The true meaning of Christmas we carry in our hearts, but the magic of Christmas in San Francisco is a wonderful sight to behold! This spectacular coastal California city manages to capture the splendor of the holidays and we are fortunate to live just an hour plane ride away. Craig and I try to get away for a few days each year in the month of December to soak up the holiday cheer and exquisite architecture of San Francisco.
Small neighborhood shops, large department stores, fancy hotels and trendy restaurants all pull out the stops to decorate and celebrate for the holiday season. Twinkle lights, gorgeous window displays and several gingerbread mansions are displayed for visiting guests to enjoy as well as the lucky residents.
Although the air was dense with moisture and the grey ceiling of clouds were ominous, nothing could dampen the sparkle of Christmas everywhere we went! We had a fantastic time and here are a few photos of the highlights!
Union Square – Daytime
Union Square is the heart of the city and the best place to begin and spend your free time. It is surrounded by busy shopping streets, lined with glorious hotels and definitely where most of the shopping activity can be found!
San Francisco at night
All of the fabulous decorations can be enjoyed for free. Christmas in San Francisco is one of many exciting cities that bring the holidays to life! There is still time this year to visit!
Well you’ve definitely captured the spirit of the city very well love all the iconic favorites..my favorite place to visit during the holidays includes Gumps which sells amazing finds from around the world at amazing prices!
Noel: I love Gumps too! It is so festive this time of year! Thank you for reading and for your comments!
gad, another city on my “go to at christmas time list!” OY VEY!
Tam – So true the list is long!
What fantastic Christmas decorations. San Francisco is such a great city to visit at any time, but Christmas time certainly does look magical.
Thank you Donna! San Francisco is beautiful all year long, but it is especially lovely this time of year.
Your lovely pictures really capture the spirit of the season! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Irene! Merry Christmas to you!
Loved the photos!! Bursting at the seams with Merriment.
Thank you Lisa! Merry Christmas!
Your pictures brought back so many memories of exploring the beautiful hotel lobbies and store displays around Union Square. Just lovely.
Thank you Elaine!The lobby were so beautiful.
Such festive atmosphere amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. Loved the gingerbread displays. It would be hard not to get into the Christmas spirit at any one of the stops mentioned in this piece. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Betsy! We felt the same way. We have had a great deal of stress lately and all of the festivities in San Francisco sure cheered us up!
Looks like a great time to be a visitor in San Francisco and the skating looks like a whole lot of fun.
Yes Leigh is was truly magical!
We love San Francisco but have never been at Christmas time. Sure looks like you got the perfect room!
We were upgraded into the most amazing suite! Merry Christmas to us!
Wow! If San Francisco doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, nothing else will! And my nose is twitching imagining the delicious smell of those amazing gingerbread houses!
Anita – they did smell so good. You just wanted to take a bite!
Looks like a great time!
Yes it was!