Family Friendly Holiday Events in San Francisco 2023
October 12, 2023
October 12, 2023
As the holiday season approaches, San Francisco transforms into a winter wonderland, offering an abundance of family-friendly events that capture the magic and joy of the holidays. From gliding across a festive ice rink in the heart of the city to being enchanted by classic holiday plays, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Music lovers will delight in holiday performances by the San Francisco Symphony, while those looking to bask in the glow of holiday lights can attend spectacular Christmas tree and menorah lightings. And for those who are in the mood for something a little different, a Santa-themed pub crawl and a Victorian-themed Christmas celebration offer a unique and festive way to experience the holidays in San Francisco.
Date: November 1st - January 15, 2024
Location: Union Square
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is a picture-perfect holiday experience located just underneath the Macy's Christmas tree among 33,000 twinkling lights. This is San Francisco's favorite outdoor rink and the reservations fill up quickly so be sure to secure your ticket early. You can also enjoy special events at the rink from Drag Queens on Ice to a Polar Bear Skate event that encourages beach attire!
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Date: November 18th - December 17th
Location: Cow Palace
Experience a twilight evening in Charles Dickens’ London Town – a city of winding lanes filled with colorful characters from both literature and history. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Cries of street vendors hawking their wares ring out above the bustling crowd. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with handmade gifts. The Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970 and a splendid way to celebrate the holidays.
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Date: Thanksgiving to New Year's Day
Location: Fairmont on Nob Hill
For more than a century, Fairmont San Francisco has enchanted guests with its joyful holiday festivities and exuberant seasonal ambiance. From their life-sized Gingerbread House and Holiday Tea to staying in Santa’s very own Suite, they have something for everyone to cheer. Holiday magic comes to life with their annual life-sized Gingerbread House on display from Thanksgiving through the New Year. With hundreds of bricks of real gingerbread baked by our pastry team and pounds of See’s Candies, our Gingerbread House display brings out the kid in everyone. Looking for a special treat? Book a dining experience inside the private Gingerbread for up to 8 guests and take in the scents and sounds of the holiday season.
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Date: Starting after Thanksgiving
Location: Union Square, Pier 39, City Hall
The perfect outing for your whole family, the program will include many traditional Christmas songs and carols, set against a beautiful animated backdrop. The San Francisco Symphony is conducted by Lawrence Loh and joined by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. The story centers on Charlie Brown feeling a bit glum in the lead-up to Christmas, saddened that the holiday has become all about gifts and toys, while the true spirit of Christmas is being forgotten. With the help of his friends, he sets out to make a special Christmas pageant to remind everyone what the Holiday season is really all about!
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Date: TBD (Usually right after Thanksgiving until Jan 2nd)
Location: Westin St. Francis
This annual holiday tradition began in 2005 with the stunning Medieval Sugar Castle, a life-like French Chateau that becomes more extravagant with each passing year. In past years, the castle has been over 12 feet tall and used over 600 lbs. of sugar. Resembling a French Chateau from Chef Houdre’s hometown of Bordeaux, the castle weighs more than 1200 pounds and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by a quaint village and running train.
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Date: December 9th 1pm - 8pm
Location: 3111 Fillmore Street
[Not Child Friendly] Come dressed in your best Santa outfits, ugly sweaters, a reindeer costume or even a Christmas tree, let's get lit! SantaCon is the nation's biggest Santa bar crawl and it takes place in our very own San Francisco
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Date: December 6th - 24th @ 10pm
Location: 415 Geary Street
Featuring a lively cast of dozens, delightful music, gorgeous costumes, and those deliciously spooky ghosts, the Bay Area's favorite holiday tradition returns home. This version of A Christmas Carol—adapted by Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff—stays true to the heart of Dickens's timeless story of redemption and brings a playful sensibility to his rich language. A Christmas Carol is a decades-long cornerstone of the A.C.T. repertory and has become a holiday tradition for families all around the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Date: December 7th - 14th, 1st Lighting Ceremony is on the 7th at 5pm.
Location: Union Square
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of gift shopping for the lighting of the Bill Graham Menorah, a 24 ft tall Menorah made of mahogany. The first giant public menorah went up in San Francisco’s Union Square, in 1975. Erected with the support of the late rock promoter and Holocaust survivor Bill Graham, it was known as the “mama” menorah because of the thousands of others it inspired globally.
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Date: December 20th - 23rd
Location: 201 Van Ness Ave.
The perfect outing for your whole family, the program will include many traditional Christmas songs and carols, set against a beautiful animated backdrop. The San Francisco Symphony is conducted by Lawrence Loh and joined by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. The story centers on Charlie Brown feeling a bit glum in the lead-up to Christmas, saddened that the holiday has become all about gifts and toys, while the true spirit of Christmas is being forgotten. With the help of his friends, he sets out to make a special Christmas pageant to remind everyone what the Holiday season is really all about!
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