✨ Discover the Joy: 10 Things to Do in San Francisco for Christmas in 2025

San Francisco transforms into a holiday wonderland each December, blending Victorian charm with coastal sparkle. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this magical city offers timeless traditions, unique events, and festive surprises at every turn. Here’s your ultimate guide to the 10 things to do in San Francisco for Christmas in 2025, designed to help you make the most of the holiday season in the Bay Area.

🎄 Visit Union Square: Tree Lighting, Ice Skating & Holiday Shopping

Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s holiday season. Its towering 83-foot Christmas tree, adorned with over 33,000 lights and 1,100 ornaments, is a must-see photo spot. The outdoor Holiday Ice Rink, set beneath twinkling lights and surrounded by shoppers and street performers, offers a truly magical skating experience.

• Insider Tip: Try skating in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
• Nearby Treats: Grab hot cocoa from Emporio Rulli or a peppermint mocha from the original San Francisco Starbucks just a block away.
• Perfect For: Families, couples, solo travelers wanting that classic city Christmas vibe.

🚋 Ride the Decorated Holiday Cable Cars

San Francisco’s famous cable cars become even more enchanting during December. With garlands, bows, wreaths, and bells, these historic trolleys turn into rolling holiday decorations. You might even catch a conductor in a Santa hat humming carols.

• Routes to Try: Powell-Hyde and California Street lines offer both city charm and scenic vistas.
• Unique Experience: Hop off at Nob Hill for stunning views of the bay lit up at night.
• Bonus: Great for photos—these make postcard-perfect memories!

🦌 See the Lights and Reindeer at SF Zoo Lights

The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens hosts an evening extravaganza with glowing animal lanterns, festive light tunnels, and appearances from real live reindeer! The whole zoo is decked out in colorful, whimsical displays.

• What to Expect: A forest of lights, Santa’s workshop, cookie decorating, and seasonal treats.
• Family Tip: Weeknights are quieter for young children.
• New in 2025: An immersive “Snowfall Safari” walkthrough tunnel.

🚢 Enjoy a Holiday Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay

Celebrate Christmas with elegance aboard a holiday dinner cruise. Watch the skyline glow, the bridges sparkle, and Alcatraz shimmer under moonlight—all while enjoying gourmet holiday meals and live music.

• Top Providers: Hornblower Cruises, City Cruises, and Red and White Fleet.
• What’s Included: Multi-course meals, festive cocktails, dancing, and cozy views.
• Date Ideas: Perfect for romantic evenings or upscale holiday gatherings.

🎶 Attend the San Francisco Symphony’s Holiday Performances

The SF Symphony pulls out all the stops for the holidays. From traditional Christmas carols and The Nutcracker to jazz interpretations and movie score nights (Home Alone Live is a favorite!), there’s something for every music lover.

• Where: Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
• Highlight: Don’t miss the beloved Deck the Hall family concert—great for all ages.
• Ticket Tip: Book early—these concerts often sell out weeks in advance.

🕯️ Join a Candlelit Service or Concert at Grace Cathedral

For a spiritual or serene holiday moment, Grace Cathedral offers candlelit caroling, Christmas Eve services, and awe-inspiring organ performances inside one of San Francisco’s most beautiful Gothic-style churches.

• Special Experience: The Labyrinth Walk with ambient music adds a meditative touch.
• Caroling Events: Open to the public, these include singalongs and choral performances.
• Pro Tip: Sit near the center for the best acoustics and view of the stained glass.

🛍️ Wander Through San Francisco’s Holiday Markets

San Francisco’s Christmas markets offer everything from artisan gifts to gourmet holiday foods.

• Top Picks:
  • Great Dickens Christmas Fair – A full Victorian immersive experience with actors, tea parlors, and roasted chestnuts.
  • Ferry Building Holiday Marketplace – Small-batch chocolate, candles, and festive wines.
  • Embarcadero Artisan Market – Beautiful crafts and locally made holiday decor.
• Holiday Tip: Shop early in the day for the freshest finds and warm mulled wine.

❄️ Feel the Faux Snow at Ghirardelli Square’s Winter Wonderland

Ghirardelli Square becomes a snowy oasis, even if San Francisco doesn’t get real snow. Enjoy live music, chocolate sampling, a giant tree, and a light snowfall that magically appears each evening.

• What to Do: Roast s’mores, take photos with Santa, and browse boutique gift shops.
• Can’t-Miss: The seasonal Ghirardelli peppermint bark hot fudge sundae.

🧁 Taste Holiday Flavors in Japantown & Chinatown

Add an international flair to your holiday by exploring Japantown and Chinatown during Christmas.

• Japantown Highlights:
  • Matcha roll cakes, Christmas bento boxes, and holiday mochi.
  • Festive lanterns and origami trees decorate Peace Plaza.
• Chinatown Highlights:
  • Grant Avenue’s red and gold holiday lights create a stunning canopy.
  • Try winter specialties like ginger buns, roasted duck, and warm dumplings.
• Cultural Bonus: Learn about Lunar New Year displays starting to pop up as December ends!

🌊 Watch the Musical Tree Light Show at Pier 39

Pier 39 goes all-out with holiday cheer. Their massive, 60-foot Christmas tree plays music and flashes colorful lights every 30 minutes. There are also pop-up performances, themed boat rides, and festive sea lions.

• Best View: Grab a peppermint bark latte and sit by the bay with the tree and Golden Gate Bridge in view.
• Family Fun: Meet costumed characters and visit the Aquarium of the Bay for seasonal exhibits.
• Bonus: Free nightly light shows through New Year’s Eve.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ: 10 Things to Do in San Francisco for Christmas in 2025

For More Information about Christmas – Click Here!

To Return to the San Francisco Holiday Page – Click Here!