Christmas Lights in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA's best Christmas light displays include Exploratorium ($39.95), San Francisco on Ice ($20-25), and The Hidden Vine ($10-20). Most displays run from late November through early January, with peak crowds on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Three floors of hands-on stuff. The fog chamber alone is worth the admission. Kids under 4 free.
Pier 15, San Francisco, CA 94111 · Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Closed Mon. · Ages 0+
Free summer concert series in a eucalyptus grove. Kid Zone with face painting and instrument petting zoo. Bring a blanket.
19th Ave & Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132 · Gates noon, concert 2pm, Sundays mid-June through mid-August
Free outdoor concerts in a natural eucalyptus grove amphitheater, running Sunday afternoons mid-June through mid-August since 1938. Classical, jazz, pop, world music. Reserve free tickets online in advance. Bring a blanket and picnic.
19th Ave & Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132 · Sunday afternoons, mid-Jun through mid-Aug, typically 2pm
Tucked in a Financial District alley — 100+ wines by the glass, no attitude.
408 Merchant St, San Francisco, CA 94111 · Mon-Sat 5pm-12am, closed Sun
$16 admission, $6 skate rental. Year-round indoor rink in the middle of the city. Most people don't realize SF has a permanent ice rink.
750 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107 · Daily 6am-10pm
$22 includes skate rental. The classic SF holiday rink. Drag on Ice nights in December. Open through mid-January.
333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108 · Daily 10am-11pm
Brand new for 2026. SF's largest outdoor rink at Fisherman's Wharf. Waterfront views. ~$20-25 including skate rental.
80 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133 · Daily 10am-11pm
$15 adults, $7 skate rental. Year-round indoor rink in downtown Oakland. Easy BART ride. Less crowded than anything in SF.
519 18th St, Oakland, CA 94612 · Mon-Sun, hours vary by day -- check website
$20 admission, $8 skate rental. The only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierras. Open mid-October through April. Book online -- sessions sell out.
3009 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306 · Sessions vary by day -- Mon/Tue 3-5pm, Wed-Sun multiple sessions, check website