
San Francisco’s Union Square is ground zero for Christmas and holiday experiences in the city. This year, they’re bringing back Winter Wander-Land which includes the 25-foot Bill Graham Menorah, the 83-foot Macy’s Tree, the popular Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, and the Miracle at PCH pop-up bar, and the popular Winter Walk from Dec. 13-22, 2024. If you’re planning a visit to Downtown SF this year and don’t know where to start, read on for the ultimate guide to San Francisco’s Union Square Christmas events and holiday attractions.
1. Winter Walk

Back by popular demand, this stretch of pedestrian-only blocks will feature an assortment of food trucks, bar gardens, and family holiday activities. Explore a sprawling arctic landscape with specially-fabricated decorations, including giant polar bears, penguins, and glaciers. Check out the Winter Walk on Stockton St. from Post to O’Farrell, from 12-7pm Monday-Wednesday and 10am-9pm Thursday-Sunday.
🗓️ Dates: Dec. 13-22, 2024
2. Union Square Safeway Holiday Ice Rink
Who’s stoked to get back on the ice? Break out your favorite wintery garb, because the Union Square Ice Rink is in full swing for SF’s holiday season. There’s also a collection of special events on the calendar to take your skating experience up a notch.
🗓️ Dates: Nov. 6, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025
- Dec. 5: Drag on Ice
- Dec. 12: Silent Skate
- Jan. 1: Polar Bear Skate
- Saturdays and Sundays: Free Skate lessons
- Whynot Wednesdays
- Flashback Fridays
- Classical Sundays
3. Macy’s Great Tree
Of course, Union Square’s Macy’s Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable holiday displays in the entire Bay Area. The red and gold decorations and glowing red star are iconic, and it’s impossible to miss at 83 feet tall.
The Macy’s Tree isn’t the only festive decor to look for at Union Square. This year the larger-than-life Ornament Trail will be back on Powell Street between Ellis and Geary. You’ll also want to take a peek down Maiden Lane for the glowing snowflake decorations.
🗓️ Dates: The tree will be on display from Nov. 14, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
4. Bill Graham Menorah
The Bill Graham Menorah Project is gearing up for its 49th annual giant menorah lighting and display. A 25-foot menorah will glow over Union Square every night of Hanukkah, often accompanied by live musical performances.
🗓️ Dates: Dec. 25, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025
- Dec. 25 – 3:30pm gathering and live music; 5pm first lighting ceremony
- Dec. 26 – 5pm second lighting ceremony
- Dec. 27 – 2:30pm third lighting ceremony
- Dec. 28 – 8:30pm fourth lighting ceremony
- Dec. 29 – Bill Graham Menorah Day
- 2-4:45pm: Dreidel House Kids Crafts
- 2pm: Children’s entertainment
- 3pm: Live music
- 4:45pm: Fifth lighting ceremony
- 6pm: End of event
- Dec. 30 – 5pm sixth lighting ceremony
- Dec. 31 – 5pm seventh lighting ceremony
- Jan. 1 – 4pm gathering and live music; 5pm eighth lighting ceremony
5. Miracle at PCH
Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven is returning to SF for its 9th year. 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.
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. Festive attire is absolutely non-negotiable here, so make sure you dress to impress.
🗓️ Dates: Opens Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2024
6. Macy’s SFSPCA Windows
See adorable puppies and kittens up for adoption in the windows at Macy’s Union Square. This beloved tradition dates back 38 years, helping to place animals in need into loving homes. You can even get some puppy snuggles in if you keep an eye out for SF SPCA’s animal assisted therapy ambassadors. Note that Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
🗓️ Dates: Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2024
7. SantaCon
Grab your red coat and reindeer because SantaCon 2024 will return to SF’s Union Square. SantaCon is hosted in 70+ cities around the world, with the vast majority of them taking place around the US. The goal of the event is to bring together fun-loving Santa enthusiasts and revelers for a holiday bar crawl across SF. SantaCon is free and open to all adults over 21.
🗓️ Dates: Dec. 14, 2024 (starts at 12pm)
8. Macy’s Santa
Arrange an unforgettable visit with Santa for the children in your life at Macy’s. Santa Claus is a busy man this time of year, so visits are reservation-only. Find Santa on the 6th floor of Macy’s Union Square.
You can make a reservation 5 days in advance for a spot in line, but be prepared to wait between 30-90 minutes for your turn. Weekends tend to be the busiest so consider visiting on a weekday if possible. Note that Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and Black Santa will be available for visits on Nov. 30 and Dec. 8, 14, and 22.
🗓️ Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 24, 2024
9. Decorated cable cars
San Francisco’s favorite mobile landmarks are once again decked out for the holidays! See the beloved cars adorned with garlands, poinsettia, and wreaths, adding even more charm to the historic vehicles. You’ll find the Powell-Hyde station right on the corner of Union Square, which serves both the Powell-Hyde line and the Powell-Mason lines. Both lines lead you straight to the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, where you can continue the holiday celebrations at Ghirardelli Square or Pier 39.
10. Holiday concerts and performances
Time your visit to Union Square with one of these upcoming holiday shows and concerts. From weekly carolers at The Marker to “A Whynot Christmas Carol” at Toni Rembe Theater, here’s what you should get tickets to right now.
🗓️ Dates:
- Thursdays (5-11pm) – EOD (End of Day) at Hawthorn
- Thursdays (5-7pm) – Live Music at the Barnes, with food and drink specials from 4-6pm
- Fridays and Saturdays (4-7pm) – Festive Holiday Carolers at The Marker
- Dec. 8 (5-7:30pm) – Winter Showcase by Rae Studios
- Dec. 17 (6-8:30pm) – Unpacking Yuletide Traditions at Bartlett Hall
- Nov. 26-Dec. 24 – A Whynot Christmas Carol at Toni Rembe Theatre
11. Gump’s Holiday Store
Gump’s is a San Francisco retail legend that opened all the way back in 1861. The Gump’s holiday window display is a popular stop on any winter visit to Union Square, and even if you don’t buy anything it’s fun to take a lap through the mountains of holiday merchandise. Items include sparkling mouthblown glass ornaments, ornate jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
12. More nearby holiday attractions and activities
Union Square is well located to check out some neighboring holiday gems around Downtown SF. Here are a few more seasonal events and attractions to look for if you’re in the area:
- Fairmont Hotel’s 22-foot gingerbread house
- Grace Cathedral’s Christmas displays, concerts, and World Tree of Hope
- Winter Wonderland at The Vault Garden
- SF Ballet’s Nutcracker
- Christmas tree lightings and displays
- Palace Hotel Christmas tree
- Civic Center Christmas tree
- Ritz Carlton Christmas tree
- 555 California Christmas tree
Check out our Union Square Dining Guide for more inspiration.