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. 20 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. 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.
TBD Union Square Winter Walk. As long as you’re in Union Square, visit the area between O’Farrell and Post on Stockton for a marketplace/playground vibe. Festive decor and a safe place blocked off from cars for kids to run around. On Friday, December 19, through Sunday, December 21, there’s a special chance to decorate the San Francisco Rose Bowl float at Winter Walk. No need to RSVP. Santa Claus comes to Winter Walk for four days only. Details here >
TBD Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland. All around the Chase Center, find (digital) evening snowfall, a truly gigantic Christmas tree, a temporary ice rink, and a Santa mailbox. See the schedule >
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 Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s classic Christmas (or is it Halloween?) movie is a joy to quirky moviegoers who want to take in the story accompanied by a swelling orchestral score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. Best for 8+.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: November 24, 2026
Find tickets here >
San Francisco Symphony presents Deck the Hall
Treat your family to a concert of holiday favorites and sing-alongs led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with members of the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Boys Choir, guest artists, and beloved costumed characters.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 6, 2026, at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm
Find tickets here >
San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf
Prokofiev’s beautiful story of a boy and his animal friend brought to life by a guest narrator. Kids’ tickets are half off. No children under three.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Tickets are here >
San Francisco Symphony presents Elf–Film with Live Orchestra
Enjoy the hilarious, heartwarming film with a live orchestra conducted by the original composer, John Debney. Rated PG and beloved by most. Kids’ tickets are half off.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 18-20, 2026
Find tickets here >
San Francisco Nutcrackers, Holiday Dance, Music, and Theater Performances
ODC/Dance presents The Velveteen Rabbit
This adorable 65-minute performance has one intermission.
Where: Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, San Francisco
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 6, 2026, at 11 am or 2 pm
Find tickets here >
Alice in Wonderland Panto
A topsy-turvy, goofy, over-the-top production of Alice in Wonderland with a panto vibe and holiday spice.
Where: Presidio Theatre, San Francisco
When: November 28-December 27, 2026
Tickets are here >
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presents Holiday Spectacular
Where: Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
When: Sunday, December 4-5, 2026
Tickets are here >
San Francisco Ballet presents Nutcracker
This show runs 2 hours with one intermission. Offers one sensory-friendly performance on December 28.
Where: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
When: December 4-27, 2026 (times vary)
Tickets are here >
Mark Foehringer presents Nutcracker Sweets
Great for small children and only 50 minutes long.
Where: Cowell Theater at Pier 2, Fort Mason, San Francisco
When: Weekends from December 5-20, 2026, multiple showtimes
Find tickets here >
A.C.T. presents Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr. and Scrooge
Enjoy the holiday double feature with young actors. Runs 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Where: Strand Theater, San Francisco
When: December 5-6, 2026
Tickets are here >
SMUIN Contemporary Ballet presents The Christmas Ballet
This show runs 2 hours 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 10-24, 2026
Find tickets here >
Grace Cathedral presents Sing You a Merry Christmas
A family-friendly sing-along about the toys in St. Nick’s workshop as they look for the true meaning of Christmas. 60 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
When: Showtimes on December 12, 19, 22, 23, 2026
Find tickets here >
Elf The Musical
A live-action musical inspired by the hilarious and heartwarming film. 2:30 minute show includes an intermission. Recommended for 8+; children under 5 not allowed.
Where: Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
When: December 15-20, 2026
Tickets are here >
African-American Shakespeare Company presents Cinderella
An uplifting retelling of the classic fairy tale, featuring all of the pageantry, hilarity, and charm of the original, but with a decidedly soulful twist. Appropriate for ages 3+.
Where: Marines’ Memorial Theater, San Francisco
When: Showtimes from December 18-20, 2026. This usually sells out.
Find tickets here >
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band presents Dance-Along Nutcracker
Part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet, and part symphonic concert, this version of the show is anything but ordinary.
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
When: December 19-20, 2026
Look for tickets here >
World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
Where: Curran Theatre, San Francisco
When: Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Find tickets here >
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Where: Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
When: December 17, 2025, at 7 pm
Find tickets here >
Christmas Carolers at the SF Zoo
Enjoy holiday classics by the Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers while you have a blast visiting animals and going wild on the play structures. Included with ticket purchase.
Where: San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd @ The Great Highway, San Francisco
When: December 20-21, 2025
More information here >
Find lots of Nutcracker and holiday performances >
Book Ahead for Special Visits & Activities
Meet reindeer at Cal Academy. On Saturday, 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 — for one night only! Other frosty festivities will happen between Nov. 23 and Jan. 5.
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. 5 to Jan. 19) or at Thrive City (Dec. 23-4, 26-30). Do yourself a huge favor and make reservations! 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 22, 2025 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 >
Enormous Sugar Castle, beginning November 22 through January
Right off Union Square, the Westin St. Francis features a 12-foot rotating holiday sugar castle in the grand lobby of the hotel. The lobby is new this year, so we’re eager to see how it looks!
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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1 thought on “Best Christmas Traditions in San Francisco”
SAN FRANCISCO – October 1, 2026 – San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is thrilled to announce its all-new, two-month-long ZooLights evening holiday program that will light up the Zoo in spectacular fashion from November 6 through January 3, 2027. The nighttime event represents the return of ZooLights, which the Zoo last hosted in 2018.
“The Zoo is the perfect venue for a safe, outdoor holiday lights experience,” said Cassandra Costello, CEO and Executive Director. “We have taken this event to the next level, creating 14 dazzling zones, with winter, botanical or animal-themed components. It’s going to be truly breathtaking, and a great experience for the entire family.”