Step into the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area and discover a dozen ways to celebrate the holidays in style. For instance, you an find Victorian revelry, dazzling light shows, festive ice skating and more just waiting for you. Each day brings a new adventure, from sipping high tea in a historic hotel to marveling at a life-sized gingerbread house. Whether you’re exploring glowing gardens or skating beneath a towering Christmas tree, you’ll create memories that last all season. The Bay Area’s holiday magic is as diverse as its neighborhoods, offering something for every taste and tradition. Get ready to unwrap 12 days of joy, wonder, and unforgettable experiences.
12 Ideas for Holiday Fun in the San Francisco Bay Area
Day 1: Step Into Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Begin your holiday adventure at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace in Daly City. Wander through lamplit lanes, meet hundreds of costumed characters, and enjoy immersive performances inspired by Charles Dickens’ stories. Shop for handcrafted gifts, sip hot buttered rum, and join a lively dance party. Kids will love the Adventure Carousel, puppet shows, and meeting Father Christmas. The fair runs weekends through December 21, with special events and American Sign Language interpretation on select days. Of course, dressing in period attire is definitely encouraged for extra fun!
Day 2: Lace Up for Ice Skating in Union Square
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is a beloved tradition, open daily from November 5 through January 19. Skate beneath the city’s iconic Christmas tree and twinkling lights, with hour-long sessions starting every 90 minutes. Special events include Drag On Ice, Silent Skate, Polar Bear Skate, Flashback Fridays, and Classical Sundays. Beginners can join free “Learn to Skate” lessons on weekends. Tickets ($22 adults, $17 kids) include skate rental, and lockers and skate helpers are available. Book tickets online in advance, and don’t forget to layer up for chilly evenings! That’s not to mention enjoying the holiday lights around Union Square, especially at Macy’s.
Related: San Francisco’s Best Holiday Attractions
Day 3: See the Christmas Tree at Pier 39
Celebrate the holidays at Pier 39, where you’ll be greeted by the towering, 60-foot-tall Christmas tree sparkling with thousands of lights. Each evening, you can watch a dazzling light show that brings the waterfront to life with music and festive colors. Stroll along the pier to enjoy holiday decorations, seasonal treats, and the joyful energy of street performers. Don’t miss your chance to meet Santa Claus and snap a memorable photo with the family. The festivities at Pier 39 create a magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season for visitors of all ages. While in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, you can get photos taken with Santa Claus at the Hyde/Beach Cable Car Turnaround on December 13.
Day 4: Celebrate at WinterWonderland in Downtown San Jose
WinterWonderland transforms downtown San Jose into a festive hub, combining Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice. What’s more, there are arcade rides and attractions, along with plenty of tasty food options. For starters, hop on the 60-foot Ferris wheel then ride on a classic carousel. If that’s not enough, make sure to sae time for Winter Gift Fair featuring local artisans. As for the food, savor gourmet hot chocolate, churros, and international cuisine from food trucks. The event runs from November 28 to January 3, with free admission and ticketed rides. Lastly, don’t miss the Culture Night Market, holiday photo ops, and curated vendor zones for even more holiday hopping.
Related: Discover the Clift Royal Sonesta Near Union Square
Day 5: Experience the Holiday Lights at Filoli
Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside transforms into a winter wonderland from November 22 to January 11. By day, explore the “Gilded” experience with elegant holiday décor in the mansion and gardens. In addition, you can visit Thistlewyck, a whimsical village in the redwoods featuring miniature trains, fairy houses, and an Elf Emporium. At night, stroll through 16 acres of glowing gardens illuminated by 350,000+ lights. Afterwards, you can cozy up by fire pits, and enjoy mulled wine and seasonal treats. Tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so book in advance.
(credit: San Francisco Ballet)
Day 6: See The Nutcracker Ballet
The San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House is a dazzling holiday tradition, running December 5–28. This production features sumptuous costumes, magical snow scenes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed by a live orchestra. The ballet’s interpretation opens with a festive 1915 San Francisco Christmas party, adding local flair to the classic tale. Multiple showtimes are available, including sensory-friendly performances. However, due to its immense popularity, make sure to purchase your tickets sooner than later.
Related: Dalida Restaurant A Mediterranean Gem in the Presidio of San Francisco
Day 7: Shop Local at Holiday Markets
The Bay Area is packed with holiday markets and craft fairs every weekend in November and December. Highlights include West Coast Craft, Sunset Holiday Mercantile, SFMOMA Holiday Makers Market, and the Ghirardelli Square Holiday Market. Find handmade jewelry, pottery, art, and festive foods from local artisans. Many markets feature live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Lastly, don’t forget to visit other San Francisco Bay Area holiday markets, especially the German Holiday Market in Mountain View.
Day 8: Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland at Chase Center
Thrive City at Chase Center hosts Winter Wonderland, featuring the Bay Area’s largest holiday tree at 90 feet tall and a free synthetic ice skating rink on select dates. In addition, there are themed celebrations for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve. Enjoy live music, DJ Skate Parties, arts and crafts, festive treats, and appearances by Warriors legends. The tree lighting ceremony kicked off the season, and all events are family-friendly and free with RSVP. Complimentary skate rentals are available for a suggested donation, and parking is convenient at the Chase Center Garage.
Day 9: Explore Glowfari at Oakland Zoo
Glowfari is a wildly popular lantern festival at Oakland Zoo, running November 7 through January 25. Walk through a mile of dazzling, larger-than-life animal lanterns, themed lands (savanna, reef, bugs, and more), and interactive light displays. Ride the illuminated gondola to the California Trail, visit Santa in the Rides Area, and enjoy hot cocoa and snacks.
Day 10: Sip High Tea at San Francisco Hotels
Begin your holiday tea experience at the historic Palace Hotel, where elegant afternoon tea is served beneath the Garden Court’s stunning glass dome. Savor seasonal sweets, classic finger sandwiches, and a curated selection of teas in a grand, festive setting. Indulge in luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, with holiday-themed pastries, teacakes, and sandwiches, plus special events like Teddy Bear Tea and a tree lighting ceremony. At the Fairmont Hotel, enjoy holiday tea in the grand lobby, surrounded by elaborate gingerbread displays and sparkling decorations. Each hotel blends tradition and celebration, making afternoon tea a highlight of the season. Let the warmth and charm of these iconic San Francisco hotels become a cherished part of your festive journey.
Day 11: Enjoy Holiday Drinks and Bar Bites in San Francisco Lounges
Warm up your holidays with a cocktail adventure across San Francisco’s most iconic lounges. Sip creative seasonal drinks at The St. Regis SF, where the 12 Days of Cocktails menu brings a new festive flavor each night. Step into the historic Redwood Room inside the landmark Clift Royal Sonesta near Union Square. Inside the Redwood Room you can marvel at the art deco ambiance while enjoying classic holiday libations and bar bites. For a modern twist, visit Elements Bar & Lounge inside ONE65, the multi-level culinary destination, and toast the season with inventive craft cocktails in a chic setting. Each venue offers a unique blend of holiday cheer, perfect for gathering with friends or savoring a quiet moment. Raise your glass and let the spirit of the season sparkle in every sip.
Related: Affordable San Francisco Attractions for Under $20
Day 12: Visit the Giant Gingerbread House at the Fairmont San Francisco
Step into the Fairmont San Francisco’s lobby to see the legendary two-story, life-sized gingerbread house, built with over 8,000 gingerbread bricks and nearly 2,000 pounds of candy. The house stands 22 feet high and 23 feet wide, filled with the sweet aroma of gingerbread and candy. You can walk inside, take photos, and even book a private dinner inside the house for a truly unique experience. The display is free and open to the public daily through the New Year, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, and Santa appearances. The Fairmont’s 23-foot Christmas tree and festive lobby decorations complete the magical scene.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
