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An Old-Fashioned Holiday in an Urban Setting

The sound of skates clashing on holiday ice rinks and carolers singing, the sight of beautifully lit trees, and the enticing aromas of mulled cider and hot chocolate are a few of our favorite things. This time of year brings holiday pleasures and treasures, along with a yearning for an old-fashioned, nostalgic holiday season.

To help you get into the holiday spirit, we have listed more of our favorite seasonal events and activities here.

Get your holiday skate on at Embarcadero Center, and Union Square, and don’t miss a visit to Home for the Holidays at Carolwood at The Walt Disney Family Museum. Additional must-see holiday event includes Embarcadero Center’s Building Lighting Ceremony and Carnival which is the official start of the holiday season in the city. Light up your evenings with the Tree Lighting Celebration at Pier 39, and Macy’s Union Square Tree Lighting Celebration after Thanksgiving. Our favorite holiday movies, shows, and performances around town include The Velveteen Rabbit, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, A Christmas CarolLove ActuallyHoliday Soul with San Francisco Symphony, The Nutcracker with San Francisco Ballet, and The Christmas Ballet.