Where the Season Sparkles: 2026 Holiday Dining in SF & Marin

Some holiday traditions happen at home. Others call for a reservation. For tea with the girlfriends, a long lunch with family or a celebratory toast, these are the San Francisco and Marin dining rooms where the holiday spirit is already set at the table.

San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco, Laurel Court | Nob Hill

The season starts with Holiday Tea in Laurel Court, running November 21 through January 3. Some dates add something extra: Santa Tea, a Nutcracker Tea performed by Marin Ballet’s cast, or a teddy-bear tea for the little ones. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Laurel Court serves festive buffets with live music, and the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby is open for private dinners. For a nightcap, the Carousel Bar mixes holiday cocktails beside the tree, and the Tonga Room’s tiki New Year’s Eve party closes out the year.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco | SoMa

Executive Chef Shaun Acosta’s four-course prix fixe sets the tone on Christmas Eve, and a holiday buffet takes over on Christmas Day. For something more spirited, The Bauble Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday, with ornaments overhead, a towering bedazzled tree, and seasonal cocktails and holiday bites.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco | Nob Hill

The season begins with the Ritz’s free tree lighting on the front drive on December 2, with Dickens-era carolers, trumpeters and a visit from Santa. The ballroom then hosts the much-loved Teddy Bear Tea, and on Christmas Day Parallel 37 serves a three-course menu of holiday classics. To end the year, Parallel 37 offers a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner, and Bruma, the hotel’s new cocktail lounge, throws a midnight balloon drop.

A16 | Marina

This Chestnut Street favorite marks the season in true Southern Italian style. On Christmas Eve, A16 honors the Feast of the Seven Fishes with a five-course prix fixe inspired by the sea, with an optional wine pairing chosen by owner Shelley Lindgren. A week later, it rings in the new year with its full à la carte menu, special dishes made for the night and celebratory wines to toast at midnight.

Marin

Cavallo Point | Sausalito

At the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the historic Fort Baker lodge does the holidays several ways. Sula serves a Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day dinner. The Callippe Ballroom hosts a Christmas Day buffet with a carving station and a seafood spread. Families can also book Once Upon a Holiday on December 13, with a visit from Santa and his elves.

Crown & Crumpet Holiday Afternoon Tea | Ross

For four days, Crown & Crumpet turns a holiday cottage at the Marin Art & Garden Center into a festive tea room. Adults get the full holiday tea: seasonal finger sandwiches, warm savouries, scones and festive sweets, with a glass of bubbly, a Christmas cracker and a holiday party bag. Little ones get their own tea, with hot chocolate, French marshmallows and a craft to take home. Seatings are limited, so book early.

Sausalito Winterfest at The Spinnaker | Sausalito

On December 12–13, Winterfest weekend centers on the waterfront. Saturday night brings the 39th annual Lighted Boat Parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks over the bay. Afterward, The Spinnaker hosts the Captain’s After Party, with VIP admission from 5 p.m. and general admission from 8 p.m. On Sunday morning, after the Jingle Bell 5K, The Spinnaker serves the Winterfest Brunch at 9 a.m. Reservations are required.

Malibu Farm | Tiburon

One of Tiburon’s sweetest holiday traditions comes to the water’s edge. The Ranch’s gingerbread house decorating takes over Malibu Farm, where young builders can frost, stack and candy-coat a creation all their own while downtown celebrates its annual Holiday Festival. Spots go quickly, so reserve early and plan to linger over lunch with a view of the bay.