17 Things to Do in San Francisco in Winter

Believe it or not, winter can actually be one of the best times in San Francisco. The city is all lit up, and seasonal festivities happen nearly every weekend. And with temperate weather allowing for both indoor and outdoor fun, you’ll never run out of things to do in winter! 

I’m a born-and-raised Bay Area local. In this article, I’ll go over the can’t-miss winter activities so you know what to do in addition to SF’s main attractions. I’ll also highlight some of my favorite under-the-radar seasonal spots. 

Union Square is undoubtedly the center of San Francisco’s winter magic, but there are fun things to do in every neighborhood of the city. Read on!

17 Winter Things to Do in SF

Chinese New Year Festival & Parade

Celebrate Lunar New Year in the largest New Year Parade outside of Asia.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 982-3000 | Website | Date: varies by year, typically January or February | Entrance: free to stand, $45-$75 for bleacher tickets

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco year-round, but it really comes alive during Chinese New Year. 

The Chinese New Year Parade features dancers, dragons, traditional musicians, floats, student groups, and more. It’s typically on a Saturday in mid-January or February, although the dates change to correspond with the shifting Lunar Calendar. 

The 1.3-mile parade route starts on Market St. and ends on Kearny and Columbus. You can stand anywhere along the parade route, but get there early to get the best spots. I’ve found that one of the best places to watch it is at Portsmouth Square. 

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Chinese New Year Parade finishes right at the base of the San Francisco Hilton Hotel. It’s the perfect spot to be close to Chinatown — and if you’re lucky, you can watch the festivities from your hotel window! 

Ghirardelli Square Hot Chocolate

Sip on a decadent hot chocolate while overlooking beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 775-5500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free

Ghirardelli is one of the most famous chocolate brands in the world, and the original factory is right here in SF. You can get hot chocolate at either the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop or the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience. They’re right next to each other in Ghirardelli Square. 

The Chocolate Shop is just a store, while the Chocolate Experience is dedicated to exploring the process behind the chocolate’s creation. I’d recommend going to the Chocolate Experience for a much more interesting time. 

Entrance is free, but the chocolate is pretty pricey. Prepare to spend much more than you’d expect on a hot chocolate!

Warriors Basketball Game

Watch Steph Curry and the 7-time NBA champions play at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Games typically start between 5 pm – 7 pm, October – April | Tickets: $50-$500+ 

The Golden State Warriors are a Bay Area institution, playing here since 1962. They’re also one of the most successful basketball teams in the country, and we locals love getting to watch them play! 

The regular season begins in late October and ends in April, so winter is a great time to catch a game. They typically have home games every week. 

The Chase Center is located right near downtown San Francisco, and it’s very easily accessible via public transportation. It’s an incredible stadium, with tons of restaurants and bars onsite. Tickets are expensive but well worth it.

Watch the sunset at Ocean Beach

Winter skies mean a fog-free horizon, producing some of the best sunsets San Francisco has to offer.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 6 pm daily | Entrance: free

Don’t ask me why, but the best beach sunsets in San Francisco are always in the winter. I think it has something to do with the lack of fog (summer fog typically blocks a good sunset). You can always get a beautiful view of the sun disappearing over the horizon, with the sky turning myriad shades of pink and orange. 

December and January are my absolute favorite months to catch the sunset at Ocean Beach. The sun usually sets around 5 – 5:30 during these months, so it’s a great place to chill out between work and home.

Illuminate SF Light Show

This immersive light installation creates large-scale fluorescent artwork in different neighborhoods around San Francisco.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: free

Every winter, Illuminate SF puts on light installations around the city to help brighten up the dark nights. 

Some of the most famous installations are in Golden Gate Park, like the tree sculptures in Peacock Meadow or the kaleidoscope of colors projected onto the Conservatory of Flowers. But others are scattered around the city in neighborhoods like SoMa, Chinatown, or the Embarcadero. 

The light shows run from the end of November to the end of January. Some installations have become so popular that they last year-round.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Watch one of SF’s huge Christmas trees light up for the first time. Plus, enjoy treats, warm drinks, carols, and Santa visits.

📍 Union Square Tree, Uncle John’s Christmas Tree, Ghirardelli Square Tree, Civic Center Tree | Time: late November – early December | Entrance: free 

The holiday season in San Francisco begins in late November, when Christmas trees around the city are adorned with decorations and lit up in a huge spectacle.

This is one of the best family-friendly holiday events in San Francisco, as the tree lighting ceremonies often feature music, treats, toys, and a visit from Santa. 

While the Macy’s Tree in Union Square is the most famous, there are several other great tree lightings around the city. Uncle John’s Tree in Golden Gate Park, the Civic Center tree, and the Ghirardelli Square tree all have fantastic lighting ceremonies with fun events. 

👉 Local Tip: Search online for the schedule of each tree for the most up-to-date information on tree lighting ceremonies. While often in late November or early December, the dates of the lighting ceremonies change each year. 

Ice Skating at Union Square

Hit the ice at this premier holiday skating rink, right underneath the twinkling glow of the Union Square Christmas tree.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 295-1588 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11:30 pm daily, November – January | Entrance: $22 adult, $17 child 

The Union Square ice rink is a San Francisco holiday tradition. For many years, this has been the city’s most famous ice skating rink. It’s only open from early November to mid-January, so it’s the perfect seasonal activity to add to a winter itinerary. 

Ice skating is a very popular activity for a date night in San Francisco, but it’s also great for families, groups of friends, or solo skaters! 

After you finish skating, you can get hot chocolate, marvel at the Union Square Christmas Tree, and explore the Union Square Winter Walk. Just be sure to book your tickets online in advance. It’s required!

The Nutcracker Ballet at SF Opera House

The SF Ballet performs a stunning rendition of The Nutcracker throughout December.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 621-6600 | Website | Hours: 11 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm showings throughout December | Entrance: Tickets range $90-$300

My absolute favorite holiday tradition in San Francisco is seeing The Nutcracker Ballet. I don’t know if it’s the nostalgic music, the elaborate costumes, the beautiful dancing, or the holiday decorations. But to me, The Nutcracker signals that it’s Christmas in San Francisco. 

This is no child’s production of The Nutcracker — the SF Ballet is home to world-class talent, on par with famous ballet groups in New York, Paris, London, or St. Petersburg. Tickets are expensive and go fast, so start planning in September or October to secure your seats at the best price. And don’t miss the festive decorations inside the Opera House!

👉 Local Tip: Tickets too pricey? Try standing room only! Every day, the SF Ballet releases a small batch of standing-room tickets for $10-20 a piece. You’ll have a partially-obstructed view behind the seats, but it’s a great budget-friendly option.

Fairmont Hotel Gingerbread House

Walk inside a 22-ft house made out of real gingerbread inside the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 772-5000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily, late November – Jan 1 | Entrance: free

Ever seen a 2-story, life-size, and fully edible gingerbread house? Head to the Fairmont Hotel, one of the most iconic places to stay in San Francisco, to witness their famous gingerbread house in the lobby. 

The Fairmont Hotel’s gingerbread house is an iconic part of SF holiday tradition. It’s lovingly created by a mighty team of bakers, pastry chefs, painters, and engineers. You can admire the meticulous decorations on the outside and even walk inside the house. And it’s fully edible, so keep an eye out for parts of the walls nibbled off by previous visitors! 

The gingerbread house is typically unveiled each year in late November, and is open for visitors throughout the month of December. It closes down on January 1. 

Santacon

Drink your way through SF’s best holiday bar crawl. The only requirement? Dress like Santa!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Date: second Saturday in December | Entrance: $5-$10 cover charge at most bars

SantaCon has taken over in cities around the world, and San Francisco is no exception. Hundreds of Bay Area residents dress up in Santa hats and costumes, then do a gigantic bar crawl around the city together. 

Most of the action is concentrated in Polk Gulch — Polk Street’s walkable strip of bars. Santas can either meet in Union Square and then walk to bars on Polk Street, or just head directly to Polk Gulch. You don’t need a ticket to attend SantaCon, but you will need to pay cover fees at bars. 

SantaCon typically always takes place on the second Saturday of December, but make sure to check the website for the official date. 

49ers Football Game

Head down to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to watch the San Francisco 49ers in person — or watch at one of the many sports bars in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Games on Thu, Sun, or Mon | Tickets: $90-$500+ 

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, going to a 49ers game is a must-do in the Bay Area. We have a very dedicated fan base, a beautiful outdoor stadium, and near-perfect winter weather. No need to brave the elements in a freezing cold or snowy stadium! 

Winter is the perfect time to go to a game. The regular season begins in September and ends in mid-January, with playoffs going from mid-January to mid-February. 

I’ll be honest, though – tickets are expensive. If going to a game is out of your budget, try heading to a sports bar to watch! My favorite sports bars in San Francisco are Harry’s, the SF Athletic Club, and Kezar Pub.

“Miracle” at Pacific Cocktail Haven

Drink holiday-themed cocktails underneath Christmas lights and fake snow at one of the most popular bars in San Francisco.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Mon-Sat, Closed Sun, only open during December | Entrance: $20 cover 

Pacific Cocktail Haven, or PCH, is already one of the best bars in San Francisco. But in December, the bar transforms into a whirlwind of fluttery snow, twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and seasonal cocktails. 

I got the Santa Slide, a whiskey-based cocktail with cream sherry, creme de cacao, caramelized orange, and orange chocolate — and it was incredible. They also serve all cocktails in special holiday-themed mugs, which you can buy and take home. 

Fort Mason Holiday Night Market

Shop for handmade arts and crafts, Christmas trees, and other unique holiday decor at this popular once-a-year market.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 345-7500 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm, second Friday in December | Entrance: free

2024 was the first year for the Fort Mason Holiday Night Market, but it was so popular that I imagine it will continue into future years. 

This is a holiday version of Fort Mason’s popular craft fair, West Coast Craft. Browse through over 100 vendors selling seasonal goods, listen to DJs and live music, and snack at outdoor food trucks. There’s also a Santa appearance, a holiday ornament workshop, a Christmas tree lot, and more! 

My best advice? Get here early. These markets are very popular, and parking completely filled up within 2 hours when I went. I circled for nearly an hour trying to find a spot. Either get here before 6 pm, or take public transit. 

St. Francis Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade

Head to the Marina to see boats decked out bow to stern in elaborate Christmas decorations.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 8 pm on a Friday in December | Entrance: free

Every year, members of the St. Francis Yacht Club decorate their boats in bright lights, inflatable reindeer, wreaths, and more. You can see these boats at Yacht Harbor, where they’re anchored, or during the annual Lighted Boat Parade. 

The parade is usually on a Friday evening in early December. The boats sail from Pier 39 to Crissy Field and back again. I’d recommend sitting on Marina Green or Crissy Field East Beach for the best views. 

Union Square Winter Walk

Shop holiday craft booths and food trucks on this 2-block pedestrian avenue of Union Square.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm, Mon-Wed, 10 am – 9 pm Thu-Sun | Entrance: free

For two weeks in December, a 2-block stretch of Stockton Street turns into a carpeted pedestrian avenue known as the Winter Walk. Vendors sell holiday goods, food trucks provide snacks and libations, and occasional live concerts and Santa appearances provide entertainment. 

The walk doesn’t take very long, so I’d recommend going on a day when there’s another event on — like the live music or the Santa visits. You can also pair it with ice skating at the Union Square rink right next door. 

Bill Graham Menorah Project

Watch San Francisco’s 8-ft tall menorah light up each night of Hanukkah.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: varies between 2 pm – 8 pm each night of Hanukkah  | Entrance: free

Members of San Francisco’s Jewish community come together to celebrate the lighting of this 25-foot tall menorah in Union Square. The menorah is one of the largest in the world! 

Along with the lighting of the menorah, each night of Hanukkah features different prayers, songs, performances, and activities. Events vary between 2 pm and 8:30 pm, although most lighting takes place at 5 pm. You can find the full schedule on their website. 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Embarcadero

Ring in the New Year on the Embarcadero with a spectacular (and free) fireworks show over the water.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11:59 pm, New Year’s Eve | Entrance: free

The fireworks show at the Embarcadero is my favorite New Year’s Eve tradition. It’s free and open to anyone, and it makes a great alternative to the crowded bars and clubs downtown. 

The best place to watch the show is between the Ferry Building and Pier 7. It’s a fairly large stretch, but it does get pretty packed — so get there early! 

I usually arrive by 10:30 pm in order to snag a spot to sit. I bring blankets, snacks, and a big coat. It can get windy and cold by the water, and you’re outside for a while. The show starts right at midnight and lasts for about 10-15 minutes. 

👉 Local Tip: Don’t drive — parking is impossible. Take public transportation instead. The Embarcadero is right next to a BART station and tons of bus stops. 

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Thanks for reading my list of the best winter things to do in San Francisco! Stay tuned for more seasonal guides coming soon. 

Next, see my guide to the best times to visit San Francisco! The city has something to offer throughout every season.