Christmas Restaurants for Rent in San Francisco, CA

Your Guide to Renting Christmas Restaurants in San Francisco, CA

Ain’t nothing like the happiness of Noel in San Francisco. Residents and tourists alike are annually blown away by the glowing red and green lights at City Hall where the contrasting golden dome makes you feel like you’re part of Santa’s residence at the North Pole minus the unbearable cold. With mild temperatures all year round, dining at restaurants in SF is simply out of this world! Here are some of the magical streets to consider when renting out a venue!

Where should you hire a Christmas restaurant in San Francisco?

An unforgettable holiday party starts with the proper atmosphere. We’ve come up with a few streets for you to consider when looking for a venue or taking a walk after dinner.

Fairy lights, the scent of gingerbread cookies, and candles in the air are things that will make you feel like a child again, whether you’re in Union Square or Westfield San Francisco Center. SF has much to offer for an unforgettable holiday. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is not only famous for its excellent seafood restaurants but also for its atmosphere during Christmas, when the iconic wharf is lit up with lights and the restaurants exude the ultimate holiday vibe, with lights, heavily decorated Christmas trees, and decorations. Trying to find the best gifts for your guests? Make this night one of a kind by gifting them with the perfect Christmas bundle. Enjoy the holiday nights by getting on the cable car, where you’ll experience the breathtaking views of Union Square, Pier 39, and Fisherman’s Wharf all at once. Prefer the ocean to the sky? Enjoy the Light boat parade that's hosted annually during the holiday season!

Union Square in Downtown 

From cozy restaurants to wineries serving hot mulled wine, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Union Square. Visit the annual Macy’s Christmas tree that never gets old. With live performances and a display of more than 1,000 decorations and 30,000 lights, you’ll be in awe at all times! This location is certainly worth taking your guests to during the festive season. Moreover, you can go on a shopping spree for that Christmas party outfit or head to art galleries with your friends and family after your party! Take advantage of your Christmas dinner party for some ice skating at the Holiday Ice Rink and don’t forget to enjoy some hot cocoa with marshmallows while you’re there! 

Pier 39

Instagram fame, here we come! Pier 39 is another wonderful holiday spot to see Christmas lights and enjoy the boat parade as well. With so many spots to choose from, you’re in for a treat with magical backdrops! Christmas restaurants for rent along Pier 39 are also excellent vantage points for enjoying the magical streets. We recommend booking a table or an entire private dining room at a restaurant where you can enjoy a view of the stunning streets. You may also consider a skyline restaurant where you’ll have the opportunity to witness Christmas lights all over San Francisco. Remember not to miss the 60-foot Christmas tree that appears at the end of November and is up till mid-January! 

Where can you host a Christmas dinner in San Francisco?

With so many excellent eateries to pick from, you can certainly be overwhelmed and make the wrong decision, so to help you out, we’ve come up with a few restaurant recommendations with the cuisines and ambiance for a perfect holiday gathering. Remember that you can always book a room or a private table for the occasion at most restaurants in SF!

Entire Restaurant at Le Central Bistro

How to get there: Montgomery Station (350 yards from the venue)

Capacity: Up to 65

Cuisine: Traditional French

Founded in 1974, Le Central Bistro serves scrumptious traditional French dishes. A bite of their Poulet Rôti or Beef Bourguignon will take you to culinary heaven! What makes it one of our favorite spots? Its sophistication lies in its simplicity. With its delicious petits plats and drinks in the most charming setting, your guests will feel immersed in the Christmas spirit and wish that it were Noel all year round!

Sicilian Room at Ristorante Buon Gusto

Capacity: Up to 40

Cuisine: Authentic Italian 

Motto: “Chi Mangia Bene, Vive Bene,”-“He who eats well, lives well.”

With great Italian food comes great service. Welcome to the Sicilian Room at Ristorante Buon Gusto where the setting will remind you of the Holiday season at any time of the year. With its white table linens and green and red decor accents, this place is a fantastic venue for hosting a Christmas dinner in San Francisco. The service is known for its friendliness and the food will keep you yearning for more. We suggest trying their fresh pasta and eggplant Parmigiano. Buon appetito amico! 

Whole Restaurant at Toy Soldier

Location: Belden Place

Menu: California comfort food

Capacity: 235 standing

Toy Soldier is a fun and laid-back eatery to enjoy Christmas drinks and dinner, serving hearty meals and drinks inspired by the military. If you're looking for a unique holiday restaurant, you can't overlook this one! It's a large space, but if you're planning a smaller party, don't worry - you can rent one of their private and semi-private spaces, too, for example the outdoor Deck and intimate Canteen.

With us, you can rent one of the best restaurants for Christmas dinner San Francisco has to offer! Whether it'll be a corporate holiday party, a laid-back gathering with friends or a family meal on Christmas Eve, you'll find something perfect for your needs.

FAQs about Christmas Restaurants in San Francisco, CA

Can I book a private room for a Christmas dinner party in San Francisco?

Totally! Booking a semi-private or private space for your Christmas party is possible in SF. You will find plenty of rooms for different guest numbers that can be rented for anything from large corporate parties to a small family gathering of ten or less. You’ll find an array of restaurants right in the heart of Downtown, where you can also enjoy some Christmas shopping. Head to the Bay Area for a fine dining experience and to Fisherman’s Warf to enjoy upscale seafood with stunning views. Tenderloin is another place to consider when it comes to private dinners, and you’ll find several rooftop restaurants for rent in the region.

Can I host an outdoor party at a Christmas restaurant in San Francisco?

Yes, you can easily host a party outdoors as many places are equipped with outdoor heating or are sheltered with clear roofs and windows for you to enjoy the view without catching a cold! Nature lovers, head to Richmond District where you can enjoy Lincoln Park, which hugs the coastline. Alternatively, you can rent out a Christmas restaurant by Lakeshore and take in the beauty of nature in all tranquility. Glen Park is the dream location for a magical Christmas surrounded by nature. Whether it’s the gardens by the sidewalks or the lush forests, you’ll have plenty of amazing outdoor restaurants to choose from! 

Will the Christmas restaurants in San Francisco provide parking spaces for all my guests?

It depends! You can use our smart search filters to discover all of San Francisco's Christmas restaurants open to provide on-site parking. Keep in mind that most of the venue parking lots might not be large enough to fit everyone for a large dinner party! It’s best to consider paid parking spaces nearby for your guests as restaurants tend to get busy during the holiday season, and it might be tough to find sufficient space for everyone. So, if your guests will need many parking spots, add this topic to the list of questions to discuss with the venue manager before finalizing your booking!

How many days in advance should I book the restaurant for Christmas in SF?

We always recommend booking your venue as soon as possible if it will take place during the peak season, which December definitely is! To avoid having limited choices when the time comes, consider booking your venue at least two months in advance. For corporate events that require more than 100 seats, try to make your Christmas restaurant reservations at least half a year before the event.

What are the rental fees for Christmas restaurants in SF?

For affordable restaurants for around 3-10 guests, you can find some great venues to rent starting at $65 per person or $75 per hour. If you are searching for an upscale locale for Christmas dinner, prices will range from $500 to $4,500+ per session, especially in popular areas like Marina Bay or Fisherman’s Wharf. Prices will vary across the city. For private dining rooms, expect the rental fees to fall between $1100 and $10000+ per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)