With activities from PIER 39 to Ghirardelli Square, holiday cheer won't be hard to find this year during MerryTime at the Wharf. With so many exciting activations this season, there's something for the entire family!
Big Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Light up your holidays by joining Big Bus's limited-run tour of San Francisco's most festive sights! From massive Christmas trees at Union Square and PIER 39 to dazzling menorahs and light art, discover the city dressed in its Yuletide best. See Chinatown's Dragon Gates, Nob Hill's regal views, City Hall's holiday opulence, and more neighborhoods adorned for the season. Catch a glimpse of the stunning illuminations from the ILLUMINATE SF Festival of Light along the way. The merry ride concludes at Ghirardelli Square for free hot cocoa and an exclusive offer from Square Pie Guys to cap off the cheer! With glittering landmarks around every turn, Big Bus’s Holiday Lights Tour promises holiday magic across the City by the Bay!
Ghirardelli Square's Winter Wonderland
Escape to a magical Winter Wonderland by the Bay at Ghirardelli Square! Over 12 festive days, experience the holidays in San Francisco with photos with Santa, outdoor movie screenings, a mulled wine tasting, a Hanukkah celebration, and more.
Decorate DIY holiday cards and ornaments in free workshops. Then stroll under twinkling lights as you take in sweeping views of the sparkling waterfront, where romance and nostalgia fill the air. From merry-making events to beautiful seasonal decor, Ghirardelli Square promises enchanting sights and delights to fill you with the spirit of the season!
Have Yourself a Ferry Little Christmas
Gather your crew and set sail with Blue & Gold Fleet's classic San Francisco Bay Cruise this holiday season! Score exclusive Family Pack discounts only at PIER 39's Box Office. Or use promo code BGF5 online in December to save $5 per ticket when booking on their website. With stunning skyline views, lively narration, and spacious multi-level vessels, discover an affordable outing afloat suitable for all ages this winter. Enjoy unobstructed panoramas spanning the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz, Embarcadero to Treasure Island, soaking in the City's beauty from a unique on-the-water perspective. Blue & Gold Fleet makes getting the full SF experience a total breeze!
Private San Francisco Holiday Light Tour by Open-top Jeep
Cruise through a winter wonderland by the bay in an open-air festive Jeep! Embark on a jolly 1.5-hour private tour from Fisherman's Wharf, decked out with twinkling lights, fuzzy Santa hats, and candy cane cheer. Sip hot cocoa as you sing along to holiday tunes, sailing by over a dozen merry sights. Gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge's glittering lights, snap selfies in front of Fairmont's magnificent gingerbread house, and take in Union Square's magical window displays. See the Bay Bridge shine bright, and Fisherman's Wharf crab sign glow as you journey past PIER 39's towering tree.
Red & White’s Floating Features Set Sail for a Sea-Worthy Holiday Spectacle
Climb aboard Red & White Fleet's Enhydra vessel turned seasonal cinema for a magical movie night on the Bay! On December 17th at 6 PM, take in all the iconic scenes of Will Ferrell's "ELF" while sailing past San Francisco's own iconic sights glittering on the waterfront. With full bar service and complimentary snacks to keep you jolly, this 2-hour twilight cruise promises all the cozy holiday vibes you could wish for. Watch the film unfold on deck under the stars or head inside for indoor viewing areas on this sleek, electric-powered ship. No engine noise means an extra peaceful night immersed in seasonal joy with your favorite people.
Rock Around the Holiday Tree with Hard Rock!
Every Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday evening through December 18, Hard Rock Café San Francisco will keep spirits bright with the Deck the Halls concert series. From joyful jazz trios to soulful Motown groups, discover a new free live music performance each night. Enjoy seasonal cocktails like the newest celebrity creation, The Blackberry Rocker, then snap selfies in front of the twinkling tree and glowing neon ornaments. With great music, dining, and cheer, Hard Rock's holiday shows make any Grinch smile! Check their event schedule online for this week's featured artist, then click on your chosen date to reserve your seat. Fa-la-la-la-ROCK this Christmas in style at Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco!
Red & White New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Ring in 2023 aboard Red and White Fleet's New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise! This highly anticipated event sets sail with premium bar service, bountiful bites, and front-row views of San Francisco's dazzling pyrotechnic display over the Bay. Onboard, celebrate with music and dancing or bundle up on plentiful indoor/outdoor seating to take in the 360-degree spectacle in glowing fashion. As the clock strikes midnight, cheers to the New Year with a hearty toast amid camera flashes capturing the festivities. Leave the planning to Red and White so you can blissfully eat and revel the night away on San Francisco's most scenic NYE celebration. Fireworks ahead - let's sail into 2023 in sensational style!