Favorite Holiday Traditions Around San Francisco
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in San Francisco and there is no shortage of holiday happenings to get you into the festive spirit.
One of the greatest luxuries of living at 181 Fremont is that you’re centrally located to the best that the city has to offer. From ice skating at Embarcadero Center to taking in one of the most impressive fireworks shows in the country, these are some of our favorite holiday traditions around the Bay Area:
The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
Open now through Jan. 6, 2019
Where else can you ice skate in the heart of the city while enjoying stunning views of historic landmarks like the Bay Bridge and Ferry Building? The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center is San Francisco’s largest outdoor ice rink and has been a time-honored tradition in the city for 29 years. With hour-and-a-half skate sessions and late-night adult skating on Friday and Saturdays, this is a must during the holiday season. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://embarcaderocenter.com/experience/holiday-ice-rink/
The Nutcracker at San Francisco Ballet
Daily Showings through Dec. 29
Originally launched in San Francisco in 1944, the Nutcraker was an instant sensation that became a holiday tradition across America. Celebrate where it all began and join the San Francisco Ballet for showings nearly every day through December 29. For those looking to indulge in a little more, VIP Box Experiences are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sfballet.org/season/nutcracker/nutcracker.
2018 Lighted Boat Parade
Friday, Dec. 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Spreading Christmas cheer since 1994, the annual Lighted Boat Parade at Fisherman’s Wharf will light up the San Francisco Bay as more than 60 boats parade along the waterfront. Holiday revelers can enjoy the views from Aquatic Park, PIER 39, the Marina Green Room and Crissy Field while a number of restaurants along the Wharf will be offering traditional holiday menus throughout the event. For more information, visit http://www.visitfishermanswharf.com/events/lighted-boat-parade-je2nh.
Winter Walk SF at Union Square
Open now through Dec. 31, 2018
Attracting more than 750,000 visitors each year, Union Square’s Winter Walk SF, a 17,000 square foot holiday pop-up plaza, is a sight to see this season. Transforming Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis streets, Winter Walk features two open-air beer and wine gardens, food trucks, live performances, carolers, holiday-themed photo opportunity and other wintery surprises. For more information on upcoming events and performances, visit https://www.winterwalksf.com/events/.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Embarcadero
Monday, Dec. 31 starting at 11:30 a.m.
Every New Year’s Eve, thousands of people come together along the Embarcadero to watch as the dark skies over the San Francisco Bay and Bay Bridge light up with fireworks at midnight. You can watch the 15-minute display from some of our favorite restaurants along the Embarcadero like Waterfront Restaurant or Coqueta.