San Francisco embraces the holiday season in its own vibrant way with events and activities that embody the city’s spirit of tradition, surprise and innovation.
On the traditional side, there’s the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol at American Conservatory Theater, the vocal virtuosity of Chanticleer plus outdoor ice skating, holiday teas and shopping galore.
For the offbeat, catch Beach Blanket Babylon, Kung Pao Kosher Comedy and Dance-Along Nutcracker® Goes Hollywood! Or see the city’s holiday finery on a guided bicycle tour.
San Francisco is also celebrating light as art with truly brilliant, eco-friendly light art exhibits. This convergence is being called Illuminate SF and consists of six temporary and/or permanent installations.
From skyscrapers lined with lights to glimmering trees to sparkling decorations throughout the city’s neighborhoods, San Francisco becomes a city aglow during these shortest days of the year.
Among San Francisco’s many, many holiday events and festivals is the world-renowned Great Dickens Christmas Fair, the only event of its kind – anywhere. The winding lanes of Victorian London come to life at the Cow Palace in 120,000-plus square feet of theatrically lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and charming shops overflowing with handmade holiday treasures.
It's a lamp-lit city brimming with lively and colorful characters from the pages of history and the imagination of Charles Dickens, Jules Verne and Lewis Carroll. New entertainment this year includes Richardson's Empire of Wonders, a Victorian sideshow filled with whimsical wonders and curious conundrums; a sprightly production of the perennial favorite Pinocchio; and a new “Christmas Carol” environmental theater. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is open weekends only through December 22 from 10am to 7pm at the Cow Palace.
For details of San Francisco’s holiday events, itineraries & hotel deals and much else visit www.sanfrancisco.travel
For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.