Christmas in San Francisco 2024: 22+ Things to Do with Kids to Celebrate the Holiday Season

My favorite time of year in the San Francisco Bay Area is almost here! The weeks leading up to Christmas in San Francisco are always filled with kid-friendly special events and activities, so it is no surprise that many travelers choose to make their way to my hometown for the holidays.

Whether you are a lucky local like me or just planning a visit to San Francisco's mild climate to escape the cold back home, here are my top picks for families spending time during December and the holidays in San Francisco.

Last updated: November 28, 2024.

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What's in Store for the Holidays in 2024 in San Francisco?

Thankfully, the holiday season has been back in full swing in San Francisco the last couple of years. One change that you might notice from several years past, however, is that many offerings are now announced earlier than ever. Some of them also sell out earlier than ever! If you want have a few magical outings with your family, you likely need to start making a few reservations ASAP.

That said, a lot of venues still don't release their full holiday lineup all at once. I update this post multiple times each year, so bookmark it and keep checking back. That's the best way to learn about any straggler events and to fill in additional details for previously-announced activities as they are released. I also link to event websites where available where you can confirm further details, as they may change throughout the season.

Since so many events in San Francisco proper were closed in recent years, I added a new section to this post a couple of years ago at the end highlighting family-friendly events all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I've decided to keep that addition permanently. Many of the events outside the city are amazing and worthy of a visit in their own right, especially for locals who can make time for more than a couple of these offerings in a single season.

Christmas in San Francisco: 11 Things to Do to Celebrate the Holidays in the City

If you want to stay within the city limits for holiday fun, here are 11 of the best shows, events, celebrations, and outings in San Francisco during the Christmas season suitable for families. While there are plenty of splurges on the list, note that quite a few of these activities are free to view and attend. It's entirely possible to put together a full day of holiday fun even on a tight budget! (See more free things to do in San Francisco with kids.)

1. Union Square Festivities

Union Square is the center of many of San Francisco's best holiday decorations and events. Most of the decorations are already up long before Thanksgiving, usually from Veterans Day Weekend until New Year's Eve. There is no longer an official tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season like there was in years past, but it is usually lit around the Veterans Day holiday weekend (last year it happened on November 9, 2023).

There is an annual Chanukah Menorah on display as well, with a lighting ceremony each night of Chanukah (details here from the Bill Graham Menorah Project).

Coming back in 2024 is Union Square's "Winter Walk." Two blocks will be completely closed off to cars, creating a turf-covered pedestrian zone for shopping, food trucks, live entertainment, and even a visit from Santa. Winter Walk is scheduled this year to run from December 13-22, 2024. The whole area has other festive decor as well, including larger-than-life painted ornaments on the Ornament Trail along the cable car line and snowflakes on Maiden Lane.

While you are in Union Square, take your little ones to see Santa at Macy's, returning again in 2024. This iconic Macy's location is sadly slated to close within the next couple of years, so a lot of families will want to get those photos while they still can! Reservations are required and open at 6:30am daily starting on November 24 for dates up to five days in advance. Visits are always free with photo packages available for purchase.

Also in Union Square, you can window shop (or just shop) 'til you drop. Always a hit with everyone in the family is the SPCA's Holiday Window at Macy's where adoptable pets frolic in adorable holiday scenes. The cute kittens and puppies are back (live and in the fur) this year. Animals will be present November 22, 2024–December 31, 2024 on Wednesday–Sunday from noon to 5pm.

2. Ice Skating

Pre-2020, there were usually several places to ice skate in San Francisco to get in the holiday spirit. This year, only one pop up outdoor rink has been announced in the city proper - the large rink in Union Square sponsored by Safeway. This year, it's open from November 6, 2024 until January 20, 2025.

Prices in 2024 are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under (plus processing fees) for a 60 minute session, with skate rental included. Book tickets online because there was no ticket booth for in-person sales last year. I also highly recommend booking early, as this activity - especially on the weekends - regularly sells out.

(Note that the rink near the Ferry Building on Justin Herman Plaza by Embarcadero 4 in the Financial District as well as the T-Mobile Winter Park at Civic Center by City Hall don't look to be coming back in 2024. The status of the Thrive City rink at Chase Center is TBD in 2024.)

3. Fairmont Gingerbread House

San Francisco hotels really get in the holiday mood each year, and one of the most magnificent hotel holiday displays is at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill. The hotel constructs an enormous two story gingerbread house every year on display in the lobby open for the public to view for free. It's so big that adults can walk through it. Two years ago brought a brand new design so even if you've seen it in years prior, it is well worth a return trip.

Related: 17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco

The grand opening for the Fairmont's gingerbread house is usually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, but with Thanksgiving falling so late this year, it will open a week early on November 23, 2024. The decorations remain until the New Year.

The hotel has a number of holiday packages and offerings to make a staycation or a trip out of it, including a Santa suite experience with a seasonally decorated room, included breakfast, and a number of holiday treats. The hotel also hosts a kid-friendly holiday tea (see #8 below for more details). Check out more favorite Christmas hotels around the country.

4. Westin St. Francis Sugar Castle & Breakfast with Santa

Not to be outdone, another of San Francisco's iconic hotels also goes all out for the season. The Westin St. Francis Hotel located right on Union Square always has a number of special holiday offerings.

The main event this year is the December 7, 2024 Breakfast with Santa (tickets here). There are also returning special "Dollie + Me" teas offered on December 14 and 15, 2024 (see more on hotel holiday teas in #8 below). The Westin has a special partnership with Macy's to offer a holiday shopping package as well.

Returning this season (late, but better late than never!) is the Sugar Castle created by the hotel's Executive Pastry Chef. It's smaller this year due to ongoing lobby construction, but still is an impressive sight.

5. Let's Glow SF

Let's Glow SF was new to the city in 2021 and is making a return for its fourth annual showing in 2024. Hosted by the Downtown SF Partnership, Let's Glow SF is a projection mapping show featuring vibrant holiday artwork illuminated on the facades of several large buildings in the Financial District. This year's show includes more buildings than ever before.

The show launches December 6, 2024 at 5pm on Market Street facing the Ferry Building with Countdown To Glow. This event is free and open to the public with complimentary hot chocolate, s'mores, and other treats and swag. The projections will be lit for the first time at 7pm that evening until the closing time of 10pm.

The displays will then be visible each subsequent evening from December 7-15, 2024 from 5:30pm to 10pm.

The 2024 building projection sites are:

• 101 California St
• Annie Alley (665 Market St.)
• The Crossing at East Cut (250 Main St.)
• The Ferry Building
• One Bush Plaza
• Pacific Coast Stock Exchange (301 Pine St.)
• Salesforce Tower (415 Mission St.)
• PG&E Substation (425 Folsom St.)

Shows at each building are 5 minutes long and run every 10 minutes. The Downtown SF Partnership's site has a handy map to help you plan out an efficient route to see them all!

6. San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

A performance of the Nutcracker has been a San Francisco ballet tradition since 1944. Performances normally run from mid to late December. This year, the ballet's performance dates are December 6-29, 2024, with both matinees and evening shows most days.

The ballet permits children ages 3 and over to attend but recommends the performances for ages 5+. There are special performances for school groups and one sensory-friendly performances as well.

7. A Whynot Christmas Carol

It's not quite the holiday season without at least a few retellings of Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. In 2024, the show is once again in its traditional San Francisco home in the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.)'s Toni Rembe Theater theater just off of Union Square, but it is being completely reimagined in a new way.

The show will be a play-within-a-play, following a small town theater troupe staging its own production of the holiday classic. It features new music and is targeted at a family-friendly audience.

The show this year runs from November 26-December 24, 2024. The theater offers discounted tickets for children 5-17, making an afternoon or evening out at the theater more affordable than ever for families to attend. My family had a truly special outing attending last year's show with friends and can't wait to see what this new retelling has to offer!

8. High Tea for the Holidays

San Francisco may be known for its free-spirited and alternative reputation, but some very historic traditions are alive and well in the City by the Bay -- namely afternoon tea. Several of the fanciest San Francisco hotels host tea year round, but the holiday teas are a tradition for many San Francisco families year after year.

Tea with your kids is a pricey outing, but it's also a truly unique experience that might be well worth it, especially if your children love an excuse to dress up.

Hotels offering teas that welcome families for the holidays include:

• Holiday Tea at The Fairmont San Francisco: Tea is served in the hotel's signature restaurant Laurel Court just off of the lobby's grand gingerbread house display. The holiday tea will be offered November 23-December 28, 2024 with a variable schedule each week (generally, it's available on Thursdays through Sundays in November and early December and daily in the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's).
• Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, offers a tea with teddy bear gifts for a good cause (some proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and kids are also encouraged to bring a toy to donate to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals). Tea is offered in the Ballroom on Saturdays and Sundays (plus daily in the week leading up to Christmas) from November 30-December 23, 2024.
• Magical Tea at Top of the Mark in the InterContinental Mark Hopkins: The Top of the Mark has one of the most stunning locations in the city atop the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill. This the place for tea with a view! The Magical Tea serves up a number of classic tea dishes as well as plenty of kid-friendly food choices like mac and cheese, sliders, and french fries. Activities like cookie decorating with the chef and balloon art are also included. Magical Teas are offered Saturdays and Sundays in December from December 1-December 28, 2024. Book on OpenTable.
• Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at the Westin St. Francis: The hotel offers a special "Dollie + Me" tea in conjunction with kit & sis on December 14 & 15 from 1:00pm-3:00pm where children 4+ can bring along their favorite doll and enjoy holiday goodies. Reserve on Eventbrite.

9. The Ferry Building Becomes the Merry Building!

The Ferry Building on San Francisco's waterfront transforms into the The Merry Building every holiday season. It's a popular destination to eat and shop in every season, but it always takes things up a notch as the holidays approach.

The offerings announced are always family-friendly and many of them are free and easy to drop by for a short visit if you find yourself in the area. So far in 2024, activities include holiday craft making programs each Sunday in December from 10am-4pm and live holiday music performances on Saturdays.

In past years, there has also been a Santa visit, a seasonal open house, and special gift pop-up markets featuring local artists, so stay tuned as the calendar is being updated. Events are listed on the Ferry Building's website.

10. Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf Holiday Events

Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf also have a number of major events during the holiday season. The major attraction is the Holidays at Pier 39 celebration and tree. The holiday celebrations run November 26, 2024 until January 5, 2025 this season.

Complete details for 2024 are still forthcoming, but last year the Pier featured a nightly show synchronized to holiday music where the tree was lit every half hour from 5 to 10 p.m. Last year also marked the debut of the new SkyStar Wheel at the Wharf, fully decorated for a nightly holiday light show to cap off "Merry Time at the Wharf."

Ghirardelli Square down on the other end of the waterfront traditionally has celebrations all its own. Santa usually kicks off the season by lighting the Square in late November. In years past, the Square has also hosted JCCSF's Menorah Lighting for Hanukkah as well as outdoor holiday movies, live music, and other activities throughout the season. Stay tuned for 2024 details soon!

Related: Complete Guide to Ghirardelli Square for Families

Last but certainly not least, the annual Fisherman's Wharf lighted boat parade in partnership with the St. Francis Yacht Club is always a highlight on the waterfront. It's usually hosted on a Friday evening in mid-December, and this year is likely to take place on December 13, 2024.

11. 'Tis the Season for Science at California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate park is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco. This natural history museum, planetarium, and aquarium all in one has extensive holiday celebrations that make it worth an extra visit in the winter months.

'Tis the Season for Science runs from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025, kicking things off with a special Welcome Winter's Night event (with live reindeer!) on November 22, 2024. Visitors to the museum during the holiday season can experience indoor flurries in the atrium, watch a penguin puppet show, participate in icy science experiments, and see a variety of live holiday performances.

BONUS: 11 More Bay Area Holiday Events Beyond San Francisco City Limits in 2024

Even though I enjoy a chance to go into the "big city" for special holiday outings, the entire Bay Area has so many special events and activities to celebrate the season. Here are a few of our family's personal favorites elsewhere in the Bay Area, from Oakland to the South Bay and everywhere in between!

1. Oakland Zoo's Glowfari

• When: November 8-10, 13-17, 20-27, 29-30, 2024 | December 1-23, 26-31, 2024 | January 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 2025
• Cost: $22.25 & up adults, $20.70 & up seniors (65+), $19.55 & up children (2-14), 10% discount for Oakland Zoo members, free for under 2, free parking.

A few years ago, the Oakland Zoo retired its Zoo Lights holiday event and debuted a new night time festival, Glowfari. I was able to visit with my family when the event debuted, and it is truly breathtaking.

Animal shaped lanterns dot the zoo grounds, and guests take a one mile stroll through the sights. The California Trail gondola is open to take in views from above, including some prehistoric additions to the festival. Santa is available for a visit in the area outside the zoo with the amusement park rides on Fridays through Sundays in November and every night December 1-23 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (line closes at 8:45pm).

Tickets sales opened October 22, 2024 at 9:00am. Tickets for later dates are released on a rolling basis 28 days in advance so there are plenty of opportunities to snag a ticket - even as popular as this event is!

2. Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland (Oakland)

• When: mid to late December TBD 2024
• Cost: $18 per person general admission, $9 per person for Fairyland members (2023 prices)

This classic local theme park by Oakland's Lake Merritt is a favorite any time of year. But during the holidays, it gets decked out in lights and culturally-diverse holiday displays from around the world for Fairy Winterland. Black Santa leads kids in the Festival of Lights Parade. Kids can make ornaments, candles, and chalk art in addition to enjoying Fairyland's engaging puppet shows and attractions. Complimentary hot cocoa or cider is available to all.

Dated tickets are required. Be sure to book in advance online as the event will likely sell out. Tickets usually go on sale to members in early November and to the general public about a week later.

3. Christmas in the Park (San Jose)

• When: Evenings November 21, 2024 - January 1, 2025 (drive through experience), November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025 from 12:00pm-10:00pm (walk through downtown park event)
• Cost: $25-30 per car for drive through experience, free walk through event

This holiday light display has been a tradition in the South Bay for many decades. This year, Christmas in the Park is again having two celebrations - the traditional free event in downtown San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park and a drive through lights experience.

The downtown event has live performances from community groups, a decorated tree forest, and Santa visits. The drive through experience has thousands of lights set to music and will be held in 2024 in San Jose's History Park.

4. Christmas Tree Lane (Alameda)

• When: Early December TBD - approximately December 31, 2024, usually evenings 5:00-10:00pm
• Cost: Free (but donations are welcome to help cover the street's electricity costs).

A residential street in the little East Bay town of Alameda that I call home is a holiday attraction that draws in guests from around Northern California. Houses are decked in thousands of lights, most with a unique theme, from Nightmare Before Christmas to Peanuts and more.

Visitors can slowly drive the street for a quick visit or park in surrounding blocks (if you can find parking!) and take stroll by each house instead. Enterprising local organizations often sell goodies and warm drinks for good causes on weekends. Exact details will be posted closer to time on the street's Facebook page.

5. Niles Canyon Train of Lights (Fremont/Sunol)

• When: Select dates November 22-December 30, 2024
• Cost: $40 per person (ages 3+)

The only full scale historic railroad in the Bay Area has a magnificent holiday train ride offered each winter season. The Niles Canyon Train of Lights is a 1.5 hour journey from the East Bay towns of Fremont or Sunol with Santa sightings, hot cocoa, and seasonal decor.

This is a popular holiday tradition with Bay Area families. Weekend dates sell out almost instantaneously when tickets are released each fall (usually in early October), so plan ahead!

Related: Ultimate Guide to Train Rides and Attractions in Northern California

6. WinterFest at California's Great America (Santa Clara)

• When: Mostly Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays November 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025 plus some weekdays near Christmas and New Year's.
• Cost: As low as $39.99 if purchased in advance online, $30 parking

The largest theme park in the Bay Area hosts this evening holiday party many nights between Thanksgiving and the New Year. WinterFest at California's Great America combines holiday lights, live performances, characters, seasonal snacks, an ice rink, and plenty of regular theme park rides. As far as regional theme park celebrations go, this one is top notch and well worth your money.

7. North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy)

• When: Select nights November 29, 2024 - December 30, 2024.
• Cost: $40-50 per person, $20-25 parking

Gilroy Gardens - another theme park south of San Jose that caters to younger kids - has holiday lights and a seasonal event all its own every winter. The holiday fun is back in 2024 with a new (as of last year) celebration called North Pole Nights, and the offerings are pretty robust for a smaller theme park.

In 2024, the entire park will be transformed to become the North Pole. The park will also offer a musical show and numerous characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for meet and greets. There's also an ice skating under the stars (for an additional fee), sparkling light displays, and lots of seasonal food offerings.

Discounted tickets on specific days are available as well as flexible tickets good for entry any day of the holiday schedule.

8. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge (Manteca)

• When: November 25, 2024 - January 6, 2025
• Cost: Included in an overnight hotel booking, day passes ($40-$150 per person) also available on select dates

While Great Wolf Lodge is a family entertainment destination a lot of American families already know and love, it's still a pretty new arrival to the Bay Area. The holidays are a great time for a first visit, as Great Wolf Lodge's Northern California location in Manteca is jumping in on the holiday fun with a Snowland event again this year. Our family went a few years ago for a stay just before Thanksgiving and really had a blast.

The hotel is decked out in holiday decor and the event includes visits with Santa (check for availability), seasonal arts & crafts, a "Frosty Fest" family dance party, and more.

9. Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party (Daly City)

• When: Saturdays and Sundays (+ Friday after Thanksgiving) from November 23 through December 22, 2024
• Cost: $30-45 adult for admission to the fair ($20 parking)

If it's not quite enough to see A Christmas Carol each holiday season, you can actually live it at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Held in Daly City's Cow Palace, this event celebrates Victorian Christmas traditions with performances, shops, and food and drink. And of course, guests can see many of their favorite period characters in costume.

Tickets are only sold online in advance to the fair itself and do sell out, so plan a visit in advance.

10. IlluminOdyssey at CuriOdyssey (San Mateo)

• When: November 16, 2024-January 26, 2025 (select dates)
• Cost: 2024 pricing TBD (2023 prices: $21.95 child/senior 62+, $24.95 adult)

CuriOdyssey is a beloved outdoor science museum and zoo near the San Francisco Airport. During the holiday season, the museum offers a winter light experience that is as beautiful as it is educational. The museum's IlluminOdyssey exhibition focuses on the science and characteristics of light. The light creations are interactive and meant to be touched so kids can really explore them with all of their senses.

Bonus that this is one seasonal activity that is often open on many weekdays when many of the rest of them are only offered on already jam-packed weekends in December!

11. Enchant Christmas (San Jose)

• When: November 27, 2024-December 29, 2024
• Cost: $27-39 (family offer includes an additional discount for a family of 4)

Enchant Christmas is a holiday event held in several cities across the U.S. best known for its enormous walk through holiday light maze adventure. The maze experience includes a themed scavenger hunt of sorts that families can experience together as they take in the 80,000+ square feet of lights.

The event is held in Paypal Park where the San Jose Earthquakes play. There are numerous food vendors, a holiday shopping village, carolers and other live entertainment, and an ice-skating rink (for an additional fee). Santa and Mrs. Claus stop in for visits as well.

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Do you have any San Francisco or Bay Area kid-friendly traditions in your family? Share your recommendations in the comments.

For more holiday decorations and events on the West Coast, don't miss Stuffed Suitcases's guide to the 10 best Christmas towns on the West Coast.

Disclosure: I have attended a few of the events listed over the years as a hosted guest, including The Westin St. Francis holiday tea, Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear Tea, WinterFest, and the Safeway ice rink. All opinions are my own.