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Christmas Dinner in San Francisco 2022
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.
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.
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.