The holidays in the City

This past week I went to Pier 39 to watch the tree lighting ceremony. To my surprise the Disneyland Resort sponsored the ceremony. I arrived early to take a picture with Goofy, browse the stores on the pier and get a good standing spot to watch the 60 foot tall tree light up. It was an amazing evening and really put me in the holiday spirit and best of all it didn't cost me a penny.

Another fun, free thing to do in San Francisco during the holidays is visit the hotels that spar no expense to deck the halls of their lobbies.  The Westin St. Francis is currently housing a 1,200 pound Sugar Castle until January 3rd. The Fairmont is displaying a 22-foot tall gingerbread house. Guest are able to walk through and around  this edible creation until January 1st. The Hyatt Regency is displaying a 45 foot tree decorated with extravagant ornaments, lights, and if you arrive at 1 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm you will even see snow.

If you are looking for more of an activity there is a hand full of places to go ice skating. You can go ice skating on the Embarcadero Monday through Thursday 10 am to 10 pm and Friday through Saturday 10 am to 11:30 om for $12.50.  If you prefer to be where the shopping is you can also glide around the ice in Union Square. Union Square Ice Rink is open daily 10:30 am until 11:30 pm for $15. Enjoy the day with friends dancing or falling around the ice skating rink.

There is so much to be seen and do during the holidays and with winter break you will have plenty of time to try out some new holiday activities. San Francisco is one of the greatest cities year round but it is special place to visit with friends and family during the holidays. Click here to read about more SF holiday fun and to read more details about what I have listed above.