2025 Bay Area Christmas & Holiday Events: Your Festival Season Guide

The San Francisco Bay Area transforms into a holiday wonderland each December. From dazzling lights and festive markets to family events and immersive experiences, here’s a curated list of must-see Christmas and holiday happenings in 2025.

🎄 Union Square Christmas Celebration & Ice Skating

Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s holiday spirit. In 2025, the Winter WanderLand & Ice Rink returns:

• The outdoor ice rink opens November 5, 2025, running through January 19, 2026.

• Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, with an early close (9:30 p.m.) on New Year’s Eve.

• General admission (with skate rental) is around $22, with children’s rates ~ $17.

• Adjacent to the ice rink is Union Square’s iconic 83‑foot Christmas tree, decked with thousands of LED lights and holiday ornaments.

• On lighting night, expect live performances, music, and a Santa appearance.

Winter Walk also returns (usually mid‑December), temporarily closing blocks of Stockton Street to vehicle traffic and featuring food trucks, holiday decor, live performances, and snow effects.

🚢 Holiday Boat Parade & Lights Tours

The Bay’s waterfront comes alive with lighted vessels and festive cruises:

• Holiday Lights Tours (Tuk Tuk or cable car style) traverse major holiday-lit landmarks in SF, including Union Square, Lombard Street, and the Embarcadero.

• VW Hippie Bus Holiday Lights Tour is a fun, nostalgic ride through vibrant displays around the city.

• Some tours even offer a vintage fire engine holiday light route through Downtown and Embarcadero areas.

These tours are excellent for families or couples wanting to soak in holiday décor from a cozy, moving vantage.

🎁 Holiday Markets & Crafts Fairs

Bay Area holiday markets offer one-of-a-kind gift shopping, festive foods, and artisan charm:

• San Francisco Holiday & Craft Markets run throughout December. One example is the Fort Mason holiday market with local artisans’ works.

• Winter Walk’s Holiday Market on Stockton Street complements the events with holiday shops, decor, and street food.

• Other markets such as the Handmade Holiday Market at ICA SF bring art, books, ceramics and more.

These markets are delightful stops for gifts, seasonal treats, and exploring local artistry.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kid‑Friendly Holiday Events

Ideal for families with children and those wanting interactive holiday fun:

• Dickens Christmas Fair returns to Cow Palace — five weekends starting Nov 22 through Dec 21, recreating Victorian-era streets, carols, costumed characters, crafts, theater & more.

• Christmas Day in San Francisco: ice skating at Union Square, exploring lighting installations, visiting Botanical Gardens, dining at Pier 39 restaurants, and special offerings at museums.

• Holiday performances & music such as seasonal concerts, choirs, or theater shows often fill community venues.

• Bill Graham Menorah lighting in Union Square during Hanukkah includes daily ceremonies, live music, and holiday craft activities.

✨ Tips for Planning Your Holiday Season in the Bay Area

• Use public transit (BART, Muni, Caltrain) whenever possible — parking is limited and traffic heavy near holiday hotspots.

• Arrive early — for lighting ceremonies, parades, or market prime times, get there ahead to secure good vantage points.

• Dress warmly & in layers — evenings can be chilly (8–15 °C / 46–59°F) and sometimes rainy.

• Book in advance — ice skating, theater performances, and specialty tours often sell out early.

• Plan a smart route — group nearby events (tree lighting + market + ice skating) for efficient holiday exploration.