SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE 2022 SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
Christmas Eve Dinner in San Francisco 2021
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: November 30, 2021
You will find a variety of options for Christmas Eve dinner in San Francisco in 2021. A few dozen restaurants are offering special meals for the holiday. 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.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Christmas Eve Dinner in San Francisco
Right now, there are only a few places that have confirmed dinner for Christmas Eve. I'll continue to add to this list as more and more places decide on their menu and hours.
Proof of vaccination is required, so make sure to bring your vaccination card and your government issued ID for dinner.
Here are a few of the best places to find Christmas Eve Dinner in San Francisco.
BAIA: Italian/Civic Center/Hayes Valley, hours are from 4 pm to 9 pm
Beach Chalet: Open for Christmas Eve dinner
Boho: Marina, offering an a la carte menu with a few seasonal dishes
Cafe Fiore: Mission, open for Christmas Eve Dinner
Chou Chou Bistro: West Portal, open for Christmas Eve with dinning between 4 pm and 9 pm, three course meal for $68 per person
Fogo de Chao: Steakhouse/SOMA
Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill: Dinner buffet with seatings at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm; Adults $129, Kids under 12 $79 (plus taxes and tip)
Le Colonial: Union Square, 3-course family style meal, options with prices at $55, $75, or $85 per person
Noosh: Pacific Heights, four-course holiday meal with shared plates and a family style meal
The Matterhorn Restaurant & Bakery: Swiss/Van Ness
Park Chalet: Open for Christmas Eve
Zingari Ristorante & Jazz Room: Italian/Union Square, 3-course menu for $90 per person
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 4 pm from Pier 3. Book your table on their site.
A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve
The year, the largest event is A Christmas Carol at the Golden Gate Theater.
It's the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge with his bad attitude toward Christmas. His late partner visits in the middle of the night warning him that he will be visited by three ghosts from the past, present, and future.
What happens is a magical story that is only on stage during the holiday season.
The first show is at 1 pm and the second is at 7:30 pm.
>> Find tickets to these performances
>> Learn more about seeing a show at the Golden Gate Theater
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, local favorite Tom & Jerry's, 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 with 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 everyday, 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.