Celebrate the Holidays in San Francisco at King George Hotel

With King George Hotel's prime location in the heart of downtown San Francisco, you'll be just steps away from some of the city's most exciting holiday events and attractions. From ice skating to festive theatre performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Explore our list of top activities and events that are sure to make your San Francisco holiday unforgettable.

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Location: Union Square (Just a 5-minute walk from King George Hotel)
Dates: Mid-November through January
Union Square transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with the famous outdoor ice rink taking centre stage. Located just a short stroll from King George Hotel, the Union Square Ice Rink provides the perfect backdrop for a fun day of ice skating. Whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, the rink offers a festive atmosphere, surrounded by holiday lights, towering Christmas trees, and holiday window displays from nearby shops.
After skating, you can warm up with hot chocolate or enjoy shopping in the nearby retail stores, making it an ideal winter activity for visitors of all ages.

San Francisco's Holiday Lights Tour
Location: Various locations around San Francisco
Dates: Mid-November through December
San Francisco is known for its stunning holiday light displays, and you're in the perfect location to enjoy them when staying at King George Hotel. Take a holiday lights tour and discover the most beautifully decorated neighbourhoods in the city, such as the festive displays at Pier 39, the Embarcadero, and the world-famous cable cars. Many tours also include a drive through the twinkling lights of the Bay Area's neighbourhoods, like the whimsical holiday lights of the Castro District or the grand holiday displays in the Presidio.
These enchanting light displays offer a wonderful way to experience the holiday season in San Francisco, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or as a couple.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Location: Cow Palace (15-minute drive from King George Hotel)
Dates: Weekends in November and December
Step back in time and experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. This immersive event recreates the streets of Victorian London with charming street vendors, costumed performers, and a festive marketplace. Visitors can wander through a recreated London street, enjoy Dickensian fare, shop for unique handcrafted gifts, and watch live performances, including theatrical adaptations of Dickens' works.
Perfect for families and history buffs, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair offers a truly one-of-a-kind holiday experience. It's just a short drive from King George Hotel, making it a perfect addition to your festive itinerary.

San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker
Location: War Memorial Opera House (5-minute drive from King George Hotel)
Dates: December
A San Francisco holiday tradition, The Nutcracker performed by the renowned San Francisco Ballet, is a magical experience that brings the beloved classic to life. Held at the War Memorial Opera House, just a short drive from the King George Hotel, this spectacular performance features gorgeous sets, dazzling costumes, and live music that will transport you into a world of holiday enchantment.
Whether it's your first time seeing the show or you're a lifelong fan, this festive ballet is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Holiday Markets & Shopping in San Francisco
Locations: Ferry Building Marketplace, Fort Mason, and more
Dates: November through December
San Francisco is home to a wealth of holiday markets that showcase unique artisan goods, handmade gifts, and local specialties. For the best in gourmet food, artisanal products, and holiday-themed gifts, make your way to the Ferry Building Marketplace, just a short distance from the King George Hotel. Here, you'll find local craftspeople selling everything from jewelry and clothing to delicious gourmet treats.
Additionally, the annual Holiday Craft Fair at Fort Mason offers a variety of unique gifts perfect for friends and family. The combination of outdoor shopping, food, and live entertainment makes these markets a must-visit for anyone looking to do some holiday shopping.

Visit the San Francisco Zoo's Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco Zoo (15-minute drive from King George Hotel)
Dates: December
The San Francisco Zoo offers a magical holiday lights display during the season, illuminating the zoo with thousands of twinkling lights. The zoo also hosts special events and activities, including holiday-themed animal encounters and performances. It's an ideal destination for families with children, offering a chance to celebrate the season while also enjoying the wildlife of the zoo. The holiday lights event is open to all ages and makes for a fun-filled day or evening of holiday cheer.

Explore San Francisco's Christmas Tree at City Hall
Location: San Francisco City Hall (15-minute walk from King George Hotel)
Dates: Throughout December
One of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, City Hall is beautifully decorated during the holiday season with a towering Christmas tree and sparkling lights. Whether you want to snap a festive photo or simply take in the holiday decorations, City Hall offers the perfect setting for a holiday stroll. This is a great stop for those who want to enjoy some quiet time while admiring the city's holiday spirit.

Holiday Themed Dining & Festive Cocktails
Locations: Nearby restaurants and bars in downtown San Francisco
San Francisco offers a variety of restaurants and bars that create festive holiday-themed menus, from traditional holiday feasts to seasonal cocktails. Nearby dining hotspots like the famous Tadich Grill or the elegant Farallon serve up special holiday meals with a California twist. Many bars also offer festive cocktails such as spiced hot toddies, eggnog, and winter sangrias, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. If you're craving something special, try a holiday brunch or festive dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants in the area, all within walking distance of King George Hotel.

Plan Your Holiday Getaway at King George Hotel
Located just steps from San Francisco's most iconic holiday events and activities, King George Hotel provides the perfect home base for your festive escape. Our comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and proximity to all of the city's top holiday attractions ensure that your holiday stay will be one to remember. Book your room today and make King George Hotel your home for the holidays in San Francisco!

Golden Gate Park
Enjoy a relaxing picnic in this expansive park. Discover exciting attractions, museums, gardens, conservatories, cafés, trails, a carousel and a beautiful lake-all of which extends to the beach.

Chinatown
This vibrant neighbourhood is home to the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Walk down colourful alleys lined with pagodas, herbal shops, temples, authentic Chinese restaurants and dim sum houses.

Experience Golden Gate Bridge
Gaze up in awe at this masterpiece of engineering as you drive, bike or walk across this iconic bridge. Be sure to visit the Bridge Pavilion, enjoy lunch at the Bridge Café and take amazing photos from either side.

San Francisco Centre
Address: 865 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Metreon
Address: 135 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Crocker Galleria
Address: 50 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States