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.
Through December 22
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 22.
Through December 24
The American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) has put on an annual production of Charles Dickens’s classic tale for years. But this year, they’re mixing up the tradition with a zany adaptation of the well-loved story. It’s a meta story, as a theater troupe in a small town called Whynot races to execute their own show of A Christmas Carol.
Through December 31
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.
Through January 2
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 20
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. This 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 two can warm up with some hot cocoa at Union Square Coffee, then explore the rest of the downtown area.
December 6–29
The SF Ballet puts on one of the most revered versions of Tchaikovsky’s treasured holiday productions. 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 13–22
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 25
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.
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!
