If you’ve maxed out the city’s best holiday tree displays, kid-friendly Christmas events, and festive concerts, we’ve got another great roundup in store for you! Bay Area hotels certainly take no prisoners when it comes to holiday décor and events, so whether you’re looking for a place to stay or a 5-star display, read our list to see what’s going on.
San Francisco hotels
1. Fairmont Hotel
Arguably one of the city’s most well-known hotel displays, the Fairmont Hotel’s giant gingerbread house is a must for kids and adults alike. The fascinating creation is 22 feet tall, composed of thousands of gingerbread bricks and gallons of royal icing. Groups of 8 are welcome to enjoy afternoon tea, dinner, and more inside of the famed sugary walls, or you can simply take a lap around the lobby to enjoy all of the hotel’s impressive seasonal décor.
2. Hyatt Regency SF
Hyatt Regency SF has added a 100-foot-long snow village with hand-made mini structures including houses, local landmarks, and a working train. It was created by contractor Glenn Leveque in memory of his son Christopher, who passed away at 22 from myocarditis. Visitors to the snow village are encouraged to donate on-site, with donations going to the Myocarditis Foundation.
Other seasonal attractions include “Breakfast with Santa” buffets on weekends, artificial snow falling in the hotel’s atrium, and special dining experiences on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
3. Ritz-Carlton
One of San Francisco’s most majestic hotels is the Ritz-Carlton, which currently has a glittering holiday tree on display right in front of the entrance. Each year during the holidays it hosts the popular Teddy Bear Tea series, a tradition in which children are invited to enjoy a delicious spread of hot chocolate, scones, and sweets while watching a lively sing-along holiday show. Additional events include a Christmas Day feast and a New Year’s Eve champagne toast and balloon drop.
4. Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel has one of the most beautiful lobbies in the city, made even more impressive with its colorful and ornate Christmas tree. See it among the hotel’s gorgeous golden chandeliers, captivating skylight, and marble columns for a truly luxurious photo op. Guests can also sign up for tea time and brunch in the Garden Court or send a letter to Santa via the North Pole mailbox. Learn more about holiday experiences here.
5. Westin St. Francis
The Westin St. Francis is known for its enormous sugar castle on display during the holidays, an extravagant sweet creation towering 12 feet above the lobby. Watch a miniature train circle the castle, which is surrounded by a giant pile of presents and glimmering holiday trees.
In addition to the sugar castle, guests can enjoy Breakfast with Santa, holiday teas, crafting activities, and a Sweet Boutique with gourmet holiday treats for sale. Just off the lobby is the Pop! Lounge, which hosts a fancy pop-up champagne bar with rotating DJs.
6. Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
The InterContinental Mark Hopkins is currently hosting Holidays at the Mark, a series of brunches, teas, and festive dinners with live piano performances. If it’s decorations you seek, you can also stop by for a peek into the lobby where you’ll find an impressive grand holiday tree and other festive adornments.
7. Inn at the Presidio
The historic Inn at the Presidio has added lovely interior and exterior holiday decorations including Christmas trees, glowing wreaths, garlands, and more. While you’re at it, look out for the 55-foot-tall Norfolk Island pine tree illuminated with holiday lights on the Presidio grounds.
Bay Area hotels
8. Four Seasons Palo Alto
The Four Seasons in Palo Alto has created a gorgeous pop-up winter wonderland called Après Village, which is the ultimate holiday escape. Some of the best attractions include semi-private chalets with roaring fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and blankets; a holiday sweet shop with house-made donut holes from Pastry Chef Guillermo Soto; and a giant snow globe and life-size sleigh for endless photo ops. And of course, don’t forget to take a spin on the Après skate rink from Friday-Sunday! The outdoor synthetic rink is the first of its kind in Silicon Valley.
9. Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa
The beautiful Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa is hosting an absolutely spectacular winter village throughout the holiday season. Merry Meritage is a gorgeous sparkling winter escape in wine country, complete with an ice rink, fire pits and s’mores, VIP igloos, Santa story time, and much more.
10. Hotel Healdsburg
This charming hotel in Healdsburg has an impressive holiday tree on display out front, a lively winter jazz series taking place on Saturdays in the lobby, and holiday teas that are perfect for families. Guests staying at the hotel can also take advantage of in-room holiday tree decorating, complimentary gift wrapping, and amazing dinners.