San Francisco is always a delightful destination to spend your holidays. The city brims with a plethora of activities, special events, captivating cruises, and an array of fun-filled things to do.

A Rich Tapestry of Holidays

The holiday calendar in San Francisco encompasses both national holidays and occasions that attract large crowds, such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Day Extravaganza

San Francisco kicks off the New Year in style, hosting numerous special events on New Year’s Day. You can indulge in holiday cruises or find abundant venues to enjoy college football bowl games. In San Francisco, New Year’s Day falls on January 1, and being a national holiday, many attractions are closed on this day. Explore Further: Discover All New Year’s Events and Activities

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January and offers a three-day weekend brimming with remarkable events. The highlight of these festivities is the parade/march and festival held on the actual holiday. The streets of San Francisco come alive with a spirited march, accompanied by captivating speeches, a film festival, and the vibrant creations of local artists. The festival runs from 8 am to 7 pm on the holiday Monday. Discover More: Complete Schedule of Events on MLK Day

A Day for Love: Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, transforms San Francisco into a romantic haven with a host of activities throughout the day. If this amorous occasion falls during the week, you can expect additional events to extend into the closest weekend. Find Out More: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in SF

President’s Day Weekend in San Francisco

Another notable holiday in February is President’s Day, which occurs on the third Monday of the month. As a national holiday, it grants the luxury of a three-day weekend, drawing countless visitors to the city. On certain occasions, President’s Day coincides with Valentine’s Day Weekend, creating an extra special long weekend. Further Information: Exciting Events on President’s Day Weekend in SF

San Francisco Embraces St. Patrick’s Day

Although not a national holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in San Francisco on March 17. Festivities can be enjoyed on the Saturday before or after this holiday. The day commences with a grand parade along Market Street, followed by a delightful festival at Civic Center Plaza.

• San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
• St. Paddy’s Day Festival & Parade

Easter Delights

Easter brings an influx of visitors to San Francisco each year, usually falling in late March or early April. During Easter weekend, numerous kids’ activities, including thrilling Easter egg hunts, await. Additionally, a church service takes place on Sunday morning at the iconic cross atop Mt. Davidson, attracting a large congregation. Learn More: Easter Celebrations in SF

Celebrating Motherhood: Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, always observed on the second Sunday in May, presents an opportunity to pamper and cherish your mother. Special activities abound during this weekend, ranging from delightful cruises to Sunday morning brunches. Find Out More: Engaging Mother’s Day Activities

Memorial Day Extravaganza

Memorial Day, a national holiday, falls on the last Monday of May, resulting in a blissful three-day weekend. The holiday weekend offers a multitude of activities. You can catch a thrilling baseball game in either San Francisco or Oakland, savor captivating theater performances, and revel in the pulsating rhythms at the Carnaval Festival in the Mission district all weekend long. On Monday, don’t miss the annual event at the National Cemetery, starting at 10:30 am. While it is a national holiday, many attractions in San Francisco remain open.

• Memorial Day Events in San Francisco
• National Cemetery Memorial Day Event
• Honoring Fathers: Father’s Day

June brings the only holiday exclusively dedicated to fathers. Father’s Day is always celebrated on the third Sunday of the month. Treat your father to a free afternoon performance at the Stern Grove Festival, embark on a delightful SF Bay cruise for a Father’s Day Brunch, or cheer on the Giants or the Oakland A’s during an afternoon game. Discover More: Celebrate Father’s Day in San Francisco

Independence Day Revelry

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, stands out as one of the grandest holidays in San Francisco. Fisherman’s Wharf becomes the epicenter of day-long festivities, featuring live music, special events, and captivating cruises. As night falls, the waterfront ignites with a spectacular firework display. Starting just after 9:30 pm, the fireworks extravaganza, on a clear day, dazzles spectators with its unrivaled beauty. Since it is a national holiday, some major attractions may be closed.

• Fourth of July Celebrations in SF
• San Francisco Fireworks
• All Bay Area 4th of July Activities

Labor Day: Summer’s Farewell

Labor Day, occurring on the first Monday of September, serves as the final holiday of the summer season. This three-day weekend offers free performances of Shakespeare in the Park, live entertainment at Union Square, and the vibrant arts and music festival in Sausalito, just a bay away. Additionally, you can catch an exhilarating baseball game in either San Francisco or Oakland. Although it is a national holiday, many attractions in San Francisco remain open. Learn More: Celebrating Labor Day in San Francisco

San Francisco Unveils Halloween Magic

Don your favorite costume and immerse yourself in the Halloween revelry of San Francisco. The city hosts a multitude of activities for both children and adults, including family-friendly events, exciting 21+ costume parties, and various other Halloween-themed experiences throughout the city. Halloween, celebrated on October 31, features events on the day itself if it falls on a weekday. However, most festivities take place on the closest weekend, with Friday and Saturday becoming the focal points for celebration.

• Halloween Celebrations
• Events for Kids
• 21+ Halloween Events

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving holds significant importance in San Francisco, observed on the fourth Thursday of November. On this day, several restaurants curate special holiday meals for lunch, dinner, or both. Various tours are available, and some of San Francisco’s top attractions remain open to visitors.

• Thanksgiving in San Francisco
• Recommended Dining Options
• Outdoor Ice Skating
• Turkey Trot Runs in the Bay Area

Merry Christmas in San Francisco

Christmas Eve falls on December 24, followed by Christmas Day on December 25. On Christmas Eve, you can revel in a variety of activities, as most attractions remain open until late afternoon. In the evening, immerse yourself in enchanting performances, such as Cirque du Soleil, the SF Ballet’s Nutcracker, or other captivating theater shows. On Christmas Day, while many attractions are closed, numerous restaurants welcome guests and offer special menus for lunch, dinner, or both.

• Celebrate Christmas in San Francisco
• Mesmerizing Christmas Lights
• More Holiday Events in SF
• Union Square Christmas Tree
• Christmas Eve Dining
• Christmas Day Dining
• Welcoming the New Year with Style

New Year’s Eve in San Francisco unfolds with a plethora of exciting events, exclusive 21+ parties, dinner cruises, and a breathtaking fireworks display at midnight. The local transit systems operate late to assist revelers traveling across the bay to celebrate in San Francisco. While most attractions close early, many remain open until the late afternoon or early evening. You can also find several restaurants offering special meals, some with breathtaking views of the fireworks.

• Embrace New Year’s Eve in San Francisco
• 21+ Party Extravaganza
• Cruises on New Year’s Eve
• Fireworks Display