Family Friendly Places in Tennessee at Christmas Time

Christmas in San Francisco: Things to Do this Season Plus Christmas Eve & Twenty-four hours in 2021

Christmas in San Francisco is a magical fourth dimension. The air is crisp, but warm enough to walk around and explore this beautiful city. I also beloved this fourth dimension of year as the city is full of gorgeous holiday lights.

You will find quite a few things to do this holiday season from theater performances to shopping in Union Square or Pier 39. Throughout the flavour, you tin also see Christmas shows including the SF Ballet's Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol.

My insider's guide covers ideas throughout the holiday season as well equally dedicated sections for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Curlicue down to find a full overview of everything you lot will detect this flavour. You tin can also jump ahead these two pop sections.

• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Christmas Around the SF Bay Expanse

Disclaimer: I receive a pocket-sized commission from some of the links on this page.

SF Ballet'due south Nutcracker

Dates: 12/10 - 12/30

Location: War Memorial Opera House

Tickets: Notice tickets to all shows

One of the most predictable events every Christmas in San Francisco is the SF Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker.

This popular show was first performed by the SF Ballet, the oldest ballet company in the Usa, on Christmas Eve in 1944. Since that fourth dimension, it'due south been a vacation tradition hither in San Francisco.

In addition to their regular performances, they as well have several family unit performances that are geared more to the younger ones.

All shows are at the War Memorial Opera House in the Civic Center District.

>> Tips to attend a performance including what to wear, family-friendly shows and more

A Christmas Carol

Dates: 11/26 - 12/26 (Performances from 12/22 - 12/26 are canceled due to COVID inside the cast)

Location: Golden Gate Theater

This yr, y'all can catch several performances of A Christmas Carol at the Golden Gate Theater. This classic Christmas in San Francisco show is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Scrooge is a grumpy concern owner that has no desire to celebrate Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he'south visited by iii ghosts that show him of import moments in his life including his sad futurity.

As he wakes on Christmas Mean solar day, he is a changed man. He gives his employee a raise and begins to live a life of happiness and generosity.

>> Boosted theater performances this season in SF

>> More nearly SF'southward theater district

SF Symphony

Dates: Near days in December

Location: Davies Symphony Hall

Throughout the month of December, you volition find several fun Christmas shows with the SF Symphony.

Summit picks this month include Deck the Halls (12/v), Holiday Soul (12/8), and Handel's Messiah (12/10 & 12/eleven).

Other top shows this Christmas in San Francisco include A Merry-Achi Christmas (12/12), Holiday Gaiety (12/17), A Cool Yule Christmas - Holiday Favorites of Frank & Ella (12/22), and Holiday Brass (12/23).

>> Detect out more about SF Symphony shows

Vacation and Christmas Tree Lighting

Dates: Throughout the season

This Christmas in San Francisco, you lot will find enough of opportunities to experience our almanac lights displays. You lot might even get a chance to attend a tree lighting or other vacation upshot.

The Marriage Square Christmas tree volition shine bright each nighttime at sunset through the end of the year.

Other top picks include the Pier 39 Christmas Tree and the lighting of Metropolis Hall in red and green.

Other fun displays to check out this yr include the Sugar Castle at the Westin St. Francis, the Gingerbread business firm at the Fairmont on Nob Loma, and Tom & Jerry'due south brandish in the Castro.

>> Schedule of this year's tree lighting and other holiday events

>> Full list of places to see Christmas lights this year

Other Fun Things to Exercise this Christmas in San Francisco

In addition to all of our Christmas shows and vacation lights displays, you will find several additional fun things to do this Christmas in San Francisco.

Hither are just a few of my top picks.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Virtual in 2021, Plus a Food Drive Through Option): Take a step back in fourth dimension at this twelvemonth's Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Set in Victorian London, it's a run a risk to celebrate Christmas Eve all flavour long. The outcome includes shopping, holiday treats, and entertainment. Information technology runs weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas plus the day afterward Thanksgiving.

Ice Skating: Head out on the ice this holiday season on 1 of several rinks in SF and throughout the Bay Area. The most popular spot in SF is in Wedlock Square. Learn more here.

Macy's Windows: Spend some fourth dimension admiring the Macy's windows this Christmas in San Francisco. They offering up a lovely display ever season.

Shopping: You will discover plenty of places to go shopping this Christmas in San Francisco. Top picks include Union Foursquare, the San Francisco Heart, Pier 39, and Chinatown. Find out more well-nigh these and other places to shop around SF this vacation flavour.

Santa in SF: Santa is coming to boondocks! You volition find him all over SF this vacation season including his acme stops at Macy's, Japantown, and the SF Zoo. Find out where he plans to greet all of you lot this vacation flavour.

Salve on Your Stay

The all-time way to save on your hotel stay is to shop around a little earlier y'all book. Hither are just a few of the keen places to salve! Click on the links beneath to notice the all-time deals in San Francisco for Christmas.

Booking:Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!

TripAdvisor:What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!

VRBO: In addition to hotels, you'll also find some not bad places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an flat or a room and feel more than like a local. Notice some great places to stay on VRBO hither.

Christmas Eve in San Francisco

Christmas Eve in San Francisco is a special evening. You will find and so many fun things to do and several Christmas shows are offering upwardly their concluding performances. Many of our top attractions are open up that day, but many of them shut a little early.

In addition, you volition discover several cracking places to consume. Some offer a traditional Christmas Eve meal and others let you to order off the carte. Here are some of the summit things to exercise on Christmas Eve in San Francisco.

Vacation Attraction Schedule for Christmas Eve: Some attractions close early on Christmas Eve, fifty-fifty if they are open the next day. Earlier you finalize your plans for Christmas Eve Solar day, make sure to cheque out the closing times for many of SF's major attractions. Find attraction schedules for this Christmas Eve.

SF Ballet'south Nutcracker on Christmas Eve: The San Francisco Ballet performs 2 shows on Christmas Eve in San Francisco. Y'all tin grab their interpretation of The Nutcracker at 11am or 4pm at the War Memorial Opera Firm. This is one of their most popular performances every year and tickets sell out quickly. If you plan to go to i of these performances, I recommend buying your tickets correct away. Discover tickets.

Christmas Eve Dinner Recommendations: Dozens of restaurants in San Francisco open their doors on Christmas Eve. Most offer special menus and so you can sit back, relax, and allow the chef practise all the work. Find a list of the best places to enjoy Christmas Eve Dinner in SF.

ten Fun Attractions Open on Christmas Day in San Francisco

It's easy to find something fun to do this Christmas in San Francisco. Yous volition observe dozens of attractions open this vacation. Hither are my 10 favorites to visit (some of them are free)!

1. California Academy of Sciences: Head over to Gilt Gate Park to visit ane of the top attractions in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences is four museums in i with a 4-story rainforest, aquarium, natural history museum, planetarium, and so much more. Notice tickets for Christmas Day.

ii. SF Zoo: The San Francisco Zoo is also open on Christmas 24-hour interval. See lions, tigers, and bears too as dozens of other interesting animals from effectually the world.

three. 7D Feel: Another family-friendly selection for Christmas Day is the 7D Experience. This part motion picture, function video game experience is i you volition never forget.

iv. Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens are 1 365 days a year and offer free admission on Christmas Twenty-four hours. They opens at 7:30am with last entry at 4pm on Christmas Day. Learn more than nigh what you lot will encounter when you visit.

5. Japanese Tea Garden: Just a few steps away from the Botanical Gardens, you will notice the Japanese Tea Gardens. They are also open daily. You tin visit the garden gratis this year if you lot enter before 10am. More about the Japanese Tea Garden.

6. Golden Gate Bridge: The Gold Gate Bridge is another fun option for Christmas in San Francisco. The walkways open up merely before sunrise and volition stay open up to late in the evening. Tips to visit.

7. Painted Ladies of Alamo Foursquare: Another free and open allure is in Alamo Square. The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square are half-dozen identical historic Victorian houses that are a must come across during your stay. More than virtually the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square.

eight. Contemporary Jewish Museum: The Contemporary Jewish Museum is open up all 24-hour interval on Christmas Day. Discover their interesting traveling exhibits on Jewish history, civilization and art. More than hither.

9. Pier 39: Yous volition observe several shops and restaurants open on Pier 39 on Christmas in San Francisco. Their large vacation tree will also be on display, so make certain to see information technology lit up that night too. Discover more details here.

10. Lombard Street: My final detail on my listing of the best attractions at Christmas in San Francisco is Lombard Street. This curvy street welcomes both car and pedestrian traffic all year long. Acquire all most it here.

>> Click here for a total Christmas Solar day schedule of SF's tiptop attractions

5 Top Tours Operating on Christmas Day

Even though many attractions close this day, y'all will still find a number of fun tours running. They range from the standard bay cruise to walking tours around SF'due south height districts. Hither are a few of my favorites that plan to run on Christmas in San Francisco 2021.

one. Aureate Gate Bay Cruise: 60-infinitesimal cruise around the SF Bay, departs several times on Christmas in San Francisco between 10am and 3:45pm, Starts at Fisherman'south Wharf, sails under the Golden Gate Bridge, effectually Alcatraz and many other attractions along the bay, volume your tickets today

2. San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour: iii-hour guided tour from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito, cycle forth SF'southward waterfront and over the Golden Gate Bridge, y'all can continue biking or explore Sausalito after the bout, ticket includes a ferry ride back to SF from Sausalito, tours offered at both 10am and 1pm on Christmas Day. Find tickets.

three. Self-Guided Bike Tours: A great way to explore SF on your own, rent a cycle and follow i of their cocky-guided tours...or head out on your own route. They also offer electric bikes, so you can go a lilliputian farther. Find tickets.

4. Chinatown and Northward Embankment Walking Tour: Iii hr walking tour of the famous Chinatown and North Embankment Neighborhoods, highlights include stop at local restaurants, the historic Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, and more. Leaves at 2:xxx pm on Christmas Day. Find tickets.

5. GoCar Tours: Cruise around town in a pocket-size, two seat yellowish Get Machine as you explore top attractions, follow their programmed road to see every bit much as possible in just a few hours, available in several languages. Notice tickets.

Other Ideas for Christmas Day in San Francisco

Additional fun things to practise this Christmas in San Francisco include heading to a restaurant for your holiday meal, seeing our colorful lights displays around town and heading out on a special holiday cruise.

Larn more about these and other fun ideas for Christmas Day.

Lunch & Dinner Recommendations: Many restaurants open on Christmas Twenty-four hours as well characteristic a special card. Click the link beneath for my recommendations for your entire family. Where to eat on Christmas Solar day in SF.

Hornblower Christmas Day Dinner Cruise: This holiday cruise offers a vacation buffet with items such as Oven Roasted Flounder, Hand Carved Oven Roasted Turkey, and Three Cheese Broiled Macaroni. You can too pick from a selection of salads, side dishes, and yummy desserts. This ii.5-hour prowl leaves Pier 3 at 4 pm and returns around 6:xxx pm. Bask views of the SF Bay as you spend the evening with your loved ones. Visit their site for more details and to check for availability.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Mass

Many churches throughout San Francisco will offer a Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day Mass. To help you find 1, I complied this list of the best churches in the metropolis.

It includes some that you can visit equally attractions. Others on the list offer less traditional services. Use it to find the experience yous seek during your stay.

Learn More than: A list of churches in SF

SF Bay Area Christmas: Shows, Family-Friendly Festivals, and More

Nutcracker Shows

In addition to the San Francisco Ballet's performance, you will observe a variety of other performances of the Nutcracker all effectually the SF Bay. Here are merely a few of my top picks.

Oakland Ballet Company (12/18 - 12/nineteen): Graham Lustig'southward version of The Nutcracker is performed by the Oakland Ballet Company in this ii hr presentation. Information technology is known for the outstanding dancing, costumes, and the sets that volition make your vacation joyous. This performance takes place at the Paramount Theater in downtown Oakland in the SF Bay Surface area.

SF Youth Ballet (12/4 & 12/five): This version of the Nutcracker showcases the youth ballet and also other bay area dancers who notwithstanding enthrall and excite any audience. This ii-60 minutes product is family friendly and a great introduction for children of all ages to this wonderful holiday feel. The SF Youth Ballet Nutcracker runs 2 hours at the Mercy Loftier School Theatre at this Christmas testify in San Francisco. Ii shows each day at 2 pm and half-dozen pm.

Peninsula Ballet Theatre in Redwood Urban center (12/18 & 12/nineteen): Performed at the Play a joke on Theatre in Redwood Urban center, this version runs for 2 hours with an interruption. This show also allows audience members to go on-stage and meet the dancers following each performance.

San Jose (12/eighteen - 12/22): Some other south bay presentation of The Nutcracker is located at the San Jose Middle for the Performing Arts in San Jose. It's performed aslope a professional orchestra and is one you volition not want to miss.

Christmas Shows Around the SF Bay

A Christmas Ballad in Walnut Creek (12/9 - 12/23): Located in the Due east Bay city of Walnut Creek, Middle REP'due south version of A Christmas Carol is a treat for children of all ages. Performed at the Lesher Eye for the Arts' Hofmann Theater.

The Velveteen Rabbit (12/4 - 12/12): Local dance visitor ODC brings to life this wonderful tale virtually a footling boy who is given a toy rabbit. The rabbit doll wants to be a rabbit in real life, but this is only possible by being the boys favorite toy.

Luckily for the rabbit, the male child loves him and a fairy allows the Velveteen rabbit to get a real rabbit who lives in the wood. This family friendly bear witness is performed at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco.

Smuin'due south The Christmas Ballet (12/16 - 12/26): This nontraditional holiday presentation will give y'all dancing clad in all white outfits as they glide on stage to jazz, funk during the first deed.

The 2nd role of this 2-hr presentation includes the scarlet-clad dancers moving to cool tunes similar "White Christmas", "Infant, Information technology's Cold Outside", "Santa Baby", and other favorites. Make certain not to miss this special ballet at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies Around the SF Bay

Jack London Foursquare Tree Lighting Ceremony (12/11): The Oakland waterfront is the site for this annual effect which has a 55 human foot tree with over five,000 lights and more than than 600 ornaments on it.

You volition be entertained by local musicians, check out popular-up shops, and be able to run into Santa as he gets ready to ring in the SF Bay Area Christmas flavour. This vacation event starts at 5 pm and ends at eight pm.

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek (12/2): For those visitors that are in the Eastward Bay, the Broadway Plaza's annual Holiday Parade of Lights is a perfect style to conductor in the Christmas season.

The parade starts at 7 pm with Santa coming along to light the tree. You are welcome to stay afterwards and stroll and enjoy the festivities. The Holiday Parade of Lights starts at 6 pm and ends at 9 pm.

Christmas in the Park in San Jose (Starts eleven/26): Held the twenty-four hour period subsequently Thanksgiving, this tree lighting is located in downtown San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

Santa will arrive and light the tree equally part of this event.

You can then bask the park through the holiday season.

Alameda Tree Lighting Ceremony (TBD): Located at the Alameda City Hall, this tree lighting and celebration includes live entertainment past the Oakland Youth Choir, Alameda Community Band, The Dancing Christmas Trees, and many more.

Some of the activities that kids of all ages include candy canes for kids and a visit for Santa Claus. Live entertainment starts at four:xxx pm and the tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:30.

Sunnyvale Vacation Tree Lighting (12/four): This family friendly event in the South Bay city of Sunnyvale will give everyone the Christmas spirit and a run a risk to take a photo with Santa Claus. The entertainment starts at 5 pm and goes until 7:30 pm. All activities are on Historic Murphy Artery in downtown Sunnyvale.

SF Bay Area Christmas Festivals

Winterfest at Great America (11/26 - one/2): California'due south Great America in Sunnyvale is the home to one of the largest winter festivals in the SF Bay Area. With loads of rides for kids of all ages, behemothic toy soldiers, and featuring over 7 meg LED lights, this event is certain to amaze everyone in your family. This event starts at five pm and ends at 10 pm. Observe tickets at a discount on Goldstar.

Alameda Lantern Light Festival (TBD): This is ane of a kind SF Bay Area Christmas effect is located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and focuses on the traditional Chinese lantern festival only is updated for today'due south time. Each huge lantern takes over 4 weeks to build with a team of at least 7 people. Each lantern are handmade from material and look like 3-D stained glass pieces of fine art. This is definitely a must see if you are in the E Bay.

Los Gatos Fantasy of Lights ( 12/4 & 12/5 + 12/7 - 12/30 ): The annual Fantasy of Lights gives you the chance to walk through a park full of music, food trucks, photo booths, and of class Santa Claus! Both nights of this consequence starts at 4 pm and runs until 9 pm. Anybody attending this effect must buy a ticket including kids of any age.

In addition to the walk through event, they are also hosting a drive through event from 12/7 - 12/30. This result allows you to experience the Fantasy of Lights from the rubber of your car. It runs from 6 pm to 10 pm and is closed on Christmas Twenty-four hour period.

Winterfest Sausalito (12/11 & 12/12): The gorgeous Marin county city of Sausalito is home to the beloved Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks extravaganza. This SF Bay Area Christmas will let you run across the magical lighted boat parade on Sat night with fireworks.  The boat parade starts at six pm with fireworks at 7:xv on Saturday night.

If you lot are in the mood for a trivial do, and so do a 5k run on Dominicus followed by a special brunch. The Jingle Bell 5K run starts at viii:thirty am with the kids fun run starting at 9:15 am.

SF Bay Surface area Arts and crafts Fairs

San Jose Vacation Craft Fair (11/26 - 11/28): This fair celebrates Christmas by giving you a chance to buy all your holiday gifts while enjoying lots of free special events and handcrafted arts that anybody in your family unit will enjoy. It's at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

Mill Valley Maker'southward Market (12/11): Over 30 local artists display their wares while musicians play music as yous savor walking around the Mill Valley Lumber Grand. You can just look at all the beautiful pieces of art such as glassware, ceramics, jewelry and more than, or you tin can purchase some if you lot like. This festival starts at 10 am and ends at 5 pm.

SF Fabricated Holiday Fair (TBD): The California Higher of the Arts in San Francisco is home to the this event which is habitation to over 60 vendors from the SF Bay Area. Yous will be able to purchase all your holiday gifts including toys, holiday cards, jewelry, decorations, and much more. The Vacation Fair starts at 11 am and finishes at 5 pm.

Santana Row Holiday Maker's Market (12/11): If you are in the south SF Bay Area during the vacation season, then this is the perfect outcome to get all your holiday shopping done in just i day. Located at the gorgeous Santana Row Park with over 30 local artists and their wares, you lot will also enjoy live music and complimentary wine and pocket-sized bites. This event beings at 10 am and will finish at 6 pm.

Family Friendly Places in Tennessee at Christmas Time

Source: https://www.sftourismtips.com/christmas-in-san-francisco.html

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