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Looking for something Christmas-y to do on Christmas Eve in San Francisco? Good news is, not only is there plenty to do, but there might also be free coffee (or tea) nearby. Whether you want to ice skate under the lights at Union Square, browse for last-minute gifts, or catch a holiday concert, here’s your guide to making the most of Dec. 24 in the city.
Peet’s Coffee is bringing back its annual Christmas Eve tradition, offering complimentary small drip coffee or brewed tea at participating Bay Area locations. Check with your local Peet’s to see if they’ll be participating.
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When: Dec. 24, during store hours.
Where: Participating Peet’s Coffee locations
Admission: Free. Donations encouraged.
Union Square’s Winter Walk (Final Day)
Festivities at Union Square wrap up on Christmas Eve with a holiday marketplace curated by West Coast Craft, food trucks, seasonal drinks, and live entertainment throughout the day.
When: Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Stockton St. between Post and O’Farrell streets
Admission: Free
Catch PIER 39’s 60-foot tall Christmas tree as it comes to life with a light and holiday music show every half hour from 5 to 10 p.m. The pier will also be decorated to the nines for the holiday season with plenty of food and photo opportunities.
When: Dec. 5 to Jan. 11, shows 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: PIER 39, Entrance Plaza
Admission: Free
20th Anniversary of Westin St. Francis’ Sugar Castle
The Westin St. Francis’ iconic sugar castle is celebrating 20 years of holiday tradition. The nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound creation features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms and a running train, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Houdré and his team. Francis the Dog, the hotel’s mascot, will be hidden throughout the castle – spot him to claim a prize at the concierge desk.
When: Nov. 26-Jan. 2
Where: 335 Powell St.
Admission: Free
SF’s Festive Ornament Trail (Final Day)
Union Square’s Ornament Trail wraps up on Christmas Eve with 11 oversized holiday ornaments created by local artists along Powell Street and the surrounding area. Pick up a guide at the Cable Car Turnaround at Powell and Market, find all 11 ornaments, snap photos with each one, then return to redeem a prize. Prizes can be collected from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ornaments can be viewed anytime.
When: Dec. 6-24
Where: Union Square District, start at Powell and Market streets
Admission: Free
‘Photosynthesis’ Light Show at the Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers’ light show runs nightly from dusk to midnight, transforming the historic building into a canvas of colorful art. The show begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset and lasts about half an hour, running on a loop until midnight. The installation was developed in partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digualla.
When: Nightly, dusk to midnight
Where: The best viewing areas are along car-free JFK Promenade and on the lawns in front of the Conservatory of Flowers.
Admission: Free
City Hall’s Animated Light Show
Catch City Hall’s new light show that transforms the iconic building into a giant animated storybook. The show, City Hall Winter Lights, turns both the Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue walls of the building into moving digital scenes, with each 10-minute sequence set to a synchronized soundtrack you can stream on your phone.
When: Dec.1-30, shows every 30 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to midnight
Where: San Francisco City Hall
Admission: Free
SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Union Square
Lace up your skates at San Francisco’s beloved holiday ice rink in Union Square. Enjoy outdoor skating surrounded by festive lights in the heart of downtown, with hour-long sessions starting every 90 minutes throughout the evening.
When: Nov. 5-Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 333 Post St., Union Square
Admission: $22 for adults; $17 for children 8 years and under (includes skate rental)
“Nutcracker” at San Francisco Ballet
Indulge in the ultimate family holiday tradition by watching the “Nutcracker”’ come to life featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played by the Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra. The classic tale unfolds at the War Memorial Opera House with two performances on Christmas Eve.
When: Dec. 24, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave.
Admission: $59-$349
33rd Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy
Celebrate a beloved San Francisco tradition with the 33rd annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, featuring Jewish comedy on Christmas in a Chinese restaurant. This year’s lineup includes comedy legend Elayne Boosler alongside comedians Orion Levine, Amanda Marks and creator Lisa Geduldig. Choose from a dinner show with a six-course meal or a cocktail show with light fare. Partial proceeds benefit the ACLU and Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay’s free Immigration Legal Services.
When: Dec. 24, 5 p.m. (dinner show) and 8:30 p.m. (cocktail show)
Where: Imperial Palace Restaurant, 818 Washington St.
Admission: $95 (dinner show), $70 (cocktail show)
Photos with Santa at Stonestown Galleria
Bring the kids for photos with Santa at Stonestown Galleria’s Lower Level Center Court. Walk-ups are welcome throughout the day until closing time.
When: Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 3251 20th Ave., Lower Level Center Court
Admission: Free entry, photo packages available for purchase
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate the season with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performing beloved holiday classics alongside music from Irving Berlin, Elton John, Cher, Madonna and Lady Gaga. The annual Holiday Spectacular features choreography and festive arrangements in this sparkling holiday tradition.
When: Dec. 24, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave.
Admission: $30-$105
Watch Die Hard
Whether you consider it an essential Christmas movie or simply an action classic set in December, watch Bruce Willis take on Nakatomi Plaza at Cinema SF’s Christmas Eve screening of Die Hard.
When: Dec. 24, 4 p.m.
Where: Cinema SF, 2200 Clement St.
Admission: Check the cinema for ticket pricing.
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