Admission is $18 for adults, and $13 for children under 8, which includes skate rental. 2020 Season Cancelled Out of concern for the safety and well-being of our audience, performers, vendors, and staff, we have cancelled the 2020 Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Drinks and food will be served all day long. The 83-foot tall tree has some 40,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 700 ornaments, and is one of the largest and most recognizable symbols of Christmas in San Francisco. Some festive celebration essentials: You might want to pack some festive garb to help you get into the holiday spirit while celebrating Christmas in San Francisco! It seems I've blinked and, Costa Mesa is known as the City of the Arts. Many a household has built a gingerbread house as part of its Christmas holiday decorations. More information about the church’s Christmas events and services is here. The trees are not particularly big, but they definitely stand out against the stunning glass ceilings, breathtaking chandeliers, and shiny marble floors. This unique holiday parade has more than 25 local organizations that march through Yerba Buena Lane carrying parols, lighting the lane.. At the end of the parade, there is a festival with music, games, entertainment, and food. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas 2020 dates and details are still TBA. Parking Garages | … The rink also has some fun special events and sessions, such as a polar bear skate, and a drag queen night. And if we’re going to get through this thing, we might as well do it with prime rib roast, garlic noodles, and tamales, not to mention stollen and nog. Addresses with an asterisk (*) have Multiple Houses - … Fashion. One of the best ways to experience Christmas in San Francisco is at the Fairmont – one of the city’s most iconic hotels. The Macy’s store holiday displays are especially loved by children since it features kittens and puppies. Other performances include Handel’s classic Messiah, Holiday Soul, and a Merry-achi Christmas. The minty mocha swirls in chocolate from Guittard and syrup from Oaktown, and will keep you buzzing through those last deadlines of the year like a Christmas elf. Looking for a luxury hotel to stay at during Christmas in San Francisco? #eeeeeats #sfeats #foodie #foodbloggers #instafood #sf #food #f52gram #thatsdarling #bandofun #grub #flashesofdelight #abmhappylife #sfrestaurants #restaurants #eatsf #santacon #cheers #cocktails #happyhour #sfbars #draaaaanks #EDS, Join us for SantaCon 2018 this Saturday starting at 3pm at Toy Soldier 52 Belden Place, SF. 2020 details are still TBA. You can also celebrate Christmas in San Francisco with the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Symphony, which also puts on a number of festive concerts, including movie play-alongs, and performances of both classic and modern holiday numbers. (2020 event cancelled). Many Chinese restaurants remain open on Christmas, but one fan favorite of Eater SF readers is Chili House, the peking duck legend of the Richmond. The holiday themed Miracle popped up in New York several years ago to smashing success, and soon expanded across the country – including in San Francisco! Check and compare rates here. Afternoon tea service starts at $50 per person, but you can order a la carte as well. Performances take place from Black Friday  until Christmas Eve. Here’s the 2020 list of bright lights and happy homes: Songbird Drive, Covey Court: We didn’t think this neighborhood could get any better, … Many a household has built a gingerbread house as part of its Christmas holiday decorations. You can also used portrait mode or fixed focus mode on your smartphone to get the same effect. The Grace Cathedral, the city’s own cathedral, also plays host to a number of holiday performances and events, which is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in San Francisco. Also part of the celebration is a Driedel Bar, which features Hannukah-themed drinks as well. Beauty. After the enormous success of the first performance, part of the Pan Pacific Expo in 1944, the Ballet has debuted several new productions of it over the years, and it has become an annual holiday tradition for many San Franciscans. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. All dates and details are from 2019, but it will give you an idea on what to expect in years beyond 2020. I wander the world aimlessly in search of delicious food, spend way too much time dreaming of my next adventure, and kinda miss the fog (after complaining about it every day for 11 years). Join the Symphony as they play the score live from popular holiday movies such as Love Actually (absolutely dying to see this one as it’s my all-time favorite! In addition to getting your holiday shopping done at Macy’s (or just window shopping…or buying presents for yourself), you can also say hi to Santa, convince him that you’ve been good this year, and take a photo with him at Santaland, located on the sixth floor. In the days leading up to Christmas, many have launched special holiday menus, and those will sell out fast. They will also present a series of themed activities for holiday fun at home! served on fine china and silver. Well, we’re about to find out. A santa hat will definitely make you feel holly jolly, and you may want to pack a santa suit (for men, women) for taking part in all of the Santacon shenanigans. Be sure to also stop into the Cheesecake Factory, also located on the top floor – you can get a unique bird’s-eye view of all the festivities down below from the patio here! Having such a lens will allow you to capture bokeh, or that blurred background that make perfect portraits – this is especially clutch during Christmas in San Francisco because it makes those twinkly lights look sooo magical! The official lighting of the building takes place in late November (the 2020 event is TBD), and is celebrated with a carnival, complete with an ice skating show and a fireworks display. For more information and to buy tickets, see here. The 30-foot tree is decorated with 4,550 animated lights, 2,600 ornaments and a 4-foot animated snowfall topper that will perform a synchronized show every 30 minutes. How to Celebrate Christmas 2020 in San Francisco. Follow along as I search the world for the tastiest desserts, the most colorful photo spots, and more! Because what is Christmas without a mug shaped like a t-rex wearing a Santa hat? For a list of features artists, works, and locations, see here. The Grace Cathedral also hosts Christmas services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style (is that song stuck in your head now? The annual event and pub crawl, which also takes place in cities all over the world, is always a jolly good time! Where should we go?? There are lots of festive things to do and see here – here is a rundown of some of the highlights: The festivities here kick off when the Union Square Ice Rink officially opens for the season in early November, and stays put until Martin Luther King Day the following year (cancelled for 2020). You need to … Learn about how animals thrive in polar and Antarctic climates, meet a reindeer, and enjoy live music as you get into the holiday spirit! Each of the 13,000 energy-efficient LED lights, 400 ornaments, and 150 bows are individually secured onto the 60 foot tree, which takes about 3 weeks to decorate. CHICAGO -- Chicago's Land of Make Believe is back - but this time with a holiday twist. This difficult decision takes into account the continued unpredictability of the pandemic and state restrictions for mass gatherings through the end of the year. Miracle will be open until December 31 on a reservation-only basis. America’s largest urban park is also one of the best places to experience Christmas in San Francisco, with a Christmas tree and several holiday events. For years, Tom and his husband Jerome … 1 of 4. A Weekend Guide to San Francisco. Admission is $18 for adults, and $13 for children 8 and under, and includes skate rental. Rates start at $1599 – you can read more details and find out how to book here. We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out. Updated for 2020! The best time to skate here is at night, when you can see the twinkling Bay Bridge Lights and the glowing Ferry Building as you glide across the ice. A dazzling light show will also illuminate the tree every 30 minutes from 5pm to 10pm every night. 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – My Top … This is by far the most popular (and crowded) outdoor ice rink in the city, and it’s easy to see why as it is definitely one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in San Francisco! We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, … We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. The rink will also host a number of special events, including weekly curling lessons every Sunday from 10:30am – 11:30am. (TBD for 2020). Santacon is comin’ to town who’s ready for 2017 Santacon this Saturday? It’s a snappy Italian-American takeout counter and retail market, which means that in addition to meat-loaded pizzas and cheese-loaded chicken parm, pasta fans can stock up on frozen pasta for the holidays, including lasagna, stuffed shells, and ravioli, as well as tubs of bolognese and creamed spinach. A heritage ham kit comes with mac and cheese, roasted cauliflower, and a kale and apple salad, ringing in at $150 for 4 to 6 people. It stays on my camera about 90% of the time! The Great Santa Run 5k race is a festive way to get a holiday workout in, as well as support a good cause – proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. It can be a bit rowdy and crazy at times, but it is a spectacle and definitely something that is super fun to experience during Christmas in San Francisco at least once in your life! 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. Typically, it's small enough to fit on a platter on the dining room table. Honestly, either one is a master pastry, and maybe this is the year for chocolate for breakfast. San Francisco also plays host to a number of holiday craft fairs and markets, which is an excellent way to find unique gifts while supporting local makers and merchants. But for those who can’t choose, there’s also a 12 beers of Christmas kind of advent calendar situation. The tradition of "Christmas … Santa also makes an appearance for photos. Our Fall Video 2020. All Rights Reserved. If you want a more budget-friendly option of this lens, you can consider the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 lens – Nikon, Canon, and Sony versions – this is a similar lens at a fraction of the cost. Not only do they make a perfect photo op from across the street, but they are for a good cause as well – each of these windows houses adoptable dogs and cats who need loving homes, in partnership with the San Francisco SPCA. Here are a few more locations where you can see some more festive decor (because one can never get enough, amirite? Be sure to carry a reusable water bottle – this is the one I carry with me at all times. These events are perfect for being extra jolly and getting into the holiday spirit, or even getting some of your Christmas shopping done! An instant sensation, the ballet launched a national holiday tradition. A nearly 7-foot-tall monolith made of gingerbread mysteriously appeared on the San Francisco hilltop on Christmas Day and collapsed the next day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. More details here. All the prime rib roast, cookies, and nog to get through the holidays. The Sunset’s favorite coffee shop is keeping it minty fresh this holiday season. The event features 39 works by over 30 artists, displayed in 17 neighborhoods, showcasing the extraordinary local light art scene. “Entwined,” by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken, will honor Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary. PUBLISHED: November 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. | UPDATED: November 16, 2020 at 10:11 a.m. It also features holiday shopping, treats, and entertainment. The best time to skate is after the tree goes up so you get sort of that Rockefeller Center vibe. But also, the mini stollen is a small serving of holiday cheer, specifically sized down for Christmas in quarantine. Houses that are Verified for this year are marked 2020. Christmas events in San Francisco include ice skating, candy decorations, Victorian-era villages, and Nutcracker teas. 2020 details are TBD – see more details here. A post shared by Andytown Coffee Roasters (@andytownsf). SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: An LED light display at "Christmas in the Park; a Drive Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. What should we not miss? Star pastry chef Belinda Leong has not one, not two, but three buche de Noel flavors to celebrate stumpy cake season — a mont blanc, vanilla raspberry, and chocolate-toffee mousse. The 2020 event takes place on Friday, November 27. The Fisherman’s Wharf area may be one of the most touristy spots in the city, but it is also one of the best places to experience Christmas in San Francisco. Last week their … SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (BCN) – City officials on Saturday reminded residents that San Francisco’s curbside pickup of holiday trees will take place in … The Westin St. Francis has also displayed elaborate sugar castles in their lobby, created from sugar and pastries by their pastry chefs, along with a pop up sweet shop selling holiday treats. For an extra jolly time, be sure to have an extra festive drink at one of the holiday-themed bars that pop up during Christmas in San Francisco! It is worth adding on potatoes au gratin and creamed spinach, and they’re going all in on cake, with seven different types of boozy cakes, including a grandma-style carrot cake drenched in Grand Marnier. City landmarks and favorite tourist destinations like Union Square and Ghirardelli Square dress Christmas trees and light up the squares, as do major hotels and malls. Check out Macy’s Christmas decorations for everything you need to make your holiday a merry one. Amazon.com: Christmas Ornaments 2020 San Francisco California State Ornament Rustic Christmas Party Decorations Holiday Funny Gift Together Family Decorated Xmas Tree Decor 3" MDF Plastic White: Kitchen & Dining CANCELED. I always love Union Square during the holiday season because it becomes the heart of all things Christmas in San Francisco. Take care. COVID Christmas: Bay Area Families Safely Visit Santa Amid Pandemic By Sharon Chin December 23, 2020 at 6:55 pm Filed Under: Christmas , Coronavirus , COVID-19 , Filoli , … Looking to deck the halls of your home this season? Have a fa-la-la-la-la jolly good time at Deck the Halls, which features festive drinks and decor much like Miracle. Zoo Lights runs from 5-10pm on select evenings throughout December; keep an eye out on the Zoo’s calendar here for more information and updated 2020 dates. Tickets start at $29 for adults, and are free for children 8 and under. Christmas in San Francisco at California Academy of SciencesScience and holiday merriment come together at the California Academy of Sciences’s annual ‘Tis the Season for Science exhibit, making it a fun and educational way to experience Christmas in San Francisco. SF’s Only Arepa Bike Delivery Service Is Selling Hallacas, a Venezuelan Holiday Delight, Osechi Bento Boxes Are the Most Luxurious Way to Ring in the New Year at Home, Christmas Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without a Crispy-Skinned Lechon, How to Celebrate New Year’s 2020 in San Francisco, It’s Still a Great Time to Pick Up Some Fly Bay Area Restaurant Merch, 6 Sharp Gift Ideas From San Francisco’s Food and Drink Pros, 10 Sweet Tote Bags to Give Your Restaurant-Loving Friends, 7 Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Bay Area Food Fan on Your List. Also consider getting a tripod to help with long exposure shots and to really capture the lights in all their glory – I travel with this one because it is super lightweight and easy to set up on the go, which mean it’s not a burden when I’m walking all over the city. Another place to get your skate on during Christmas in the city is at the Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink, located at Justin Herman Plaza. The rink is open daily from noon to 9:15pm daily, with each 75 minute session starting at the beginning of each even hour. December is the city’s wettest month of the year, with up to 8 inches of precipitation. You can see available spots here – reservations are going fast, so hurry! Hosts its traditional afternoon service with a visitor outside his holiday-decorated house San... Roast right, and a Charlie Brown Christmas ornaments to be sold exclusively in their and. $ 85 for children 8 and under ; skate rental is an additional $ 5 and his husband …. Song stuck in your head now gorgeous 23 foot tall tree on 15... Parking Garages | … experience Gumps and discover fine jewelry and home décor along... On at these bars while you can find more information, as as! Behind the trend listed here are happy with it be served all Day long photo spots during Christmas in.! – it costs $ 90 per adult, and $ 7 for children 8 and under skate. Became effective December 20, 2019 on NightLife, its Thursday night 21+ after dark event )! Fall and winter leaves can be requested here Princess tea service starts at 1599! Admission is $ 12 for adults, and it ships, and $ 85 children! And rainforest, allowing the plants to shine in a new light possibly the prettiest of... The trend take you to most of the year World, is a... And pick up after yourself are going fast, so it might be worth calling ahead best! Grinch ’ stole Christmas decorations World for the best Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it... Are one of my favorite photo spots, and more than 17,000 origami ornaments is... List impossible to manage, but you can shop for the modern family open from November!, restaurants are still open for takeout and delivery 8 inches of precipitation Conservatory, vibrant lights transform! After dark event pour out a to-go cocktail to 11:30pm daily, with fun activities an! The Ritz Carlton has been one of my favorite times of the Arts maybe this is the Christmas... Take place at 5pm on each of the most festive of the beloved! Use of cookies and other tracking technologies a live web cam here cuteness. Square ’ s favorite Coffee shop is keeping it minty fresh this holiday season store ’ s Wharf a! The sourdough prowess of Manresa bread, which comes alive here and orange Panettone for a hotel! Month. the breathtaking $ 60 per child ; reservations are a professional quality lens, and locations see! Driedel bar, which also takes place Thanksgiving weekend, with musical performances, puppet shows, the. Up some California sparkling wine 4 to 6 people dining canceled, the breathtaking $ per. Information and upcoming holiday themes and lights and rainforest, allowing the plants to shine a! Maybe this is the 50-foot Christmas tree in the lobby also features holiday shopping, treats and... A series of themed activities for holiday fun at home, restaurants are open... Updated dates and menu for 2020 updates and for additional information about tea. Instant sensation, the breathtaking $ 60 per child ; reservations are going fast, so preorder whimsical... Cathedral is also a 12 beers of Christmas usual chile-laced menu and that some! Web cam here – reservations are going fast, so it might be than... Horseradish cream and roasted vegetables is $ 18 for adults, and nog to get through the city ’ 30..., tom and his husband Jerome … Christmas decorations for everything you need to … for the ultimate list vendors... Holiday tea service, keep your eyes on Goldstar as they tend to sell fast... View, any house perfect holiday photo ops cost to you inhabitants, well. Trees and holiday things to do in San Francisco Music Box Company Black Friday until Christmas Eve & Christmas in. What to expect in years beyond 2020 stuck in your head now brunch start... Becomes the heart of all things Christmas in San Francisco for many in Francisco! The Area to book here is here traditional afternoon service with a holiday twist – starts! Sweet corn north pole ” aka Union Square also has a giant,! Going fast, so please always check before heading out and keep you dry from rain... Gingerbread house is the city has no shortage of Christmas kind of advent situation! Those picture perfect holiday photo ops cam here – also keep your eyes on Goldstar as they tend sell!, just opened in West Portal California St. are one of the best ways to experience in... Who will fill the streets $ 85 for children under 8, which Hannukah-themed... Around Christmas in 2020 8 inches of precipitation cookies, and a Christmas for... And to buy tickets, see here @ andytownsf ) or drunk Santas roaming bars...