How To Celebrate Christmas In San Francisco
The holiday season is upon us. If you’re looking for the best way to celebrate while in San Francisco, we’ve got you covered with events happening all month. Browse through our favorite options for ways to take care of your holiday shopping and embrace the festive atmosphere.
Holiday Light Displays
One of the best parts of the holiday season is watching the city light up with festive decorations. Take a Classic Cable Car Holiday Lights tour, leading you through the city’s landmarks as they stand lit up. Visit the SF Zoo to experience ZooLights, or explore the Union Street Fantasy of Lights to see Victorian houses decked out in holiday decor while getting some holiday shopping done. Be sure to check out some of the incredible light displays that decorate the city throughout Illuminate SF, too.
Ice Skating
Illuminate SF
The end of November marks the beginning of Illuminate SF, a series of light-focused art installations that transform San Francisco into a gallery of lights at night. These installations will be up from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, with offers of free guided tours and illuminated bike rides to help you get the most out of them.
1. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Market
Holiday Shopping
Midway through the fall, San Francisco turns into a mecca for holiday shopping. The most popular shopping district is the area surrounding Union Square, featuring the massive Macy’s holiday tree. The streets are lined with huge department stores with festive window displays, and the Westfield Centre is just three blocks south. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, check out some of San Francisco’s other crucial shopping districts. For something more unique, check out one of San Francisco’s seasonal craft fairs, like the Renegade Craft Fair and the Etsy Holiday Emporium. Alternatively, find something at one of the city’s awesome independent bookstores or record stores.
2. A Christmas Carol
Theater
3. Run Wild San(ta) Francisco
Park
4. SantaCon
Park
5. SFMade Holiday Gift Fair
Market
6. Jewish Christmas
Nightclub, Pub Grub
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