When we moved to San Francisco in 2019, I remember feeling so lost trying to find holiday lights or anything that felt remotely “Christmas-y.” I grew up in a community in Orange County known for festive Christmas displays, and I took for granted how much warmth and cheer those lights brought me during the darkest time of the year.
After years of exploring, asking around, and following countless recommendations, these are the seven Christmas light displays and holiday outings my family returns to every single year.
1. Ice Skating at Union Square
Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Ice skating at Union Square is, in my opinion, the most iconic SF holiday activity. I have so many memories of teaching my kids to skate beneath the giant Christmas tree and the glowing Macy’s wreaths.
Tip: check the weather before buying tickets—yes, we’ve skated in the rain before.
2. The Chase Center Christmas Tree
Address: 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Since we’re close to Mission Bay, the Chase Center is an easy and festive stop. Their annual tree-lighting ceremony has already happened this year, but it’s a free event with music, crafts, and activities worth adding to your list next season.
The Chase Center boasts the tallest Christmas tree in the Bay Area, and my kids love climbing on the oversized presents nearby. It’s a gorgeous place to enjoy the decorations or watch the sunset over the water.
There are plenty of restaurants around now, but Gott’s is still our family favorite.
3. Ghirardelli Square
Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
People may say Fisherman’s Wharf is for tourists, but Ghirardelli Square always feels different. We love grabbing a few sundaes to share while enjoying the lights or the views of the bay. It’s cozy, festive, and full of classic San Francisco charm.
4. The Fairmont Hotel
Address: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Walking through the life-size gingerbread house at the Fairmont has become a yearly tradition for us. The opulent lobby, soaring tree, and over-the-top decorations are pure magic for kids.
Afterward, we head to Huntington Park Playground across the street to run through their Christmas lights. It’s simple but so fun.
An interesting history side note I am reminded of every year is that the Fairmont is where the United Nations charter was drafted in 1945!
5. Eucalyptus Avenue (San Carlos)
Address: 1900–2100 blocks of Eucalyptus Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070
This is hands-down our favorite neighborhood Christmas light display in the Bay Area. A friend from Redwood City told us about it, and we were blown away. The density and creativity of the displays are unmatched.
If you love strolling through neighborhood Christmas lights, this street has to be on your list.
6. Deacon Dave’s “House of the Dove” (Livermore)
Address: 352 Hillcrest Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
Deacon Dave’s House of the Dove is probably the biggest “personal” light display I’ve ever experienced. I say “personal,” but at least 20 community members help bring the 900,000 lights to life.
The trees, house, and pathway glow in every direction, and there’s even a small bridge over a lit “waterfall.” The walk-through takes about 10 minutes. Livermore is about 90 minutes from SF, but there are plenty of other festive homes nearby, including Christmas Wonderland.
7. Bethlehem Live Nativity (Santa Clara)
Address: 1120 Polk St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
If you’re Christian, or simply enjoy live Nativities, this event is a delight. This was our first live Nativity experience, and we were hooked.
The event includes a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey, a petting zoo, craft demonstrations, and my kids’ favorite activity: Roman legionnaire training. If you’ve seen my other posts, you know how much we love classical history, so this was a huge hit.
Places We’re Looking Forward to Visiting for the First Time This Year
Lightscape at the SF Botanical Garden
Address: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 (Main Gate)
The SF Botanical Garden is one of our family’s favorite places, so I’m thrilled to experience it glowing under one million lights.
For those familiar with the garden: the one-mile trail begins at the Main Gate, winds through the Cloud Forest, Redwood Grove, and Succulent Garden, then loops past the Moon Viewing Garden and back toward the Waterfowl Pond.
Strollers are allowed, but we’ll probably take a hiking backpack. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but outside food is not allowed. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance—they sold out on the weekend we hoped to go.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to the Bay or just looking for a little holiday inspiration, I hope this list helps you find some magic this season.
You can explore more of our favorite family-friendly San Francisco outings here:
Seven Founding Hills 
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