San Francisco Christmas: 2025’s Best Events, Performances & Santa-Approved Fun
Christmas in San Francisco in 2025 is basically a Hallmark movie waiting to happen—except with better food, cooler sweaters, and a chance of Karl the Fog photobombing your pics. From glowing light festivals to drag queen carolers, this city goes full sparkle mode during the holidays.
A San Francisco Christmas means cozying up under twinkling Christmas lights, ice skating beneath skyscrapers, and watching The Nutcracker in a venue so grand it practically demands hot cocoa in hand. Whether you’re planning your trip around Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or just want to stroll past the Golden Gate Bridge in a festive daze, you’re in the right place.
We’ll cover everything from shows that sell out fast to underrated gems that locals swear by. Get your calendar ready and your ugly sweater prepped—this guide is your golden ticket to 2025 holiday magic!
What Are the Best Events During Christmas in San Francisco?
One of the most magical ways to experience Christmas in San Francisco is by diving headfirst into its uniquely spirited events and dazzling displays. From the immersive charm of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair to the jaw-dropping projections of Let’s Glow SF, the city doesn’t hold back when it comes to festive flair.
You can twirl under snow flurries at ’Tis the Season for Science, sip cocktails in a life-sized gingerbread house at the Fairmont. Or rock your worst holiday attire at SweaterCon’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. Don’t miss the Sugar Castle at The Westin St. Francis or the glittering holiday ice rink in Union Square.
And if you’re craving light art, music, and a walkable glow-up of the entire city, the Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light has you covered. These are just the highlights—keep reading to unwrap the full festive lineup!
Let’s Glow SF 2025
As one of the most dazzling San Francisco Christmas events, Let’s Glow SF transforms downtown buildings into massive animated art canvases painted in red and green. The 2025 dates have not yet been announced, but based on previous years, the projections typically light up the city in early December for about 10 days.
Expect stunning visual installations at iconic buildings like Salesforce Tower, the Ferry Building, and 101 California Street. Stay tuned for the official 2025 lineup—you’ll want your camera (and cocoa) ready for this one.
San Francisco Lights at Night Tour
See San Francisco during Christmas like never before with the San Francisco Lights at Night Tour. This two-hour ride in a cozy, heated electric Tuk Tuk begins from Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. It offers magical views of the city’s most festive neighborhoods.
Along the way, you’ll cruise past Lombard Street, North Beach, the Embarcadero, and the sparkling Golden Gate Bridge lit up against the night sky. This is your golden hour (literally) to soak in the city’s holiday glow, guided by an expert narrator.
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl San Francisco – SweaterCon
Embrace the kitsch and crawl your way through Polk Street on December 6, 2025, for the infamous SweaterCon. This raucous Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl San Francisco style includes access to 10+ themed bars, drink specials, a Find-the-Gnome contest, and party favors.
Starting at Mayes Oyster House at 4 PM, it’s the perfect pregame to Santacon and a chance to flaunt your blinking reindeer sweaters with pride. If you’re wondering what to do with that light-up llama pullover—this is your moment.
Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel
Every Christmas Day, locals and tourists alike make their way to Nob Hill to see the iconic Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel, which officially opens on Saturday, November 22, 2025. This life-sized edible creation is built from thousands of bricks of real gingerbread and pounds of candy, handcrafted by the hotel’s pastry team.
Visitors can book a private dining experience inside the house, surrounded by the sweet scent of sugar and nostalgia. It’s a whimsical slice of Christmas magic tucked inside one of San Francisco’s grandest hotels.
Union Square Ice Skating Rink
For a festive spin (literally), head to the holiday ice rink in Union Square, typically open from early November to January 1. Located at 333 Post Street, it’s surrounded by twinkling lights, a giant Christmas tree, and views of the Macy’s holiday windows. Whether you’re a graceful glider or an uncoordinated penguin-on-ice, this rink is a holiday rite of passage.
Bonus: It’s close to some of the best holiday shopping and hot chocolate stops in the city.
‘Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences
‘Tis the Season for Science returns to the California Academy of Sciences at 55 Music Concourse Dr, running through January 5, 2026. This family-friendly exhibit features indoor snow flurries, live performances, and a parade of adorable baby animals, including reindeer, camels, and yaks.
Daily programs include science trivia, puppet shows, and hands-on arctic experiments. It’s educational, adorable, and packed with penguin-themed crafts your kids will lose their minds over.
Illuminate SF™’s Festival of Light
If you’re wondering what to do on Christmas Day in San Francisco, Illuminate SF™’s Festival of Light is a radiant answer. The 2025 dates haven’t been announced yet, but traditionally, this citywide event runs from Thanksgiving through January and features more than 60 light installations.
Wander neighborhoods like SoMa, Union Square, and the Embarcadero to catch site-specific artworks from internationally acclaimed light artists. It’s free, it’s wildly Instagrammable, and it brings a warm glow to the winter chill.
Sugar Castle at The Westin St Francis
A sugar-coated showstopper, the Sugar Castle at The Westin St Francis is an edible architectural wonder that delights visitors in Union Square each holiday season. Though the 2025 display dates haven’t been confirmed, it’s expected to return by late November and stay through the New Year.
Designed by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-François Houdré, the castle is made from gingerbread, icing, and spun sugar—sometimes paired with augmented reality features. It’s like Willy Wonka meets haute patisserie, right in the lobby.
Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
A quintessential Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony typically kicks off the holiday season in late November, with the 2025 date still TBA. Thousands gather for synchronized lights, festive music, and views of the Bay as the towering tree lights up the waterfront.
This isn’t just a quick flip-the-switch event—expect live performances, dancing elves, and plenty of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for the schedule drop; it’s worth braving the crowds.
Golden Gate Park Tree Lighting
While the 2025 date for the Golden Gate Park tree lighting has yet to be confirmed, the event usually happens in early December near McLaren Lodge. This family-friendly celebration includes carnival rides, live music, a cookie factory, and a very busy Santa making the rounds.
A bonus lighting at the nearby Conservatory of Flowers adds even more sparkle to the scene. Check back in November for final details—this local favorite sells out fast (and for good reason).
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Arguably the most immersive San Francisco Christmas market, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns to Cow Palace for five weekends from November 22 to December 21, 2025. This sprawling event reimagines Victorian London with costumed carolers, lamp-lit alleys, and over 100 shops selling handcrafted gifts.
As one of the most beloved Christmas markets San Francisco has to offer, it also features delicious food, live performances, and hidden pubs with cheeky names and even cheekier characters. Come for the hot buttered rum; stay for the dance parties with Dickensian flair.
What Are the Top San Francisco Christmas Shows in 2025?
When planning your San Francisco Christmas itinerary in 2025, don’t sleep on the city’s incredible holiday stage lineup. From elegant ballet to outrageous drag, there’s something for every vibe and every velvet seat.
The San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker dazzles with a nostalgic take on 1915 San Francisco. Holidays with the SF Symphony delivers everything from jazz legends to live-scored holiday films.
If you’re craving something quirky, Whynot A Christmas Carol adds a hilarious twist to Dickens with backstage antics and ghostly glitter. And for pure fabulous chaos, A Drag Queen Christmas brings sequins, sass, and showstoppers. Keep scrolling for all the juicy show details!
Holidays with the SF Symphony
Nothing says holiday season quite like the festive concerts in the Holidays with the SF Symphony lineup. From December 3–22, 2025, expect shows like Christmas with the Count Basie Orchestra, Peabo Bryson and Friends, and Charlie Brown Christmas—LIVE! at Davies Symphony Hall.
Highlights also include screenings of The Holiday, Frozen, and Home Alone with the score performed live-to-picture. Mark your calendar for a truly symphonic sleigh ride!
The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet
A crown jewel of the holiday season, The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet runs December 5–28, 2025, at the War Memorial Opera House. Helgi Tomasson’s version reimagines the classic tale in 1915 San Francisco during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Expect snow flurries, swirling flowers, and sets so grand they practically glitter on their own. It’s the ballet that launched America’s Nutcracker tradition—and yes, it still holds the magic.
A Whynot Christmas Carol
For a playful twist on Christmas San Francisco traditions, don’t miss A Whynot Christmas Carol at the Toni Rembe Theater from November 26 to December 24, 2025. This new adaptation by Craig Lucas, directed by Pam MacKinnon, features a chaotic small-town troupe scrambling to mount a holiday show. Between magical ghosts, prop mishaps, and dance disasters, the production captures Dickens’s spirit with hilarity and heart.
Bonus: The Whynot Spot lounge offers snacks, festive drinks, and no bathroom lines.
A Drag Queen Christmas
No live music experience slays harder than A Drag Queen Christmas, sashaying into the Orpheum Theatre on December 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Hosted by Nina West and presented by Murray & Peter, this long-running tour features top queens like Shea Coulee and Crystal Methyd.
Expect fierce performances, naughty comedy, and an unforgettable stage show decked in sequins and sass. It’s 100% adult holiday chaos—and absolutely not for kids under five.
Are There Any Christmas San Francisco Hotel Packages?
Planning your Christmas San Francisco hotel packages shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube. With Tripster, it’s effortless to bundle hotels and attractions together and save without skimping on festive flair. Our exclusive deals help you enjoy more magic for less money.
Save up to 39% with the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! San Francisco + Hotel Package for a fun, offbeat holiday memory that’s anything but ordinary. Enjoy discounts of up to 30% with the Go City San Francisco Hotel Package and unlock access to dozens of the city’s top attractions.
Want stunning skyline views and total flexibility? Save up to 27% with the Skyline Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off + Hotel Package and explore at your own pace while enjoying serious savings. It’s an easy win for your itinerary and your wallet.
What Are the Christmas in San Francisco FAQs?
Can I see Let’s Glow SF 2025 with my family this holiday season?
Let’s Glow SF 2025 is a highlight of Christmas in San Francisco, projecting animated art on iconic buildings like the Ferry Building and Salesforce Tower. The event typically runs for 10 nights in early December, making downtown glow in bold red and green.
How do I join the San Francisco Lights at Night Tour during Christmas?
The San Francisco Lights at Night Tour offers a cozy two-hour ride through the city during Christmas in San Francisco, perfect for sightseeing without the walking. Guests depart from Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf, gliding past landmarks like Lombard Street, North Beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge under twinkling lights.
Where is the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl San Francisco – SweaterCon happening?
The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl San Francisco – SweaterCon is a lively December 6, 2025 bash that lights up Polk Street during Christmas in San Francisco. With over 10 themed bars, drink specials, and a gnome scavenger hunt, it’s the ultimate excuse to flaunt your light-up llama pullover.
Can I walk through the Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel this 2025?
Yes, the Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel is an edible masterpiece open to the public starting November 22, 2025, for Christmas in San Francisco. Guests can even book a private meal inside the life-sized candy-coated house nestled in Nob Hill.
Is ‘Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences good for my kids?
Absolutely! ‘Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences makes Christmas in San Francisco educational and enchanting. Hosted in Golden Gate Park, it runs through January 5, 2026, with snow flurries, reindeer visits, and interactive science stations.
What is Illuminate SF™’s Festival of Light and when can I see it?
Illuminate SF™’s Festival of Light brightens neighborhoods across the city during Christmas in San Francisco with over 60 light installations. The event runs from Thanksgiving through early January, and is a free, walkable way to enjoy art after dark—even on Christmas Day.
When is the Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2025?
The Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony typically kicks off Christmas in San Francisco in late November, though the 2025 date is still pending. Expect synchronized lights, holiday music, and waterfront views that make it a crowd-favorite tradition.
Where can I go ice skating at the Union Square ice skating rink?
The Union Square ice skating rink is a seasonal staple of Christmas in San Francisco, located at 333 Post Street and surrounded by holiday décor. Open from early November to January 1, it’s framed by Macy’s holiday windows and a dazzling Christmas tree.
Can I see the Sugar Castle at The Westin St Francis again this 2025?
Yes, the Sugar Castle at The Westin St Francis returns to Union Square for Christmas in San Francisco with its intricate gingerbread architecture. Designed by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-François Houdré, it’s expected to debut in late November and remain through the holidays.
Are there any holiday events in Golden Gate Park for families?
Golden Gate Park celebrates Christmas in San Francisco with a tree lighting at McLaren Lodge, usually in early December. The event includes carnival rides, cookies, Santa visits, and a glowing bonus display at the Conservatory of Flowers.
When is The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and what can I expect?
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair brings Victorian London to life during Christmas in San Francisco, running November 22 to December 21, 2025, at Cow Palace. Guests can explore lamp-lit alleys, visit over 100 artisan shops, and enjoy roving performers and old-world pubs.
What are the best live performances to see during San Francisco Christmas?
San Francisco Christmas celebrations include top-tier live performances like The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet and A Drag Queen Christmas at the Orpheum Theatre. From elegant ballet set in 1915 San Francisco to a glam, laugh-out-loud drag show hosted by Nina West, the city’s holiday theater scene is packed with unforgettable moments.
What events are part of Holidays with the SF Symphony this 2025?
Holidays with the SF Symphony fills the San Francisco Christmas season with orchestral magic, live film scores, and jazz legends at Davies Symphony Hall. The 2025 lineup includes A Merry-Achi Christmas, Home Alone in concert, and Peabo Bryson and Friends from December 3 to 22.
Is The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet happening for the holidays?
Yes, The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet returns for the San Francisco Christmas season from December 5–28, 2025, at the War Memorial Opera House. Helgi Tomasson’s version transports audiences to 1915 San Francisco, blending classical dance with local history and holiday whimsy.
What is Whynot’s A Christmas Carol and where can I see it?
Whynot’s A Christmas Carol is a heartfelt and hilarious show during the San Francisco Christmas season, running from November 26 to December 24, 2025 at the Toni Rembe Theater. It follows a ragtag troupe trying to stage a Dickens adaptation on a shoestring budget—with ghosts, props, and heart in tow.
Where can I see A Drag Queen Christmas in 2025?
A Drag Queen Christmas is a dazzling live performance that lights up the San Francisco Christmas calendar with bold costumes and holiday sass. Hosted by Nina West, it hits the Orpheum Theatre on December 6, 2025, with queens like Shea Coulee and Crystal Methyd performing live.
Can I book Christmas San Francisco Hotel Packages that include attractions too?
Yes—Christmas San Francisco Hotel Packages from Tripster let travelers bundle hotels with top attractions for serious holiday savings. Packages like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! + Hotel and Go City + Hotel offer up to 39% off and include centrally located stays with walkable access to holiday hotspots.
What are the best Christmas San Francisco Packages for first-time visitors?
First-timers can score major value with Christmas San Francisco Packages that bundle guided tours and attraction passes. One top pick is the Half-Day City Tour + Go San Francisco Explorer Pass combo—perfect for hitting major landmarks in one structured yet flexible day.
What Christmas San Francisco Vacation Packages Are Available?
Finding the perfect Christmas San Francisco vacation packages is as easy as wrapping up two experiences into one sweet deal. Tripster lets you book combo packages that keep your plans flexible and your holiday budget on point.
Whether you’re into science, sightseeing, or snapping selfies with LEGO sculptures, there’s a bundle for you. Bundle your experiences and get more jolly for your dollar—it’s that simple!
San Francisco Half-Day Guided City Tour + Go San Francisco Explorer Pass
Save up to 9% with the San Francisco Half-Day Guided City Tour + Go San Francisco Explorer Pass, ideal for covering both iconic sights and spontaneous discoveries in one seamless day. This package is perfect for first-time visitors who want a mix of structure and freedom while soaking in everything from Golden Gate Park to Fisherman’s Wharf.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art + California Academy of Sciences
Save up to 7% with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art + California Academy of Sciences, where you’ll bounce between bold exhibits and natural wonders all under one ticket. It’s an inspired day of cutting-edge art, rainforest exploration, and planetarium shows—perfect for curious minds and creative hearts alike.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area + California Academy of Sciences
Save up to 6% with the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area + California Academy of Sciences, a perfect pick for families who want learning, laughter, and a little LEGO magic. With hands-on science exhibits and endless brick-building fun, this duo keeps kids engaged while sneaking in plenty of educational moments.
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So, What’s My Next Move?
If you’re dreaming of Christmas in San Francisco, the only thing left to do is turn those dreams into plans. A San Francisco Christmas isn’t just magical—it’s memory-making in the most sparkly, show-stopping way.
Start planning early to snag the best vacation packages, attraction tickets, and holiday hotel deals through Tripster before they sell out. From bundled savings to curated experiences, Tripster takes the guesswork out of your holiday getaway.
Whether you’re in it for the dazzling lights, the iconic shows, or the hot cocoa-fueled adventures, San Francisco knows how to do December right. So grab that planner, rally the crew, and get ready to make this your most unforgettable holiday season yet!
