All through December we'll be showcasing the best of the holiday season in cities around the world. Today it's Christmastime in San Francisco and we've asked local experts for the essential ways to enjoy the winter's best. Visitors and locals alike come together to celebrate the holidays and the New Year, and we encourage you to share your own favorites with us in the comments below. You can find all of the cities we've already visited and stay up to day on the rest by bookmarking the series here.
Michael Thorburn, Concierge Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
- There is a kind of magic that makes the holidays in San Francisco very special. Part of that spell comes from the many cultural programs that are offered during this time. Don't miss the San Francisco Ballet's Nutracker--the story is set in 1915 San Francisco; the San Francisco Symphony's holiday concerts--choral works, gospel, Broadway, and jazz; the Smuin Ballet's classical and contemporary dance, and Beach Blanket Babylon's holiday show with its social and political satire.
- For those who are missing snow and cold, the city has two skating rinks to enjoy. There is a new one in Union Square in the heart of many wonderful stores and boutiques - be sure to stroll past all of their creative window displays. The other rink is in Justin Hermann Plaza located near the Ferry Building where you can skate under the stars near the waterfront.
- The Academy of Sciences has just opened, so plan a visit to the planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum, and tropical gardens all housed in a spectacular sustainable facility. You may not see Santa, but the albino alligator will give a seasonal grin.
- Dining is a holiday passion in San Francisco. Restaurants offer seasonal menus that are deliciously decadent. Cracked Dungeness crab is in season, and whether served at a restaurant or at home, it is always a treat.
Tanya Houseman, Media Relations Manager
San Francisco Tourism & Visitors Bureau
- Visit real live reindeer--Holly, Velvet, Belle, and Peppermint--at the Reindeer Romp at the San Francisco Zoo. Afterward have a skate on the zoo's rink.
- The Dickens Christmas Fair at Cow Palace revives the tradition of an old English Victorian Christmas with theaters, a music hall, dance parties, taverns, shops, stalls, food, street vendors and period costumes.
- In early December, the "Season's Greenings" gift-making extravaganza at Crissy Field Center allows visitors to create their own green gifts made from recycled materials, including container gardens, digital greeting cards, and other good-for-the-planet presents. Organic popcorn and free-trade s'mores are served. The Winter Wonderland Village event allows families to make their own winter scenes from recycled materials (Dec. 13).
- Combine a dose of comedy with Chinese cuisine (no pork served) at the Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, a Jewish comedy on Christmas at the New Asia restaurant. David Brenner headlines the evening with appearances by Page Hurwitz, Dan Naturman, and Lisa Geduldig.
- Catch the Bay Area Discovery Museum's show The SnowCat, a musical tale of adventure and friendship set in the heart of San Francisco. The story of a little girl searching for her missing cat is woven together through vocals, jazz, and projected images.
Dania Duke, General Manager
Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf
- Check out the Snow Village at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, one of the largest displays of its kind, followed by breakfast with Santa.
- Snuggle under a blanket and sing carols during a Holiday Lights Tour aboard a classic cable car.
Robert Spinrad, Concierge
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
- Enjoy a holiday concert at Grace Cathedral: From Handel's Messiah to family singalongs, this San Francisco cathedral captures the grandeur of the holiday season and is located close by the Ritz-Carlton on Nob Hill.
- Union Street Fantasy of Lights is a favorite shopping street for locals and visitors. Classic San Francisco Victorian homes put on their festive best and are covered with twinkling lights.
- San Francisco Symphony's Peter and the Wolf is a long-standing family tradition. Each year's presentation has a famous narrator; this year it's Leonard Nemoy.
- Holiday Festivities at Filoli: The magnificent mansion in Woodside, CA (30 minutes from SF), offers shopping and dining events in a grand setting.
- The toast of San Francisco holiday fare can be found at the Ferry Building Marketplace, where the best food and wine of Northern California, including regional sourdough bread, chocolate, cheese, and local caviar, are all sold.
- Enjoy the elegance of an Edwardian Christmas at the Dunsmuir House and Gardens in nearby Oakland.
- Locals line up at Millers East Coast Deli for the best potato pancakes, brisket, and other classic Hanukkah dishes.
- The Teddy Bear Tea is a family favorite at The Ritz-Carlton, offered twice daily through Christmas Eve is a treasured tradition. Children and their favorite stuffed animals gather for tea with Binky the Elf. Holiday storytelling, balloons, and a visit and photograph with the cuddly Teddy are complemented by a small teddy bear to take home and a special tea or hot chocolate, teddy bear cut-out cookies and assorted sandwiches. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Photo: Lunitude via the Intelligent Travel Flickr Pool
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Thanks for the info on San Francisco, as I may be traveling there soon, as well as San Diego.If you want additional info on holiday events around the country, check out the UpTake.com attractions blog, where several of the writers have compiled lists for geographic areas around the country.
Look at the sky in that photo. I've taken many pictures during that time of day--about 1/2 hour after twilight. Get out the tripod and snap a few.
Matt Bamberg
Author, http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Photo-Opportunities-San-Francisco/dp/1598638009