San Francisco offers a variety of Christmas activities suitable for the whole family.
San Francisco offers both adults and children a wealth of family fun at Christmastime. The City by the Bay boasts mild weather, even during the early winter season, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities such as tree-lighting ceremonies. In between Christmas activities, you'll find plenty of sightseeing and walking adventures to enjoy during a holiday visit to San Francisco. Does this Spark an idea?
Nutcracker Ballet
Every December, the San Francisco Ballet carries out its long tradition of performing the "Nutcracker." The ballet features more than 200 enchanting costumed characters dancing to the music of Tchaikovsky, performed by the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. The ballet company offers six family performances that include activities and entertainment in the lobby before the ballet starts. Costumed characters greet you and your family, plus the first 500 children at the event receive a special gift. During the intermission, enjoy juice and cookies on the house. Booster seats are available for small children who are seated in the Orchestra Level.
Nutcracker Ballet
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-865-2000
sfballet.org
Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting
Ghirardelli Square kicks off the Christmas holiday season each year with its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. During the lighting ceremony, a 50-foot tree lights up with red ribbons, ornaments and decorations. Oversized Ghirardelli chocolate bars are usually nestled into the branches of the tree. Before the ceremony, enjoy musical performances, puppet shows and stilt walkers. After the ceremony, listen to Christmas carolers and visit with Old Saint Nick. Warm up on hot chocolate at the Ghirardelli Caf . The festivities start at noon on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-775-5500
ghirardellisq.com
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Dress up your family as characters from Charles Dickens' novels, then head to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Held on Saturdays and Sundays during December, the annual event takes place at the Cow Palace Exhibition Hall. Mingle with entertainers dressed as characters from "A Christmas Carol" and "A Tale of Two Cities." Enjoy Victorian Christmas displays, a music hall, dance parties, shops, stalls, street vendors and an assortment of Christmas goodies, holiday spirits and drink.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace Exhibition Hall
2600 Geneva Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94134
415-392-4400
sanfrancisco.com
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