What San Francisco lacks in snow it makes up for in holiday spirit in November and December. Looking for a fun and festive way to spend a day sure to get both kids and adults in the holiday spirit? Here are three great seasonal activities geared to families that you can make an annual tradition.
Tea
The most famous of the kid-friendly holiday teas in San Francisco is the Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. The hotel’s ballroom is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with elves, trees, music, and dance. Tea (with offerings to suit both kids and adults) is followed by a fun and interactive performance for kids.
Other holiday teas suitable for kids in San Francisco include the Magical Tea at the Mark Hopkins and the holiday tea at the Fairmont and the Holiday Tea Party Celebration at Sip Tea Room.
A Performance
The Nutcracker is a perennial holiday favorite, and the San Francisco Ballet does a lovely rendition of this great intro to ballet for kids. But it’s certainly not the only holiday performance worth the ticket price in San Francisco. For the last 36 years, ODC/Dance Company has performed the Velveteen Rabbit. And for the ultimate in dance-along fun, nothing beats the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band’s annual Dance-Along Nutcracker.
Ice Skating
Union Square is a holiday hotspot in San Francisco. It’s home to Macy’s wonderful holiday-themed windows (and its ultra-cute puppies and kittens). With plenty of shopping, it’s an easy place to buy gifts in person. And it’s home to a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink that’s perfectly positioned for great views of the massive Christmas tree and the cable cars. There are multiple sessions a day, but it’s still a good idea to sign up in advance.
The Dickens Fair
The Dickens Fair is back and bigger and better than ever. A ticket grants you access to Victorian London, where adults and kids alike will love the singing, dancing, costumes, treats, and treasures of the event. Even families who don’t dress up in period costume will feel at home in this richly recreated version of Charles Dickens’ England.
