If you want to have a warm holiday season—literally!—consider celebrating Christmas in
San Francisco. The famous Bay Area stays relatively warm all year long, so much so that snow is even rare here. While it does get a bit chilly at times, it's still far warmer here during this time of the year. Now, the question remains: what is there to do during Christmas in San Francisco? Well, you can watch The San Francisco Ballet perform their annual “Nutcracker” show, which is a tradition for many locals here. The San Francisco Symphony also puts on various shows for the season, including one where they play alongside beloved Christmas movies.
See The Christmas Tree on Union Square
Shopping in Union Square always makes for a great
day in San Francisco. While the city has plenty of great places to shop, there's no doubt that Union Square is the best of the bunch. What more during the holiday season? If you plan on giving your loved ones the finer things in life and money isn't an issue, this place is for you! Union Square features some of the most luxurious department stores in the world, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy's, and more. While you're there, don't miss Union Square's famous Christmas tree too!
Shop at San Francisco's Christmas Markets
What is money
is an issue for you? The
living costs in San Francisco are high, after all, so it's no surprise that you might not be able to afford to shop at Union Square's famous stores. Is there any alternative? Of course! Look no further than San Francisco's many Christmas markets! These annual holiday fairs feature stalls that sell the most fascinating foods and finds, many of which are priced much lower compared to what most shops sell. One of the best is the Mission Craft Holiday Market, which often sells local artworks you won't find anywhere else.
Check Out The Illuminate SF Festival of Light
There's no denying that lights are a huge part of why Christmastime is always so beautiful, jolly, and festive. Take San Francisco, for example. The city lights up unlike any other during this part of the year! Even more so with its famous Illuminate SF Festival of Light. The city sets up the brightest and most breathtaking light displays throughout various
neighborhoods in San Francisco every year. They turn the entire city into a holiday fantasyland, the kind where you'll expect Santa Claus himself to pop up right around the corner. Check out the waterfront Embarcadero district during the festival! The place frequently features some of the best displays in the city.
Visit The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
A totally different kind of fair but equally a must-see when celebrating Christmas in San Francisco is the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at Cow Palace. Many of the arena's exhibition halls are transformed into Victorian Era London, reminiscent of the setting of Charles Dickens's most famous Christmas novel, “A Christmas Carol” (1843). Don't worry! You won't bump into the scary Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come here, but rather you'll be ushered into a nostalgic holiday wonderland full of English Christmas traditions, food, and more. It's a charming time to spend the holidays here!
Source: Dickens Fair
Watch The San Francisco Ballet Perform “The Nutcracker”
What's another classic Christmas story worth reliving every holiday season? “The Nutcracker” ballet! This centuries-old show has been a holiday tradition for countless families for generations, including those who live or have
moved to San Francisco. Why? Because the San Francisco Ballet annually performs the show for the entire city to see. They never miss a beat, the costumes are always beautiful, the music consistently stays grand, and everyone has a good time! Fortunately, the company spreads its shows to span many weeks within the holiday season, so you might still get some tickets if you book now!
Listen to The San Francisco Symphony
Don't miss the San Francisco Symphony's many Christmas concerts when you're spending the holidays in the city too! For one thing, the symphony annually puts on shows where they stream beloved Christmas movies while they play the music live. It's a holiday cinematic experience you won't ever forget! Their “The Colors of Christmas” concerts are also a must-see! They usually invite legendary singers to perform with them, including Peabo Bryson, Jennifer Holliday, Rueben Studdard, and more. If you're a bonafide music-love, you'll want to celebrate Christmas with the San Francisco Symphony every year!
Host a Christmas Party at Home
Finally, when all else fails, just invite people over! If your
luxury apartment in San Francisco has enough space, host a Christmas party that will tear the house down! Decorate your place that could put Union Square to shame, serve delicious food that will blow your guests away, and play music to have everyone moving until the new year. The best part about it is that you can control everything. You don't have to spend too much money if you don't want to, you can only invite people you're truly close with, and you'll be in the comforts of your own home.
Are you gonna celebrate Christmas in San Francisco this year? Then you're in luck! The city has a lot in store for the holiday season, from annual shows to colorful markets where you can truly feel the festive spirit!
