Celebrating the Holidays in San Francisco

Although San Francisco could not, by any stretch of the imagination, be considered "traditional", the Holidays here are certainly filled with tradition. Once a year, you can choose from cultural, spiritual, and even epicurean activities that San Franciscans have been celebrating for years. It isn't often that young children have the run of a luxurious hotel restaurant, but at the Ritz Carlton's Teddy Bear Tea, they can do just that. 

From November 24th until December 24th, children and their stuffed animals can attend a tea, replete with storytelling, carols, balloons and a teddy bear to take home. I took both my son and daughter to this event every year when they were young, and they loved it. Seeing other children dressed in the best clothes, being poured tea - -it was, as my daughter would say, a very "fancy" afternoon. Early reservations are essential, as the teas quickly sell out. As an alternative, the other major hotels (including the Fairmont, the Sheraton, and the St. Francis) have followed suit, and are now offering their own teas. The city may not get snow, but if you head over to the Embarcadero's outdoor skating rink, you can experience a local version of a white Christmas. Located across the street from the Ferry Building, this small, but very popular rink draws lot of crowds every year.