San Francisco transforms into a festive winter wonderland each December with dazzling light shows, holiday markets, world‑class performances, seasonal ice skating, and family‑friendly activities. Whether you’re exploring iconic downtown lights, gliding on the Union Square ice rink, or enjoying live theater and music, there’s something festive for everyone this Christmas.
Here’s your complete guide to the top Christmas events and activities in San Francisco this holiday season — with dates, times, and locations so you can plan your celebrations.
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink & Tree Lighting
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink & Tree Lighting
Location: Union Square Park, 333 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Dates: November 5, 2025 – January 19, 2026
Typical Hours: Sessions throughout the day; check schedule for exact times
Experience classic holiday fun in the heart of San Francisco! Skate beneath the giant holiday tree and soak in festive music, lights, and seasonal spirit. The iconic tree and rink attract families and visitors from around the Bay Area.
Let’s Glow SF Light Festival
Let’s Glow SF Light Festival Location: Downtown San Francisco (multiple sites including Market Street, Ferry Building, Salesforce Tower facades) Dates: December 5 – December 14, 2025
Times: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM nightly
This free holiday light projection festival turns downtown buildings into giant art displays, complete with animated projections, music, and interactive installations. It’s one of San Francisco’s most beloved Christmas light spectacles and ideal for evening strolls with hot cocoa. (turn0search3)
San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 Dates: December 5 – December 28, 2025
Times: Various evening and weekend matinee performances (turn0search4)
Celebrate the holidays with this iconic production of The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and world‑class dancers. Special sensory‑friendly and matinee shows make it a festive choice for families and ballet lovers alike. (turn0search4)
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Location: Cow Palace, Daly City (just south of SF) Dates: November 22 – December 21, 2025 Typical Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM weekends and select weekdays (turn0search9)
Step back in time with this beloved annual holiday tradition! Wander through Victorian‑era streets filled with costumed characters, classic carols, handcrafted gifts, hearty food, and theatrical entertainment. It’s one of the most immersive Christmas markets and experiences in the Bay Area. (turn0search9)
Yerba Buena Gardens Tree Lighting & Holiday Stroll
Yerba Buena Gardens Tree Lighting & Holiday Stroll Location: Yerba Buena Gardens, 750 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (turn0search14)
Join the community for a free evening of festive lights, live performances, and holiday cheer under the trees in beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens. It’s a great family‑friendly kickoff to the Christmas season. (turn0search14)
Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs
Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs
Sunset Holiday Mercantile Location: SF County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park Dates: December 6–7, 2025
Times: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (turn0search1)
Swedish Christmas Fair Location: St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (turn0search1)
Ghirardelli Square Holiday Market Location: Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (turn0search1)
SFMOMA Holiday Makers Market Location: SFMOMA, 151 3rd Street, San Francisco Date: December 7, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (turn0search1)
These festive markets are ideal for holiday shopping, local gifts, seasonal treats, and family outings — from artisan vendors to cultural fairs with global holiday traditions. (turn0search1)
Santa Skivvies Run
Santa Skivvies Run Location: Castro Neighborhood, San Francisco Date: December 7, 2025 Time: Morning fun run schedule — check local listings for updated start times (turn0search6)
A playful holiday tradition in the Castro where participants run (or walk) in festive undergarments to support charity — fun for adults, memorable, and very San Francisco! (turn0search6)
Handel’s Messiah & Christmas Choirs
Handel’s Messiah & Christmas Choirs Locations: Davies Symphony Hall & Grace Cathedral Dates: December 5–6, 2025 (Messiah) and Dec 12 & beyond (carol services) Times: 7:30 PM for performances (varies by venue) (turn0search9)
Enjoy glorious choral classics such as Handel’s Messiah and seasonal carol programs in historic performance spaces — holiday music traditions that perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas in San Francisco. (turn0search9)
Tips for Enjoying Christmas in San Francisco
Tips for Enjoying Christmas in San Francisco
- Plan ahead: Popular shows like The Nutcracker and Dickens Fair often sell out early.
- Evening lights: Visit Let’s Glow SF and Union Square after dark for the best visual impact.
- Dress in layers: San Francisco weather can be chilly near the waterfront and warm inland.
From downtown light festivals and festive ice skating to classic holiday performances and seasonal markets, San Francisco’s Christmas events make the city one of the most magical places to celebrate the holidays on the West Coast.