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Christmas Dinner in San Francisco 2025
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: November 12, 2025
You will find plenty of options for Christmas dinner in San Francisco. My recommendations range from traditional meals to those that offer something different from their regular menu.
Since this holiday is always extra busy, I recommend booking your table early.
In addition to my recommendations, you will also find other fun activities to enjoy with your entire family all day long.
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Christmas Brunch & Lunch Ideas
Here are some of the top places open on Christmas Day for brunch and lunch. I've noted those that are offering special Christmas Day meals. Others on this list will serve off their normal menu. Prices are before taxes, tips, and beverages.
- Benihana: Japantown, Japanese
- Bistro Boudin: American dishes, great seafood, and sourdough bread, views of the SF Bay, in Fisherman's Wharf
- Cesario's: Italian spot a couple of blocks from Union Square
- Fior D'Italia, Italian in North Beach
- Franciscan Crab Restaurant: Seafood, along the waterfront in Fisherman's Wharf
- Harborview Restaurant and Bar: Chinese, Financial District/Embarcadero
- Historic John's Grill in Union Square
- HK Lounge Bistro: SOMA, Chinese
- Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill: Californian, enjoy a buffet for $222 for adults, $118 for kids under 12
- Mastro's: Downtown/Union Square Steakhouse
- McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood in Fisherman's Wharf District
- Morton's Steakhouse: In the heart of Union Square
- ROOH San Francisco, Contemporary Indian in SOMA
- The Cavalier, Four-Course Dinner, $150 per person
- The Garden Court in the Fairmont in Nob Hill: Christmas Day Brunch, $250 for adults
- The Post Room: Union Square, $72 to $144, requires prepayment
- The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe, Californian along the Embarcadero
- Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins: Nob Hill, buffet lunch, $225 per person, $85 per child (4 to 12)
- Trace, American SOMA
- Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar: Downtown, Modern European, $120+ per person
- Zingari Ristorante: Italian/Downtown, Italian, $120++
Christmas Dinner in San Francisco
There are dozens of restaurants open for Christmas Dinner in San Francisco. These are a few of my top picks this holiday season.
- Bistro Boudin: American restaurant with seafood, tasty sourdough bread, in Fisherman's Wharf
- Bobo's Steahouse in the Marina
- Cesario's: Italian restaurant in Union Square
- Fior D'Italia: Italian restaurant in North Beach
- Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse: Steakhouse in the South of Market District
- Franciscan Crab Restaurant: Fisherman's Wharf, seafood
- Historic John's Grill: Union Square, American cuisine including steaks and seafood
- HK Lounge Bistro: South of Market, Chinese
- Mastro's Steakhouse: Downtown/Union Square, Steakhouse
- McCormick & Kuleto's: Seafood in Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf
- Morton's: Steakhouse near Union Square
- Nob Hill Club at the Mark Hopkins, three-course prix-fixe for $85 per person
- ROOH San Francisco, Contemporary Indian in SOMA
- Sabor Gaucho Prime Brazilian Steakhouse, Russian Hill
- STK: Downtown Steakhouse near the Embarcadero
- The Cavalier, $150 Four Course Dinner, Embarcadero
- Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar: Downtown, Modern European, $120++ for Christmas Day Feast
Make sure you book a table as soon as possible, as restaurants fill up quickly. The easiest way to book your table is through OpenTable.com.
Hornblower Christmas Day Cruise
You can also head off on the San Francisco Bay with Hornblower Cruises for a special Christmas Day adventure. This 2.5-hour cruise includes a buffet dinner and wonderful views around the bay. It's the perfect way to spend some time with your loved ones.
The cruise leaves Pier 3 (near the Ferry Building) at 3:30 pm and returns around 6 pm. Boarding begins at 3 am.
Cocktails, wine, and beer are for sale on board.
Christmas Day Tours
Though some attractions may be closed on Christmas Day, you can still do plenty of exploring by taking a tour. Pick from several different San Francisco adventures offered that day.
Just imagine, your holiday will be especially memorable if you cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, take a cruise out on the beautiful bay waters, or soar over the city in a helicopter.
- Golden Gate Bridge Biking Tour: Starts at 10 am, check ticket availability
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise: 60-minute cruise around the bay, leaves several times on Christmas Day from Fisherman's Wharf, check ticket availability
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: This is a great way to explore San Francisco on Christmas Day. Find tickets
More Great Christmas Day Activities
Attractions Open on Christmas Day
Though December 25 is a federal holiday, many attractions are still open on Christmas Day, so do not hesitate to get out and see the sights! You can take a stroll in the lovely SF Botanical Gardens or the Japanese Tea Garden. You can also tour the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Pier 39, or the SF Zoo.
Other options include a chance to wander around the open attractions like crooked Lombard Street, the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, or the Palace of Fine Arts. Make sure to click the link below to confirm any special holiday schedules for an attraction you are interested in before making plans.
>> See the full list of attractions that are open or closed for Christmas
Christmas in San Francisco
Christmas is a lovely time to be in San Francisco, as nothing closes due to snow; rather, it is usually sunny but crisp out, and perfect for a stroll around town.
Take in the holiday decorations as you explore the Mission District's murals or the shops at Pier 39. Up until Christmas Eve, you could also catch a holiday show like The Nutcracker Ballet and others.
Click below for many more ideas on where to eat and what tours to take.
Christmas Eve Dinner
Now that you've seen my recommendations for Christmas dinner in San Francisco, check out another set of restaurants and special menus that will be offered the day before.
Many folks are busy doing Christmas shopping up until December 24, so it's a nice treat to take a break and go out for a Christmas Eve dinner.
Many stores and restaurants will still be open until the last minute, so you have a great variety to choose from.
Hi, I’m Jill!
I’ve been sharing San Francisco travel advice since 2009 and have helped millions of people explore the city like a local. Whether you’re dreaming of sea lions, cable cars, or a great sourdough bread bowl, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip with real tips from someone who actually lives here.
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