San Francisco in December is something special. The fog softens, the lights glow brighter, and the city’s hills sparkle with holiday cheer. Whether you’re sipping cocoa under the skyline, watching a classic ballet, or exploring twinkling light displays by the Bay, this month brings a perfect mix of cozy and cool.

From beloved traditions to festive surprises, here are 15 things to do in San Francisco this December that capture the city’s unique holiday spirit.

Category Events & Festivals Why Go
Holiday Lights & Decor Let’s Glow SF, Union Square Tree Lighting, Pier 39 Holiday Lights Iconic winter sparkle and photo ops
Music & Performance The Nutcracker, SF Symphony Holiday Concerts, SF Jazz Festival Classic sounds of the season
Family Fun Holiday Ice Rink, Christmas at the Zoo, Winter Wonderland at Salesforce Park Kid-friendly magic
Markets & Food Ferry Building Holiday Market, Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival Local treats and festive bites
Community & Culture Parol Lantern Festival, Dickens Fair Heartwarming traditions and global spirit
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over the Bay, NYE Cruises Ring in the new year with a view

Let’s Glow SF: Light, Art, and Wonder

Downtown San Francisco comes alive with Let’s Glow SF, a stunning light art festival that turns buildings into giant canvases. Animated projections, glowing installations, and immersive light shows make it one of the city’s most enchanting holiday experiences.

It’s free, family-friendly, and absolutely magical : perfect for an evening stroll through the city’s heart.

The Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House

Few things say “San Francisco in December” quite like The Nutcracker. The San Francisco Ballet’s production has been a city tradition since 1944, and it’s as dazzling as ever : from the swirling snowflakes to the glittering sets inspired by the city itself.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, it’s an experience that never loses its magic.

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

Even in California, you can still have your winter skating moment. The Union Square Ice Rink is surrounded by palm trees, holiday lights, and the buzz of downtown : it’s classic San Francisco holiday fun.

Skate under the tree, sip a hot chocolate, and watch the cable cars roll by.

Pier 39 Holiday Lights and Tree

Pier 39 turns into a holiday dreamscape in December, with a towering Christmas tree and thousands of twinkling lights reflecting over the bay. It’s the perfect place for families : grab a clam chowder bread bowl, enjoy live music, and maybe catch the sea lions basking nearby.

It’s touristy, sure, but also timelessly joyful.

Parol Lantern Festival & Parade

One of the city’s most colorful December events, the Parol Lantern Festival celebrates Filipino culture and community. Handmade star-shaped lanterns fill the streets of SoMa Pilipinas with light, music, and dance.

It’s a heartwarming reminder of how diverse and welcoming San Francisco truly is.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Step into Victorian London : without leaving Daly City. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair transforms the Cow Palace into cobblestone streets lined with carolers, pubs, and shops straight out of A Christmas Carol.

It’s immersive, quirky, and full of festive nostalgia. Bring your curiosity (and maybe your top hat).

Ferry Building Holiday Market

December at the Ferry Building is foodie heaven. Local artisans, bakers, and makers fill the hall with handcrafted gifts and small-batch treats : from spiced nuts to artisan chocolate.

It’s the ideal spot for last-minute gifts or a cozy lunch with a view of the Bay Bridge lights.

SF Symphony Holiday Concerts

From Handel’s Messiah to Holiday Brass and festive film screenings with live orchestras, the San Francisco Symphony sets the tone for the season.

The atmosphere inside Davies Symphony Hall is warm, elegant, and filled with joy : a must for music lovers.

Christmas at the Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo adds extra sparkle this month with holiday lights, animal-themed displays, and a cheerful family-friendly atmosphere. Kids can meet Santa, sip cocoa, and wander through glowing animal lanterns.

It’s playful, heartwarming, and perfect for little explorers.

Winter Wonderland at Salesforce Park

High above the city, Salesforce Park transforms into a winter wonderland with pop-up markets, art installations, and live performances. The view alone : surrounded by skyscrapers and soft light : is worth the trip.

Add in some hot cider and music, and you’ve got an urban holiday escape.

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival

For chocolate lovers, December at Ghirardelli Square is pure bliss. Sample chocolate creations, sip peppermint mochas, and watch the square’s giant tree sparkle by the waterfront.

It’s sweet in every way : both the treats and the mood.

SF Jazz Holiday Performances

The SF Jazz Center adds rhythm to the holidays with a lineup of festive performances : from gospel choirs to holiday swing. Whether you’re into classics or modern twists, it’s a soulful way to spend a December evening.

Holiday Lights in Golden Gate Park

Take an evening walk through Golden Gate Park, where installations like Entwined light up the trees with glowing colors and dreamy designs. It’s romantic, peaceful, and a reminder that San Francisco’s magic doesn’t fade when the sun goes down.

Fireworks Over the Bay on New Year’s Eve

When the clock strikes midnight, the San Francisco waterfront bursts into light with the city’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Crowds gather along the Embarcadero to watch the sky shimmer above the Bay Bridge.

It’s festive, joyful, and the perfect way to welcome a new year in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

NYE Cruises on the Bay

For something unforgettable, hop aboard a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Bay. With dinner, music, and a front-row seat to the fireworks, it’s an elegant, one-of-a-kind way to celebrate San Francisco’s sparkling skyline.

Experience December in San Francisco Like a Local With HomeExchange

December in San Francisco feels best when you slow down and live like a local. With HomeExchange in SF, you can swap homes and settle into real neighborhoods : maybe a Victorian flat in Noe Valley, a family home in the Sunset, or a cozy apartment near North Beach.

You’ll shop at local markets, catch the Muni to light displays, and wake up to fog rolling over the hills. It’s not just visiting : it’s belonging.

Because in San Francisco, every neighborhood feels like its own little world, and in December, every one of them shines.

December in San Francisco at a Glance

Category Events Why Go
Holiday Lights & Magic Let’s Glow SF, Union Square Ice Rink, Pier 39 Tree Dazzling city views and family fun
Arts & Performances The Nutcracker, SF Symphony, SF Jazz Elegant, festive, and deeply local
Food & Markets Ferry Building Market, Ghirardelli Square Seasonal flavors and handmade gifts
Festivals & Culture Dickens Fair, Parol Lantern Festival Global spirit and nostalgic joy
New Year’s Fun Bay Fireworks, NYE Cruises Unforgettable views to ring in 2026