San Francisco at Christmastime is a charming place to enjoy the holidays. You will find seasonal decor everywhere, with lights in the windows adding to the usual ambience. There are an abundance o Christmas trees and decorations to cheer you. Here are a few highlights from our recent visit to San Francisco at Christmastime.
The Christmas tree in Union Square dazzles.
Macy’s added new window dressing this year that’s a real crowd pleaser. Puppies from a shelter tumble and frolic — and they are adoptable. What a great way to help get these pups in a new home for the holidays. 
Visit Union Square in the Evening
Of course, Union Square all lit up at night is the best. 
The Cable Cars Get in the Holiday Spirit
Cable cars ply their routes dressed up for Christmas, too. Rides are extra fun this way. 
Fisherman’s Wharf Features a Tall Christmas Tree
Here’s the Christmas tree at Pier 39, on Fisherman’s Wharf. 
Even the vintage street cars sport red and green. 
Hotel Decor Adds to the Fun
We stayed at the Hilton on Union Square, which is a lovely hotel in any season. The hotel goes all out for the holidays. 
Other Places to Enjoy the Holidays on Union Square
Our go-to breakfast restaurant is Sears on Union Square. This 80-year-0ld establishment has served some famous people, and it’s often filled with regular patrons. The Swedish pancakes can’t be beat. 
The venerable St. Francis Hotel on Union Square decks out its lobby and halls for Christmas. 
Our time in San Francisco boosted our holiday spirits to ultra bright. How about you? Where do you enjoy going during this season? 
Read More About San Francisco
San Francisco Hidden Gems to Explore
Iconic Hotels of San Francisco
Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
Exploring San Francisco with Kids
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge
Touring Alcatraz
Coit Tower — A San Francisco Landmark
Riding San Francisco’s Cable Cars
Finding the Filbert Stairs
24 Comments
So pretty!! I so want to make it that way one day!
So cute and Christmassy!!
Beautiful, eye-catching photos!
The city is definitely beautifully decorated for Christmas. The pups are adorable, and my favourite of those trees is the one with the period photographs among the branches. It reminds me of one I photographed here yesterday.
It’s my dream to visit San Francisco!
Another fun adventure in one of my favorite cities!
Very festive indeed!
Looks so festive especially the cable cars.
very festive. nice images.
i’ve never been to SF but this trip looks so lovely and fun!! and loveee that puppy photo! x
Wow – everything is big and gloriously festive!
The city looks beautiful.
We’d planned to drive to SF over the weekend to see how festive it looked but the rain on Sunday made us cancel our plans. :(. Your pictures quite make up for it. 🙂
(I don’t know if we’d be able to do it this weekend.:-/)
Merry Christmas, Sharon. 🙂
When I lived in SF as a younger thing a lifetime ago, I liked to sit in the Fairmont lobby at Christmas time. Good times. I enjoyed seeing the city through your photos. Merry Christmas!
I’ve been thinking about where I want to explore for the holidays in San Francisco, and I’m glad I found your post to guide me. It looks like the city is not afraid of going all out for Christmas. Can’t wait to see some of these colorful displays!
Love seeing all the sights and could feel a lovely town.I lived there near the old mint and then moved over to Sausalito. I started in Culver City before moving north. Miss being there, was out in 08 ;last
I have been to San Francisco twice and loved my visit both times! Such a unique US city in so many ways. I find the cable cars done up in garlands and other holiday decor just charming! Love all the fresh seafood, old world Italian restaurants, Chinatown, and of course Ghiradelli chocolates! #feetdotravel
You got some fantastic photos, Sharon, inside, outside and nighttime. This time of year I’m just trying to make it through the holidays but SF looks incredible and merry, a holly jolly cable car sounds like a gas. Sears has a restaurant? Did I read that right?
So many wonderful decorations, and the trees are huge! Great to see the cable cars weren’t forgotten. It’s always such a pretty time of year, and San Fran has done you all proud. Merry Christmas. #feetdotravel
Aww, this looks awesome. I visited SF years ago during Halloween and we could just feel the holiday season getting started. It’s the perfect place to catch the atmosphere 🙂
#FeetDoTravel
Lovely photos – so festive!
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/12/46-years-and-i-still-love-this-guy.html
Merry Christmas and New Years Blessings to you!
This is fabulous! We love San Francisco, but have never been there during the Holidays. Wow!! Had no idea what we were missing. Like New York, the Macy’s displays are awesome, but everything else…just so great. You’ve planted a seed for our next Christmas trip! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #WeekendWanderlust!
Almost forgot – Merry Christmas Sharon! It’s been so great reading along with your travels this year. All the best for the Holidays & beyond!
I’d have to agree that Xmas in SF is a wonderful time! I haven’t necessarily been there for Christmas but for NYE and the decorations were still up and they were sooo beautiful! #FeetDoTravel