Melanie DeCastro Did Christmas sneak up way too quickly this year? Do you feel like you didn’t even get to enjoy the Christmas festivities? Well, you’re in luck because most places keep up Christmas themed decorations up until the first week of January!
An easy Christmas fix is taking yourself on a day Trip to San Francisco! San Francisco will uplift that Christmas spirit in no time!
San Francisco plays no games when it comes to Christmas, so you better watch out and you better not cry because it is a mesmerizing time of year in San Francisco.
1. Thrive City Winter Wonderland
1725 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94158
12/4/22 – 1/5/23
The Christmas tree is currently holding the title of the LARGEST Christmas Tree in San Francisco. Decorated with over 16,900 LED Lights and 300 Ornaments. Thats not all…
Every afternoon at 6 pm snow falls! YES, there is finally snow in San Francisco!
The 90-foot Christmas tree is located at the heart of the plaza and will be running through January 5th, 2023!
For more information on Thrive City’s Christmas Tree visit the Chase Center!
2. City Hall
1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco 94102
Do you dream about an enchanting City Hall Wedding? Or taking pictures in a long gown running up a giant staircase?
If you do then DO NOT skip City Hall located in Civic Center. Walking into City Hall a beautiful staircase leads up to the infamous Christmas Tree.
City Hall is publicly open from 8 am – 8 pm. Peaked your interest? Check out City Hall for more information.
Third Stop: Santa’s House
68 Castro Street
Catch Santa sliding down the front of the house on Castro Street! Whoever decorated this house depicts Santa in action, leaving swiftly after dropping off gifts!
Not only is the sight one for the books there is a bench that can be used to take photos!
Fourth: Christmas House
45 Upper Terrance
Following suit, this next house fully embodied the essence of Christmas. Using classic Christmas decorations like the ornaments, lights and nutcrackers. Upper Terrance makes you feel like you arrived at a Christmas cottage
It brings the feeling of putting up the Christmas tree with no presents and then one day coming home to see it full of presents!
Fifth Stop: The Intercontinental Hotel Mark Hopkins San Francisco
999 California St IHG Hotel
I stumbled upon this little cozy gem thinking it was the Fairmont Hotel.
It’s beauty is quiet and cozy. The Intercontinental hotel makes you feel like you are no longer in San Francisco; instead you are transported into a cheeky Christmas movie!
Imagine you’re walking into the hotel, admiring the Christmas tree and BOOM, you bump into the love of your life.
Seventh Stop: Gingerbread House Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason St, San Francisco 94108
Fairmont is home to the largest man made gingerbread house. You can even experience a dinner with 8 of your besties or family in the gingerbread dining space!
The gingerbread house is a life-size house with walls up to 22 feet high! The house is made out of gingerbread and Christmas treats.
Walking in the waft of homemade gingerbread makes your mouth water just a bit.
If you would like to book an experience or learn more check out Fairmont Hotel!
Sixth Stop: Union Square
333 Post St.
Macy’s is known all over the states for having the most festive windows in NYC and SF. There are people who travel during Christmas just to be able to see these window displays in person.
Macy’s in San Francisco is home to a very unique attraction. Once you cross the street you enter Union Square, a little plaza that transforms into Winter Wonderland!
Union Square is home to one of the most recognizable trees of America. The tree illuminates and radiates so much joy. Plus you can go ice skating there!
Eighth Stop: Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St.
Take the timeless ride on the trolley to Ghirardelli Square!
NOTE: The trolley is $7.oo USD and they only take Cash and Cash Tip!
Once you get to Ghirardelli Square head to the Chocolate experience for some yummy desserts and to see the how their chocolate is made. During the holiday season Ghirardelli gives out free single peppermint squares to anyone who walks into the store.
Ghirardelli Square has multiple restaurants and stores to enjoy. Around the holiday season it is all decorated in beautiful Christmas lights.
Ninth Stop: Pier 39
Beach St & the Embarcadero
11/22/22 – 1/8/22
Christmas in San Francisco is not complete unless you go to Pier 39. As cliche as it sounds Pier 39 is active and open for all to enjoy.
For the holidays a Christmas tree welcomes you with big gifts around the tree.
Then you can take a stroll down the pier and enjoy the stores and maybe some holiday shopping!
Along the way you can grab a bucket of Mini Donut holes at Trisha Donuts. May I add that they’re completely fresh and made right in front of you!
Keep making your way down to pier. To the right in a little corner you will find yourself at Christmas in San Francisco! A magical christmas store open all year round.
If you would like to know more check out Pier 39 for more information!
Tenth Stop: Cherry St. Swing
1 Cherry Street
For all my hidden gems seekers you will have to pin this find!
Once the night falls make your way toward Cherry Street. Your drive will feel almost pointless until you make your way towards a neighborhood filled with white Christmas lights. A classic winter wonderland experience.
Make your way down to the round about where a huge tree is covered in Christmas lights with a beautiful swing attached to it.
Swinging under the Christmas lights makes everything around you disappear. The swing is heavy duty and sturdy. It is a a small little nook, but worth a visit.
If you have been to these places let us know on instagram by tagging @chasinglossuenos_ on your Insta Story!
