San Francisco is a bustling cultural hub that is known for its steep, winding streets, its scenic vistas of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, and its colorful inhabitants. While the winters of San Francisco are generally mild and don't produce snow, there are still plenty of activities that can help get you get into the spirit of the holiday season.
Let There Be Light
San Francisco plays host to a number of different Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, most of which occur just after Thanksgiving. For example, every December 1 at the plaza at 555 California Street, there is an annual lighting of the Holiday Tree that also features live musical performances. If you want to avoid the crowd, go on a walking tour of the city and enjoy the lights that homes and businesses put up. The Victorian houses in the Pacific Heights neighborhood are a good place to start.
Ice Skating
Going ice skating on an outdoor rink is a great way to achieve that cold, crisp Christmas atmosphere while visiting sunny San Francisco at Christmastime. According to Love To Eat And Travel, the Holiday Ice Rink at the Embarcadero Center is one option, while the Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square is another. Both rinks are open throughout December, offer skate rentals, and as of 2010 charge less than $10 for admission.
See a Live Performance
For a distinctively San Francisco experience, see Beach Blanket Babylon, an outdoor performance that features comedy, singing and dancing. The show's content constantly evolves as the seasons change, and it often spoofs popular culture. For a more traditional Christmastime performance, visit the American Conservatory Theater, where a Christmas-themed play, such as "A Christmas Carol," runs through most of December.
Go on a Bay Cruise
While you could rent yourself a small, private boat to take you and your friends or family out for a Christmastime cruise, another option is to book a luxury yacht and throw a party. Commodore Events offers a December Holiday Party cruise, typically catering to large groups, which features a dance floor, Christmas lights and even a tree.
For The Kids
If you have children with you during your stay in San Francisco, there are plenty of kid-friendly Christmastime activity options. For example, you could take them to the Ritz-Carlton at the beginning of December for a Teddy Bear Tea party, which features hot chocolate, story telling and other fun activities. Alternatively, you can bring your children to the Walt Disney Family Museum and watch a screening of a holiday cartoon classic, "Pluto's Christmas Tree." The museum runs Christmas-themed screenings throughout the entire month of December.
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