San Francisco in festive mode

In San Francisco, the holiday season really is already in full swing. The city is aglow with decorations and buzzing with activities and experiences. No matter where you go in San Francisco, you’ll find something to celebrate this season. There are numerous ways to experience the festivities as a family with plenty of familiar cultural references that will make UK go visitors feel right at home in San Francisco. Experience a Charles Dickens Christmas, The wizardry of Harry Potter and even modern art maverick Banksy.

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Until January 17, 2022

What says ‘the holidays’ more than skating under the sun – or the stars – in Union Square? Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park where everyone can skate in the iconic plaza surrounded by festive lights and Macy’s giant Christmas tree. It includes the highly anticipated Drag Queens on Ice, Flashback Fridays, and Polar Bear Skate. Admission is $19 and includes skate rental.

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours

Take in the holiday sights and sounds from a vintage, open-air Mack fire engine with San Francisco Fire Engine Tours. Guests can celebrate the season with Christmas Carols and fun facts as you tour downtown San Francisco, The Embarcadero, and Union Square.

HapPIER Holidays at PIER 39

Until January 9, 2022

PIER 39 is spreading Holiday cheer on San Francisco’s Waterfron.! Each night, enjoy the PIER’s tree lighting musical moments on its Christmas tree which will come to life every half hour from 5pm – 10pm, through January 9, 2022. Synchronized to holiday music, the tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colours.

A Christmas Carol at Broadway SF

Until December 26, 2021

This new imagining of the old Charles Dickens classic recently earned five Tony Awards. The production at Golden Gate Theatre features dazzling staging, moving storytelling, and 12 of your favourite Christmas carols.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Program

December 24, 2021

Embrace joyful music and a jubilant production of ‘Home for the Holidays’ by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. The show, in its 32nd year, it celebrates merriment and mischief. The Chorus is also performing "Holigays Are Here…Again," with special guests, SFGMC’s very own – Homophonics and The Lollipop Guild.

San Francisco Symphony’s Holiday Concerts

The acclaimed San Francisco Symphony has something for everyone this season. From traditional performances of Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Brass to a screening of Home Alone with full symphony accompaniment and a New Year’s Eve concert with star of stage and screen Darren Criss.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

December 12, 18 and 19, 2021

Despite having to cancel its customary Victorian London at the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, this year you can experience Red Barn Productions’ The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in your car, in your home, and under your tree this holiday season. For three weekends, beginning Saturday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 19, fans of this beloved holiday tradition will have three ways to experience the Fair’s Dickensian delights.

The Art of Banksy

Until January 3, 2022

The Art of Banksy—the largest touring exhibition of authentic Banksy artworks sourced from private collectors around the world—is held at San Francisco’s iconic Palace of Fine Arts. Ticket prices start at $39.99 ($29.99 for children 16 or younger).

The Art of the Brick

This captivating exhibition features intriguing works of art by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. The critically acclaimed collection features more than 70 works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world—the LEGO® brick. Tickets prices start at $29.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

From January 2022

It may not open until January, but we can’t contain our excitement for the return of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to San Francisco’s Curran. An original story conceived by playwright Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany, and J.K. Rowling herself, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first and only official Harry Potter tale presented live on stage.

20th Anniversary of SF Sketchfest, the San Francisco Comedy Festival

January 7 – 23, 2022

Celebrating its 20th year, SF Sketchfest will again bring an outstanding program line-up and entertainers to the Bay Area. The multi-day festival, the longest-running comedy festival in the U.S., will take place in venues across the city and feature major comedy stars and the best up-and-coming comedic acts from around the world for non-stop entertainment including sketch, stand-up, music, improv, films, tributes, alternative comedy, live podcasts, and panel discussions.

Tourism is San Francisco’s largest industry and the San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organisation for the City and County of San Francisco.  More than 25.8 million people visited the destination in 2019, spending in excess of $10 billion. More than 82,500 jobs are supported by tourism.