We love our favorite annual traditions for Christmas in San Francisco. Here’s our go-to list of events and activities that add a little extra sparkle to family memories each year.
Thank you to the San Francisco Symphony for sponsoring our guide to family-friendly holiday outings in San Francisco. Join the San Francisco Symphony to ring in the holidays with festive family concerts throughout December.
Traditions and Lights | Shows and Performances | Activities to Do
Holiday & Winter Traditions for Families in San Francisco
Planning a Christmas visit to San Francisco to take in some extra holiday cheer? We got you! Whether you BART, ferry, or drive, there are so many ways to make a day of it by celebrating Christmas in the City.
Christmas windows! Did you know that Macy’s holiday window displays include live animals that can be adopted? From Nov. 22 to Dec. 31 from Wednesday to Sunday noon to 5 pm (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), the SPCA brings adorable kittens and puppies available to adopt from Macy’s the same day. Â Find out more or watch the live cam >
Cable car and cocoa. Wear a scarf and this classic mode of transportation feels extra Christmasy. From Union Square (or Powell & Market), hop on either the Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason lines and take them to the end of the line. Refuel at Starbucks with hot chocolate right at the turnaround.
Pro tip: for really little ones, I always get child-size cocoas and an extra cup to split the drink and cut them further with cool milk.
Ticket alert: San Francisco Holiday Performances
Spotlight on the San Francisco Symphony
Enter the winter wonderland of a decked-out Davies Symphony Hall and ring in the holidays with festive family concerts throughout December. Enjoy the classic storybook fable of Peter and the Wolf; holiday films with live orchestra; ballet dancers, holiday characters, and carols at the Symphony’s beloved annual favorite, Deck the Hall; and more.
San Francisco Symphony presents The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. The classic holiday film, The Muppet Christmas Carol, will be on screen as the score is played by the orchestra live. Rated G.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 12 & 14, 2024
Tickets are here >
San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf
Prokofiev’s tale of a boy and his animal friends is brought to life by the SF Symphony Youth Orchestra and guest narrator. Radu Paponiu conducts this and other holiday chestnuts, including a sing-along.
Where:Â Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Tickets are here >
San Francisco Symphony presents Elf with live orchestration
The family-favorite film, Elf, will be on screen with a live symphony orchestra, conducted by the film’s composer John Debney. Rated PG.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 19-21, 2024
Tickets are here >
Nutcrackers and More Holiday Shows in San Francisco
A.C.T. presents A Whynot Christmas Carol
A fresh twist on the Dickens classic, this theater troupe is working to get to opening night with comedic results.
Where: Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary Street, San Francisco
When: Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2024 with evening and matinee shows
Tickets are here >
Mark Foehringer presents Nutcracker Sweets
Great for small children and is only 50 minutes long.
Where: Cowell Theater at Pier 2, Fort Mason, San Francisco
When: Weekends from December 7-22, 2024
Find tickets here >
San Francisco Ballet presents Nutcracker
This show has a 2-hour run time with one intermission. Offers one sensory-friendly performance and two geared toward younger audiences.
Where: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
When: December 6-29 (times vary)
Tickets are here >
Grace Cathedral presents Sing You a Merry Christmas
A family-friendly sing-a-long about the toys of St. Nick’s workshop looking for the true meaning of Christmas. 60 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
When: Showtimes from December 7, 14, 21, 2024 at 11 am
Find tickets here >
Broadway SF presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze
A mix of contemporary circus arts with a holiday flair. Expect jugglers, aerialists, and acrobats along with an original holiday score and magical characters. 90 minutes including one intermission. Recommended for ages 5+
Where: Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
When: December 13-15, 2024
Find tickets here >
SMUIN Contemporary Ballet presents The Christmas Ballet
This show has a 2-hour run time with one intermission. The vibe is a little ballet and a little bit Broadway.
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
When: Showtimes from December 13-24, 2024
Find tickets here >
Reindeer Games
Circus tricks and interactive games make this family-friendly show engaging for all ages. The show is 75 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Children’s Creativity Museum, Yerba Buena Gardens
When: December 14-22, 2024
Ticket link >
African-American Shakespeare Company presents Cinderella
An uplifting re-telling of the classic fairytale, featuring all of the pageantry, hilarity, and charm of the original, but with a decidedly soulful twist.
Where:Â Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue
When: Showtimes from Dec. 20-22, 2024, this will sell out
Find tickets here >
SF Girls Chorus Annual Holiday Concert
Annual holiday concert that showcases all ages of performers in the chorus.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 23, 2024 at 7 pm
Find tickets here >
Find lots of Nutcracker and holiday performances >
Book Ahead for Special Visits & Activities
Santa Claus at Macy’s Union Square. Our sources say that the best Santa Claus experience in SF is Santaland at Macy’s from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 on the 6th floor of Macy’s. Reservations open November 24 at 6:30 am. Looking for a Santa experience closer to home? Check out our Where to Get Photos with Santa in the East Bay Guide. >
Meet reindeer at Cal Academy. At the new Welcome Winter Night event on Friday, Nov. 22, families will have a chance to meet two visiting baby reindeer, decorate cookies, make crafts, enjoy holiday magic, and take part in other winter fun. Other winter wonderland activities will happen between Nov. 23 and Jan. 5. Learn more and reserve tickets >
Ice skating in the City. Lots of special outdoor ice rinks appear throughout the Bay Area, and San Francisco is no exception. Glide around the rink at Union Square (Nov. 6 to Jan. 20). Do yourself a huge favor and make reservations! The rink is open daily, plus there are special skating events scheduled throughout the season with fun themes. Find more places to ice skate in the Bay Area over the holidays >
Christmas High Tea in the City
High Tea at the holidays is a lovely, albeit pricey, tradition for some families of mostly well-behaved children. There are many places to try out your best outfits and shiny shoes for a morning or afternoon of goodies with pinkies out: The Fairmont Hotel (Nob Hill), Lovejoy’s Tea Room (Noe Valley), Children’s Magical Tea at Top of the Mark (Nob Hill), Sip Tea Room (Golden Gate Park), Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton (Nob Hill), Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis (Union Square), and several others. Read about other charming Bay Area Christmastime tea services. >
Holiday lights and festive decorations to see and love
Whether you plan a stroll or stay cozy in the car for a drive-by, we love holiday lights to get in the Christmas spirit. Add hot chocolate and a twinkling tree, and I’m happy.
Tree lighting celebrations. Watch trees more than 50 feet tall light up across the city. Tree lighting and events traditionally take place at Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, Pier 39, Union Square, and Grace Cathedral. Many events include music and other family-friendly festivities. Others are casual and allow for visiting on your own schedule.
Find more Bay Area tree lighting ceremonies here >
Friday, Dec. 13 Lighted Boat Parade. From 4 – 8 pm, Fisherman’s Wharf presents the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. Spectators can see it from Aquatic Park, PIER 39, Marina Green, and Crissy Field. FREE to watch. Website > There are more Bay Area lighted yacht parades, too.
Giant gingerbread house. Atop Nob Hill, Fairmont San Francisco’s two-story, life-sized gingerbread house in the hotel’s grand lobby is a wonderful holiday attraction. Debuting November 23 at 11 am, the gingerbread house is up through the entire holiday season. There’s an impressive moving train and a giant Christmas tree, too.
Let’s Glow SF. Walk around downtown to see the country’s largest holiday projection experience on six iconic buildings from 5-10 pm nightly from December 6-15. This year’s display will be on The Ferry Building, Top of Salesforce Tower, and four more. Details here >
Winter Wander-land. Union Square comes alive with lights, skating, and all the hotel attractions (see below!) but also with its community performances, food trucks, family-friendly holiday activities, and all-around merriment of Winter Wander-land and specifically, Winter Walk from Dec. 13 to 22. No reservations are needed; it’s free to visit but lots of things to spend money on.
These holiday light displays in the East Bay (and beyond) are worth the drive >
Thank you to the San Francisco Symphony for sponsoring our guide to family-friendly holiday experiences in San Francisco. Join them for festive family concerts throughout December.
What do you like to do in SF for the holidays? Find our East Bay Christmas bucket list over here >
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