San Francisco’s Union Square Holiday Events: Celebrate in Style with Ice Skating and Festive Activities, What You Need To Know

Published on November 26, 2025

This holiday season, Union Square in San Francisco will once again transform into a winter wonderland, bringing the community together for the iconic Holidays in Union Square celebration. From November 28 to December 24, 2025, the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district will host a series of festive events, performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re ice skating under the stars or shopping for unique gifts, Union Square offers a magical holiday experience that draws both locals and tourists alike.

Winter Walk: A Stroll Through Holiday Magic

One of the highlights of the holiday season in Union Square is the Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, taking place from December 13 to December 24. For this highly anticipated annual event, a portion of Stockton Street will be transformed into a pedestrian promenade, where visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with food trucks, family-friendly programming, and holiday décor. The Holiday Marketplace, presented by Gap Inc., will feature unique vendors offering seasonal goods, while the Nintendo pop-up tent will invite guests to engage in fun photo opportunities and check-ins for exclusive rewards. Winter Walk is the perfect way to enjoy holiday sights and sounds while exploring the best of Union Square.

Ice Skating and Snow Play for the Whole Family

Union Square is home to the Bay Area’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Located in the heart of Union Square, the rink provides a quintessential holiday experience for visitors. Open from November 5, 2025, to January 20, 2026, this beloved tradition allows families, friends, and solo skaters to glide across the ice while taking in the festive lights and atmosphere of the Square. For those who enjoy a winter wonderland, the 8,000-square-foot Snow Play Zone offers real snow and a variety of activities, including snow tubing, a snow carousel, and a snowball toss area. This fun-filled attraction is perfect for families looking to make lasting holiday memories.

Festive Entertainment and Family Fun

Union Square offers a wide range of holiday entertainment, perfect for all ages. Starting December 6, the Ornament Trail Presented by LendingClub invites guests to explore beautiful, larger-than-life ornaments created by local artists. The trail, located along Powell Street, offers a unique way to experience the city’s holiday décor while giving visitors the chance to win prizes by taking photos with the ornaments. Another must-see event is the Bill Graham Menorah, celebrating its 50th year in Union Square, where visitors can witness the lighting of the world’s largest public menorah outside of Israel from December 14 to December 22.

Holiday Shopping and Dining in Union Square

Union Square is renowned as a premier shopping district, and during the holidays, it comes alive with festive shopping opportunities. Shoppers can explore seasonal pop-up stores, such as Gump’s Holiday Shop and the Logitech Experience Holiday Pop-Up Store, for unique gifts and holiday décor. For food lovers, there are happy hour specials at select locations, offering $5 festive treats during the first two hours each evening. Visitors can also enjoy a cozy meal at Post Room Tea Service at The Beacon Grand, featuring a Mediterranean-inspired holiday menu and live music every weekend.

Exclusive Holiday Experiences for Families

Families can create unforgettable memories with a variety of exclusive holiday experiences at Union Square. Children will love the Breakfast with Santa at The Westin St. Francis on December 6, where they can enjoy a festive buffet and meet Santa. For a magical afternoon, the Dollie + Me Holiday Tea on December 13 & 14 invites families to enjoy a special holiday tea with crafts, sweets, and a visit from Santa. These experiences, set in the heart of Union Square, provide a truly magical way to celebrate the holiday season together.

Local and International Performances

Union Square will also host a variety of live performances throughout the season, including live bands and community performers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The American Conservatory Theater will present Rudolph and Scrooge: A YC Holiday Double Feature from December 18-20, offering a family-friendly performance featuring classic holiday tales. Additionally, the Holiday House Light Show will light up Union Square each evening with a stunning display of synchronized lights and music, adding an extra layer of magic to the festive atmosphere.

A Magical Holiday Season Awaits at Union Square

From ice skating and snow play to holiday shopping and world-class entertainment, Holidays in Union Square is the ultimate destination for those looking to embrace the holiday spirit in San Francisco. With a wide array of activities and events, including the Winter Walk, Macy’s Great Tree, and Safeway Ice Rink, there is no better place to celebrate the season with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying a holiday show, shopping for unique gifts, or simply taking in the festive lights, Union Square is a place where memories are made, and the magic of the holidays comes alive.

For more information on events, tickets, and special offers, visit the official Union Square website.