The holiday season in San Francisco is nothing short of magical. With the city sparkling with lights, festive events, and family-friendly attractions, San Francisco offers something special for everyone. Here are eight reasons for Monterey families to make that two-and-a-half hour drive to SF this holiday season.
1. Union Square Christmas Tree & Ice Skating
Union Square is the heart of holiday celebrations in San Francisco. The annual Christmas tree, decked out in thousands of twinkling lights is the centerpiece of the square. Right next to it, the Union Square Ice Skating Rink invites families to skate under the glow of holiday lights. Check the website for information on special events such as “Learn to Skate” days (open by lottery only) and the “Polar Bear Skate” held on New Year’s Day.
- Dates: Ice skating is available through early January.
- Location: Union Square, San Francisco, CA
- Website: unionsquareicerink.com
- Contact: (415) 295-1588
2. Holiday Tea at the Palace Hotel
For a touch of elegance, the Holiday Tea at the historic Palace Hotel is a delightful experience for families. Children will love the Nutcracker-themed decorations and holiday treats, while adults enjoy gourmet teas and classic afternoon tea fare.
- Dates: Select days throughout December
- Location: 2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Website: palacehotel.com
- Contact: (415) 512-1111
3. A Whynot Christmas Carol at the American Conservatory Theater
A small theater troupe in the town of Whynot has gathered to put up their director’s new version of A Christmas Carol. From the first rehearsal to opening night, we follow these sometimes-reluctant comrades on their quest to put on a great show with too little time and money but no shortage of opinions.
- Dates: December 1 to December 24
- Location: 415 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Website: act-sf.org
- Contact: (415) 749-2228
4. San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker
One of the most beloved holiday traditions, the SF Ballet’s Nutcracker features incredible dancers, lavish costumes, and unforgettable music by Tchaikovsky. It’s a must-see for families during the holiday season.
- Dates: Select dates between December 12 to December 29
- Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Website: sfballet.org
- Contact: (415) 865-2000
5. Holiday Lights Tour on a Cable Car
Experience the magic of San Francisco’s neighborhoods with a motorized cable car holiday lights tour. These tours take you through the city’s most decorated areas, including Nob Hill, Union Square, and the Embarcadero, in a festive cable car adorned with lights and holiday cheer.
- Dates: Throughout December
- Starting Point: Union Square, San Francisco, CA
- Website: https://sfmerchants.com/cruise_terminal/cable_car_city_tours_3.htm
- Contact: (415) 788-8833
6. Winter Walk in Union Square
Union Square’s Winter Walk is a two-block holiday pop-up plaza with festive lights, live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. It’s an excellent place to take a break and enjoy holiday treats while taking in the sights and sounds of the season. Santa visits Union Square on December 14, 15, 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Dates: December 13-22
- Location: Stockton St between Geary and Ellis, San Francisco, CA
- Website: visitunionsquaresf.com
7. Oakland Zoo Glowfari
This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of all new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation.
- Dates: November 8-January 26, 4:30-9:00 pm on select days
- Location: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA
- Website: Glowfari
- Dates: December 13-22
- Location: Stockton St between Geary and Ellis, San Francisco, CA
- Website: visitunionsquaresf.com
8. Winterfest Sausalito
Enjoy the brightly lit boats passing by from viewing spots throughout downtown Sausalito. Fireworks follow the parade.
- Dates: December 14, 2024, 6-7:15 pm
- Location: Sausalito Waterfront – Gabrielson Park
- Website: Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade
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