Winter in San Francisco means plenty of opportunities for ice skating, gift shopping at holiday markets, and sipping hot chocolate. But we get that sometimes we want to feel like we’re inside a real-life winter wonderland, and luckily, we have a few places in mind that will make you feel like you’re in a classic holiday movie. Here, we’ve rounded up some must-see winter escapes including everything from SF pop-up holiday bars in the spirit of staycation to magical train journeys to luxurious private fire pits.
1.Fairmont Hotel
Opening November 25, 2023
Starting with an SF holiday classic, and luckily you don’t need to travel far for this escape. The Fairmont Hotel’s 2-story gingerbread house is truly a holiday wonder. The massive installation is created with thousands of gingerbread bricks and gallons of royal icing. Plus, the entire hotel lobby will be decked out with a towering Christmas tree, a fancy holiday model train, and more. Check out their holiday teas and gourmet meals to take the whole experience up a notch. The epic gingerbread house will be revealed on November 25, 2023.
2. Miracle at PCH
Not only is Pacific Cocktail Haven one of the top bars in the world, but it also puts on an epic holiday display. Be transported to an over-the-top Christmas explosion outfitted with thousands of colorful lights, wrapping paper decorations, garlands, ornaments, bows, frills, glowing trees, Santa hats, and a huge stack of presents. This sparkling holiday pop-up bar is a San Francisco favorite this time of year, as it offers up the best in seasonal cocktails, festive photo ops, and holiday cheer.
3. Red Window
The popular tapas restaurant and bar will have a cozy holiday pop-up starting Thanksgiving weekend. You can expect a variety of festive cocktails (although they’re still keeping the menu a surprise), and the space will be decked out in plenty of holiday decor.
4.Roaring Camp
Want to enjoy California’s beautiful redwood forests without having to don hiking boots? The Roaring Camp steam trains will once again jingle through Santa Cruz and Bear Mountain with hot cocoa, decorations, and Santa visits. If you’ve had dreams of recreating Polar Express, this train ride is your chance.
5. Napa Valley Wine Train
The Napa Valley Wine Train is rolling out some spectacular holiday journey packages that will make your 2023 celebrations absolutely unforgettable. Their all-new Santa Train Jolly Journeys offers splendid views of wine country accompanied by gourmet meals, holiday cookies, Santa visits, and more. A portion of proceeds will go towards the train’s nonprofit partner, Expressions of Hope Napa.
6. Merry Meritage in Napa
The beautiful Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa is hosting an absolutely spectacular winter village throughout the winter. 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.
7. Christmas in the Park in San Jose
Opening November 25, 2023
Lake Cunningham Park will soon be decked out with 2 acres of sparkling holiday lights, decorated by San Jose schools, businesses, and community groups. This includes Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday, a popular drive-through light display covering 2 acres. The drive through light installation includes multiple themed lands you can enjoy right from your car. The walk-through portion of the park has food vendors and an enchanted forest of trees decorated for local nonprofits.
8. Garden of D’Lights in Walnut Creek
Each year, the Ruth Bancroft Garden decks out the plants with multicolored lights, lasers, and more, transforming the already spectacular 3.5-acre space into an otherworldly outdoor adventure. Guests can stroll through the beautiful glowing gardens for 1-1.5 hours to discover countless photo ops and exciting displays.
9. Holidays at Filoli in Woodside
Holidays at Filoli is one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful and lesser-known light displays, taking place at Filoli Estate & Gardens in Woodside. Thousands of glittering lights will adorn the garden’s trees, plants, and hedges for a must-see experience, and visitors can even reserve private fire pits or join a wreath-making workshop, among other things.
10. Après Village in Palo Alto
This winter wonderland in Palo Alto is meant to simulate an alpine retreat. 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; 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 outdoor synthetic ice rink from Friday-Sunday.
11. Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair has returned again for the 2023 holiday season. Get lost in this fair inspired by Victorian London, complete with hundreds of costumed players as well as shops, stages, pubs, parties, and memorable performances. This year, guests can try the Jekyll and Hyde Pub Crawl with mysterious “elixirs” (also known as delicious cocktails) and a special port and chocolate tasting.
By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn