SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
Christmas Eve Dinner in San Francisco 2025
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: November 12, 2025
You will find a variety of options for Christmas Eve dinner in San Francisco in 2025.
A few dozen restaurants are offering special holiday meals. Others are open and allow you to order off their regular menu.
You will find some of my top picks below. You will also find some other great ideas for an unforgettable day in SF.
SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you! If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more.
Christmas Eve Dinner in San Francisco
Here are a few of the best places to find Christmas Eve Dinner in San Francisco. Some are offering special meals, and others are open and offer dinner off their regular menu. All prices are before tax, tip, and beverages.
- A16: Marina/Cow Hollow, The Feast of the Seven Fishes
- Beretta: Italian, Mission District
- Bistro Boudin: Fisherman's Wharf, American Dishes
- Boulevard: Californian, Embarcadero
- Cesario's: Union Square, Italian Restaurant
- Elena's: Mexican, West Portal
- Frascati: Italian, Russian Hill
- Historic John's Grill: Union Square, American, Seafood, Steak
- La Mar Cocina Peruana: Peruvian, Embarcadero
- Little Original Joe's - Marina: Italian, Marina
- Lolinda: Steakhouse, Mission
- Mastro's Steakhouse: Downtown/Union Square, Steak
- Nakama Sushi: Hayes Valley, Sushi
- Perbacco: Italian, Financial District
- Spruce: Contemporary American, Presidio Heights
- The Cavalier: Californian, Embarcadero
- The Garden Court - Luxury Collection: South of Market/Palace Hotel, Californian
- Top of the Mark: Nob Hill, lavish dinner and views of SF, $225 per person
- Wayfare Tavern: American, Financial District
Secure your spot early by booking a table on OpenTable.com.
Hornblower Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise
Spoil yourself and your loved ones on this special Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise.
This 2.5-hour dinner cruise features a buffet dinner with items such as Turkey, Strip Loin, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Quinoa Salad, and Three Cheese Baked Macaroni. End your meal with a tasty dessert or some seasonal fruits.
The cruise leaves at 3:30 pm from Pier 3.
More Top Events on Christmas Eve
- SF Ballet Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House at 11 am
- Cirque du Soleil - Echo, Under the Big Top near Oracle Park, 1 pm
- Moulin Rouge - The Musical at the Orpheum Theatre at 1 pm
- SF Ballet Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House at 4 pm
Best Places to Stay
There are more than 300 hotels in San Francisco. You will also find plenty of apartment rental options.
If you are still looking to book your stay for Christmas Eve, check out these pages to learn more about where to stay, to find the best deals, and where you can find recent guest reviews to ensure the one you select is right for you.
Not sure which district is right for you? Check out my page that explains the pros and cons of staying in each district.
More Fun Things to Do on Christmas in SF
Christmas is a very special time for many folks around the world, and spending it in San Francisco can make it so much more memorable. Although several attractions are closed on December 25, you'll still find plenty to do.
You can sightsee on a fun tour of the Golden Gate Bridge or cruise the SF Bay, take a stroll in the one-of-a-kind Botanical Garden, share a nice meal at one of the city's best restaurants, and much more.
Where to See Christmas Lights
At this time of year, San Francisco always comes aglow with warm, colorful Christmas lights and other decorations.
Whether you're surrounded by downtown buildings, in the residential neighborhoods, or by the waterfront, you can't help but notice the holiday cheer everywhere around you.
However, there are a few places in particular whose displays are especially worth visiting, including Pier 39, Union Square, the SF Zoo, City Hall, and many others.
What Closes Early
While many San Francisco attractions will be closed on Christmas Day, most will be open on Christmas Eve, but some will have shorter hours than usual. Several museums, like the Exploratorium and the Aquarium by the Bay, close a few hours early. (Many stores, on the other hand, stay open later on this day for last-minute shoppers.)
Other attractions, like Lombard Street and the Palace of Fine Arts, are of course open to the public all day, every day, so you can enjoy them at your leisure. Be sure to check the holiday schedule before you make your plans!
>> Get the Christmas Eve and Day schedule for ALL the major attractions
Things to Do on New Year's Eve
If you'll be sticking around to ring in the new year in San Francisco, you'll be thrilled by all your fun options for NYE.
You could head to the Embarcadero to watch the annual fireworks display over the bay, dance the night away at one of the many 21+ clubs or party boats, go out to an elegant dinner, or enjoy a comedy show, among other things.
Check out the details for each of these options, and also find out how to get around safely that night.
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.
 |
 |
 |
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who are familiar with the area.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
