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Christmas Dinner in San Francisco 2022

Jill on a windy day at the Golden Gate Bridge

by Jill Loeffler  •

Updated: December 22, 2022

You will find plenty of options for Christmas dinner in San Francisco. My recommendations include everything from traditional meals to those serving off 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 some other fun things to do with your entire family all day long.

Christmas dinner in San Francisco

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

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.

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

Fish & Farm: American restaurant in downtown SF

Four Seasons Embarcadero: 3-course pix-fixe menu from 11:30 am to 10 pm on Christmas Day, includes a starter, main course and a dessert, book your spot through OpenTable.com.

Fogo de Chao: Brazilian Steakhouse in SOMA

Franciscan Crab Restaurant: Seafood, along the waterfront in Fisherman's Wharf

Harborview Restaurant and Bar: Chinese, Financial District/Embarcadero

Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill: Californian, enjoy a buffet for $135 for adults, $82 for kids under 12

McCormick & Kuleto's: Seafood in Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman's Wharf

Morton's: Steakhouse in Union Square

The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe: Californian, Along the Embarcadero 

Zingari Ristorante: Italian/Downtown, three course prix fixe menu for $95 per person

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

Bistro Central Parc: Italian restaurant near USF and Golden Gate Park

Bobo's: Steakhouse along Lombard Street in the Marina

Cocotte: French restaurant in Russian Hill

Four Seasons Embarcadero: 3-course pix-fixe menu from 11:30 am to 10 pm on Christmas Day, includes a starter, main course and a dessert, book your spot through OpenTable.com.

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse: Steakhouse in the South of Market District

Harborview: Higher end Chinese spot along the Embarcadero

Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill: Christmas Buffet from 4 pm to 6:30 pm, $135 for adults & $82 for those under 12 (+tax & tip)

McCormick & Kuleto's: Seafood in Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf

Miller & Lux: Steakhouse near the Chase Center in Mission Bay

Morton's: Steakhouse near Union Square

Taksim: Mediterranean in the South of Market District

Villon: Inside the Proper Hotel near the Civic Center District, $145 per person, $65 for kids under 12

Zingari Ristorante: Union Square, 3-course meal for $95 per person

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 Dinner 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 4 pm and returns around 6:30 pm. Boarding begins at 3:30 pm. 

Cocktails, wine, and beer are for sale on board. 

>> Learn more about this holiday cruise on their website

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 10am, 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
  • Helicopter Tour with Lunch in Sausalito: 20-minute flight over SF and the Bay with a 3-course Italian lunch in Sausalito

Attractions Open on Christmas Day

Golden Gate Bridge

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 . 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 lights in SF

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, A Christmas Carol, or Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna.

Click below for many more ideas on where to eat and what tours to take.

>> More ideas for how to spend Christmas in San Francisco

Christmas Eve Dinner

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.

>> More ideas for Christmas Eve Dinner

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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