Today I want to bring you my guide to the best things to do in San Francisco in December. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s a lot to get excited about in SF in winter. From holiday decorations to ice skating and annual events, the City by the Bay has a lot to offer at this time of year. Read on for my top picks for what to do and see.
San Francisco in December
San Francisco is a great place to visit in December. With a mild climate, a decent amount of daylight hours, and a lot going on, there’s plenty to draw people to the city. San Francisco is also a good place to visit at Christmas, as the city gets festive for the holiday season.
As far as the temperature in San Francisco in December goes, things vary. As with most months in the city, some days can be chilly and rainy, and others can be so sunny and warm I don’t need a jacket (and I’m always cold).
Dressing in layers is key, as is being prepared for all weather. That said, it doesn’t snow in San Francisco in December (or ever, really), so you can leave your heaviest coats and scarves at home.
It’s also worth noting that December in San Francisco can be a busy time of year for restaurants, bars, theaters, and event spaces. With Christmas and other seasonal holidays approaching, a lot of places book up in advance.
As such, it’s a good idea to make reservations for things like hotels, restaurants, festivals, and performances ahead of time. It will make visiting San Francisco in December easier, and ensure you get to do the things you want to when you’re here.
Things to Do in San Francisco in December
So what is there to do in San Francisco in December? A lot, actually. From festive holiday attractions to seasonal fun and year-round entertainment, the city has plenty to offer. Add to that food and drink that only comes around in winter, and there are loads of things to tempt you to get out and experience the best of SF this month.
1. Take in the Festivities in Union Square
Union Square is at the heart of the action in San Francisco in December. With a larger-than-life Christmas tree and an ice skating rink that takes up most of the square, it’s full of festive fun throughout the month.
Having grown up in the Bay Area, I’ve been visiting Union Square in December since I was a child. The magic of the giant Christmas tree, the ice rink, and the seasonal events never wears off. It’s fun to walk around and take in the atmosphere, not to mention the wreaths and decorations on the facades of the shops and hotels.
2. Go Shopping in Downtown San Francisco
Speaking of the shops, it’s worth popping in to see their festive displays and pick up gifts for family, friends, and loved ones. Neiman Marcus in particular is a must. It has a stunning Christmas tree under its ornate dome every December.
Macy’s is also worthy of a visit. Every December a selection of adorable (and adoptable) puppies and kittens from the San Francisco SPCA plays in the windows of the department store. They’re a treat to see (and hard to resist falling in love with!).
There are plenty of other stores to get excited about as well. From the luxury goods shops on Maiden Lane to the wide variety in the shopping centers, you’re spoiled for choice.
3. See the Sugar Castle at the Westin St. Francis Hotel
Elsewhere in Union Square, the sugar castle at the Westin St. Francis hotel is worth a special trip. This enormous rotating fairytale chateau gets more elaborate every year, with towers, ramparts, and turrets galore. There are even illuminated windows and a toy train. Add to that the historic hotel’s decorations, and it’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
4. Have Afternoon Tea at the Palace Hotel
Another fun thing to do in San Francisco in December is have afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel. Dating back to 1875, this San Francisco landmark offers a holiday tea service in its luxurious Garden Court. Reminiscent of the Gilded Age, the room is the perfect place to enjoy finger sandwiches and sweet treats beneath the annual Christmas tree.
If afternoon tea isn’t your thing, the Palace Hotel also does festive brunches, cocktails, dinners, Letters to Santa, and a New Year’s Eve celebration.
5. See the Gingerbread House at the Fairmont
One of the most delicious things to do in San Francisco in December is see the life-sized gingerbread house on display at the Fairmont hotel in Nob Hill. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, this tasty home wows locals and visitors with its real gingerbread bricks, detailed candy decorations, and redolent aromas.
If you want a special treat, you can book a private dining experience inside the gingerbread house. If that’s too much, you can get champagne from the bar in the lobby to enjoy while admiring the house.
6. Participate in SantaCon SF
As with many American cities, San Francisco hosts an annual SantaCon. If you’re not familiar with the tradition, it’s a day when thousands of people dressed in Santa costumes meet in Union Square and walk through the streets spreading festive cheer.
SantaCon SF is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, sing songs, and have a few drinks at local bars along the way. It’s free to participate and there’s a toy drive for charity, so it supports a good cause as well.
7. Go to Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco
Ghirardelli Square is a fun place to visit year-round, but being here in December is one of the highlights of San Francisco in winter. Because what better place to chase away the winter blues and get excited about the holidays than a chocolate factory?
Ghirardelli Square is famous for its chocolate, from the flagship Chocolate Experience Store to the ice cream parlor where you can see the chocolate being made. Add to that festive decorations in the square, fun independent boutiques for holiday shopping, and good restaurants, and it’s an all-around great place to visit.
8. Eat Dungeness Crab at Fisherman’s Wharf
One of my favorite things about San Francisco in December is that Dungeness crab season starts this month. The delicious crustacean is a seasonal special in California, and restaurants throughout the city serve it during the winter months. I’ve even had Dungeness crab for Christmas dinner.
While most locals see Fisherman’s Wharf as a tourist trap, I go here for Dungeness crab every December. Many restaurants serve it, but my favorite is Crab House at Pier 39. It’s on the top floor and there are great views over San Francisco Bay and out to the Golden Gate Bridge.
As an added bonus, there are lots of holiday decorations and Christmas trees up in Pier 39 in December, so there’s a festive atmosphere to enjoy before and after your meal.
9. Go to The Nutcracker
Next on my list of the best things to do in San Francisco in December is go to The Nutcracker. I’ve been attending this classic Christmas ballet at the War Memorial Opera House since I was a child, and it’s magical. From the sets to the snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy, it’s a great place to get into the festive spirit.
While you’re here, don’t miss the shops. They’re laden with beautiful ornaments and other gifts that make perfect presents and souvenirs.
10. Visit The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Another popular thing to do in San Francisco in December is go to The Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace. This weekend event recreates the narrow lanes of Victorian London and offers visitors an immersive world of music halls, theaters, pubs, parties, and shops laden with handmade holiday gifts.
From family fun to food, performances, nightlife, shows, characters, and ice skating, there’s plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained in Dickensian London. There’s even a Christmas tree lot if you want to pick up a fir to take home.
11. See Let’s Glow SF
A fun thing to do in San Francisco in December is take in the art installations at Let’s Glow SF. This annual event features luminous public artworks crated by internationally renowned artists.
From the Ferry Building to Salesforce Tower and Jackson Square, huge light displays brighten up San Francisco’s winter skies for 10 nights in December. They’re free to view and they’re dotted throughout the downtown area, so you might even come across one without looking for it.
Let’s Glow SF is the largest holiday projection event in the United States. There are events, music, and discounts from local retailers to enjoy throughout its run.
12. Take in the Bill Graham Menorah in Union Square
Every year since 1975, the Bill Graham Menorah has lit up San Francisco’s Union Square for eight nights. The first giant public menorah outside of Israel, this seven-branched candelabrum has inspired thousands of others around the world.
In addition to daily menorah lightings, the festivities include children’s crafts and entertainment, music, drinks, gatherings, and more. It’s a fun way to get into the Hanukkah spirit in the City by the Bay.
13. Take a Festive Cable Car Ride, VW Van, or Bus Tour
One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco in December is go for a ride. Whether it’s on a cable car, in a bus, or on board a hippie van, I’m happy.
San Francisco has a lot of options for holiday tours on wheels. The traditional cable cars get all dressed up for Christmas with wreaths, garlands, and mini trees. It’s fun to ride them through the city to take in the lights and decorations.
Additionally, there are private VW van tours and hippie bus tours you can book to have a festive night out in the city. There are even Jeep tours you can take. Whichever mode of transport you choose, it’s fun to go around the city and take in the best of the season. You can see options and book one here.
14. Watch the Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks in Sausalito
Okay, so it’s not technically in San Francisco, but it’s so close you can see it. The annual Lighted Boat Parade in Sausalito is worth a special trip. The bay shines with the lights of a flotilla of decorated boats that illuminates the night sky as fireworks go off overhead.
You can pay for VIP seats and parties, or you can watch the Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade for free along the waterfront. However you do it, it’s a fun evening out in Northern California.
15. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Francisco
If you’re in San Francisco at the end of December, there are lots of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. From parties to dinners, events, and boat cruises, the City by the Bay does a lot for the occasion. There’s a big annual fireworks show on the Embarcadero waterfront, and plenty of others dotted throughout the city.
Whether you go to a black tie ball or a casual party, there’s a myriad of manners in which you can ring in the new year in San Francisco. It’s a great way to get into the city’s nightlife scene and say good-bye to December at the same time.
Things to Do in San Francisco in December
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to things to do in San Francisco in December, and that it’s inspired you to discover the best of the City by the Bay this month. There’s so much to see and do that it will keep you coming back again and again. Happy travels!
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