San Francisco City Hall lit for the holidays.

7 Must-Sees in San Francisco this Holiday Season

By Dan Rosenbaum

Last updated November 3, 2026

Here are seven can't-miss holiday events coming to San Francisco in 2026.

It's always memorable, always magical, always San Francisco!

Come spend some time in the City by the Bay this holiday season. Hotels and airfare are more affordable than other times of the year, and there's no shortage of things to do. Here are just 7 of the can't-miss holiday events coming to San Francisco in 2026.

See a Tree

San Francisco loves the holidays so much that it can’t limit itself to a single giant Christmas tree. Dozens of trees are on display, including Macy’s soaring tree in Union Square, an officially nondenominational tree at City Hall, and another majestic tree at PIER 39. Don't forget that you can strap on your skates beneath the Union Square tree. An ice rink will be constructed for the season.

Marvel at Museums

San Francisco's world-famous cultural institutions keep up the pace during the holidays. This season, see one of Korea’s most influential contemporary artists at the Asian Art Museum; explore the iconic BTS member RM's personal art collection at SFMOMA; and discover the treasures of the Egyptian Pharaohs at the de Young Museum. Plus, step into the art and science of light at the Exploratorium's winter exhibit, Glow.

MORE MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

See What's On Stage

San Francisco's theaters will offer plenty of top-notch productions this holiday season. The Curran Theater brings back its fan-favorite production of The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes (December 4-20); A Drag Queen Christmas makes its way to the Orpheum Theater (November 11-December 10); and the legendary Club Fugazi hosts Dear San Francisco: Home for the Holidays, which celebrates all the wonder and beauty of the City by the Bay with some awe-inspiring acrobatics (November 18-December 30).

MORE PERFORMING ARTS

Enjoy the Dance

The contemporary ODC Dance Company presents its own holiday tradition, The Velveteen Rabbit, November 28 to December 6, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The annual production celebrates the special bond between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit in this interpretation of the beloved children's tale. For another classic tale, visit the San Francisco Ballet for their production of The Nutcracker, December 4 to 27.

MORE PERFORMING ARTS

Experience a Christmas Fair

Head to San Francisco’s Cow Palace to immerse yourself in a festive recreation of Victorian London complete with pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with handmade holiday treasures. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair welcomes revelers on five weekends between November 21 and December 20.

BUY TICKETS

Enjoy the AURA Experience

See the interior of Grace Cathedral transformed into a glowing, glittering canvas of light, music, and site-specific projections. This immersive, 360-degree experience celebrates the harmony between humanity and nature in a location where San Franciscans have found peace and inspiration for generations.

BUY TICKETS

Explore San Francisco with Big Bus

Tight on time? The best way to see the city is aboard Big Bus. Their hop-on, hop-off routes take you to all the major sights and attractions. During the holiday season, take their special Holiday Lights tour. You'll see San Francisco's festive holiday trees, trimmings, and twinkling lights. This special tour is only offered between November 27, 2026, and January 3, 2027.

buy tickets

Dan Rosenbaum

Dan was part of the San Francisco Travel team for more than a decade, most recently as Vice President, Global Marketing. He is now the Senior Director of Global Marketing for Brand USA. Dan's favorite ways to spend time in San Francisco are with a cup of craft coffee in hand, a playlist of good vibes and a growing list of books to read, or out at the hottest new restaurant or bar.