7 Things to Do On Christmas Day in San Francisco
We’ve got a list of what to do on Christmas Day in San Francisco.
December is a beautiful time to visit San Francisco—just don’t expect to see snow on the ground. No matter how cold California natives might find the weather, December 25 in San Francisco is guaranteed to be warmer than at least 38 other states. And it’s bound to be considerably less crowded than the slushy sidewalks of Manhattan or the sandy beaches of Miami. All this means that there are plenty of reasons to be out and about in San Francisco on Christmas Day.
Ice Skate
Downtown San Francisco ice skating rinks are open for you to show off your triple axles on Christmas Day. The Union Square rink is particularly jolly, as the commercial bustle will have ceased, but the adjacent holiday tree remains lit.
Illuminate SF Festival of Lights
Light art installations around the city don't stop glowing on Christmas Day. Most of these artworks can be viewed in public spaces, meaning they're free! From the Embarcadero to Golden Gate Park, you'll be astounded by the creativity and innovation of Illuminate SF.
Check out Illuminate SFSan Francisco Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are Golden Gate Park’s most manicured jewel. Although San Francisco residents never pay an entrance fee, the gates are flung open to everyone on Christmas Day. Roam through 55 acres of native plants, succulents, magnolias, a grove of redwoods, the Ancient Plant Garden, and the rest of the 8,000 species on display, some of which might even be in bloom (especially the Mesoamerican Cloud Forest). If you’re lucky, the weather will be temperate enough for a picnic.
Check out the SF Botanical GardensChristmas Day Dinner at PIER 39
With shops at PIER 39 open on Christmas Eve and Day, the Pier's restaurants, like Fog Harbor Fish House, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, and Crab House, make the perfect spot for a holiday feast. Reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome
DINE AT PIER 39Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Contemporary Jewish Museum is open on Christmas. Better yet, it’s a Community Free Day, so all the galleries are open (which means advance registration is highly recommended). Art-making, musical performances, and a nosh from Wise Sons Delicatessen round out a wonderful holiday afternoon inside Daniel Libeskind’s post-modern cube.
Visit the Contemporary Jewish MuseumKung Pao Kosher Comedy
Kung Pao Kosher Comedy brings together the Jewish comedic heritage with the venerable tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas. Comic Lisa Geduldig began performing at the 370-seat New Asia Restaurant in Chinatown in 1993, and the tradition has grown every year since. This year’s performances happen Dec. 24-26 at the Imperial Palace Restaurant.
MAKE A RESERVATIONBrunch at the Fairmont San Francisco
The Fairmont San Francisco will turn into a holiday wonderland this year, offering an exquisite holiday brunch buffet menu. While you're there, don't miss out on more photo ops with the Fairmont's impressive Gingerbread House and 23-foot Christmas tree in the main lobby.
LEARN MORE
Where to Stay in San Francisco for the Holidays
It's the most wonderful time of the year, all right. And it's never a bad time to visit San Francisco! Find out where you should stay for all the holiday excitement.
EXPLORE
Tyler is the Sr. Manager of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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