Best Reasons For Visiting San Francisco For Christmas
San Francisco is a vibrant and exciting destination all year round but is especially magical during the Christmas holidays. The air is crisp in this Californian city, but it is warm enough to explore the city, taking in all the decorations and festive twinkling lights. Whether shopping in Pier 39 or Union Square or watching traditional Christmas shows, there is so much to see and do in San Francisco. The following are highlights of what the city offers during the holidays.
A Christmas Carol at American Conservatory Theater
The American Conservatory Theater (ACT) is putting on A Christmas Carol, the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. The play is available up until December 24. For those who don’t know, Scrooge is a grumpy business owner with no desire to celebrate the holidays. However, on Christmas Eve, three ghosts visit him to reveal the important moments in his life, including his sad future. Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day a changed man and gives his employee a raise. He then goes on to live a life of generosity and happiness.
Nutcracker Ballet at War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Running at the War Memorial Opera House through December 27, the famous Nutcracker Ballet is one of the most anticipated events in San Francisco. The show has been led by the SF Ballet since Christmas Eve in 1944. Since that time, regular performances are held, mostly geared toward children. The War Memorial Opera House is located in the Civic Center District in the city.
Christmas shows with SF Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall
A selection of popular Christmas shows is running at the Davies Symphony Hall on most days in December. From now on, Holiday Brass on December 20 and on December 23 the fun A Merry-Achi Christmas. Meanwhile, coming up on New Year’s Eve is a fun show with Seth Macfarlane.
Great Dickens Fair, San Francisco
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair takes you back in time and has been dressed up like Victorian London. At the fair, the whole family can enjoy shopping, a variety of entertainment and holiday treats. Naturally, a visit to Santa Claus is a must. The event is held on weekends from Thanksgiving up to Christmas. Tickets are only available online.
Christmas shopping
Naturally, festive retail therapy is a great tradition in San Francisco. Some of the best places to go include seeing Macy’s Christmas windows with their incredible festive displays. Other top spots are San Francisco Center, Union Square, Pier 39 and Chinatown. Meanwhile, Santa is also doing the rounds during the holidays, appearing at Japantown, Macy’s and the SF Zoo.
San Francisco Zoo
It’s worth noting that SF Zoo is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, where the kids can visit tigers, lions, bears and other amazing creatures from all over the world. As you can see, even the gorillas get Christmas presents. Book a ticket in advance here.
Have a festive time in San Francisco, California this Christmas, making wonderful memories with the family.