Lifetime memories don’t have to cost a lot of money — check out these festive family outings.
Teddy Bear Tea
Now through Dec. 23
Known as the party where guests ages 2-11 leave with a teddy bear, the elves, teddy bear treats and finger sandwiches, and a room bedecked with an extreme sort of holiday finery are also part of the fun, as is knowing that wrapped, new toys donated to the Ritz’s Toy Drive will be gifted to patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
A Cathedral Christmas
Dec 21
True traditionalists can hear music throughout December at historic Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill, when the Choir of Men and Boys and others fill the Gothic space with favorite carols, sacred masterpieces and yuletide songs. Tickets $17-80.
San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 6-8 and 10-13
A ticket to the Nutcracker production need not cost a bundle; pick seats a little farther from the stage for as little as $20 to see the production the New York Times has deemed “striking, elegant and beautiful.”
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 26 – Dec. 24
Who says ghosts are only for fall? Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is larded with specters of the otherworldly and nagging sort in an adaptation by Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff. Introduce your child to the timeless tale of grumpy old Scrooge for as little as $15. American Conservatory Theater’s A Christmas Carol is a classic that resurrects true holiday spirit year after year. Tickets from $15.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Nov. 23 – Dec. 22
In its full return to the Cow Palace, a maze of Victorian streets is laden with shops bedecked in holiday finery and bursting with handmade treasures, plus music halls, dance parties, sing-alongs and era-specific what-not.
HapPier Holidays Celebration
Nov. 26, 2024 through Jan.y 5, 2025
Enjoy the holidays and get into the spirit of the season with your family at Pier 39. This year’s live tree is a 60 foot tall white fir that will transform into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments.
Life-Sized Gingerbread House
Nov. 23 through the New Year
And if your holiday tastes skew a little sweeter, the Fairmont San Francisco hotel has resumed the tradition of building a two-story, life-size gingerbread house that is 22 feet high, 23 feet wide and full of thousands of bricks, a ton of royal icing and candy décor.
Meet Santa
Through Dec 24
Saint Nick has arrived at Stonestown Galleria! While you finish up your holiday shopping, don’t forget to stop by and capture a memorable holiday photo with Santa — it’s truly a magical sight for all the kids to see! Reservations are encouraged.
Union Square Ice Rink
Nov. 6, 2024 through Jan. 20, 2025
Holiday ice skating is now happening in two city venues. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at San Francisco’s Union Square kicks of the season with an opening party, hosts weekend learn to skate sessions, “Let it Go” Wednesdays with Disney’s “Frozen,” and more events throughout the holiday season. Yerba Buena’s year-round rink is open too — go early to avoid the big crowds.
Santa’s Annual Visit to Nick’s Cove
Dec. 1
Santa is going to be visiting Nick’s Cove via his water sleigh (aka boat) this year again. Nick’s Cove is in the process of rebuilding their Boat Shack, so this year’s visit will take place at their Waterfront Oyster Lounge instead. There will be live music and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
