What to Do in San Francisco This Holiday Season

Planning a trip to San Francisco leading up to the holidays? If you want to incorporate a bit of Christmas cheer into your itinerary, you’ll have ample options.

Starting Nov. 21 and running through Jan. 4, 2026, see the Lightscape holiday lights display at San Francisco Botanical Garden. You’ll see more than a million lights, blended with art installations and music. Pack comfy shoes; the walking trail stretches for about a mile.

© San Francisco Botanical Garden

For a taste of Yuletide Victorian London, stateside, attend The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, which runs weekends from Nov. 22–Dec. 21. Hosted at the Cow Palace exhibition halls, the experience includes shopping, food and drink, theatrical displays, and more.

If your trip is coming up sooner rather than later, head to the Dandelion Chocolate factory Nov. 5–16, for a 12 Nights of Chocolate event that includes tastings, special dinners and music.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair © Zoart Photography

When choosing your hotel, opt for Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection property. It’s celebrating its 150^th holiday season and, as such, has all sorts of Christmas fun planned, including a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa afternoon teas and gingerbread workshops. Additionally, if you’ve yet to make plans for Thanksgiving, you can snag your spot at the hotel’s Thanksgiving brunch.