San Francisco Holiday Events Calendar
Spending the festive season in the Bay Area? When the city by the bay glitters with lights, music, and holiday season cheer, San Francisco becomes truly magical. From dazzling light displays and ice skating under the skyline to festive performances and local markets, the holiday season offers endless opportunities to celebrate. Here are our picks for fantastic activities perfect for the whole family.
Union Square Holiday Tree & Ice Rink
No San Francisco holiday season is complete without a visit to Union Square. The iconic plaza transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive window displays, and a towering Christmas tree (often over 80 feet tall).
The ice skating rink in Union Square has been a local favorite for over a decade. Lace up your skates and glide beneath the glittering skyline, surrounded by the city's vibrant energy. Even if you're not skating, it's a great spot for people-watching, sipping hot cocoa, and snapping holiday photos and selfies.
Pier 39 Holiday Celebrations
Just steps from Hotel Caza, Pier 39 decks its halls with lights, garlands, and a stunning 60-foot Christmas tree shimmering with thousands of ornaments. Every evening, the pier's Tree Lighting Musical Moments bring the display to life with synchronized lights and holiday tunes.
You can also enjoy holiday carolers, sea lion sightings, and festive treats from many eateries and shops along the waterfront. Don't forget to stop by the Aquarium of the Bay for a peek at the marine life celebrating the season beneath the surface.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Step back in time at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, one of San Francisco's most beloved holiday traditions. Held at the Cow Palace, this immersive event recreates Victorian London with carolers, costumed characters, and over 100 shops selling unique gifts and handmade crafts.
Guests can enjoy hearty English fare like meat pies and plum pudding, sip hot buttered rum, and even dance a jig with characters straight out of A Christmas Carol. Enjoy history, theatre, and holiday cheer all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
SF Ballet's "Nutcracker" at the War Memorial Opera House
Few performances capture the holiday spirit quite like the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker. As the very first American company to perform this timeless ballet, the SF Ballet brings elegance and sparkle to the stage with stunning sets, costumes, and live orchestral music.
It's a holiday must-see, especially for families and first-time visitors looking for a quintessential San Francisco cultural experience. Dress up for the evening and enjoy dinner beforehand in nearby Hayes Valley.
Performances run from mid-December through December 30.
Illuminate SF Festival of Light
Each winter, San Francisco becomes an open-air gallery of light with the Illuminate SF Festival. This spectacular festival features more than 60 installations throughout the city, including massive projections on iconic buildings and glowing sculptures in Golden Gate Park.
Let's Glow SF transforms downtown buildings into massive animated art canvases painted in red and green. Based on previous years, the projections typically light up the city for about 10 days in early December. Expect stunning visual installations at Salesforce Tower, Ferry Building, and 101 California Street.
Pick a few neighborhoods such as Embarcadero, SoMa, and Civic Center and turn it into a nighttime walking tour. It's free, inspiring, and uniquely San Francisco.
Lighted Boat Parade at Fisherman's Wharf
One of San Francisco's most unique holiday events happens right near Hotel Caza: Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Parade. Each year, dozens of boats decorated in shimmering lights and festive decorations sail across the bay for a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Watch from Aquatic Park or Pier 39 as the illuminated fleet drifts by, set against the glittering city skyline. It's a truly local celebration that embodies the city's maritime spirit.
Date: Usually mid-December (check the Fisherman's Wharf community calendar for updates).
Winter Walk on Stockton Street
For a true urban holiday experience, stroll through Winter Walk SF, a pedestrian-only stretch of Stockton Street near Union Square that transforms into a festive plaza. You'll find holiday markets, food trucks, live performances, and twinkling light installations.
It's a family-friendly spot to soak up holiday cheer while supporting local artisans and makers.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Over the Bay
End the season with a bang at San Francisco's New Year's Eve Fireworks Show, one of the most spectacular on the West Coast. The fireworks launch from barges near the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge, lighting up the sky with breathtaking colors and reflections on the water.
You can view the show from the Embarcadero, Pier 14, or Aquatic Park, just a short walk from Hotel Caza. It's the perfect way to ring in the new year surrounded by the sparkle of the city and the sound of the waves.
The fireworks begin at midnight on December 31st. For a good viewing spot, arrive early with a blanket and warm drink.
Celebrate the Holidays at Hotel Caza
The beauty of staying at Hotel Caza during the holidays is that you're not just visiting San Francisco, you're experiencing it from the heart of its most festive neighborhood. Fisherman's Wharf comes alive during the holidays with twinkling lights, festive music, and that special energy that makes the season unforgettable.
Warm up after a day of exploring with a drink at Cazbar, challenge your family to a game in the Game Zone, or simply relax in your room with views of the city lights. Wherever your holiday adventure takes you, let Hotel Caza be your home base for the festive fun and Fisherman's Wharf charm.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Hotel Caza!
