San Francisco City Hall illuminated in festive colors

Christmas in San Francisco

By Robert Heaney

If you’re looking for a festive city break brimming with holiday spirit, it’s hard to beat Christmas in San Francisco. From delightful winter displays to enchanting traditional performances and a host of unique seasonal events, it’s hard to beat the festive wonder of the Bay Area at the holidays.

Festive Displays

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Union Square

No area is quite so quintessential to Christmas in San Francisco as Union Square. This teeming commercial hub transforms throughout the holiday season into the beating heart of all things Christmas in the Bay Area.

The San Francisco holiday season kicks off with the lighting of the Macy’s Christmas Tree in late November, traditionally taking place on the first Friday after Thanksgiving. Hundreds of locals and visitors alike come out to watch the event and embrace the festive spirit, as Union Square becomes a veritable winter wonderland brimming with seasonal spirit.

Running in parallel to the early Christmas festivities, Union Square is also host each year to the Bill Graham Menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. Each night of the Jewish festival of lights is marked by the lighting of a candle atop the giant candelabra, accompanied by a hearty gathering filled with live music and a great deal of merriment.

You’ll find all manner of ways to get into the holiday spirit around Union Square, whether it’s taking the kids to Macy’s to visit Santa Claus and awe at the frolicking, adoptable animals in the SPCA’s Holiday Window or showing off your moves on the Union Square Ice Skating Rink before grabbing some holiday deals at Westfield Shopping Center.

Fisherman’s Wharf

One of the Bay Area’s top attractions becomes ever more exciting throughout the holidays, hosting a number of festive events throughout the season.

Rivaling the main display on Union Square, Pier 39 goes a step further by lighting its Christmas tree multiple times an evening from late November to early January, synchronized to a fanfare of holiday music. In much the same way, the Pier also celebrates Hanukkah with its own giant menorah at the Entrance Plaza, lit up each night of the Jewish festival.

At the opposite end of Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square hosts its own diverse program of holiday celebrations, complete with the obligatory Christmas Tree display and Hanukkah festivities. In years past, the square has also been known to put on an outdoor cinema showcasing a number of popular holiday movies throughout the season.

Always a popular sight on the waterfront is the Fisherman’s Wharf Decorated Boat Parade, held each year in partnership with the St. Francis Yacht Club. Usually falling in mid-December, the parade sees local boats of all shapes and sizes adorned in festive lights and decor as they sail along the bay. Those who are particularly keen can pay to watch from the official starting line while enjoying a special holiday buffet.

Fairmont Hotel

If magical holiday displays and an exuberant seasonal atmosphere are what you’re looking for, be sure to visit the Fairmont Hotel at the top of Nob Hill. Each year, this luxury hotel goes all out on its holiday display, erecting a life-sized gingerbread house right in its main lobby. Large enough for adults to walk through, the charming display is made all the more enchanting by the miniature railway encircling the house.

Seasonal Events

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SantaCon

You’d better watch out, as Santa Claus is coming to town in his masses! For a day each December, Union Square and its surrounding streets, bars and venues get overtaken by a colossal procession of Christmas characters, most of which end up in quite the drunken state as the day rolls on.

This Santa-themed celebration comes complete with caroling, costume contests and stockingfuls of merriment. Though entirely free to enter, SantaCon asks that visitors bring unwrapped toy donations of any size and value to help local charity drives aimed at disadvantaged families across the city. And, of course, festive fancy dress is highly encouraged!

The Great Dickens Fair

For a series of weekends throughout the holiday season, the city hosts The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, complete with festive market stalls among an impressive replica of Victorian London. Visitors can enjoy various Victorian-themed events and pick up some treasures while exploring the world which so inspired the famous nineteenth-century writer.

New Year’s Eve

Seeing out the holiday season, the Bay Area is considered to be among the top five destinations in the United States to spend New Year’s Eve, and that certainly isn’t without merit. Like many cities, San Fran veritably lights up with activity for the twilight hours of the year, with many of its top restaurants, bars and venues filled to the brim with jovial revelers.

Throughout the night, the city hosts a number of popular live events and concerts to beckon in the turn of the new year. As the night reaches its peak, many flock to the waterside to watch as barges 1,000 feet out in the bay set off a magnificent firework display, illuminating their surroundings in a blaze of vibrant color. The most popular site to catch the show is typically just south of the Ferry Building near Pier 14.

Holiday Performances

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Known for its incredible entertainment scene, it should come as no surprise that San Francisco also hosts a variety of limited-time performances throughout the holiday season, many of which have become a staple of local holiday tradition. Tickets to any of these performances typically sell out fast, so you’ll want to keep a keen eye out when they become available.

Nutcracker Ballet

Step into the magical wonderland of toy soldiers in this classic ballet performance of the Nutcracker, performed by a kaleidoscope of over 150 dancers as they battle the King of Mice and dance through the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Accompanied by a fantastic live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, this is a truly enchanting performance to catch during the holiday season.

A Christmas Carol

Perhaps one of the most popular Bay Area holiday traditions is to bag a ticket to a theater performance of Charles Dickens’ festive classic, A Christmas Carol. Each year, the American Conservatory Theater puts on their own delightful adaptation of the classic tale, with a bubbly cast, vibrant costumes and a host of spooky ghosts.

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San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options
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San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options

Traveling to San Francisco this year, but unfamiliar with the city or airport? No worries! With this guide, we'll detail all the best travel options to get you from San Francisco Airport to the city. So, read on, make notes, and take the sting out of your trip! Including: BART Clipper Cards Buses Rideshare Taxis and more! San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: BART The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, or BART to its friends, is San Francisco's rapid transit network. It's one of the cheapest ways to get from San Francisco International Airport to the city center, Downtown, and a slew of other key destinations throughout the city. Trains leave frequently, and it's easy enough to follow signs in the airport to locate the platform. Once your train has arrived, it takes around 20-30 minutes to travel from San Francisco International Airport to Downtown, but you can check the map on board if you want to get off at an earlier or later stop. If you're trying to cut costs, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system is one of the best ways to get into San Fran. Ticket prices depend on the length of your journey, but a ticket to Downtown should only cost around $9. Clipper Card Of course, if you're staying in San Fran for a spell, you can save yourself the hassle of buying tickets for every trip with a Clipper Card. It's a top-up card that lets you swipe into stations at will - as long as you have the cash. You can buy Clipper Cards from most stations. However, if you'd rather not carry around an extra card, you can add it to your iOS or Android wallet and swipe with your cellphone. Options. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Buses The cheapest and, dare we say, least cheerful of your options is the humble bus. If you're traveling light, boarding one won't be an absolute nightmare. And thankfully, bus services reach each of San Francisco International Airport's three terminals, so you'll never be too far from a pick-up point. The bus company's called SanTrans, so look out for their branding before boarding - though they should be the only buses around. The bus numbers to look out for are the 292, 397, and the KX, an express line into town. The 292 and 397 are regular lines, so as the bus gets further away from the airport, it'll start to fill up. That's why it may not be the best choice for travelers with multiple heavy bags. However, with tickets typically under $2.50, you won't find a cheaper way to get into San Francisco. Plus, the slower travel time and ample window room will let you get the lay of the land as you ride. The KX is less of an issue, as it doesn't stop for nobody. Once you're on the bus - likely alongside people who've also caught a plane - you'll be on a one-way trip to the city. At least this way, lugging a load of bags isn't much of an issue. And, for only around $4, you'll still squeeze a ton of pennies doing so. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare In this digital age, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are all the rage. Not only can you book ahead of time, but you'll also know the likely exact cost of your trip, avoid any tomfoolery regarding meters, and can follow your journey through GPS. So, if you don't mind forking out a bit more, you can get a direct trip from the plane door to the hotel/Airbnb door. Of course, you'll need the apps downloaded on your device to use them, so either download them before you travel, or hop on the airport's wifi to avoid any extra surcharges. Plus, if you want to split the bill and don't have trust issues, you can share your ride with other travelers who're heading to the same area of the city. Prices will vary depending on the time of day/city congestion, so it's worth looking before you book, in case you're not comfortable with the purported amount. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis Back in the pre-digital age, taxis ruled the world. They're still about today, and sometimes you can even spot them in their natural habitat - roaming around, looking for passengers. Like rideshare services, taxis will set you back a pretty penny, but they also take all the hassle out of your vacation. Typically, taxis will charge about $60 to take you to San Fran's Downtown area, so make sure to discuss prices with the driver before hopping in. Remember that you may find some bad apples in the bunch. Drivers can take advantage of fresh faces by overcharging. After all, if you've never ridden a taxi from the airport, how are you to know how much it costs? Keep that $60 fee in mind, and either verbally negotiate a fixed price with the driver, or ensure they turn their meter on before you set off. That way, you can avoid any tomfoolery. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer If you want to really flash them dollar bills, the only way to travel in style is by private transfer. It's the costliest option on this list, but if you've got the bucks, why not shell out for a premium service? You can book your driver months in advance, and they'll provide a personalized service that's second to none. You know in movies, when people are met at the airport by dudes carrying signs with their names on it? That's a private transfer. They'll meet you at the gate, carry your bags to the car, make sure the temp and seats are perfect, and then take you from the airport to your address of choice. They won't talk your ear off if you prefer quiet, but are happy to chat about the area if you're willing. And you never know; they may just give you some top tips on where to go during your stay. Speaking of top tips on San Francisco's best attractions, check out this sweet segue to Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Golden Gate Bridge viewed from the Bayside
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2 Days in San Francisco

One of the most popular cultural hotspots in the US, San Francisco has a little bit of something for everyone. With its globally-recognized landmarks, stunning waterfront landscape and wealth of charming activities and venues, the Bay Area is a fantastic destination for a short city break. Though two days in San Francisco is more than enough time to enjoy some of the city’s best sights and attractions, you’d be hard pushed to fit in absolutely everything. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve outlined some of the most popular and worthwhile things to do, along with their average visit durations, to help you draw up your ideal two-day itinerary. Top Sights Golden Gate Bridge Recommended Visit: 10 minutes to see, 30 minutes each way to cross Considered the world’s most recognizable bridge, nothing is quite so quintessential to the Bay Area’s brand as the towering crimson beams of the Golden Gate Bridge. Often sporting an impressive scarf of thick fog, the mile-and-a-half-long titan is truly a sight to behold, particularly if you can catch it illuminated against a clear night sky. Alamo Square Park Recommended Visit: 15 - 30 minutes Aside from offering a pleasant space of open greenery on the edge of the city’s Western Addition, Alamo Square Park is most popular as the location of the iconic Painted Ladies. Standing vibrantly against the muted backdrop of the San Francisco skyline, this row of colorful Victorian- and Edwardian-style houses line the eastern side of the park and serve as one of the city’s most popular photo ops. Golden Gate Park Recommended Visit: 30 minutes - 2 hours Should you find yourself with a couple hours to spare and some particularly pleasant weather, the colossal Golden Gate Park to the east of the city serves as a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll or a lunchtime picnic. Housed within the park grounds are also the gorgeous displays of the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the serene landscape of the Japanese Tea Garden. Alcatraz Island Recommended Visit: 2 - 3 hours History buffs visiting San Francisco will be no stranger to Alcatraz Island, home to the nation’s most infamous former high-security prison. Those with the stomach for it can take a boat tour out into the Bay to explore the hostile grounds and chilling cells that once held some of the most notorious criminals in history. Popular Neighborhoods Fisherman’s Wharf Recommended Visit: 1 - 3 hours Easily one of the most popular areas of San Francisco is the charming Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront complex. Regular haunt to a colony of playful, barking sea lions, you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours exploring the various quaint stores, engaging activities and bayside eateries on offer here. Take some time to discover the various retailers and restaurants of Pier 39, and awe at the striking wax models housed within Madame Tussauds. Rediscover your inner child among the exhibitions at the Cartoon Art Museum, before playing with the 300-plus coin-operated arcade games and amusements housed within the Musée Mécanique penny arcade. Chinatown Recommended Visit: 1 - 2 hours Just beyond the iconic Dragon’s Gate at its entrance, Chinatown comprises a bustling maze of streets and alleys brimming with quirky stores and traditional Chinese eateries. Among the stunning ornate architecture, you’ll find everything from bakeries to souvenir shops to karaoke bars, alongside the famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can catch one of the nation’s favorite after-dinner treats in the making. Japantown Recommended Visit: 30 minutes - 2 hours Also known as Nihonmachi, San Francisco’s Japantown is a compact historic enclave in much the same vein as Chinatown. Built up around a central courtyard plaza housing the striking 5-tiered Peace Pagoda, Japantown comprises various large complexes housing a number of charming Japanese-style stores, restaurants, karaoke bars and day spas. Galleries & Museums California Academy of Sciences Recommended Visit: 2 - 3 hours Found within Golden Gate Park, the multifaceted California Academy of Sciences is a true architectural and cultural marvel. The mighty 400,000-square-foot venue is home to a vast aquarium and a four-story indoor rainforest filled with all manner of exotic flora and fauna, not to mention the incredible natural history museum and digital planetarium to boot. Exploratorium Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours Both families and curious adults alike sing the praises of the Exploratorium, whose incredible array of interactive exhibits offer visitors a hands-on learning experience at the intersection of science and art. Dance with your own shadow, touch a tornado, capture a wave and even stop time as you explore the hundreds of wonderful installations spread throughout the museum. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours With a central focus on 20th and 21st century art in its various forms, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art comprises 10 floors of everchanging and innovative exhibits. Over 30,000 art pieces make up the museum’s permanent collection, covering everything from painting and photography to sculpture and architecture. Asian Art Museum Recommended Visit: 1 - 3 hours Opened in the mid-1960s, the Asian Art Museum is widely considered one of the most important museums in San Francisco. The museum’s extensive collection comprises sculptures, paintings, ceramics, carvings and architectural fragments from various major Asiatic cultures and spanning multiple historical eras, with some pieces dating back over 6,000 years. Walt Disney Family Museum Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours Whether you happen to be visiting with kids or not, the delightful exhibits of the Walt Disney Museum are sure to bring a smile to your face. Explore the life and work of history’s most famous cartoonist through over 40,000 square feet of engaging and interactive exhibitions detailing the evolution of the family-favorite media empire we know and love today. Getting Around Big Bus Tour With San Francisco as sprawling as it is and only two days to explore, you’ll likely want to find a comfortable and efficient way to get around. Operating a main route that passes by many of the city’s top sights, a Big Bus Tour offers passengers the chance to hop on and off more or less at their leisure, complemented by optional audio commentary in a number of major languages to boot. Cable Cars Originally introduced in the late 1800s to help locals combat the many challenging hills on which the city stands, San Francisco’s remaining cable cars serve as a great way to explore the city in historic fashion. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason routes offer the most scenic journeys and pass by a number of major attractions, with tickets available to buy on-board. Boat Tours If you’re looking for a great way to sit back while admiring the stunning San Francisco landscape, nothing quite compares to a Cruise on the Bay. Most tour operators will have you sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and alongside Alcatraz Island, with a fly-by of the area’s best waterfront sights and landmarks such as Angel Island and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Robert Heaney

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