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Christmas Dinner in San Francisco 2021
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: November 30, 2021
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.
You are required to provide proof of vaccination to eat indoors at all restaurants in San Francisco. Make sure to bring along your vaccination card along with a government issued ID.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Christmas Brunch & Lunch Ideas
Many places are still working on their menus and hours, but here are a few places that have already confirmed. I'll add more as they are announced.
Fogo de Chao: Brazilian Steakhouse/SOMA
Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill: Californian, enjoy a buffet brunch or lunch
Zingari Ristorante: Italian/Downtown
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.
I'll add more as additional restaurants announce their plans.
Chou Chou Bistro: West Portal, open from 12 pm to 9 pm on Christmas Day with a three course meal, $68 per person
Fogo de Chao: Holiday Feast with To Go Options available as well
Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill: Christmas Buffet from 4 pm to 6:30 pm, $129 for adults & $79 for those under 12 (+tax & tip)
Zingari Ristorante: Union Square, 3-course meal for $90 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.
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, check ticket availability
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 . 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, A Christmas Carol, or Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna.
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.