall. San Francisco's City Hall is lit up in red and green for the holidays every year.
• The Embarcadero Center buildings. All four Embarcadero Center buildings are lighted to look like giant Christmas presents, starting mid-November. Right near the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. 
• Golden Gate Park Winter Lights. The park often has a cool program during the Christmas season involving lights at night. 2024 program TBA.

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Parking Downtown for the Holidays

Parking is especially challenging in San Francisco around Christmas. Here are some tips to make it less painful:

Parking Garages.

The main parking garages for Union Square shopping are:

• Union Square Garage on Geary (under the square)
• Sutter-Stockton Garage,  corner of Stockton & Sutter Streets. 

They are pretty expensive by the hour and they fill up fast in December.

Sutter-Stockton is a little cheaper ($4 to $5 per hour) and is larger; if you get there early (before 10 am), you should get a spot.

Another option is to use one of the parking apps to find a spot.

You can get some good deals sometimes on these sites, especially if you book ahead.

See SpotHero.com to book a place in a garage or lot.

Embarcadero Parking. If you are heading for Alcatraz, the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium, or any other places along the Embarcadero, check out my suggestions for the best places to park on the Embarcadero.

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Last minute gift!

Stumped for an original gift? Want something San Francisco-ish?

There's a new board game called Alarm 22, Escape from Alcatraz.

Play as one of Alcatraz's inmates and see if you can escape the island without getting captured (or worse).

It's based on real escape attempts and was designed by Jimmy Treehorn, the man who built the big scale model of Alcatraz at Pier 33. 

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