With the holiday season in full swing, December is full of exciting and festive events — from making turns on the ice rink to peeking inside a sugar castle to taking in holiday dance and theater performances.
We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in San Francisco in December including museums, cultural events and food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in San Francisco, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay. Feeling like a high tea? We also know the city’s best holiday afternoon teas. Take a peek below and join in on all the fun!
Featured photo courtesy of Union Square Holiday Ice Rink.
December 4
San Francisco
PIER 39, The Embarcadero & Beach Street
There’s no start to the holiday season like watching a 60-foot Christmas tree come to life. With other seasonal entertainment including Christmas carolers, a visit from Santa Claus and live holiday music performed by The Death & Taxes Swing Band. Plus, drinks will also be available for the first time. The tree lighting is just the beginning, though — PIER 39 will host a variety of other festive happenings through January 11, so be sure check out the lineup on their website.
December 5-28
San Francisco
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue
The SF Ballet puts on one of the most revered versions of this treasured holiday production. Step into the reverie of little Clara in this unforgettable holiday tale with a magical wonderland of toy soldiers, a blizzard of snowflakes, and a kaleidoscope of more than 150 dancers. Battle the King of Mice and of course, dance through the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Daly City
Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue
Visit London at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls! Enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Discover holiday revelry through the works of Charles Dickens any weekend this month (including Fridays) through December 21.
Through December 31
San Francisco
Macy's Union Square, 170 O'Farrell Street
You’ve heard of window-shopping at Union Square, but have you considered window-adopting? Macy’s at Union Square teams up every year with the San Francisco SPCA, placing adorable puppies and kittens in windows to steal hearts while connecting them to forever homes. Whether you’re hoping to find a companion, or just gaze at some cute creatures, this event is worth a stop.
Throughout December
San Francisco
Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street
Every year, the Westin St. Francis rebuilds its spectacular sugar castle, bringing holiday cheer to its lobby and downtown San Francisco. The tradition began in 2005, when Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Houdré and his team put it together with sugar, eggs and other edible ingredients. Now with nearly 20 years under its belt, the sugar castle is a staple holiday attraction in the city.
Through January 19
San Francisco
Union Square near the corner of Geary and Powell streets
Looking for a cute and romantic December date idea? How about ice skating together in Union Square’s annual Holiday Ice Rink? Lace up a pair of skates and glide across the fresh ice with your friends and family. Each year, the rink hosts several special skate events, like ’80s nights, a drag queen performance on ice, a polar bear skate where skaters don swimsuits and more. Afterwards, you can warm up with some hot cocoa at Union Square Coffee, then explore the rest of the downtown area.
December 13 – 24
San Francisco
Stockton Street from Post to O’Farrell
This holiday season, don’t miss the highly anticipated return of Winter Walk on Stockton Street — a festive pop-up holiday extravaganza that stretches from Post to Geary Street and Geary to O’Farrell Street. The lively pedestrian plaza will be adorned with green turf, a tempting array of food trucks and captivating live performances.
December 13
San Francisco
L4 Space, 945 Market Building
Explore unlimited 5-ounce pours from some of the Bay Area’s best local breweries (Original Pattern and Ghost Town Brewing) and wineries – all curated by Oakland’s Tiger’s Taproom. After your tasting, explore Saluhall’s artisan and international cuisine options, plus the Good Mother Gallery on level 3 for fresh work from local artists.
December 14
San Francisco
Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street
This annual tradition returns to Ghirardelli Square with candle lightings, a live glowing piano performance, Hanukkah crafts with local artists, dreidel games, freshly fried donuts and more. Light up the night by dressing up in your favorite light-up, glittery, glow-in-the-dark outfits.
December 19–21
San Francisco
The Masonic, 1111 California Street
Fans of The Daily Show or just excellent standup comedy in general are in for a unique treat. Two hilarious correspondents – NorCal’s own Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng – will face off in a no-holds-barred live debate, where they will take each other to task personally and professionally. Believing that “open dialogue and discourse are the only tools to mend a divided nation,” the two masters will surely go there in the most side-splitting way possible.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in SF? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!