My Union Square Holiday Bucket List

I have lived in San Francisco for almost 11 years and even after all this time I am in love with Union Square at Christmas. It is magical, romantic, and family friendly friendly. I have done almost everything on the following list alone, on a date, or with kids, and each time the experience was unique and wonderful.

I always start just off the square with the SPCA windows at Macy's - the unveiling is Friday November 22, 2019 from 5-6 pm with a live choir and other special guests. It was voted one of the “10 Best places to Press your Nose” by USA Today. I go every year and I love it so much. The window displays are full of Christmas merriment along little kittens and puppies that need a new home. It is cuteness overload!

Macy’s

170 O’Farrell Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Just up the hill from the Macy’s window is Neiman Marcus. I have always wanted to experience high tea at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus while enjoying the view of Union Square lit up for the holidays and taking in their gorgeous Christmas tree in their grand entry. I have instead taken the elevator up to the balcony and enjoyed the views while perusing the merchandise.

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

Level Four

150 Stockton Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

Once you have enjoyed Macy’s and Neiman Marcus it's time to head into the square. In the square you can find the famous 83-feet tall Macy’s Christmas Tree. It is decorated with 33,000 twinkling lights and 1,100 shining ornaments. The Tree Lighting is Friday November 29 from 6:00-9:00. I definitely recommend attending. If you go get there early because it is a very popular and crowded event. If you decide not to go to the tree lighting it's still worth seeing all season long.

Union Square

333 Post St,

San Francisco, CA 94102

If you happen to be in Union Square during Hanukkah The Bill Graham Menorah will be lit each night from December 22-29th. This Menorah was the first giant public Menorah in 1975. The first lighting will take place Sunday December 22nd with the lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm and kids crafts starting at 2 pm. I personally love going while both the Menorah and Christmas Tree are lit because it reminds me of the beautiful diversity of our communities.

Union Square

333 Post St,

San Francisco, CA 94102

If you are looking for something more active than just taking in the sites and sounds The Union Square Ice Rink is a great place to go ice skating and get into the holiday spirit. It is $18 for adults, $13 for kids under $8 with additional fees for lockers ($3) and skate helpers for the little ones ($6). It’s a unique and fun place to lace up and enjoy something other than shopping in Union Square, and if you aren’t into skating yourself good people watching for sure.

Holiday Ice Rink In Union Square

333 Post St

San Francisco, CA 94102

Photo by @the415guy (The view from atop the Westin St. Francis)

Once your done ice skating or just ready to head indoors I recommend heading over to the lobby of The Westin St. Francis on Union Square. Every year they display a masterfully done Gingerbread house - which is often more like a fairy tale castle full of fanciful detail than a mere house. The lobby of the Westin St Francis is a great place to enjoy elegant holiday decor and step out of the hustle and bustle of Union Square crowds for a moment. If you are there without your little ones I also recommend grabbing a cocktail at the Clock Bar for a little treat.

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

335 Powell St,

San Francisco, CA 94102

After you have taken a moment of peace I would encourage you to walk the perimeter of the square and check out all the lovely window displays. It seems like each window is trying to outdo the last with its creativity and elegance. It’s the one time of year I enjoy window shopping because it all feels so fanciful, like I am observing a land of make believe with every playful scene.

While I am window shopping I also make a point to head into Williams-Sonoma. They always have tasty holiday treats available to sample and to warm you up on chilly San Francisco evenings. They also have helpful demonstrations of so many of their fun cooking gadgets, but the best part: I just discovered they have Junior Chef baking classes! The classes are for kids 8-13 years old, so my kids are not old enough yet, but I am excited about future Gingerbread House making classes!

Williams-Sonoma

340 Post St,

San Francisco, CA 94108

I hope this list of events inspires you to head into Union Square for a holiday adventure.

Things to know if you do head into the square:

Parking is sparse and metered. There is usually parking in the garage and the cost ranges from $2-$6 an hour based on peak hours; $36 flat rate for the day. If you drive please don’t leave valuables in your car. It is easily accessible via public transit and you can even take a cable car for a full San Francisco experience. It can be difficult to navigate Union Square with a stroller because the ramps aren’t always easy to find. I also find it difficult to navigate three young children running in opposite directions - so I almost always have my double stroller and we have managed, even if we have to carry the stroller up the stairs instead of walking a block to get to a ramp.

Christmas in Union Square