Dog-friendly Holiday Activities in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area isn’t exactly the first place you think of when you think of Christmas, but the holiday season here in the Bay Area is a magical time and there’s several activities and events that are dog-friendly. From festive light displays and holiday pop ups to meeting Santa paws and scenic holiday walks, there are plenty of activities where your pup can join in the holiday cheer. Explore dazzling decorations, snap photos by towering Christmas trees, or transport yourselves to wintery mountain chalets. No matter the activity, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to spending a dog-friendly holiday season in the Bay Area.
see the life-sized gingerbread house at the Fairmont San Francisco
Holiday magic really comes to life at Fairmont San Francisco. From the holiday decor in the lobby and Santa Suites available for booking to the giant gingerbread house that’s baked on-site by their pastry team. This hotel is a must-visit whether you’re staying at the property or not.
The life-sized gingerbread house is made of hundreds of bricks of real gingerbread and decorated with pounds of See’s Candies. The unveiling happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tree lighting.
Date: November 23 - New Year
enjoy a holiday cocktail at Miracle at PCH
There are several Miracle partners that transform their bars and restaurants into the most amazing holiday pop ups. Whether they’re dog-friendly or not depends on the venue, but we know for sure Pacific Cocktail Haven allows dogs inside their bar and outside on the patio - both are festively decorated.
They serve the typical (pricey) holiday cocktails that are featured at all Miracle pop ups, but in my opinion it’s worth the splurge this time of year. We particularly enjoyed the Fa La La La La La and Bad Santa.
This location does not take reservations and there is a $10 cover that you can Venmo. The line to enter can get LONG. I’d recommend coming when they first open - especially if you’re with a large group - and during the week to beat the crowds.
Here’s a peek into our visit in 2023.
Date: Opening November 29th, Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-12am
roast s’mores by the fire at Merry Meritage
Every holiday season The Meritage Resort transforms into the ultimate winter village complete with a 40-foot tree, Napa Valley’s largest outdoor ice rink, igloos, fire pits, and daily "snow" plus festive events and entertainment(opens in new window).
Before visiting you’ll want to reserve an igloo or fire pit (both dog-friendly) or book a full festive experience and stay at the property (also dog-friendly).
Rental details:
Ice Skating & Skate Rental for 90 Minutes: $25 per person
Fire Pits: Starting at $125 for 5 People (Prices vary by day and time)
Igloos: Starting at $150 for 6 People (Prices vary by day and time)
We visited in 2023 and loved roasting s’mores by the fire. To experience the hourly snowfall, I’d recommend standing by the igloos near the skating rink to get the full wintery effect. Here’s a recap of our visit.
Date: November 18, 2024 - January 11, 2025, 11am - 10pm daily
take a festive ride on a cable car
Every December some of the cable cars in San Francisco get decked out in decor that really add to the classic vibe of this old school mode of transportation.
If you’d like captures photos with one of the festive cable cars, head to the Powell/Market Turnaround where you can snap a photo of the iconic cable cars in their holiday finest every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through the New Year, from 10am – 3pm.
If you want to take a ride, here’s everything you’ll need to know:
One dog is welcome per cable car during non-commute hours. That means weekdays during 5-9am and 3-7pm are off limits. Dogs must be leashed and can ride on your lap or at your feet. Dogs are not allowed in the open area of the cable car, unfortunately, so you’ll have to grab a prime seat inside the cabin.
The festive cable cars go back and forth between Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Both turnarounds are always packed after 8am so be prepared to wait in line.
You can purchase muni tickets at the kiosk near the station, but I’d recommend downloading Muni Mobile. You can get a discount on your tickets and just need to show your QR code. One ride is considered one way and is $8. We got a day trip ticket through the app for $13.
Once you’ve boarded and grabbed your seat it’s time to sit back and enjoy the ride. There will be stops along the way so make sure your pup is in a safe spot for passengers to go by and that you have a prime window seat. Once you’ve reached your final destination you can hop off and explore or you’ll have to get back in line to board again if you’re doing a roundtrip ride.
Date: December
See the most christmasy house in San Francisco - 68 Castro Street
Every year during the holiday season, I always make it a point to visit this amazingly decorated Santa Claus house at 68 Castro Street. The decorations are the same each year, but it’s just so festively done and a staple holiday activity.
Parking is available along the street surrounding the home and people will pop in and out to take photos. There are people that leave here, so please don’t block the drive and be respectful.
There’s a bench in front of the home that you can pose on, but to really get the full effect you’ll want to stand close to the curb to get as much of the house behind you as possible.
I’d recommend visiting later in the day so you can see it in the daylight and then watch it light up once it’s dark.
Date: December
rent a chalet at Après village at the four seasons Palo Alto
There are several pop-ups around the Bay Area this time of year, and Après Village at the Four Seasons Palo Alto is one that we always go back to.
You truly forget that you’re in the Bay Area as the space transports you to a cozy, mountain lodge. The Village features charming private chalets, perfect for gatherings with a group, warm, seasonal beverages, ice skating, a snowglobe and sleigh photo opp, and a holiday movie schedule.
I love to go right before dark so you can experience the changing of the space as the sun sets and the chalets light up. Don’t miss enjoying a delicious, spiked hot cocoa from their menu and topping off the evening with a s’mores kit that’s great for sharing.
Here’s a video from our visit in 2022.
Date: November 22, 2024 – January 7, 2025
drive around to see holiday lights
My absolute favorite holiday activity is driving around to see Christmas lights and there are some homes and neighborhoods in the Bay Area that go ALL OUT! Here are some of my favorites that we visit every year:
Christmas Tree Lane in San Carlos - Eucalyptus Avenue
Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda - Thompson Avenue
Fourth Street in Berkeley
Crippsmas Place (Fremont)
Rombeiro House (Novato)
Date: December
stay in a santa suite at Flamingo resort in Santa Rosa
There are a few hotels around the Bay that go all out with curated Santa Suites during the holidays, and Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa is one of them.
They create the magic of the season in their festively adorned Santa Suites, designed to transport you to a tropical winter wonderland. Suites feature a fireplace, twinkling festive lights, and a bespoke array of custom seasonal decor. They have a few Santa Suites that are dog-friendly and their on-site restaurant Lazeaway Club transforms into Sippin’ Santa and dogs are welcome on the patio where you can enjoy a meal with festive cocktails.
Date: Available from November 24, 2024 through January 6, 2025.
see the Macy’s christmas tree and enjoy the union square winter walk & surrounding holiday activities
Visiting the Macy's Christmas Tree in Union Square is a beloved San Francisco tradition, but 2024 brings a twist—there will be no official tree lighting ceremony this year. Despite this, the majestic tree, adorned with thousands of dazzling lights and ornaments, remains a beacon of holiday spirit in the city’s heart. Nearby, the festive atmosphere continues with the Sugar Castle at the Westin St. Francis and the Pop Champagne Bar, perfect for toasting the season. Stroll along the Winter Walk, an outdoor holiday market along Stockton Street, and marvel at the stunning Neiman Marcus tree from the top floor. For a unique treat, savor the viral croissant swirl cone from Miller & Lux. Don’t forget to stop by the beautifully decorated tree at the historic Palace Hotel, making your holiday outing in San Francisco truly magical.
Here’s a look at our full day itinerary for hitting all these festive spots.
Date: December, Winter Walk happens from December 13-22, 2024
walk through a succulent garden light display at ruth Bancroft
The Ruth Bancroft Garden presents its 6th annual Garden of D’Lights holiday event for 2024. Each year, they deck out the plants with multicolored lights, lasers, and more, transforming the already spectacular 3.5 acre garden space into an otherworldly outdoor adventure. Guests can stroll through the beautiful glowing gardens for 1-1.5 hours to discover countless photo ops and exciting displays.
Tickets are $25 per person (dogs enter for free and members get a discount). It’s recommended to purchase ahead of time online. Before starting your walk around the garden, you can purchase hot cocoa at the entrance.
Here’s a video from our visit in 2023.
Date: November 22, 2024, through January 11, 2025, during time slots from Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select days off.
visit the North Pole at christmasville in emeryville
Christmasville in Emeryville is a unique, immersive experience that transports you into Santa’s world with no lines and no crowds. The festive space offers several photo opps ranging from a selfie walk and family portraits to a unique visit with Santa that’s completely private to you.
Each experience is dog-friendly and ranges in price and availability. In 2023 we did the selfie walk to capture festive photos in the space at our own pace (recommended if you’re good with a camera). In 2024, Ruby met Santa Steve. She wasn’t the biggest fan of the jolly man, but he was a good sport (recommended if you’d like professional photos of your family).
The festive decorations stay the same each year, but the space is always decorated differently so it’s worthwhile to come back year after year. The space is also very well-lit, so if you’re capturing content on your own you’ll just need your camera.
Date: Booking are open November - December
admire the house decor at 45 upper terrace in San Francisco
Visiting 45 Upper Terrace in San Francisco during the holiday season is a must for anyone looking to soak in some festive cheer. This beautifully decorated house is a local favorite, dazzling visitors with its elaborate Christmas lights and charming holiday displays. The homeowners transform their property for several holidays throughout the year, but Christmas is my personal favorite.
Date: December
strike a pose in front of the intercontinental mark Hopkins
This festive corner of Nob Hill is a must-visit. The historic hotel's grand entrance, adorned with elegant holiday decorations, provides a timeless backdrop for festive snapshots. You can also pop inside to their tree in the lobby.
Recently, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins has embraced the season with a chic igloo pop-up, offering a cozy, whimsical dining experience. Adding to the charm is its prime location—right across the street from the Fairmont San Francisco, known for its spectacular gingerbread house display.
Date: December
see the largest tree in the city at thrive city’s winter wonderland
hrive City's Winter Wonderland features San Francisco's largest holiday tree. The towering tree is the centerpiece of an enchanting winter display at Chase Center, offering a festive atmosphere complete with holiday lights, interactive installations, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy themed nights, live performances, and other special events throughout the season. This winter extravaganza is free and open to the public
Date: December 6, 2024 - January 7, 2024
Meet Santa paws
The Bay Area offers a variety of Santa meet and greet opportunities that welcome dogs, ensuring they land on the nice list.
At Macy’s Santaland in Union Square, you can enjoy a festive setting with elaborate holiday decor and the iconic Macy's windows before snapping a memorable photo with Santa.
Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay offers a unique experience where Santa arrives by "water sleigh," providing complimentary photo sessions with pets in the scenic Boat Shack, all while supporting a charitable cause.
In San Rafael, the Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland event features a meet and greet with Santa following the holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Christmas in the Park in San Jose not only allows for photos with Santa but also offers a whimsical environment filled with animated exhibits, glittering lights, and even an ice-skating rink nearby.
The Pet Night with Santa at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek is happening November 18 & 25 and December 2 from 4-7pm. This event offers a Santa meet and greet where you can take holiday photos with your furry friends. (Pictured here)
Paws N’ Claus event at Enchant San Jose, scheduled for December 1 and 8, 2024. This special evening transforms Enchant’s illuminated maze into a dog-friendly winter wonderland. Here, you can take photos with Santa while enjoying festive activities, with proceeds supporting the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as they’re required for both humans and pets
palace hotel christmas tree
Each year, the Palace Hotel's grand lobby is transformed into a festive wonderland, with a beautifully adorned tree taking center stage. This stunning display is complemented by the historic architecture of the Palace, creating a sophisticated backdrop for holiday photos and festive gatherings. They host holiday teas (not dog-friendly), and the concierge was kind enough to let us get this Birds Eye view from one of their meeting rooms.
Date: December